Portage

The Strike at the Port of Vancouver may be over, but we could see more disruptions to Canada's Supply Chain.

Late Friday, the Grain Workers Union Local 333 agreed to a tentative four-year deal with the Vancouver Terminal Elevator Association taking them through December 31, 2027.

The four-day strike involved over 600 workers at the six bulk grain export terminals at the Port owned by Viterra and Richardson International, G3, Cargill and Alliance Grain.

Western Grain Elevators Association noted that workers were back on the job Saturday morning.

The Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is advocating for an MRI unit to be included in the new Portage District General Hospital. Advocacy chair and vice-president Jamie Bernard notes that a brand-new $455 million hospital should have an MRI unit.

“The closest MRI right now, to my knowledge, is either in Dauphin or Boundary Trails. People travel all the time to get MRIs. So why not have them travel to Portage, spend money here, stay overnight, and visit restaurants, coffee shops, or shop instead of spending elsewhere?”

Portage la Prairie RCMP proved that, in at least some instances, theft doesn't pay.

In the Central Plains RCMP's Weekly Report, at 6:50 p.m. on September 21, Portage RCMP received a dispatch to a theft from a business in the 100 block of Saskatchewan Avenue West. 

Police attended and were able to arrest the 28-year-old woman from Portage.

Marisa Scott was charged with Theft Under $5,000.00 and was released with court ordered conditions, and will appear again in court on October 4. 
 

The minimum wage in four provinces is going up today.

Saskatchewan's minimum wage is going up by a dollar to $15, but it will still be the lowest in Canada, along with Alberta.

In Manitoba, the rate is going up by 50 cents to $15.80, a hike that follows a formula set in provincial law tied to the rate of inflation of the previous calendar year.

The rate in Ontario is rising by 65 cents to $17.20 an hour, an increase tied to inflation.

The Central Speed Skating Club is preparing to launch its second season in Portage la Prairie, offering both children and adults an opportunity to participate in one of Canada's most successful Olympic sports. The club, which begins its new season on October 7, is encouraging new members to join, whether they’re looking to try speed skating for fun or train competitively. 

Co-founder Haylee O'Neill started the club after realizing there were no local speed skating programs in the area, forcing her to make frequent trips to Winnipeg.  

Canadian members of Parliament are working with their colleagues in Australia and New Zealand to try and convince their respective governments to jointly recognize Palestinian statehood.

NDP MP Heather McPherson, who is leading an effort to recruit Canadian MPs, said building on work the three governments have already done might be the best leverage to advance a two-state solution.

We’ve teamed up with Canad Inns to celebrate the grand opening of Manitoba’s brand-new entertainment venue – Destination Dinner Stage located in Canad Inns Fort Garry.

To kick things off in style, we’re giving YOU a chance to win FREE TICKETS to the opening weekend of their brand-new show, "Golden Gals Vacation"! 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was a windy one but despite the blustery conditions, ceremonies and events went on as planned. As the day wrapped up, a gusty wind continued to blow as the calendar switched over to a brand new month. 

Power outages were reported throughout the day as power lines were affected and some trees fell around the region as an intense low-pressure system moved through northern Manitoba and brought two days of high winds across southern Manitoba Sunday and Monday.

Monday, September 30th

MJHL
Waywayseecappo 5 Neepawa 1

Major League Baseball
National League
1st game: New York 8 Atlanta 7
2nd game: Atlanta 3 New York 0
(end of regular season schedule)

NFL
Tennessee 31 Miami 12
Detroit 42 Seattle 29

Tuesday, October 1st

Portage la Prairie City Council observed a presentation by City of Brandon Director of Public Safety Communications Robert Stewart concerning 911 calls and Portage-specific statistics. The Brandon office provides the 911 service for the community and answers all calls made to 911 by residents. The director noted they also handle call assessments and dispatching for the Portage Fire Department.

Stewart emphasized that one key focus for the 911 centre is understanding that callers may be experiencing the worst day of their lives.