Canadian fashion retailers Ricki’s, Cleo’s and most Bootlegger stores will soon be closing across the country. Parent company Comark Holdings, which has stores in 8 provinces including Manitoba, has filed for creditor protection. Brandon Shoppers Mall is home to all three stores.
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As we get into 2025, the most in-demand jobs across the country remain in health-care and social assistance. These include doctors, nurses, counsellors, child-care and protection workers, and community housing providers.
Among the roles facing the fastest decline are bank tellers, post-office clerks and data-entry workers.
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We’ve heard a lot about the Canadian products U-S tariffs might impact, but what about American goods that could face Canadian tariffs. Officials in this country are narrowing a list of U-S products to target and they include steel and ceramics, like toilets and sinks, as well as Florida orange juice. We could also block energy exports. Still, officials say negotiating with the incoming Trump administration is the preferred option.
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There was a cybersecurity breach last month impacting ‘PowerSchool’ – a student information system provider. Brandon School Division has notified parents saying it’s working with security experts to monitor the situation.
PowerSchool says its confident data was not copied or uploaded elsewhere.
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It’s believed a house fire Wednesday morning in Portage la Prairie claimed the of Manitoba First Nations Police Service Chief Doug Palson. RCMP say the home belonged Palson – and that human remains were found inside.
The investigation is continuing.
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Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down as prime minister and leader of the Liberals has not changed how Canadians feel about the party. A new poll has found 81% of us strongly approve of his move to resign – but voter support for the party is still at near historic lows of 20%. Over half of Canadians will not vote Liberal in the next election.
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As the popularity of going booze-free rises, there are a couple of businesses in Vancouver taking advantage. ‘Mocktails’, an alcohol-free liquor store, is expecting a boom in sales – especially this month which is ‘Dry January’ for many. And just down the street is ‘The Drive Canteen’ – a snack-bar that offers ‘sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages’.
