The Manitoba government is extending the gas tax holiday for a second time – it’ll now last until the end of the year. They lifted the 14-cent-a-litre provincial gas tax at the start of the year to help us deal with inflation. It was initially meant to last 6 months, but it was extended until the end of September.
———-
You still have a chance to vote on the design for Manitoba’s new plastic health card. There are three of them featuring a bison, a polar bear and the northern lights, and so far on social media, the northern lights are winning. You can still pick your favourite online at EngageMB this week.
———-
The Manitoba Foster Parent Association wants an inquiry following the death of a 6-year-old autistic boy on Shamattawa First Nation. Johnson Redhead went missing last week after attending his school’s breakfast program, and his body was found 4 days later. The Association says a lack of coordination in his care led to him going missing.
———-
Live, juvenile zebra mussels have been found in Clear Lake at Riding Mountain National Park – and Parks Canada is now bringing in third-party experts to help work on treatment options. Meantime, a temporary ban on personal watercraft is still in effect, and Boat Cove remains closed until further notice.
———-
The summer of 2024 is now Canada’s most destructive season on record for insured losses due to severe weather events. The Insurance Bureau says losses topped $7-billion, 10 times higher than the average between 2001 and 2010. They’d like to see governments respond to climate change ‘as a crisis’ and collaborate to reduce risks.
———-
Canada’s population of the country reached an estimated 41, 288, 599 on July 1st. Statistic Canada says the increase was almost entirely due to international migration – and Alberta saw the fastest growth rate.
———-
Brandon’s Keystone Centre as created a new orange seat – the ‘Seat of Truth’ – to acknowledge and bring awareness to truth and reconciliation. The seat will remain empty for events to allow people to reflect on the area’s history and how it was shaped. September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
