Strike postponed, health care workers reach tentative deal

A planned strike that would have impacted 25,000 healthcare support staff in Southern Manitoba has been postponed.

Bargaining teams from MGEU and CUPE reached a tentative deal at 4:25 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to CUPE, they will arrange information sessions over the next few days, leading to a vote on the tentative agreement.

Both CUPE and MGEU are reportedly recommending acceptance of the tentative agreement.

Who will end the debate? Political gridlock continues in the House of Commons

Federal political parties appear to be locked in a game of chicken in an increasingly precarious Parliament over a debate that has stalled almost all business in the House of Commons.

The Conservatives have vowed the debate will continue until the Liberals hand over unredacted documents to the RCMP about a green-tech foundation that was found to have misspent government money.

The debate has now stretched into its second week.

Federal ministers were told of increasing 'volume and complexity' of foreign threats

A newly released document shows federal cabinet ministers were warned in May 2022 that hostile states were targeting Canada's strategic interests, the integrity of Canadian institutions and democratic processes, and the ability of the public to exercise Charter-protected rights and freedoms.

The document is a summary of one of four memorandums to cabinet, generally considered closely held confidences, that were provided to a federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference as part of its terms of reference. 

Reduce, reuse, reminisce: Portage and District Recycling celebrates 35 years

The Portage and District Recycling Plant was filled with Portagers taking tours and enjoying some barbecue, as they celebrated 35 years of making sure recyclable items find the right home.

General Manager Christine Major says they service both the City and Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, and have their services contracted by smaller communities.

As community members attended the tours, she pointed out a misconception that could lead to the tainting of otherwise good recyclable items.

Ottawa invests more money in organic research

The Federal government has announced over $6.8 million over five years for the Organic Science Cluster is geared to research and advancing sustainable practices. 

Allison Squires is president of the Canadian Organic Growers says the organic sector is unique in that it encompasses everything from aquaculture to cranberries to horticulture and field crops.

She says this pot of money will go towards projects in all these different areas, out of the 14 projects two are based in the prairies.

Community spirit soars: Manitoba Air Show raises funds for four military charities

The Manitoba Air Show was a resounding success, attracting many spectators. As a result, the proceeds garnered were distributed to four organizations.

Manitoba Air Show Board of Directors member Colby Orchard explained that four separate $35,000 donations were made to military charities, which is especially significant as 2024 marks the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Manitoba RCMP seek wanted man believed to be hiding out in Ebb and Flow

Manitoba Mounties are asking for assistance in locating a wanted 32-year-old man. 

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP are searching for Davey Mousseau, who is wanted on a Warrant of Arrest for numerous charges, including forcible confinement, resisting arrest, theft, and multiple failures to comply with release order conditions. 

His current whereabouts are unknown, but he is believed to be hiding out in Ebb and Flow First Nation. 

Sunshine and Warmth: A peek into Portage la Prairie's weekly weather forecast

A bright and friendly week is expected for Portage la Prairie's weather, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Meteorologist Stephen Berg, who spoke with PortageOnline about the upcoming work week.

"It looks like there's going to be a bit of warmth building in by midweek, especially temperatures look like they'll be into the low to mid-20s by Wednesday and Thursday with the overnight lows into the five or seven-degree mark. That's about anywhere up to about ten degrees above normal, with overnight lows of about five degrees above normal."