PembinaValley

An organization that monitors the effect of information flows on human rights says the new federal border security bill appears to "roll out a welcome mat" for expanded data-sharing agreements with the United States and other countries.

Researchers with The Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto say they want the federal government to reveal more about the information-sharing implications of the bill due to a possible risk to human rights.

Canada is hosting the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has two days of meetings scheduled with world leaders, with discussion topics likely to include trade, the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East.

Here are some highlights from the first day of the summit. 

The countdown to a U.S.-Canada trade deal is on

Prime Minister Mark Carney's office says U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to have a deal on a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S. by mid-July.

When the community comes together, a lot can happen. $11,000 was raised at the Classic Car Show for the Peter George Dyck Villages, on the second floor of the Buhler Active Living Centre. Held on June 14th at the green space on 400 Memorial Drive in Winkler, and organized by Chomper Giesbrecht, a car enthusiast himself, the event drew in over 75 participants from all over the Pembina Valley and beyond to show off their classic vehicles. 

Rain and cooler temperatures brought relief to fire-ravaged Manitoba and Saskatchewan Monday, allowing fire bans to be reduced and more evacuees to go home.

The weather helped fire crews get an upper hand in parts of northern Manitoba to clear the way for some of the 21,000 or more evacuees to start returning home.

David Monias, chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, reposted video of heavy rainfall on social media along with video of small planes leaving Winnipeg with evacuees who were forced out almost three weeks earlier.

Some areas of the prairies have received some rain over the past few days, but the weeks of hot, dry weather have had an impact on crops, hay, and pastureland. 

With the dry conditions across so much of the Prairies, there's been an increased concern about grasshopper infestations.

Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a research scientist in field crop entomology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, says grasshoppers could be shaping up to be an important story again this year.

The Morden Regional Airport was buzzing with aviators big and small on Friday, June 13th for Morden Flying Club’s annual Young Aviators event. Developed last year, organizer Reynold Hildebrand said that the event is the product of a simple question asked at a flying club meeting: What inspired you to get your pilots’ license?  

This year, a community-minded resource, Segue Career Options, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. 

Throughout this period, the organization has provided a diverse range of employment services to a large group of Pembina Valley residents.  

“20 years ago, things shifted and there was a new way of doing programming,” says Lavonne Kroeker, program director of Segue. “We think that's worth celebrating.” 

Manitoba Agriculture has released the latest edition of the Potato Report - here is the Executive Summary

Farmers across the G7 are confronting unprecedented pressures as the world faces overlapping geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges. Inflation, high interest rates, and continued fallout from recent financial shocks have destabilized farm economies. At the same time, trade disruptions, and fractured supply chains are compounding uncertainty in the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the impacts of climate change—more frequent droughts, floods, and extreme weather—are threatening productivity and straining rural infrastructure.

Funeral For:  Marvin Gerbrant 
Funeral Date: June 20, 2025 
Marvin Gerbrant, 73, of Lowe Farm passed away Friday, June 13th at Boundary Trails Health Centre. He is survived by his wife Betsy, 3 daughters, 1 son, 1 sister, and their families. He was predeceased by 1 sister. 
The funeral service for Marvin Gerbrant will be held Friday, June 20th at 2pm at Lowe Farm Bergthaler Church with ash interment at Lowe Farm Cemetery. 
Viewing will be at Morris Funeral Home Wednesday, June 18th from noon to 7pm. 
Arrangements by Morris Funeral Home.