Sean Traverse can come and go from his apartment at his own leisure — something he was forbidden to do when he lived at the Manitoba Developmental Centre for people with intellectual disabilities more than 25 years ago.

Premier Wab Kinew says his government will start moving people out of homeless encampments and into housing in the new year, while sticking to its timeline for a balanced budget despite a projected deficit for this year that's grown by half a billion dollars.

Glen Scrimshaw supplies knitting and crocheting supplies to Neighborhood Angels Saskatoon, a group of 15 volunteers who make items for local charities.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland has called on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to review the algorithm-based system used by the agency that determines how often – or how little – food producers are inspected, amid concerns that facilities in Canada are not being properly scrutinized.

A Globe and Mail investigation this month found the CFIA’s move to an algorithm-based system for prioritizing inspections misjudged the risk associated with a facility in Pickering, Ont., that was linked by public-health officials to a deadly listeria outbreak this summer.

Swift Current's Lyric Theatre is gearing up for it's 19th annual Boxing Day Jam fundraiser coming up this Thursday, featuring a wide array of talented southwest musicians.

Juno-award-winning local musician, Eliza Doyle, will host the vibrant event with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the performances kicking off around 7:00 p.m.

Maria Doyle, front-of-house manager at the Lyric Theatre, highlighted that all proceeds from the the Boxing Day Jam will go towards the Lyric Theatre so that they can continue to provide a variety of events and programs.

"It's a fundraiser for the Open Stage and it's held in an open-stage-type form," she said. "Any performers that are looking to perform on Boxing Day, come on out, get a slot and let people enjoy the show." 

Maria, who is also the host's sister, noted that Eliza will be able to provide backup for performers who are interested, playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. 

"We hope everybody has a safe holiday season and we hope to see you out at the 19th annual Boxing Day Jam fundraiser," she added. 

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased either online through the Lyric Theatre's website or in person at Pharmasave in Swift Current.

The afterparty will take place just across the street at Lucky Charlie's Pub & Pool for those who are looking for some more live music and fun. 

The City of Steinbach continues to experience impressive growth, with November being another strong month for building permits. With just one month left in the year, the City’s numbers highlight a vibrant and thriving community. 

November’s numbers at a glance 

In November, permits were issued for three single- and two-family units, bringing the total for the year to 88. A significant boost came from 73 multi-family units, which raised the year’s total for this category to 255. Altogether, Steinbach has seen 343 permits issued for dwelling units in 2024. 

The value of residential projects in November alone reached over $12 million, bringing the year-to-date residential growth value to an impressive $76.7 million. Commercial, industrial, schools, and churches also saw $1.98 million in November, contributing to a year-to-date total of $27 million in these categories. 

Mayor Earl Funk highlighted the city’s progress during a council meeting, noting, “This is definitely a great year. Last year, we had just over $200 million worth of permits, largely commercial. Now, housing is following that trend, showing how our community continues to grow and thrive.” 

A cycle of growth 

Councillor Susan Penner emphasized how housing development fuels economic growth, saying, “Often businesses look at whether there’s enough labour available when deciding to invest in a community. This year’s incredible housing numbers show that Steinbach is a healthy, vibrant community. Growth creates opportunities for even more growth—it’s a cycle we’re fortunate to be part of.” 

Councillor Jac Siemens added that November’s figures reflect exciting changes in the city. “Twelve million dollars in residential and almost two million dollars in commercial is amazing for one month. And with three demolition permits issued, it’s clear new housing could be replacing old, derelict homes soon.” 

2024: historic year for housing 

Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra pointed to the demand for housing as evidence of Steinbach’s appeal. “Whether it’s multi-family or single-family homes, people want to live in Steinbach. We need to ensure housing is affordable and available so that everyone who wants to live here can do so.” 

Mayor Funk shared his pride in Steinbach’s residents, saying they are the city’s greatest asset. “The kindness they show, just the way they take care of their properties, the way they take care of their neighbors, encourages others to come to our community. So, yes, we have lots of jobs, we have lots of businesses, but I do believe it's the people, it's the heart of our people that are drawing new people to our community.” 

Looking ahead 

As 2024 nears its end, Steinbach’s growth shows no signs of slowing. With over $100 million in permits already this year, the city continues to set itself apart as a desirable place to live, work, and invest. 

The council unanimously approved the November building permits report, reflecting a shared optimism for Steinbach’s bright future. 

Marti Dueck is a familiar face at South East Helping Hands, where she often volunteers. But last week, she was there for a different reason—to collect a $1,000 cheque. 

“Oh, it’s wonderful! It’s amazing,” she says. 

Dueck’s prize comes through One Great Lottery, a draw that benefits Manitoba charities. 

