Shannon Dueck

January is historically the coldest month of the year in southern Manitoba, but the first nine days of 2023 have been a far cry from what is considered normal. 

According to Environment Canada, the normal high for our region is around -13 degrees. Yet, if you look at the seven-day forecast, it's difficult to find an overnight low dipping that cool.

Manitoba's Justice Minister says changes are needed to the Criminal Code in Canada.

Kelvin Goertzen says there are people who are getting bail, almost by default, who should not be getting bail. He notes these are individuals who are proven to be violent or repeat offenders who are getting out on bail and creating more victims.

Manitoba's Justice Minister says changes are needed to the Criminal Code in Canada.

Kelvin Goertzen says there are people who are getting bail, almost by default, who should not be getting bail. He notes these are individuals who are proven to be violent or repeat offenders who are getting out on bail and creating more victims.

The Member of Parliament for Provencher says all signs are pointing to a federal election this year. 

The last election happened in September of 2021 when the Liberals won a minority government. Ted Falk says it is highly anticipated that we will return to the polls in early spring.

Meanwhile, Falk says one thing that concerns him, as we head into a new year, is inflation. But, having said that, he notes for those being pinched by inflation, there is a tremendous amount of opportunity to work in Canada. 

Another night, another chance of thick fog for southern Manitoba.
    
Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says what we have been experiencing since last week Thursday is called radiation fog, which happens when our temperature drops to the dew point in a relatively stable, calm air mass.

"And it will be worse in the overnight period, in the early morning period," notes Hasell. "And that's pretty much what we've had here I'd say repeatedly now since late last year."

Another night, another chance of thick fog for southern Manitoba.
    
Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says what we have been experiencing since last week Thursday is called radiation fog, which happens when our temperature drops to the dew point in a relatively stable, calm air mass.

"And it will be worse in the overnight period, in the early morning period," notes Hasell. "And that's pretty much what we've had here I'd say repeatedly now since late last year."

A Sergeant with Manitoba RCMP says the number of crashes they respond to, where someone has died who was not wearing a seatbelt, keeps climbing year after year.

Sergeant Paul Manaigre says so far this year, 29 individuals have died who were not wearing a seatbelt. There were 27 for all of 2021, 27 for all of 2020, and 25 in 2019. 

The Member of Parliament for Provencher says one of the more iconic images in 2022 happened early in the year. In reflecting back on the last 12 months, Ted Falk says January will be remembered for the Freedom Convoy, as truck drivers began their journey from western Canada all the way to Ottawa in an effort to protest vaccine mandates that still existed. 

A Southern Manitoba travel agent says it has been a very busy week dealing with clients who have had their travel plans disrupted by all of the flight cancellations being felt across the globe.

The week of Christmas is already an extremely busy time for the travel industry, not only because people are flying to see their loved ones, but also for those planning a Christmas vacation. When massive storms walloped North America over Christmas, thousands of flights were cancelled, resulting in travellers either being stranded at their destination or stuck at home.

With southern Manitoba experiencing bitterly cold conditions, a Meteorologist is warning all of us to be extra careful when heading outdoors.

Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says frostbite and hypothermia can occur, even when there is not an extreme cold warning in effect. She urges us to dress properly by wearing layers and making sure our footwear is waterproof and windproof. It is also important to cover extremities and as much exposed skin as possible.