Westman

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is announcing a plan to boost training and jobs for workers in skilled trades.

In a news release this morning, Poilievre says his plan for "more boots, less suits" will expand training halls and provide direct grants and faster employment insurance for apprentices in licensed trades.

He says the goal is to deliver higher paycheques to workers and make Canada less reliant on the U.S.

The federal Liberals are announcing nearly $100 million in humanitarian relief and governance support for Palestinians, days before a widely expected election. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, who took on the file of international development last week, is announcing funding for major agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Winnipeg Jets wrapped up their road trip with a 4-3 overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night, with four different players finding the back of the net.

Connor Hellebuyck made 21 saves in the victory, bouncing back after the Jets' 6-2 loss in Vancouver on Tuesday.

The Jets finished their three-game road trip with a 2-1 record and have now won four of their last five games. They are tied for first in the NHL with the Washington Capitals at 100 points, but the Capitals have a game in hand.

Manitoba's NDP Budget 2025 Meets the Moment by Building Schools and Hospitals to Keep our Economy Strong

Budget 2025 invests a record $3.7 billion in capital projects, noted Sala, which includes new schools, emergency rooms (ERs) and personal care homes, and critical infrastructure to keep Manitoba’s economy moving.

"I think the first reaction from most of us on the official opposition side was, 'Was that it?' shares Grant Jackson, MLA for Spruce Woods and the Official Opposition Progressive Conservative Critic for Education and Early Childhood Learning.

Disappointments continue for our MLAs in southwestern Manitoba in yesterday's Provincial Budget 2025.

"Very disappointed," says Riding Mountain MLA Greg Nesbitt. "A lot of recycled announcements from when we were in government, things that the NDP cut when they came into office and now are renouncing again.  So, while I'm happy to see them going ahead, it's really not much of a new news budget."

"But rural Manitoba was pretty much left out of this budget," says Greg Nesbitt.

The Manitoba government is hiking capital spending and introducing new tax rules in a deficit budget aimed at safeguarding the province from tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump.

The NDP government said the threat of prolonged tariffs from the U.S. and China cannot be ignored, and new public spending and tax changes will protect jobs.

“We didn’t start this fight, but we are not backing down,” Finance Minister Adrien Sala told reporters Thursday.

“We’re Trump-proofing our economy.”

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

While attending a separate incident a vehicle was recovered in a driveway on Queens Crescent. The vehicle was previously reported stolen by Minnedosa RCMP. Forensics Investigations Unit analysis resulted in fingerprints of a 31-year-old male. The male was located and arrested on a Possession of Property Obtained by Crime charge. He was later released on an Appearance Notice with a court date of June 2nd, 2025.

Arrest Warrants

Hamiota volleyball star Ella Gurr was part of the University of Manitoba Bisons team that captured a National Championship and the athlete/musician says this group is special both on and off the court.

"It was absolutely amazing," Gurr says thinking back to the weekend. "We came into the National tournament, we were prepared, we battled our hearts out and we won. It was absolutely lovely."

Funeral For:  John R. Friesen 
Funeral Date: March 23, 2025 
John R. Friesen, 93, of Steinbach passed away Sunday, March 16th at Resthaven Care Home. He is survived by his wife Tina, 1 daughter, 2 sons, 3 sisters, 1 brother, and their families. He was predeceased by 1 grandson, 2 sisters, 8 brothers-in-law, and 7 sisters-in-law. 
The funeral service for John R. Friesen will be held Sunday, March 23rd at 2pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with burial at Heritage Cemetery. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election on Sunday for a vote as early as April 28.

Sources would not confirm the specific date of the vote, but federal campaigns must run at least 37 days.

This will be Canada's 45th federal election.

Canada's political parties have been mobilizing campaigns by nominating candidates and organizing leaders' tours.

Carney was elected as Liberal leader to succeed Justin Trudeau on March 9 and was sworn in as prime minister along with his new cabinet on March 14.