Portage

Among the tour groups converging on Parliament Hill under umbrellas this week, new and newly re-elected members of Parliament are getting acquainted with their offices and colleagues ahead of the opening of the House of Commons this week. 

The first order of business for MPs is the selection of a new House Speaker on Monday morning, and at least six returning members are asking their colleagues to support their bid to take the chair. 

Fort la Reine Museum in Portage la Prairie officially opened for the season on May 17th. Executive Director Emma Ens-MacIver says the weekend turnout exceeded expectations despite a rainy start.

"We had a decent turnout! Probably thanks to more advertising that's been going out," Ens-MacIver says. "Historically, it's slow when we open on the long weekend, but it was busy. I was pleasantly surprised. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great season."

On May 16, several Little Brothers and Sisters from the Portage area had the opportunity to attend a professional basketball game at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg thanks to the Winnipeg Sea Bears.

The Sea Bears came away with a 92-89 extra time victory over Edmonton in the team's first game of the season.

Among those attending was 12-year-old Levi Harper.

"My favourite part was the part at the end," he explained. "The game kept going on but they took all the time off. The first team to 92 points won the game."

A controversial claim that Manitoba drivers aged 65 and up now face mandatory medical exams every two years has sparked concern—and confusion—among the province’s senior population.

For 89-year-old Mel Holod, the news, which turned out to be false, stirred a range of emotions.

“I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I’m way over that, so I just hope I can get my licence.”

While Holod remains unsure, others voiced strong opinions about what they believed to be abrupt changes that could punish years of safe driving.

Portage la Prairie firefighters contended with a small fire behind the Howard Johnson's on the bypass beside the Yellowquill Trail.

It appeared there was a fire beside a hydro pole, and it was extinguished Saturday, while firefighters remained at the scene to ensure it would not rekindle.

Drivers in Portage la Prairie can expect summer fuel prices to remain relatively steady over the coming months, with average rates currently sitting between $1.34 per litre. 

Josh Wright of Portage la Prairie had imagined the journey for over a decade. On May 8, he finally pushed his 21-foot fiberglass canoe into the Assiniboine River at the Hoop and Holler Bend, bound for The Forks in Winnipeg—a 153-kilometre trip through forested bends, shifting winds and ancient waterways.

"I’ve driven over the Assiniboine many times and thought, what would it be like to just float down the river and make it to Winnipeg like people did many years ago. That dream never left me."

Canada Post customers may face delays as tens of thousands of workers swear off overtime shifts, though a much bigger disruption was averted after the union backed down from a strike threat.

Nonetheless, the possibility of escalating job action could continue to scare off customers who pulled their shipments over the past couple of weeks, draining more business from the cash-strapped organization.

“I’m scared for the future,” said Edmonton mail carrier Dustin Ellis, who recently went on leave to study for a new career in social work.

Top officials at the Canada Revenue Agency say mounting job cuts will impact how the agency is able to deliver services.

Commissioner Bob Hamilton and deputy commissioner Jean-François Fortin said in a message to staff Thursday that up to 280 employees will lose their jobs at the agency.

The agency has been examining its operating budget for more than two years to meet a demand from the government to find savings. 

The Central Plains U16 Girls Basketball team is finding success this spring season, holding their own in tournaments against some of Manitoba’s toughest competition.

Head Coach Dave McLeod shares the team’s progress and highlights from recent events.

Local talent driving strong results

The group includes 13 players, with eight in Grade 9 and five in Grade 10.