MP Branden Leslie reacts to historic throne speech

For the first time since 1977, Canada heard a speech from the throne delivered by King Charles III, marking a historic moment in Canadian political tradition. While the ceremony drew on decades of royal ties and national symbolism, Conservative MP Branden Leslie of Portage–Lisgar says the moment must be matched with action and not just sentiment.

Speaking after the speech, Leslie acknowledged the importance of Canada's constitutional monarchy and the symbolism of unity it brings.

Portage division welcomes financial literacy curriculum

The Manitoba government is rolling out a new compulsory Grade 9 math curriculum aimed at improving student performance and embedding financial literacy into the classroom, and the Portage la Prairie School Division is on board.

Superintendent Pam Garnham says students will benefit from learning real-life money skills at a younger age.

Junk Yard Dogs celebrate grand opening of Portage’s newest outdoor attraction

The community of Portage la Prairie has a new reason to get outdoors and get moving. This Saturday, the Junk Yard Dogs Cycling Club celebrates the grand opening of their long-awaited activity park, a vibrant network of trails and features designed to welcome cyclists, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, accessibility and skill levels.

Simplot Central Park Splash Pad opens for summer fun in Portage la Prairie

Portage la Prairie families are cooling off as the Simplot Central Park Splash Pad officially opens for the season. The popular water attraction, now running daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., welcomed visitors starting this month and will operate through the fall, weather permitting.

Positive community response

City Councillor Ryan Espey shares enthusiasm for the splash pad’s return.

A new face at Fort la Reine Museum

Cindy McDonald officially stepped into her role as community engagement coordinator/ fundraising manager at Fort la Reine Museum earlier this month. Though only a few weeks in, McDonald is already settling into the position and is eager to make a difference in the Portage la Prairie community.

“The first couple of weeks have been great,” says McDonald. “It's been a little bit of a learning curve trying to learn everything about the museum. As many times as I've been here in the past, I didn't know everything, so I’m learning a lot.”

CBSA says 67 per cent of drugs seized in month-long operation were coming into Canada

More than 67 per cent of the drugs seized during a month-long cross-country Canada Border Services Agency operation were coming into Canada from the United States, the agency says.

Operation Blizzard took place from Feb. 12 to March 13 and targeted illegal drugs and precursor chemicals transported by mail, air cargo or marine container, the CBSA said in a news release Wednesday. The agency said it focused on shipments going to the United States.

Carney grilled on U.S. tariffs in his first question period in House of Commons

Prime Minister Mark Carney fielded questions about the trade war with the United States and his decision to delay the federal budget to the fall as he faced his first question period grilling in the House of Commons Wednesday.

Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer welcomed Carney to the House before launching into a question about Canada's response to U.S. tariffs.

"This is where democracy lives, and this is where we provide rigorous scrutiny on every word he says and every dollar he spends," Scheer said.

Preparing for Pasture turn out

Green grass means that pasture turnout is right around the corner. The to do list gets longer than the days do. Checking fence to remove any fallen trees, repairing stretched or broken wires; make sure the water system is operational, and the water itself is safe for the livestock to drink. It all happens before animals can be moved to their summer home.