She says it’s important that everyone has food and that’s why she purchased tickets to support the local food bank.

Ken Dyck of South East Helping Hands says this lottery provides valuable financial support for the food bank. 

“We are on the right track,” he says. “We just have to let people know that it’s out there and they can buy tickets, and it supports us. We’re not putting any money into it so it’s a win-win for us, no matter what we get. And we’ve had two local winners which is amazing. First, a couple of ladies from Mitchell and now one from Steinbach with the Early Bird of $1,000. The chances are there, and the ticket prices are cheap.” 

The lottery allows ticket buyers to allocate their purchase to a specific organization or share the proceeds among all participating groups. 

For more information on One Great Lottery and to support South East Helping Hands, click here to be directed to their website. 

-With files from Carly Koop 

With winter in full swing, snowmobilers are eagerly anticipating the opening of the snowmobile trails in the southeast. However, Mitch Gobeil, president of the Southeast SnoRiders, advises caution as the trails are still not officially open.

"We're not there yet," Gobeil says, explaining that while their group has been working hard to get the trails ready, they haven't been able to start grooming them yet.

"We've been out with equipment packing the trails, but we've had some mechanical breakdowns. We had another one last week, and it's a waiting game now for repairs."

Regarding trail-prep, Gobeil says, "Usually, by this time of year, we'd have between 10 to 13 inches of snow. When we pack it down, it gives us a good 3-inch base to work with." However, the weather has been a bit uncooperative, with warmer temperatures making it difficult to get into certain swampy areas. The heavy equipment, which can weigh between 11,000 to 14,000 pounds, requires a solid, frozen base to avoid getting stuck.

The situation has been tough on riders who are anxious to hit the trails. Gobeil urges them to be cautious, as "the trails are not officially open, and anyone using them is doing so at their own risk. There could be trees on the trails that haven't been cleared yet, and the swamps are still not frozen."

Gobeil says that while volunteers have been out setting up trail signs, the work of clearing fallen trees and hazards is still ongoing. "We haven't been able to get out and clear everything off. Some trees are buried in snow, and it’s hard to see them."

For those still wanting to ride, Gobeil has one major piece of advice: take it slow.

"Don’t be speeding. If you're out there and you hit a hidden rut or a buried tree, it could end badly."

As for ATV riders using snowmobile trails, he urges them to stay off the trails until they’re officially open.

"When ATVs go down the trails, they leave ruts. If a snowmobile hits those, it could cause a dangerous spill."

While there's no exact timeline for when the trails will officially open, Gobeil says it's largely dependent on repairs and the weather.

"We need cold weather to freeze the swamps and river crossings. Typically, we aim to open the trails in early January."

The Southeast SnoRiders have also been busy working on warming shelters along the trails.

"We’ve spent over $15,000 on renovations. New chimneys, new benches, painting, and aluminum soffits to make sure everything is safe and ready."

Despite the setbacks, Gobeil emphasizes the importance of safety.

"Even after the trails are open, we ask people to stay cautious. Trees can fall, and you never know what’s around the corner."

With plenty of work still to do, Gobeil and the SnoRiders volunteers are hoping for some cold weather to help get the trails in shape for snowmobilers this season. In the meantime, safety remains the top priority.

Heavy fog is obfuscating the highways in southwest Saskatchewan this morning. 

A fog advisory is in effect, issued by Environment and Climate Chanage Canada for the RM's of Swift Current and Wymark. 

Motorists are advised to slow down when there is low visibility. With with reduced sight, reaction times are severely cut down. Lower vehicle speeds give the driver more time to react when unseen obstacles appear in the fog. 

The fog is forecasted to lift later in the morning. 

Anyone looking to stay ahead of road conditions is advised to use the Highway Hotline. 

An incident left a trash can on Cheadle Street East banged, bruised, and bashed on Sunday.

Retail workers watched the incident, where a pickup truck appeared to slide on the snow ruts, colliding with the sidewalk-affixed garbage receptacle.  

According to an eyewitness, the debris from the can itself almost struck the Subway franchise windows, where people were eating. 

Reports also claim that the truck drove off, dragging a piece some distance away. 

Swift Current Online will follow up with RCMP on this incident and will provide any additional details that emerge. 

Early Saturday morning, the RM of Swift Current Fire Department responded to a serious incident. 

West of Swift Current on the Trans-Canada Highway, crews responded to a single flipped vehicle in the median. 

RMSCFD reported that there were no injuries in this incident. 

The cause of the rollover was not disclosed. 

The provincial government says all of its winter snowclearing resources are now at the depots and ready to go.

Winter struck parts of the province in a big way this past weekend.

