Shannon Dueck

Manitoba's Economic Development and Investment Minister says our province's fiscal position continues to improve. 

Jeff Wharton says Manitoba has regained more than 100,000 jobs after losing 90,500 during the pandemic in April 2020. He says employment expanded by 3.2 per cent last year, representing the second-largest growth in recorded history, trailing only 2021. 

Batten down the hatches for what is expected to be a blustery 24 hours in southern Manitoba. And that wind will push our unseasonably mild weather out of the area for at least a couple of days.

Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says we are under the influence of a low-pressure system. As of early Tuesday morning, the centre of that low-pressure system was already in Ontario. Hasell explains there is a frontal structure that is spread across Manitoba. She notes northern areas are already quite cold, while the portion south of this front remains in a warmer air mass.

One person was airlifted to hospital Tuesday morning following a two vehicle crash southeast of Blumenort.

Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says their crews were called out shortly before 9 am to the intersection of Road 40N and Road 35E. 

Wiebe says the crash involved two vehicles. Each vehicle had only one occupant.

"One of the drivers needed to be extricated and was transported with STARS," says Wiebe.

He notes the other driver was transported to hospital by ground ambulance.

RCMP are asking Manitobans to be on the lookout for three suspects wanted in a homicide near the Manitoba/ Saskatchewan border Friday morning. 

On Friday, shortly after 4 am, Esterhazy and Broadview RCMP received a report of a break-and-enter and suspicious death at a residence approximately 20 kilometres south of Stockholm and Esterhazy.

A woman from southeastern Manitoba is hoping to become the next leader of the Green Party of Manitoba.

Janine Gibson lives on a solar-powered co-op farm south of Steinbach. Her name will be on the ballot in the online vote taking place between March 13th and 23rd.

Gibson is no stranger to elections, having run in seven federal elections and three provincial elections.

The death toll from Monday's deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria is now at more than 22,000 and rising.

Manitobans wanting to know how they can help out are being given that opportunity through Canadian Red Cross. Spokesperson Jason Small says the best way to assist is by making a donation to the Red Cross appeal fund. 

"The Canadian Red Cross currently has a fund that we're raising money for to help the folks who have been impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria," he explains. 

The National Weather Service is reporting a low risk of major flooding this spring across the Red River Basin. 

In its latest flood outlook, the National Weather Service says there is a high risk of minor flooding at Pembina, Grand Forks, and Fargo. 

The Member of Parliament for Provencher is back in Ottawa and Ted Falk says there is a lot of energy and excitement within his party.

Parliamentarians returned to the House of Commons on Monday for the first time since December 14th. But, prior to that, Falk says the Conservatives held their national caucus retreat last week Thursday through Saturday. 

He notes right now what is top of mind is inflation and the rising cost of living. 

The MLA for Springfield-Ritchot is now the Caucus Chair for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. 

"I'm excited to help lead our PC Caucus Team as we gear up for the upcoming spring session," says Ron Schuler. "Manitobans don't want to go back to the dark days of the NDP, and we have a great PC Team that Manitobans have trust in. I will do my part to ensure we continue listening and engaging with Manitobans and acting on their priorities."

Our provincial government has announced a plan to try and reduce the amount of red tape that is currently faced by physicians.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon says doctors often have excessive administrative requirements that place a burden on their time and take them away from their most important role, which is to provide care to Manitobans when they need it most. Together with Doctors Manitoba, Gordon announced a task force will be constructed in order to find solutions that will benefit doctors, patients, and our healthcare system as a whole.