Latest news with #Manitoban
CBC
3 days ago
- CBC
Relief as Manitoban among 3 mine workers rescued in B.C.
Mayors from two mining communities in Manitoba say they're relieved to hear that three mine workers who were trapped for more than 60 hours in the Red Chris mine in northern B.C. have been brought to safety. A Manitoban was among the three rescued on Thursday night.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Think big, think proud
Opinion Now that we have our elbows up, we can look below and discover the potential; discover the need. Why has Canada relied on other countries for a vast array of services and production? Let's come up with Manitoban or Canadian solutions. Think big. Let's go all in! So, to hear that our minister of environment and climate change, Mike Moyes has made 5,000 heat pumps more readily available just doesn't cut it. Actually, the Crown corporation Efficiency Manitoba already has an incentive program for heat pumps. How about 50,000 or 500,000? Think big! Also, that would benefit immensely our net-zero target. What about announcements in regard to Manitoba Hydro's future plans? Remember, Manitoba Hydro controls electricity and natural gas (which is 80 per cent methane) supplies. Again, they just don't cut it. There is no mention of any significant energy-producing projects, such as large wind farms in the works, or building solar farms in the making. How about solar panels on every home? Did you know that in the Netherlands one in three homes has solar panels? Why hasn't Manitoba Hydro been more involved in geothermal projects? Of note, Waverley West, a community in Winnipeg, was supposed to have a geothermal energy source. What we hope or should expect to hear from Finance Minister Adrien Sala are, in my view, twofold: plan for a net-zero target; and aggressively pursue renewables so the electrification of homes and buildings can take place soon, and greenhouse gas use and emissions can be eliminated. So what do we hear in reports such as Manitoba Hydro's integrated resource plan and the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan? There is no mention of an aggressive move away from natural gas. This is very much not in keeping with the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. What we hear from Manitoba Hydro is that they project no change in natural gas use by 2030. Manitoba Hydro states that to get to net-zero, the use of direct air capture (DAC), which is another way of saying carbon capture, is what they will rely on. Let's be very clear. Carbon capture and DAC are largely unproven despite a lengthy trial period time. It is the opinion of many that the mention of carbon capture or direct air capture is a form of greenwashing — 'Look, we are doing something; don' t try to regulate us.' It is also disappointing to hear nothing from Moyes or Sala about retrofitting current buildings and homes, meaning to replace natural gas systems with heat pumps, electric furnaces and electric boilers. This is the first priority of Canada's Green Buildings Strategy. Actually, the only mention of natural gas was in speaking to the question of energy supply security — what if the renewable energy supply failed? You would like to hear that the problem could be dealt with by a large increase in renewable supply and investing in battery technology, to help get through the down times. The other mention of natural gas was that it may be the case that, to meet current and future energy demands, two new energy production plants would have to be built. Unfortunately, the source of energy to run these new facilities likely is natural gas. Again, one would like to hear that our planned increase in renewables should easily meet any energy demands. Relying on renewables to be the main source of power is working very well in parts of the world and Canada. Spain now has most of its energy supply from renewables. They have massive solar farms. Texas has about one-third of its energy needs met by renewables. A recent article about Nova Scotia states they propose to build enough offshore wind turbines to produce 40 gigawatts of electricity. This is an ambitious plan and time will tell if it comes to fruition, but the Nova Scotia premier states ' the excess electricity could supply 27 per cent of Canada's total demands. I guess my point is we know that renewable energy projects are being built at national, provincial, statewide and municipal levels, so really, what's the hold-up? Think of the cost savings associated with the mitigating of climate change. Specifically, the elimination of methane. Let's think big and think proud. We can do it! Scott Blyth writes from Brandon.
