Westman

Canada's ministers of finance and procurement have given officials in charge of most federal contracting 45 days to come up with a plan to review all existing and planned federal contracts to find ways to save money.

The directive made by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Public Works and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound is the latest cost-savings directive from the federal cabinet as Prime Minister Mark Carney looks to cut government operating spending by 15 per cent over the next three years.

The five players acquitted in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial can return to the NHL when their suspensions end "no sooner" than Dec. 1, the NHL announced Thursday.

The players, who are all unrestricted free agents, can sign with a team on Oct. 15 as they wait for full reinstatement.

Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart were all charged with one count of sexual assault stemming from an encounter with a woman after a 2018 gala celebrating the world junior team's gold medal. All five pleaded not guilty when the trial opened in April.

Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada has updated its National Drought Monitor Map now that the stats are in from August (2025).

Trevor Hadwen, an agroclimate specialist with AAFC says drought conditions improved throughout western Canada; however, eastern Canada saw conditions deteriorate significantly. 

Thursday's rainfall amounts from midnight to 2 pm.

25.4 mm = 1” 

Alexander 6.0 mm

Argue 21.5 mm

Bede 28.8 mm

Birtle 5.6 mm

Boissevain 34.1 mm

Brandon 6.8 mm

Cartwright 7.8 mm

Clearwater 4.4 mm

Dand 25.6 mm

Deloraine 60.3 mm

Eden 5.3 mm

Erickson 3.8 mm

Findlay 8.3 mm

Forrest 14.3 mm

Glenboro 25.7 mm

Hamiota 27.8 mm

Holland 22.3 mm

Ingelow 8.9 mm

Kenton 3.8 mm

Killarney 7.2 mm

Kola 10.4 mm

Manitoba government announces improvements to more than 30 recreational trails across province 

Media Release - Sept 11, 2025

Manitobans will see improvements to more than 30 recreational trails across the province thanks to more than $592,000 in funding from the Manitoba government and Trails Manitoba, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today.

Assiniboine nursing sites in Otterburne, Morden and Beausejour to welcome new classes in 2026-27

Media Release - Brandon

Assiniboine College is announcing three rural rotating Practical Nursing sites in Otterburne (September 2026), Morden (January 2027), and Beausejour (January 2027), each with the capacity for 25 students, to help address the growing demand for healthcare professionals across Manitoba.

Update –September 12, 2025

Burton “Cody” Campbell is now in custody after turning himself in to Winnipeg Police.

The Portage la Prairie RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

Portage la Prairie RCMP searching for male wanted for assaulting female

Media Release - September 11, 2025

On September 3, 2025, at approximately 3:45 am, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a dispatch for an assault that had taken place on 11th Street NW.

Prime Minister Mark Carney named the first five projects on the federal government's fast-track list on Thursday — part of his plan to attract outside investment and bolster the Canadian economy.

The projects include planned energy development, mining and port infrastructure projects from the West Coast to Central Canada.

The government also released an expanded list of projects not quite ready for prime time that includes additional initiatives in Eastern Canada and the North.

Funeral For:  Ruben Fehr 
Funeral Date: September 29, 2025 

The company will start commissioning the Saskatchewan canola plant in the next couple of months

Canola growers finally have some good news to celebrate.

Cargill’s brand-new Regina crush facility is coming online just as farmers are reeling from the loss of their top export market.

“At a time of uncertainty in the canola markets, to have domestic demand is a really good opportunity for farmers,” said Cargill Limited president Jeff Vassart.