Supply management worth keeping: professor

An agricultural ecologist makes the case for building the supply managed model rather than losing it in trade talks.

A Canadian agricultural ecologist says the supply management model is one worth building on, not destroying.

Claude Caldwell, professor emeritus at Dalhousie University and a former federal researcher, said regional and rural-urban divides have developed that send mixed messages to politicians and negotiators, and he worries about upcoming trade negotiations.

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Alberta invests $9.3 million in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Services Unit

Alberta's livestock producers will benefit from increased funding for the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Services Unit. 

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson says the government is investing $9.5 million over three years, with $3.5 million being allotted each year. The funding is earmarked for the continued development of a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Calgary. 

He says the province has been supporting this project since 2020 and has been closely monitoring its impact as it continues to grow. 

RCMP identify victim, confirm homicide in RM of Rockwood case

The RCMP Major Crime Services unit continues to investigate the death of Dimitar Rachev, 75, whose remains were discovered on a rural property in the RM of Rockwood in November 2024.

Police have now confirmed the death as a homicide.

The remains were found near a residence off Highway 7 on the morning of November 21, prompting Stonewall RCMP and forensic teams to secure the scene and begin their investigation.

The initial discovery led to a multi-agency ground search that spanned several days.

Portage cadets honoured with Freedom of the City in historic march

Under crisp skies this past Saturday, the 19 Portage Army Cadet Corps marked its 115th anniversary by marching from the Portage la Prairie Armoury on 143 2nd St NE to City Hall, where Mayor Sharilyn Knox bestowed the Freedom of the City recognition. The ceremonial inspection and proclamation celebrated the cadets’ enduring legacy as one of Western Canada’s oldest youth military programs.

Portage library prepares for 47th annual book sale 

The Portage la Prairie Regional Library is gearing up for its 47th annual book sale, set to begin June 28 and run through to August 30, just after the Canada Day long weekend. 

Suzy Laevens, the library’s clerk, graphic designer and longtime book sale coordinator, says it’s the library’s biggest fundraiser of the year and one that continues to grow. 

PCI students launch businesses and give back to community

Students in the applied commerce program at Portage Collegiate Institute showcased their business ventures last week after a semester of hard work. The event featured student-run companies offering everything from custom apparel and cleaning services to marketing strategies and community-focused food programs.

Gavin Taylor, who teaches applied commerce at PCI, says the event gives students a real taste of entrepreneurship.

Manitoba politician says he thought he was within his right to push silica mine

A former Manitoba cabinet minister says he thought he was following the rules when he tried to push the approval of a silica sand mine after his party was defeated in an election.

Jeff Wharton has spoken to the media for the first time since the province's ethics commissioner issued a damning report last week into the actions of some members of the former Progressive Conservative government after losing the October 2023 election.