Community Correspondents

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Assiniboia MLA Nellie Kennedy’s constituency office offers a free income tax clinic during March and April.

Making tax season easier in Assiniboia

Nellie Kennedy 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

As spring begins to take hold in Assiniboia, this time of year brings a sense of renewal—but also, for many, the responsibility of preparing taxes. For some, that process can feel overwhelming, especially for seniors or those living on a fixed income. It is in these moments that small, practical supports can make a meaningful difference.

Over the past two years, our constituency office has been proud to offer a free tax clinic during the months of March and April. What began as a simple effort to provide assistance has quickly grown into a larger initiative shaped by community need, and strengthened by the people who have chosen to take part in it.

As the MLA for Assiniboia, it is a privilege to help provide a service that removes financial and emotional barriers for those who need it most. Filing taxes often comes with costs that can be difficult to manage, and for individuals already stretching their budgets, even small fees can add up. By offering this clinic at no cost, we are helping ensure that more people can access the benefits and credits they are entitled to, while easing the stress that so often accompanies this time of year.

Importantly, the clinic we offer is low-barrier and accessible. Participants are not simply handed forms or directed elsewhere – they are welcomed in and supported through each step of the process. Our volunteers take the time to sit down, listen, and guide individuals through filing their taxes step-by-step. It is a low-barrier approach that reflects the kind of service our community values.

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St. Boniface MLA Robert Loiselle and Burrows MLA Diljeet Brar, pictured April 13, Turban Day, at the legislative building.

Sikh Heritage Month is Manitoba’s story, too

Diljeet Brar 3 minute read Preview

Sikh Heritage Month is Manitoba’s story, too

Diljeet Brar 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

April holds a special place in my heart, and in the hearts of Sikh families across Manitoba. It is Sikh Heritage Month, a time to reflect on who we are, where we come from, and the values that guide us forward.

For me, this month is both deeply personal and proudly public. As a Sikh, and as your MLA, I carry these traditions with me every day. But April gives us the opportunity to share them more widely, to open doors, start conversations, and build understanding across communities.

April is also when we celebrate the Khalsa, a defining moment in Sikh history grounded in the principles of equality, social justice, and service. These are not just Sikh values. They are human values. They are Manitoban values. And they remind us that the work of building a more just and compassionate society belongs to all of us.

That is why I was proud to introduce Bill 227: The Turban Day Act, which established April 13 as Turban Day in Manitoba. The turban is not simply an article of clothing. It represents dignity, responsibility, and the commitment to stand up for others. Each year, seeing Manitobans from all backgrounds come to the legislative building, ask questions, and even try on a turban is something I will never take for granted.

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) was thrilled to see the provincial government include funding for school play structures in its most recent budget.

At last – support for play structures

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At last – support for play structures

Brian Mayes 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

In December 2025, I announced plans to undertake a “10-day task force” in

January 2026 to research how school play structures are funded in Manitoba and to make recommendations for improvement. This initiative proved to be one of the most rewarding efforts of my current term on city council.

The long-time model for funding play structures in Manitoba has relied heavily on parent councils to raise the necessary funds. This model has created several inequities – families in more affluent neighbourhoods are often better positioned to successfully raise funds, while others face greater challenges; some school divisions prohibit fundraising but provide partial financial support, while other divisions provide no support at all. In addition, a small number of schools benefit from “city funded” play structures located on or adjacent to their grounds.

The task force was a great opportunity to meet with parents frustrated with the current system. People from Bison Run, Springfield Heights, Sage Creek and other communities reached out. Many described the burden of taking time off work to organize fundraising events, only to see their progress offset by rising construction costs. In some cases, the price of a new play structure – reaching as high as $500,000 – meant fundraising could take years, often extending well beyond the time their children remained at the school.

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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Churchill is more than a port – it is a strategic northern gateway, with the potential to open new trade routes and connect Canadian products to global markets in new ways.

Building Canada strong in an uncertain world

Terry Duguid 4 minute read Preview

Building Canada strong in an uncertain world

Terry Duguid 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

The world is becoming a more uncertain place. Long-standing alliances are under strain, supply chains are shifting, and the rules-based international order is being tested in ways we have not seen in decades. For a trading nation like Canada, that matters. It goes directly to our economic security and, ultimately, to our sovereignty.

That is why, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, our focus is clear – protect our economy, diversify our trade, and build the strength we need here at home.

Diversification is no longer a nice-to-have. It is essential. Canada has what the world needs – energy, critical minerals, agricultural products, and advanced technologies. The challenge is making sure we are reaching more markets, building stronger partnerships, and not relying too heavily on any one country.

