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The Canadian and Chinese governments have reached a trade agreement that will see tariffs placed by China on Canadian Canola products greatly reduced.
In exchange for Canada allowing 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles into its domestic market at a greatly reduced tariff of 6.1 per cent, China will slash its tariffs on Canadian Canola seed and meal from 76 per cent to 15 per cent.
Local Canola farmer Ernie Sirski says this is great news for Canola farmers across the country, including here in the Parkland.
"By my back of the envelope calculations, which have not been verified by anyone, Canola farmers have lost between $1 billion and $1.5 billion on canola values since the tariffs have been put in place. But that is a significant hit to Canola producers across Western Canada. And I am glad to see that it is being somewhat brought around to some reality."
Sirski says he has been pressing the issue with politicians over the past six months, and admits he was a bit surprised, but also very pleased by the announcement.
He adds commodity prices have responded favourably on Friday to the news.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A Parkland woman is thanking the RCMP after she was nearly scammed out of thousands of dollars.
On January 9, Swan River RCMP received a call from a woman who had received a call from an anonymous phone number three days earlier from someone claiming to be her grandson.
The caller said he had been in an accident, and the other person involved was pregnant and was taken to the hospital.
He requested $6,900 for bail money.
The Parkland woman was concerned and sent the money via Purolator to an address in Quebec.
The package was on the truck for delivery to the address in Quebec, but it was stopped before being delivered.
The package containing the money was returned to the Parkland woman on Wednesday.
If you suspect a call is from a scammer, hang up, and contact the RCMP.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Public safety is one of the Manitoba government's top priorities.
On Thursday, they solidified that by providing more than $33,000 in grants to support law enforcement and crime prevention initiatives in the Parkland region. The news came on the same day as the grand opening of the newly renovated Dauphin Courthouse on River Avenue.
$13,800 is going to the RCMP in Ste. Rose to purchase safer crates for transporting police dogs. An additional $18,500 is going to the Ste. Rose RCMP for a pilot project to purchase 10 ceremonial dress uniforms for the Ebb and Flow First Nation Safety Officer program.
$1,350 will go towards the RCMP Community and Indigenous Policing for the Little Muddy Waters Métis Local to host a police academy in Winnipegosis for older adults.
"Public safety is one of our government's top priorities, and we are committed to making life safer for Manitobans in every corner of the province," said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. "Today, we are proud to reinvest the proceeds of crime into local initiatives that enhance community safety, while also celebrating the opening of a modernized courthouse that will serve the Parkland region for years to come."
The ceremonial dress uniform initiative in Ebb and Flow First Nation is the first of its kind among FNSO programs in Manitoba, noted the minister.
"Today marks an important step forward for the Parkland region," said Ron Kostyhsyn, minister of Agriculture, "Whether it's the Dauphin Court House renovations, the new Justice Centre in Dauphin or the Ste. Rose and Parkland front line safety initiatives, I am proud that our government is strengthening the justice system where Manitobans live and work. These supports — from innovative community‑led programs to improved court facilities — reflect our commitment to safer communities, meaningful partnerships, and a justice system that serves people with dignity and fairness."
The province also announced $35,000 for the Parkland Crisis Centre & Women's Shelter. The funds will further support vulnerable Manitobans in the region.
The grand opening of the Dauphin Courthouse represents a major investment in Manitoba's justice system. The renovated facility will provide improved access to justice services, modernized courtrooms, and enhanced security features for residents of the Parkland region.
"These investments reflect our commitment to both community safety and access to justice," said Wiebe. "The new Dauphin Courthouse will ensure that Manitobans in the Parkland have a modern, secure, and accessible space for legal proceedings."
All funds came through the 2025-26 Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin RCMP has located Kaylee Heroux.
They thank the public for your assistance.
Dauphin RCMP are looking for a missing 20-year-old female.
Kaylee Heroux was last seen on January 11 at 7:00 PM. She told a family member that she was going to visit a friend, but she didn't return.
She was wearing a white jacket at the time. The RCMP and family are concerned for Kaylee's safety.
She's described as approximately 5'8", about 170 pounds, with red hair and green eyes.
If you have any information, call the Dauphin RCMP at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's estimated that around 1.5 billion people speak English globally, either as their first or second language.
Canada has about 20 million native English speakers. 142 countries include English as a mandatory part of their national education policy. It's a beautiful language and, as the statistics show, one that is widely used around the world.
Here in the Parkland region, the L.E.A.R.N. Centre in Roblin is helping those who want to become more proficient in English. They continue to host conversational development sessions throughout January and into next month.
"These are English sessions for newcomers that have relocated to Roblin and the surrounding areas who are interested in building on their English language skills," Janet Wheaton told CKDM NewsNow.
The sessions began in December. They run on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and are free to attend.
"We had about five to six people show up. Weather was a factor; we had to cancel a few of the sessions," added Wheaton. "We were back on January 10, and three people showed up. Now that the holiday season is over, we're hoping those numbers will increase."