More than 400 seasonal heavy equipment operators, management and staff have been recalled for the winter season.

The fleet of 534 snow plows and loaders are in service, and $35-million worth of salt and sand has been delivered to all 67 depots across the province.

Overnight snowclearing is done on 14 of the most traveled routes in the province, as conditions warrant.

The department of transportation and infrastructure says it has ordered 64 new tandem-axle plow trucks at a value of $24-million. The trucks are being manufactured and will be delivered over the next few months.

Minister Fred Hutton also asks the public to do its part, and ensure that their vehicle is properly equipped for winter driving.

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A 16-year-old boy from western New Brunswick sexually abused his younger sister for three years, beginning when she was only nine, a court heard last week.

The teenage offender appeared in Fredericton youth court for a sentencing hearing Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to counts of sexual assault and touching a minor for a sexual purpose between Jan. 1, 2021, and July 12, 202.

Given his age, his identity is protected under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, as is the identity of his younger sister, the victim in the case.

The family lives in a rural area of western New Brunswick, and the Fredericton Independent isn’t specifying where the abuse occurred either so as to avoid identifying the young people.

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Quebec-based Lion Electric, which has made dozens of electric school buses for the P.E.I. government, is now in creditor protection. 

PEI Crime Stoppers recently presented its Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Awards.  Awards are presented for an RCMP officer of the year, Municipal Police officer of the year and Peace Officer of the year.  Constable Jamie Parsons received the RCMP Officer of the Year Award; Constable Mallory Metallic of Summerside Police Services was named Municipal Police Officer of the Year; and the Peace Officer of the Year Award went to Chief Sheriff George Doyle.

Islanders who want to quit smoking can now access nicotine replacement therapies and prescription smoking cessation medications directly from their local pharmacy.  The PEI Smoking Cessation Program, which is a provincial government initiative, covers 100 per cent of the cost of nicotine replacement therapy products such as gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers or specific prescription medications.   The expansion into pharmacies is aimed at helping more Islanders quit by offering treatments closer to home at community pharmacies.

Northumberland Ferries wraps up what has been a challenging 2024 sailing season on Monday.  It concludes this season’s service between Wood Islands and Caribou with three sailings on Monday – from Wood Islands at 7:00am and 10:00am, and from Caribou at 8:30am.

A man is facing several charges after assaulting someone in downtown St. John’s yesterday.

RNC were called to the area of Springdale Street just before 2 p.m. After an investigation, a 53-year-old man was taken into custody and charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats, resisting arrest, and breach of a court order.

He was taken to the lockup to appear in court today.

On Sunday evening the CBS Fire Department, RNC, and Ambulance services responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian in Seal Cove.

The victim was transported to the Health Science Centre in St. John’s with injuries.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Most retail and grocery stores in New Brunswick will be closed on Wednesday for Christmas Day and will remain closed on Thursday for Boxing Day. Transit won't operate on those days either and will end early on Christmas Eve.

During a busy season of online shopping, cyber criminals may be looking to get your information. The CBC's Angela MacIvor spoke to experts about how to keep yourself, your information and your money safe this holiday season.

Café Caye Mangé on Main Street in Yarmouth, N.S., is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Monday. And as the CBC’s Alex Guye learned, being a vegan restaurant in a rural fishing town can come with some challenges.

Premier Susan Holt says her government would be willing to ban the herbicide glyphosate if a new investigation finds a link to the purported mystery brain illness that a Moncton neurologist says he is tracking.

Of the over 200 military toys that line the shelves at the New Brunswick Military History Museum, many are from volunteer David Makepeace’s personal collection. He says the simple design of toy soldiers helps account for their enduring appeal.

At the St. John’s Farmers’ Market on Sunday, shoppers zigzagged through vendors' stalls as they hunted for gifts. Some were there because of procrastination. For others, the wait was a strategic move.

Starting next month, Prince Edward Island families who make less than $80,000 a year will receive up to $360 per child annually — or $30 per month — through the new P.E.I. Child Benefit. 

Children from Glen Stewart Primary School in Stratford, P.E.I., marched their way over to Andrews of Stratford this week, armed with gifts and songs for the seniors who call the residence home.

Neighborhood Angels Saskatoon is made up of 15 women who knit items to give to local charities. The organizer estimates they have donated more 2,000 knitted items in their first year operating.

A week after a brazen shooting outside the region's largest emergency department left people scrambling for cover and staff inside shaken, nurses say the London Health Sciences Centre has been ignoring calls for better safety measures for years. 

Documents obtained by CBC News show that a French school board member had previously warned the bus service was 'already a big problem, that it wasn't going to improve, and in fact, it was going to get worse.'