Recent experience has only reinforced that point. Unjustified and unfair tariffs on Canadian goods have shown, in very practical terms, the risks of overdependence. They are a reminder that we need to keep opening new doors and strengthening relationships with partners around the world.

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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Raquel Dancho and Britt Moberg are pictured in Parliament with a photo of Earl Moberg, Britt’s father.

Bill C-263: Silver Alert National Framework Act

Raquel Dancho 2 minute read Preview

Bill C-263: Silver Alert National Framework Act

Raquel Dancho 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

When a vulnerable senior goes missing, every minute counts.

Two years ago, Earl Moberg, a beloved father, grandfather, and educator from North Kildonan who was living with dementia, went missing. Despite extensive search efforts by family, volunteers, and law enforcement, Earl was never found and is presumed deceased.

Following his disappearance, the Moberg family launched a petition calling for a national Silver Alert system, which I was honoured to sponsor in Parliament. Signed by more than 7,300 Canadians from every province and territory, the petition demonstrated strong national support for action to protect vulnerable seniors. I am honoured to now bring forward legislation to establish a national Silver Alert framework in Canada.

In March, I introduced Bill C-263 in the House of Commons: the Silver Alert National Framework Act. If passed, this bill will establish a national framework to quickly alert the public when a vulnerable senior – such as someone living with dementia or another cognitive impairment, goes missing. The federal government would be required to work with provinces, territories, and law enforcement to establish coordinated national standards for issuing Silver Alerts. Using Canada’s existing national public alerting system, alerts could be geo-targeted to nearby areas, similar to Amber Alerts used for children, in the area where a missing senior is most likely to be found.

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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A public performance of Mwana et la secret du tortue will be staged on April 26 at Centre culturel franco-manitobain.

Calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

Calendrier communautaire 2 minute read Preview

Calendrier communautaire 233-ALLÔ

Calendrier communautaire 2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

22 et 29 avril • Bébés à la biblio • Bibliothèque de Saint-Boniface

23 avril • Atelier SLAM communautaire • Maison Gabrielle-Roy

23 et 30 avril • Drop-in de céramique • CCFM

23 avril • Le travail et la formation avec le gouvernement du Manitoba • Pluri-elles

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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A photo of correspondent Doug Kretchmer’s now-empty storage unit. The ‘cymbal lamps’ are centre left.

Getting it done

Doug Kretchmer 3 minute read Preview

Getting it done

Doug Kretchmer 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

You can do anything you put your mind to – almost anything, practically speaking.

But some tasks can be daunting… where do you start? I recently had to clean out a storage locker because the lease had expired. How did it get so cluttered, and so fast?

Well, I figured it out when started pulling stuff out of the locker. Lots and lots and then a lot more empty boxes. After breaking down approximately 20 boxes and stuffing them into two big boxes, I made a trip to the 4R Recycling Depot on Pacific Avenue. Since I was going anyway, I thought might as well load up any other recycling in the building that I maintain and live in. I ended up making a few trips with a few carloads.

With phase one of the project complete, it was time to pull out boxes and categorize them. Thank goodness I’m good at documentation, a trait I learned in recording engineering school).

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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The streetcar monument to the Winnipeg General Strike sits at the corner of Market Avenue and Main Street – across the street from city hall.

Solidarity: the political version of love

Emèt Hadass Eviatar 3 minute read Preview

Solidarity: the political version of love

Emèt Hadass Eviatar 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

The late American poet and scholar Melanie Kaye/Kantrowitz famously wrote, in her 2007 book The Colors of Jews: Racial Politics and Radical Diasporism, that solidarity is the political version of love.

The book discusses the need for broad coalitions within civil society, with nobody considered ‘better’ than anyone else. When people of diverse backgrounds stand shoulder to shoulder for a cause they can all believe in, regardless of what else divides them, that is truly a political form of love.

Here on Turtle Island, while any one of us who is not Indigenous is by definition a settler, the fact remains that some of us (including many Indigenous people) are more marginalized than others. Whether it’s the colour of our skin, our religious or gender identity, or anything else that sets us off from the majority, it is always a little fraught to be different. For those who are hyphenated Canadians or otherwise suspected of dual loyalty, it can be even more fraught, and that is where the concept of ‘diasporism’ comes in.