Some newcomers are hesitant to learn and speak English because of a combination of psychological barriers, including fear of judgment and making mistakes. Some don't because of the lack of practice opportunities and the complex nature of the language.
Thanks to the Roblin L.E.A.R.N. Centre, now is the perfect time to learn, if that's what you're interested in.
"It's a smaller setting. We offer coffee and snacks," ended Wheaton. "There's a wide variety of languages spoken for those who attend the sessions. You don't have to feel uncomfortable about not knowing the English language; it's a fun place to learn. It's an indirect way of learning. You're learning without any pressure of tests or anything like that. It's a place to build on your skills."
The Roblin L.E.A.R.N. Centre is located at 128 3rd Avenue NW in Roblin. The next session is this Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The three people air lifted to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg following Tuesday morning's school bus rollover near Mafeking were expected to be released from hospital by the end of the day on Wednesday.
A total of eight ambulances responded to the scene about 13 km south of Mafeking, with first responders arriving within 10 minutes of the dispatch call.
12 off-duty paramedics also attended to offer assistance, while in Swan River, numerous off-duty clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as staff working in community programs responded to assist.
According to RCMP, the school bus was attempting to pass another bus when it rolled around 8:30 Tuesday morning.
Shared Health and PMH want to thank the many healthcare professionals who came together to support the system’s response.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, near the Scottish village of Alloway.
He was a poet and songwriter famous for his ability to portray the essence of Scottish common life. He wrote about everyday life, politics, love, and what he believed people thought, but couldn't say.
His work was funny and appealed to many. Robert died at the age of 37, but he remains one of the most celebrated figures in Scottish culture. Almost every year since 1907, the City of Dauphin has celebrated its Scottish heritage with Robbie Burns Night.
This year, it's back on January 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dauphin Legion, says Kate Storey.
"That's right, it's the longest-running celebration in Dauphin," said Storey. "We are proud of our Scottish heritage. Robbie Burns is a celebration that has held the world over in Scotland, and by people whose heritage is Scottish."
Dauphin's celebration features performances by the Dauphin Pipe Band, Highland Dancers, a Word about Burns, the traditional recital of the 'Address to the Haggis', and a lunch of Scottish foods, including Haggis, scones and shortbread.
Kate is a member of the Dauphin Legion Pipe Band and is looking forward to performing and celebrating with the community.
"We're very excited to be hosting, our band is now expanding," ended Storey. "We have 14 regular members, and another eight beginners. This is going to be quite a night."
Admission to the event is free. There will be a silver collection at the door. Storey thanks the community for their support over the years, and she looks forward to seeing you for this year's celebration on January 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dauphin Legion.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The cost to purchase select items at the grocery store may rise this year in Manitoba.
The price of milk, however, will not. The Manitoba government announced on Wednesday that its freezing the price of milk for 2026. The announcement was made by Wab Kinew and Ron Kostyshyn.
“An everyday essential like milk should not cost a lot, especially when we consider how important it is to kids’ healthy development. We’re freezing the retail price of milk for 2026, so it stays within reach for families looking to make healthy choices,” said Kinew. “The previous government let the price of milk jump by 25 cents, but we’re taking action to keep Manitoba’s milk prices the lowest in Canada. It is good news for parents who find themselves restocking the fridge every week.”
Kostyshyn said Manitoba's dairy producers are the backbone of the local food system. In 2022, the regulated price of milk increased by 25 cents. After a review last year, the Farm Products Marketing Council reduced the regulated price by one cent.
“Our team of registered dietitians work with schools to ensure children and youth have access to a wide variety of nutritious food every day,” said Clara Birnie, community dietitian and grants manager, Child Nutrition Council. “There are many barriers to accessing nutritious foods, and cost is one of them. These types of initiatives, which regulate the price of staple foods, are a positive step towards helping Manitobans meet their nutritional needs.”
In addition, the Manitoba government is currently studying ways to reduce grocery costs for families.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Individuals and groups in Swan River looking to access funding through the town's grant program are now advised that the application process has now opened.
Grants will be paid out after the town's Financial Plan is approved in April, and g rants for organizations and events in Swan River will be given priority, with organizations only being approved for one grant per calendar year.
The application deadline for operating grants is February 28th, while one-time grant requests are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis.
Individuals or groups with a one time grant funding request are encouraged to get their applications in as soon as possible in order to be considered.
The town also reminds applicants that the funding pool is limited this year, and that not all applications are guaranteed to be approved.
More information can be found by contacting the town office at 204-734-4586 extension 207.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 24-year-old faces charges after firing a sawed-off shotgun outside a home on the Ebb and Flow First Nation.
On Monday at 11:00 p.m., RCMP officers from multiple detachments responded to reports of a shotgun being fired multiple times. Cyril Levasseur shot the gun outside of a home, then told people he was going to shoot a man down the road.
Officers located and arrested Levasseur without incident at a friend's residence.
Cyril has been charged with several firearms-related offences, among other charges.
The RCMP also arrested a 28-year-old female at the scene on a warrant for an unrelated matter.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
