The Boissevain School's Parent Advisory Committee has been working tirelessly to champion the revitalization of their playground equipment, more specifically the sub-committee chaired by Heather Janssens and Susan Jackson.

From cookbook sales to Tommy the Turtle's 50th Birthday celebration, to summer Bar-B-Que's they've caught the attention of their community, and it has paid off.

"We are sitting at about $116,500.00 which is very exciting because it's been just over a year of fundraising, and to have gotten this far already is pretty amazing," shares Janssens. "We're pretty proud of our little Parent Advisory Committee group."

The project is divided into 3 stages: middle school playground, high school area and the primary area with a total cost of $500,000.  The first phase will be to upgrade the middle years playground with a goal of $175,000 to complete.

"We are getting so close!" she says.

The committee just launched an end-of year fundraising campaign with flyers in the mail to ask community members and businesses for donations, "and we are already starting to get a response every day, either with a cheque dropped off at the school or into the School Division office. So that number every day is slowly climbing and climbing," she says. "That's really exciting, the response we've been getting."

Community support has come in a number of ways, certainly from local families, organizations and businesses, but also from their local foundation.  The Boissevain-Morton Area Foundation gave a cheque for $25,000 at their Fall granting evening.  "This was a very good boost to our bank account!"

Please listen to more with Heather Janssens below!

"On behalf of the Boissevain PAC and the Playground project committee, I just want to say Thank you so very much for all the support!" adds Janssens.

The 4-H program follows the school season, from September 1st to August 31st. However, we asked Executive Director of Manitoba 4-H, Shannon Carvey to share some of the highlights of this past year, 2024 as a whole.

"So, some of the events that happened in 2024, like communications and public speaking, that all took place early in the year for our clubs and area councils," explains Carvey. "And then all of those people came together and competed at the provincial competition in Portage at the end of April."

"We also had our second rally in May which was super successful," she continues. "We had a very large increase in participation from members across the province. Then we had a couple of intermediate camps.  We were lucky enough to have one at the end of May which coincided with that big snowstorm in May. So, those kids had quite an experience with their camp that weekend.  We also did a campout later in summer for some of the kids and so they did tenting and outdoor living."

In late spring 4-H club achievements are held where lots of multi-achievements are wrapping up towards the end of June, and then they get into the livestock achievements.

Throughout the last quarter was the beginning of their new 4-H fiscal year, starting in September.  "This is always really exciting to start the new season.  We hosted quite a lot in that first quarter, including our provincial leader conference which we held in two different locations. That was very successful."

In addition, they hosted their senior member event, Agri-Career Quest and their second annual Green Tie Gala in Winnipeg.

"So, everyone really had a great year," says Carvey, "and we're excited to continue the 4-H programs in 2025."

Please listen to more with Shannon Carvey below as she shares on more!

Memorial University’s Internationalization Office is encouraging area residents to consider hosting a one, or more, international students for dinner over the holidays.

MUN says many international students feel isolated far from their homes and families, especially when their friends and roommates are spending time with loved ones.

The Holiday Hosting Program pairs international students with community hosts to join them for a holiday meal between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Those interested can contact [email protected].

Winnipeggers are invited to go on a doggie date or, if the mood is right, take a lucky dog home from the city’s animal services agency this week.

At least eight tenants at Caldwell First Nation are getting evicted on Boxing Day for installing security cameras around their houses.

For the third time this year, Retail Therapy KW Thrift and Consign has been broken into and items were stolen. Previous thefts happened in April and August. Staff say they are dealing with lingering feelings of anger, frustration and hopelessness as they navigate how to financially and emotionally recover from the incidents.

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us have our go-to albums that help set the festive mood each year. For some, it’s the classic sounds of Christmas carols, while for others, it’s the nostalgia of childhood favorites. Recently, Trent Medynski, host of Morden’s Pop Culture Expo, joined us to talk about a collection of classic albums that he has gathered over the years—albums that continue to capture the magic of the season.

Sentimental favorite: The Christmas Raccoons

Trent’s personal favorite album from his collection is one that carries a special sentimental value. "It’s a CBC cartoon from the '80s called The Christmas Raccoons," he shares. "Every year they did a special, and it had two different stories. One was The Christmas Raccoons and the other was Raccoons on Ice, where the raccoons play hockey." For Trent, this album brings back memories of a simpler time, and he describes it as the most meaningful record in his collection.

