Portage

Negotiations to end a strike by grain terminal workers in Metro Vancouver have stalled, with the employers' association saying it's "disappointed" with the results of two days of talks. 

A statement from the Western Grain Elevator Association says the employer bargaining unit had increased its offer to settle "outstanding issues," but that was rejected.

Global Affairs Canada began booking blocks of seats on the few remaining commercial flights leaving Lebanon on Friday as it issued another urgent plea for any Canadians in the country to leave immediately.

"Canadians need to leave now and we are helping with that," Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said in a statement on X late Friday afternoon.

"Canada has secured seats for Canadians on the limited commercial flights available. If a seat is available, please take it."

The City of Portage la Prairie took another step forward with Truth and Reconciliation on Friday morning.

Mayor Sharilyn Knox stood alongside every City Council member as they declared September 23 - 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Week in the city and hoisted an Every Child Matters flag.

Knox spoke about the significance of the ceremony in front of a crowd at City Hall.

"As a City Council, Truth and Reconciliation is incredibly important in building partnerships with our indigenous neighbours, citizens and community members."

Sharon M. Braden (nee Stait)

1935 - 2024

The world is looking to Saskatchewan as a key source for agri-food products.

Statistics show non-durum wheat exports have reached $1.7 billion for the current year.

Canola seed and canola oil have hit $1.3 and $1.1 billion respectively, with several other agri-food exports on track to surpass this year's $1 billion export mark.

Agriculture Minister David Marit says the global marketplace is also recognizing Saskatchewan as a provider of the most sustainable products grown anywhere.

The ongoing strike at the Port of Vancouver is estimated to be costing Canada's grain industry $35 million a day in lost exports. 

About 650 Grain Services Workers walked off the job Tuesday morning at the Port of Vancouver over contract issues with the Vancouver Terminal Elevators Association (VETA).

VETA represents six grain export terminals Viterra's Cascadia and Pacific Terminals, Richardson International Terminal, Cargill Limited Terminal, the G3 Vancouver Terminal and Alliance Grain Terminal which operate at the Port. 

A couple new names are expected to be lining up for the Portage Terriers tonight as they face off with the newly rebranded Northern Manitoba Blizzard.

Portager Koy Funk has joined the team after training camp in Calgary with the WHL's Hitmen. Alex Thompson was acquired from the Winkler Flyers earlier in the week, and Cale Nachai was brought in via trade with the Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, stressed the importance of building connections between Winnipeg businesses and rural communities during a recent tour of Portage la Prairie. He, along with delegates from businesses and organizations around Manitoba, explored much of what the city has to offer.

A former parliamentarian is suspected of "having worked to influence parliamentary business" on behalf of an unnamed foreign government, Canada's spy service told a federal inquiry Friday.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service also cited indications that an unspecified foreign government engaged in meddling to reduce the likelihood of a specific Liberal candidate of being elected federally.

Bryan Little, a cornerstone of the Winnipeg Jets 2.0 franchise, is set to retire from the NHL in a fitting full-circle moment.

The former centre will sign a one-day contract with the Jets, allowing him to officially retire as a member of the team he spent his entire career with.

In a statement released on Friday morning, Little said he was grateful for the opportunity. "It’s a great honour that I can retire as a member of the Winnipeg Jets and end my playing career with the organization where I was drafted and played my entire NHL career," he said.