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Taxpayers federation fears MLAs sleeping through debt-clock alarm
The Canadian Taxpayers' Federation parked its mobile debt clock beside the Legislative Building Tuesday to sound the alarm over the province's rising debt. 'We're seeing the debt go up about $4,000 a minute, $231,000 an hour, about $5.5 million a day, and taxpayers don't understand how those numbers are going up until you actually see it on the side of the truck,' the federation's Gage Haubrich said. The electronic clock showed Manitoba's provincial debt ticking past $35 billion and each Manitoban's share totalling more than $23,000. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS The Canadian Taxpayers Federation brought their the Debt Clock to the Manitoba legislature to launch its provincial debt clock tour and sound the alarm about the growing provincial debt. By the end of the year, the province is expected to be in the red by about $36.5 billion, or $24,215 per Manitoban, the non-profit organization said. The debt clock is travelling across the province with the federation suggesting Manitobans urge their MLAs to call on the government to control spending. 'We're hoping that (MLAs) can see (the clock) from the window,' said Haubrich, who is based in Saskatoon. 'The bottom line is that, as the government borrows more money, they actually have less money to spend on services because almost 10 per cent of the entire budget is spent on debt interest.' Interest charges on the debt are estimated to cost $2.3 billion this year — more than $6.4 million every day, and close to $1,550 per Manitoban. Taxpayers in this province pay the second-highest per person debt interest charges in the country, according to the federation. 'If they keep borrowing and kicking that can down the road, that number is only going to go higher,' Haubrich said. Premier Wab Kinew and Finance Minister Adrien Sala have promised to balance the province's books before the end of the NDP government's first term. The premier was in Ontario Tuesday attending a first ministers meeting. Sala said he'd respond to the taxpayers' federation later Tuesday. Carol Sanders Legislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press 's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press 's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Local cannabis growers decry ‘unfair landscape'
Growing cannabis commercially is a venture Cynthia Fortin dove into with her husband after the COVID-19 pandemic. Two years into selling, she's frustrated — and she's formed a fledgling association calling for government action. '(It's an) unfair landscape,' said Fortin, president of the three-month-old Manitoba Cannabis Growers Association. Her Steinbach-based company, 410 Farms, is one of three businesses involved in the MCGA. The association has issued a list of requests, including policy changes and consultation meetings with provincial leadership. 'Manitoba cannabis growers are struggling,' Fortin said. 'It is incredibly tough to get a foot in the door, even into the smaller retailers — never mind the big chains that have their own brands.' Canada legalized cannabis in 2018. Since then, the commercial industry has ballooned: Manitoba counts at least 230 shops; 73 opened between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. The province doesn't cap how many licences it issues to weed stores. As a result, competitors have sprouted close to one another. For example, three shops are within 600 metres of each other along Roblin Boulevard in Winnipeg. Generally, shops are seeking the cheapest products, which makes pricing extra competitive on the growers' side, Fortin and her husband Bob relayed. Roughly 30 retailers carry 410 Farms products. The business makes about 13 different items and harvests between 1,800 and 2,200 plants. Bigger entities can manufacture for a cheaper price per good, Bob Fortin asserted. 'We just can't compete, because our products are a little more craft,' he said. 'We don't do the same volume as they do.' In its list, the association underscored a desire for changes to product labelling, government procurement policies and local taxes. Highlighting Manitoba-grown cannabis — to both retailers and end customers — could generate interest, especially given a politically-charged 'buy local' movement, Cynthia Fortin said. It's already being done in Ontario for local growers, noted Jesse Lavoie, founder of TobaGrown. He oversees 1,000 plants in Manitoba. 'We would love the opportunity to put a 'Grown in Manitoba' badge on that product,' said Lavoie, who isn't part of the Manitoba Cannabis Growers Association. Twelve of more than 150 current cannabis suppliers are identified as Manitoban to retailers, per Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp., the entity that wholesales cannabis in the province. Twenty-four businesses are licensed and can act as cannabis suppliers in Manitoba, but some aren't actively in operation. Local suppliers' products account for roughly 20 per cent of catalogue listings, an MLL spokesperson wrote in a statement. 'In the last year, all but two of 233 local cannabis retailers ordered products from Manitoba suppliers,' the spokesperson continued, adding local products were in more than 99 per cent of Manitoba cannabis retailers. But allowing companies who grow outside Manitoba to sell in the province without limit is hindering local growers' success, as is banning growers' sales online, Cynthia Fortin argued. The association is calling for a repeal of MLL's 11 per cent markup on wholesale cannabis. Growers also pay a federal excise tax of $1 per gram. The Fortins said they've sent a formal request to speak to members of the provincial government. 