Kaye/Kantrowitz writes: “Diasporism is committed to an endless paradoxical dance between cultural integrity and multicultural complexities. Diasporism depends not on dominance but on balance, perpetual back and forth, home and away, community and outside, always on the edge except perhaps at intensely personal moments in the family created by blood or by love, or at moments of transcendent solidarity.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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Pedro loved to explore the neighbourhoods of Lord Roberts.

Pedro of Lord Roberts

Candice G. Ball 3 minute read Preview

Pedro of Lord Roberts

Candice G. Ball 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

When I moved back to Winnipeg in 2009, my dog, Pedro, made connecting with people easy.

He could not contain his excitement when he saw anyone walking down the street. Young, old, rich, or poor – it didn’t matter. He wanted to meet everyone. He introduced me to some of my closest friends in the area.

South Osborne was a dog haven, and I got into the habit of taking him everywhere with me. Chocolate Zen Bakery welcomed dogs and sold treats that looked so delicious I often thought of taking a bite.

Once, after an early evening stroll down to Banana Boat to get Pedro a doggie sundae, I decided to pop into the Park Theatre to rent a movie.

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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Kent Kamenz, Manitoba regional director of Slo-Pitch National, can’t wait for the ball season to begin.

Slo-pitch season just around the corner

Tony Zerucha 3 minute read Preview

Slo-pitch season just around the corner

Tony Zerucha 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

With the snow all but gone and parks and ball diamonds slowly drying, it’ll soon be softball season. Kent Kamenz, Manitoba regional director of Slo-Pitch National, and his staff are hard at work organizing a host of tournaments and provincial championships that will keep local ballplayers busy well into fall.

Kamenz said more than 700 teams are registered for a variety of leagues across Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. There are men’s, women’s, co-ed and seniors’ divisions, which, according to a recent letter from SPN, can begin at 35 and older. (That means I’ve qualified as a senior for more than 20 years. Thanks, Kent!)

Several weekends of the season will feature fundraising tournaments for a variety of charities. Hittin’ for Hooters and Duders, a fundraiser held in conjunction with the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, is scheduled for June 20 at Little Mountain Sportsplex. All funds raised go to breast and prostate cancer initiatives right here in Manitoba.

SPN also teams up with Make a Wish Canada’s Manitoba/Nunavut region and radio station QX-104 for the Slo-Pitch for a Wish event on Sept. 12 at Little Mountain Sportsplex. This will be a great way to wind down the ball season. In addition to the games, there is a concert, celebrity game, vendor market and auctions. The 2025 event raised more than $70,000.

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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2026

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A fun way to get together and get to know your neighbours is by hosting a community block party.

Help make our community safer, more vibrant

John Orlikow 3 minute read Preview

Help make our community safer, more vibrant

John Orlikow 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Building the kind of neighbourhoods, we want to be a part of doesn’t happen by accident – we all have a role to play in making our communities as safe and welcoming as possible for everyone.

For many of us, that starts with keeping our homes, garages and property protected. To help give you, your family and friends tips on crime prevention and personal safety, I will be hosting two free community forums, along with my senior staff member, Georgina, and the Winnipeg Police Service later this month.

Join us on Saturday April 25, 202at 3:30 p.m. at Linden Woods Community Centre (414 Lindenwood Dr.) or on Monday, April 27 at 7p.m. at the Corydon Community Centre – River Heights Site (1370 Grosvenor Ave.).

At both events, WPS members will share the best ways to secure our homes and personal property and answer any questions you may have. I hope to see you there as we all work together to keep River Heights-Fort Garry as safe as possible.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Avi Lewis holds his first press conference as leader of Canada’s NDP, alongside former interim leader Don Davies, Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre, at the Delta Hotel on March 30.

Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Winnipeg Centre 3 minute read Preview

Avi Lewis: A future for the 99 per cent

Winnipeg Centre 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Just a few weeks ago, New Democratic Party of Canada members gathered in Winnipeg to choose a new leader. The overwhelming sense of excitement and optimism I have felt since we came together at the convention has not left me.

It’s with deep honour and enthusiasm that I share my heartfelt congratulations to our new NDP leader, Avi Lewis. Avi brings 35 years of challenging power and advancing working-class politics across Canada through his experience as a veteran journalist, educator and activist. Avi has deep roots in progressive politics as the son of Stephen Lewis, grandson of David Lewis, and the husband of Naomi Klein.

I was proud to endorse Avi early on because I supported and recognized his bold, progressive, and democratic agenda. I look forward to working with Avi as we rebuild our party to make room for everyone who believes in social, economic and racial justice.

