Manitoba Minute: Childcare Spaces, Milk Prices, and Transcona Byelection Called

Manitoba Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Manitoba politics.

This Week In Manitoba:

• The annual ice-breaking program on the Red River (to help prevent flooding caused by ice jams) is underway. The initiative, which started in 2006, involves remote-controlled ice-cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers clearing a 28-kilometre stretch from Netley Marsh to Selkirk. While similar operations are often conducted on the Icelandic River and Portage Diversion, this year’s efforts will focus solely on Riverton. The Province is advising river users to avoid areas where ice-cutting is underway and reminding ice fishers to remove any huts or equipment. The work is expected to be completed by March 15th.
  
  
• The provincial and federal governments are partnering to open more childcare spaces in healthcare facilities, schools, and post-secondary institutions across Manitoba. The agreement will add 324 childcare spaces in healthcare settings, with a $21-million investment over three years. Additionally, 256 spaces will be created in six schools, and 128 more at post-secondary institutions like RRC Polytech and University College of the North. The initiative aims to provide more accessible care outside traditional hours, as well as to support workforce recruitment and retention in the health sector.
  
  
• Manitoba is investing over $1 million into initiatives that aim to help youth build careers in their home communities. The First Jobs Fund will support six organizations that provide programs for individuals aged 15-29 facing employment barriers, with each organization receiving up to $225,000. The funding will benefit organizations like the Urban Transition Centre, Manitoba Aviation Council, Tech Manitoba, and others.

Last Week In Manitoba:

• A byelection for the Transcona riding in east Winnipeg has been scheduled for March 18th to replace former MLA Nello Altomare, who passed away last month. Altomare, first elected in 2019, served as Manitoba’s education minister before taking a medical leave last October. The Manitoba NDP has nominated educator Shannon Corbett, who previously worked in the River East Transcona School Division, to run for the seat. Former City Councillor Shawn Nason has been selected as the Progressive Conservative candidate. The Green Party has opted not to run a candidate out of respect for Altomare, while the Manitoba Liberals are still considering their options.
  
  
• An investigation by Manitoba’s ethics commissioner determined that Premier Wab Kinew did not violate the Conflict of Interest Act by publishing the children’s book An Anishinaabe Christmas. The inquiry was initiated after MLA Mark Wasyliw alleged Kinew’s publishing activities conflicted with his role as premier. Ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor found that Kinew had met all required conditions, including not promoting his books and ensuring his publisher did not reference his position. While Wasyliw claimed Kinew submitted new work for publication and engaged in promotional activities, the report found no factual basis for most of his allegations. Schnoor concluded that Kinew’s publishing activities were properly disclosed and did not present a conflict with his official duties.
  
  
• Walmart Canada was found selling one-litre cartons of milk for higher prices than allowed by Manitoba law, charging $2.88 instead of the provincial limit of $2.03 for 2% milk and $1.97 for 1% milk. The company apologized, citing a pricing error on February 13th. The price was corrected the following day, and customers who paid extra can receive refunds. The Manitoba Agriculture Minister has instructed a review of the issue, as violations of the Milk Prices Review Act can lead to fines.