Portage

Murray Sinclair, who was born when Indigenous people did not yet have the right to vote, grew up to become one of the most decorated and influential people to work in Indigenous justice and advocacy.

A former judge and senator, one of Sinclair's biggest roles was chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into residential schools. 

He died Monday morning in a Winnipeg hospital, said his son Niigaan Sinclair. He was 73.

Sinclair was a father of five and a grandfather.

As election night in the United States approaches, the municipal office of Portage la Prairie is halfway through its four-year term, having been elected on October 25, 2022.

Waterworks Committee chair Faron Nicholls believes the current council has maintained an upward trajectory since taking office.

"I'm still very humbled to be here and to be in this position, and I feel like we're on the cusp of doing a lot of really good things around here," Nicholls explains. "I enjoy the group, along with the administration, who are so supportive."

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has written to the provinces' premiers, asking them to eliminate their sales taxes on new homes that are under $1 million.

It follows Poilievre's own pledge last week that if he becomes prime minister, he will axe the federal sales tax on new homes sold for under $1 million.

The Conservatives estimated that measure would reduce the cost of an $800,000 home by $40,000 and spur construction of another 30,000 homes per year.

The provincewide lockout against a union of more than 700 foremen at all British Columbia ports is expected to begin at 8 a.m.

The BC Maritime Employers Association has said the lockout is meant to "facilitate a safe and orderly wind-down of operations" in light of "escalating and unpredictable strike action."

Last week, it said the move was being done "defensively" after International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 had issued a 72-hour strike notice for job action, which also starts at 8 a.m.

Sunday, November 3rd

MJHL
Portage 3 Winkler 1
Virden 4 Waywayseecappo 2

A hard-fought game between the Portage Terriers and the Winkler Flyers ended with a 3-1 win for the Dogs.

A scoreless first period saw Portage outshoot Winkler 12-8 but both goaltenders made some outstanding saves to keep both offenses off the board.

The Flyers would open the scoring in the second period on a powerplay goal, but the Terriers would have a great shift right after to tie the game up. Decker Mujcin scored his fourth goal of the weekend, set up by Tristan Gravenor and Koy Funk.

It's November and with rain over the weekend we all know what that will soon become. Portage la Prairie city manager Nathan Peto says the city is ready and snow cleaning equipment will hit the streets the need finally arises.

Portage la Prairie has been honoured with the title of best-tasting water in all of Western Canada.

City Councillor Faron Nicholls, whose portfolio covers waterworks, credits the recognition to the hard work of the city team and recent upgrades to the water system.

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) attended the 33rd Annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord meetings from October 21-23 in Arlington, VA, to reinforce its strong support for the North American agri-food trading system.

“The strength of CAFTA’s delegation underscores our firm commitment to the North American agri-food trading framework, particularly as we approach the 2026 CUSMA Review,” said CAFTA president Greg Northey. “With the U.S. Presidential election on the horizon, it is critical to hear directly from our U.S. and Mexican partners.”

The Viterra Men's Provincial Curling Championship is reaching a major milestone when the championship comes to Stride Place in early 2025. It will be 100 years that the tournament has been around, and Dean Moxham shares why that's a big deal.

"We're the first province in Canada to reach 100 years of men's provincial championships," Moxham notes. "We've always been at the forefront of winning national championships, and there's a strong community background for curling here."

Moxham adds that there could be a tough group trying to reach the provincial championship.