We’ll have to get through another cold day and night before some relief from this extreme weather. Environment Canada is calling for freezing wind chills tonight and Tuesday morning, but with snow on the way tomorrow – daytime highs are expected to return to near normal for this time of year. The seasonal high is typically around minus 12, with overnight lows near minus 22.
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Many southern Manitoba highways were closed last weekend due to hazardous driving conditions. There were several multi-car pileups, and there was a story going around that if you crash while driving on a closed highway – your Autopac coverage is void. MPI says that’s an urban myth – but police say you can get a ticket for up to $240.
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A federal immigration program, the City of Brandon counts on to help fuel its growth, is facing severe cuts. Manitoba is only receiving 4,750 nominee slots through the provincial nominee program this year – half the number it was allotted last year. Business groups say this will worsen labour shortages.
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As Manitoba’s health-care system gets ready for the peak of respiratory virus season, we’re learning fewer people have been vaccinated this year. Both flu and COVID shot numbers are down from 2024. Health officials say if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s still not too late.
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Some brands of eggs have been recalled in multiple provinces, including Manitoba, due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall covers Compliments, Foremost, Golden Valley Eggs, IGA, No Name and Western Family eggs. The expiry dates are February 16th and 22nd – and March 1st. You’re advised to throw them away or contact the grocer.
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Members of the restaurant industry are calling on Ottawa to make the GST holiday permanent. Some say the tax break on meals has created a big enough boost in sales, they’d like it extended for good. Restaurants Canada found customers weren’t just spending more, but also showing more willingness to dine out more often.
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Tik Tok in the U-S, which was supposed to go dark this weekend, began restoring service Sunday after incoming president Donald Trump said he’d pause a court-ordered ban. He said it would give the app’s China-based parent company more time to find an approved buyer. In Canada, Tik Tok has been ordered to cease business operations after a national security review.
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As U-S president elect Donald Trump is inaugurated today, a new poll has found that while 80% of Canadians would never vote to be part of the U-S, about 43% of younger people would – but with conditions. They’d vote to switch if citizenship and conversion of assets to U-S dollars were guaranteed. Trump has been talking lately about Canada becoming the 51st state.