It was inspiring to join this new wave of energy spreading throughout Canada and culminating in Winnipeg. You could feel the excitement in the air at the RBC Convention Centre and see the energy in the numbers. We broke party fundraising records and welcomed thousands of members at convention, including a record youth turnout, showing that the future of the NDP is bright.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Active Living Centre feeds body and soul

Michele Kading 3 minute read Preview

Active Living Centre feeds body and soul

Michele Kading 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

I recently met with some wonderful people at the Elmwood-East Kildonan Active Living Centre. When I arrived, the main room was in use for a meeting of staff and volunteers. An hour later, it was transformed into a food rescue centre. Dozens of volunteers from Community Helpers Unite organized grocery items donated by local stores. Tables were stacked with potatoes, onions, peppers, cabbages, green onions, mandarin oranges, kiwis, papayas, and more. Word about the Thursday food giveaway had just gone out on social media. Soon, hundreds of people would arrive to save the food from going to waste.

This is just one of the food security programs offered by the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation at the Active Living Centre.

What makes it unique?

“The program is barrier-free” said Louise Peters of CNRC. “If you need it, you take it.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

Budget 2026 invests in us

Shannon Corbett 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

It has been a busy start to the spring here in Transcona, and I’m proud to share that on March 24, our NDP government brought forward Budget 2026: Good Jobs. Lower Costs. Better Health Care.

This budget reflects what I hear every day from folks in our community. People want a strong health-care system, affordable everyday costs, and opportunities to build a good life right here in Transcona.

As a former school vice-principal, I know first-hand that one of the best investments we can make is in our young people and in our classrooms. That is why I am especially proud that this budget includes $80 million in new funding for schools. For the third year in a row, school funding is increasing above the rate of inflation, bringing the total to nearly $2 billion for the 2026 and 2027 school year. These investments support classrooms, technical vocational education, and school infrastructure.

We are also continuing to strengthen the universal school nutrition program, which provided more than 30 million meals and snacks to students last year. Through Nello’s Law, we’re protecting this program for years to come so that no child has to try to learn on an empty stomach.

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Parents and parent councils are a valued source of support and feedback for school boards across Manitoba.

An appreciation of parents and guardians

Irene Nordheim 3 minute read Preview

An appreciation of parents and guardians

Irene Nordheim 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The Louis Riel School Board is grateful for the support that we receive from our community – especially the parents and guardians of our students. To state the the obvious, we would not be anywhere without your children attending our schools.

Just as important, though often less visible, is the behind-the-scenes support you provide throughout the year – volunteering, reading with children at home, chaperoning field trips, and recognizing teachers for a job well done. These contributions make a meaningful difference in our schools.

Educational partnerships with parents are most clearly demonstrated through school parent councils. We value their fundraising efforts, their questions and curiosity, and the feedback they provide – both positive and constructive. At the Manitoba school boards’ convention on March 19 and 20, trustees passed the following resolution to support parent councils across the province:

“Be it resolved that the Manitoba School Boards Association lobby the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning to undertake a review of the 2005 document School Partnerships; A Guide for Parents, Schools and Communities, with a goal of providing a more current document that recognizes and supports the role of parents, schools, and communities in the educational success of learners.”

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

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Unfortunately, this is a time of year at which some scammers target students with fake promises of easygoing, high-paying gigs.

Be wary of job scams this summer

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Be wary of job scams this summer

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

The summer job churn is here and postings for temporary staff are cropping up across the province. It’s an exciting time for many – when we learn the habits, skills and competencies that will carry us into our professional careers. It’s also when we will make lifelong friends and put some money in the bank to get us through another Manitoba winter.

But, alongside the opportunity and excitement lies an increased risk. Scammers are targeting casual workers, especially university students, to see if they can lure them into their fake promises of easygoing, high-paying gigs.

It often begins with an email to a student’s university email account. The scammer may try to impersonate a professor, a human resources service centre or a company in the community. They’ll offer the student a summer job that seems easy and pays well. At some point, the scammer will say that part of the job requires purchasing supplies for the soon-to-be employee or the company. This should alert all your senses. They’ll mail a cheque and tell the student to use it to pay for the supplies before keeping the rest as a payment. The supplies may include gift cards, money orders or prepaid debit cards. The student will be instructed to send these elsewhere or even perform an electronic transfer to another individual.

Since it can take a bank weeks to verify a cheque, the student won’t know that the cheque they received will bounce and they’ll be out all the money they used to purchase these things for the “company”. The scammer will have the prepaid cards or e-transfers, and the student will likely never see that money again.

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Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

April 26, 2026