The Canadian economy shed 33,000 jobs in March, the biggest loss since January 2022. The hit came amid uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs that have threatened economic growth. There were job losses in the wholesale and retail sectors – also information, culture and recreation, and agriculture. Gains came in the services sector which includes personal and repair services. The unemployment rate rose to 6.7% in March from 6.6% in February.
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A popular downtown Brandon community centre will be redeveloped to include a licensed, non-profit daycare with 62 spaces. The province is providing $6-million towards rebuilding the Park Community Centre. There’s no word yet on when construction will begin. At one time, there were no plans to rebuild the centre – it was recommended the aging structure be torn down for a green space.
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The union for striking child and family services workers in Manitoba is asking the Labour Board to appoint an independent arbitrator to end the dispute. The strike involves more than 300 workers at Michif and Metis Child and Family Services. The main issue is wage parity with other agencies.
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On the federal election campaign trail Thursday, the Conservatives and NDP both pitched ideas to help workers in the face of U-S tariffs. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh proposed tax-free savings bonds, while Conservative Pierre Poilievre would remove the federal sales tax from Canadian-made vehicles. Liberal leader Mark Carney announced Canada will match Trump’s 25% auto tariffs with a levy on U.S. vehicle imports.
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Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, and the other provincial leaders, are backing the federal government’s response to Trump’s tariffs. They all agreed with Canada hitting back with 25% matching tariffs on imports of U.S. vehicles. Kinew also says existing U.S. tariffs on steel and other goods will affect Manitoba, as will Chinese tariffs on canola and pork.
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The second week of the federal election campaign is winding down. Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre will hold a press conference in Trois-Rivières, Quebec today, the NDP’s Jagmeet Singh will make an announcement and visit a local business in Montreal – and Liberal Leader Mark Carney is will make an announcement in Montreal before touring an auto manufacturing plant in Woodbridge, Ontario – and holding a rally in Toronto.
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There are two days left to take in the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair at Brandon’s Keystone Centre. The event featuring horse competitions, livestock shows, food and entertainment, also boasts over 300 exhibits and displays with many homegrown products and services. Today is Cenovus Energy Multicultural Day showcasing the various cultures and traditions that make up Manitoba.
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Canada Post has unveiled a new commemorative Blue Rodeo stamp. The design revolves around a collage of black-and-white studio portraits of the band’s current lineup. It features illustrations of pink flowers along the edges with a blue guitar in the background. Blue Rodeo was founded in 1984 and had a string of hits in the 80’s and 90’s.
