Shannon Dueck

Just because the outdoor swimming season has ended in Manitoba, that does not mean there is no longer a risk of drowning in our province. In fact, Lifesaving Society Manitoba says one-third of drownings occur between the colder months from October to April.

"Whether it's ice fishing, snowmobiling, late season boating or late season trekking on the ice, we're still seeing incidents happening every year and unfortunately those are deaths that we don't want to see happen because one death is one too many," notes spokesperson Dr. Christopher Love.

Streets and sidewalks will likely be filled with trick-or-treaters this evening.

Today is Halloween and RCMP are issuing a few reminders in order to make this a safe and fun night for everyone.

"Don't go by yourself, go with someone," says Community Constable Dennis Redikop. "Go with an adult or an older brother or sister."

Redikop says you should let your parents know where you are trick-or-treating and for how long. He suggests establishing a safety plan and a safety route, so that if you end up going longer than expected, your parents know where to find you.

Provencher MP Ted Falk has received his committee assignment for this session of Parliament.
    
After serving on the agriculture committee, Falk says he is back on the natural resources committee, where he served from 2017 to 2019.

Falk explains this standing committee has representation from all parties. The committee, chaired by the Liberals, has five Liberal members, four Conservative members, one Bloc Quebecois member and one NDP member.

A storm system that turned Saskatchewan into a winter wonderland, brought only rain and thunderstorms to southern Manitoba.

Sara Hoffman with Environment Canada says most areas in southern Manitoba received between 20 and 25 millimetres of rain overnight in the form of thunderstorms. The heaviest precipitation was reported in St. Lazare where about 43 millimetres of rain fell. Waskada received 36 millimetres, while the Winnipeg airport reported 33 millimetres. In Steinbach, about 16 millimetres of rain fell.

The Member of Parliament for Provencher says it did not come as a surprise to be left off the list of shadow ministers, announced Wednesday by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. 

There were 51 Tory MPs selected as full critics, with another 20 considered associate critics. Ted Falk says he was not expecting to make either list, noting these positions were given largely to Members of Parliament who endorsed Poilievre in last month's leadership vote. Falk threw his support behind Leslyn Lewis.

There will certainly be some familiar faces when the new council for the Rural Municipality of Piney is announced next month. 

Ward 1 Councillor Ken Prociw and Ward 2 Councillor Dale Edbom have each won their respective seats by acclamation. In Ward 3, incumbent David Beaudry is up against Jacob Dyck, while in Ward 4, there will be a new councillor, with Mark Bernard being acclaimed there.

There will also be a familiar face leading council as Reeve Wayne Anderson is back by acclamation.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro says work is progressing well on a new transmission complex that zigzags its way through southeastern Manitoba.

Bruce Owen is referring to the St. Vital Transmission Complex and the portion that runs from Highway 52 to Letellier. The transmission line begins at the De Salaberry East Station, just east of Highway 59 and then runs south all the way to the Letellier Station. Construction started in September of 2021.

The Mayor for Ritchot is back for another four-year term. Chris Ewen has won by acclamation.

"Although we had a bit of an indication that it would be an acclamation, I'm still very, very excited and I'm very passionate about my municipality and I continue to look forward to serve them," notes Ewen. "I'm humbled by the faith that the municipality and residents have in me."

In reflecting on the fact that no one chose to challenge him in his bid for another term, Ewen admits that he does not enjoy winning by acclamation. He says he does not like apathy.

"I am very pleased with the result."

Provencher Member of Parliament Ted Falk made that comment following the federal Conservative's convention in Ottawa on Saturday, which saw Pierre Poilievre elected as the new leader of the Conservative party. 

"I was there and Pierre Poilievre got resounding support from right across the country of confidence in his leadership of our party," adds Falk.

Poilievre claimed the first ballot victory after receiving 68 per cent of support. 

"I think it's terrific because it was very decisive," adds Falk.

On the heels of a summer that was warmer than normal for southern Manitoba, the Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says that same trend will continue this fall. In fact, even though we are now into meteorological fall, David Phillips says there are summer-like temperatures in the forecast into next week. 

The normal high for this time of year is 22 degrees. 

"I'm just shaking my head when I see the temperatures," notes Phillips. "These are temperatures that could be a dozen or more degrees warmer than normal."