The wildfires in Manitoba have now displaced around 21,000 people, which officials say is likely lower than the actual number – it only includes those registered with the Canadian Red Cross. There are currently 28 fires burning across Manitoba with 10 are out-of-control. The government says the majority of the province’s wildfires have been human-caused, and since May 1st, 74 charges have been laid.
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Because of the need for more hotel rooms for fire evacuees, Manitobans and Canadians are being urged to reconsider non-essential travel, and any events in the province. Despite dealing with one of the largest evacuations in provincial history, the Manitoba government believes it will be able to find accommodations for all evacuees by working with the hotel and tourism industry.
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Wildfire evacuees staying in Brandon are being offered ‘free’ three-month library memberships. The Western Manitoba Regional Library posted the offer on its social media pages last week. All evacuees need for the free memberships is ID.
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On June 5th, Manitoba broadcasters came together for the first-ever Manitoba Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees. More than 30 radio stations, including 94.7 Star FM and Q Country 91.5, helped raise a total of $419,437 to support Canadian Red Cross relief efforts. So far, the Red Cross ‘Manitoba Wildfires Appeal’ has raised over $3.3-million, not including matching government funds.
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This fall, Sioux Valley First Nation reportedly plans to move about 90 students to the community from Brandon. They had to make the decision because of potential asbestos contamination and an outdated heating system at Sioux Valley High School on Louise Avenue. To accommodate the students, the First Nation is spending about $2-million on portable classrooms.
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Manitoba RCMP are looking for a man in connection with an assault and robbery in Melita last Wednesday. Police say a 64-year-old man, walking home from a business on Front Street, was attacked and robbed of cash.
Police have a warrant out for 20-year-old Spear Ironman, who’s believed to be in Brandon.
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Nearly 500 soldiers from CFB Shilo, who’ve been serving in Operation Reassurance in Latvia since December 2024, are returning home this evening. The military has been taking part in the operation since 2014 to support NATO in Eastern and Central Europe.
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This week leading up to Father’s Day is the first-ever Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week in Manitoba. It’s a result of legislation introduced by Dawson Trail PC MLA Bob Lagassé, who has shared his own struggles with
mental health. Manitoba has among the highest need for mental health services in Canada, and the government says its hired 25 new mental health workers and has committed to 100 in the next four years.
