Portage

A former Prime Minister once quipped from the campaign trail that “an election is no time to talk about serious issues”. When it comes to providing opportunities for Canadians, however, policy matters far more than partisan politics. We have had a federal election, and a Cabinet has been appointed. We now need the government to have a laser-like focus on the fundamentals of good policy.

You can call in to ask host Carla Hrycyna all of your gardening questions live every Saturday morning starting at 9:15am: 1-800-374-3315

MONDAY, JUNE 2ND

None

TUESDAY, JUNE 3RD

American Association Baseball
Kane County Cougars at Winnipeg Goldeyes - 6:30 PM

MLB
Philadelphia at Toronto - 6:07 PM

A Community Cause Close to Home 

Don Hales, owner of Don's Direct Deals, is turning up the heat on cancer this summer with a heartfelt community initiative. Beginning Friday, June 6, Hales will host a series of fundraising barbecues dubbed "Fight Cancer Fridays" at his business, located at 920 Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie. 

The historic steam engine that greets travellers entering Austin has been given a bright new update, thanks to a four-year revitalization project led by the Austin & District Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with several community partners.

Chamber president Chad Bodnarchuk says the project began with a vision to refresh the area around the well-known local landmark.

Portage la Prairie's Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) has several initiatives on the go to help continue their efforts in the community.

A BBQ at the Homestead Co-op this week will help with their safety patrols as well as a major accessible playground project, while a separate golf tournament later this month supports youth programs.

Portage la Prairie opened its doors, and hearts, last week as evacuees from northern Manitoba arrived after being displaced by fast-moving wildfires. With more than 260 people from communities like Flin Flon, Cross Lake, and Pukatawagan temporarily resettled in local hotels, residents and organizations in the City of Possibilities wasted no time stepping in to meet their needs.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree is expected to introduce a bill today spelling out the federal government's next steps on border security.

The recent throne speech promised legislation to bolster security at Canada's borders and new tools for police and intelligence agencies to help them stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and its precursors.

The government also said the Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export to prevent the movement of illegal and stolen products, including cars.

The federal government plans to work urgently to remove Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday.

"The Canadian government is engaging with its Chinese counterparts at the ministerial level and we'll continue those discussions," Carney told reporters after meeting with premiers in Saskatoon.

"They're a top priority for us." 

The commitment came in a statement after the meeting and it says premiers want Canada's trading relationship with China to improve. 

Manitoba politicians reached a deal to speed passage of a free trade bill Monday, hours before the legislature was to break for the summer. More than 30 other bills were also set to be approved on the last day of the spring sitting.

The trade bill, based on a deal with Ontario, would remove trade and labour barriers for some goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions that pass similar laws. Other provinces have recently joined the effort, as part of a national plan to boost the economy and respond to tariffs imposed by the United States.