'I would be happy to meet with members of the MCGA and listen to their concerns,' Glen Simard, minister responsible for MLL, wrote in a statement. Simard said he's 'grateful' for the feedback and encourages the association to 'cultivate relationships with retailers, promote the value of their products, and create the inventory necessary to establish a regular presence in Manitoba cannabis stores.' Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries saw $153.6 million in cannabis operation revenue last year, its latest annual report shows. To sell online, growers would need a retailer licence issued by the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba, an MLL spokesperson wrote. The wholesale cannabis markup — which is on the 'low end' of the rate across Canada — is made available to Manitoba-based suppliers' peers in other provinces, the spokesperson continued. The cash is funnelled into social responsibility and law enforcement programs. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
NDP questions PCs' pre-election ‘dark of night' $18-M rail port infrastructure grant
The provincial government is investigating why its predecessor did not publicize an $18-million contract that was finalized in the leadup to the 2023 election campaign. Finance Minister Adrien Sala confirmed Monday that the province — for the second time in three months — is looking into the Progressive Conservatives' dealings with JohnQ, an economic development corporation run by 12 municipalities in Manitoba. Under the leadership of then-premier Heather Stefanson, the PC government awarded a hefty grant to JohnQ in August 2023 to develop a regional rail port south of Winnipeg. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Finance Minister Adrien Sala confirmed Monday that the province is looking into the Progressive Conservatives' dealings with JohnQ, an economic development corporation run by 12 municipalities in Manitoba. 'Why, in the dark of night, did the former government send $18 million out the door without any kind of an announcement or any type of press release?' Sala said Monday. 'That is something that should worry the average Manitoban.' The multimillion-dollar sum was spent on purchasing a plot of farmland located in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot for a future rail park. It also covered the cost of now-complete engineering and environmental assessments on the site west of Highway 75. Concerns about the brokering of that Aug. 29, 2023 deal have become 'more prominent' in recent weeks, Sala said. The finance minister did not elaborate on the timing of the inter-departmental probe that is underway in his office, as well as in the Transportation and Economic Development departments. Premier Wab Kinew's team wants to ensure taxpayers are getting 'good value for money,' he said, noting that proceeding with this project would involve costly infrastructure upgrades. Sala released JohnQ's last progress report, which is more than a year old; the July 10, 2024 document recommends modifications be made to nearby roadways and a ring dyke be constructed. 'The NDP's current fascination with JohnQ… is nothing more than a fishing expedition,' PC MLA Wayne Ewasko said in a statement. The representative for Lac du Bonnet has defended the former government's agreements with JohnQ to build a rail port and 22 stand-alone child-care facilities. The conglomerate was founded to promote collaboration and best practices when building infrastructure 'to avoid costly duplication,' added Ewasko. Deputy education minister Brian O'Leary flagged concerns about procurement processes related to the nearly $100-million 2022 child-care construction deal in a letter to the auditor general in April. Sala's office indicated the province has not requested the auditor general also look at the rail park deal, but that is a possibility if more information is not uncovered internally. JohnQ's chief executive officer said the 2023 agreement included 'clear deliverables and timelines' that have been met to date. 'The mayors and reeves who lead JohnQ view this as a significant opportunity for true regional collaboration and regional economic development,' Colleen Sklar said in a text. Sklar said her team is committed to working with all governments to move the rail port forward 'responsibly and transparently' within the parameters of current agreements. Citing confidentiality requirements, she declined to provide specific details about the project. Sala indicated that he is concerned about the former government's operations, rather than any specific vendor. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. 'Manitoba does stand to benefit from leaning into our central position and we certainly do see opportunities around us becoming a transportation-logistics hub here in Canada. However, whether or not this particular rail port has a role in that is not yet clear to us,' he said. The finance minister accused the PCs of having 'a record of questionable decision-making,' citing the Sio Silica scandal. Stefanson and two of her ex-cabinet ministers were recently found to have disregarded the caretaker convention after losing the 2023 election and attempting to approve a controversial sand mine. The 'JQ Rail Oversight Committee' was formed in October 2023, the same month as the last provincial election. Maggie MacintoshEducation reporter Maggie Macintosh reports on education for the Free Press. Originally from Hamilton, Ont., she first reported for the Free Press in 2017. Read more about Maggie. Funding for the Free Press education reporter comes from the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative. Every piece of reporting Maggie produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