A Christmas album featuring Colonel Sanders

One of the most surprising albums Trent brought in was a promotional Christmas album from Kentucky Fried Chicken, featuring the iconic Colonel Sanders himself. "It’s a Kentucky Fried Chicken special collector's edition from the late '60s," Trent explains. "The Colonel is on the cover, asleep by the fire. It’s a fun relic of the past and one of those albums that really catches your eye." The inclusion of Colonel Sanders in a holiday context might seem odd at first, but Trent appreciates its unique place in Christmas pop culture.

Santa Claus: Canadian style

Another interesting find in Trent’s collection is an album titled Santa Claus is Canadian: A Taste of Christmas Canada. This promotional album was released by the Ontario Lottery Corporation and features several Christmas songs. "I love that it's 'Santa Claus is Canadian,'" says Trent. "It’s like we're taking ownership of Santa Claus—he’s one of us!" Trent enjoys the album not just for its holiday tunes but also for its representation of Canadian pride and the connection it creates with the holiday season.

The timeless appeal of Alvin and the Chipmunks

No holiday music collection would be complete without the classic Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas album. "That album originally came out in the late '50s," says Trent. "It’s a timeless pop culture song that still resonates today." The Chipmunks’ holiday hit continues to be a favorite among Christmas music fans, and Trent shares a fun tidbit about its creation. "Originally, the creator wanted to use grasshoppers instead of chipmunks, but when a chipmunk ran across the road in front of him, he knew it was meant to be."

An exciting collection of Christmas memories

Trent’s collection of holiday albums represents more than just music—it’s a celebration of nostalgia, history, and the way certain sounds can transport us back to our childhoods. "It’s really a joy to have these albums and be able to share them with others," says Trent. "The holidays wouldn’t be the same without them."

We want to thank Trent for sharing his holiday album collection with us, giving us a deeper appreciation for the classic sounds that have defined our holiday seasons for years. Whether it’s the whimsical adventures of Raccoons on Ice, the unforgettable voice of Alvin, or the warmth of Colonel Sanders by the fire, these albums continue to bring joy year after year.

Be sure to visit Trent's Facebook page, at 80's Kids Collectibles

With files from Alexander Peters

Saskatoon's walking soccer drop-in program is one of many fielded across the province as the sport's popularity rises.

In this episode of Spring Radio, we sat down with Ricardo Tranjan to discuss the Conservatives' slogan ‘Build the Homes,' versus what the evidence actually tells us about housing in Canada.

The post Spring Radio: A socialist response to Pierre Poilievre, Part 2: Housing (feat. Ricardo Tranjan) first appeared on Spring.

The southwest is in for a Saskatchewan version of a California Christmas this year, with warmer temperatures projected to be above zero all week.

Today's high of +2 with sunshine is ideal weather for building snowmen, taking a walk, or getting some fresh air. 

Dan Fulton, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, noted that the conditions yesterday were a perfect set-up for dense patches of fog, which do have the potential to pop back up.

"Whenever it's around zero, especially if there's snow on the ground, you're not safe from the fog," he said. "So we're probably going to see some fog patches as we approach Christmas time."

For Christmas Day tomorrow, we can expect to see a high of -1 and sunny, while Thursday and Friday are both looking sunny with highs from -1 to +1

Swift Current and area residents can expect temperatures to return below zero on Saturday with a high of -1. 

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has unveiled its top five insurance fraud cases of 2024, highlighting the creativity—and audacity—of fraudsters.

From a "super shopper" who claimed severe injuries while power walking through malls, to a "phantom driver" blaming an imaginary person, Manitoba Public Insurance says their special investigations unit (SIU) helped save ratepayers $15 million this year by uncovering these and other schemes.

"The expertise and dedication of our SIU team in their investigation of suspicious claims is so valuable to MPI and its customers," said Maria Campos, MPI's Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. "Their hard work of detecting and combatting fraudulent claims has contributed to MPI closing 3,548 investigations in 2024, and saving millions for MPI customers."

The following fraud cases were shared in a press release from MPI.

Fraud 1: Super Shopper

A claimant was in a minor motor vehicle collision. Afterward, they stated they were barely able to walk, could not stand for more than five minutes, couldn't bend or squat, could not use their right arm at all, and could not move their neck. These injuries made driving very difficult.

This individual stated that because of the extent of their injuries, they needed assistance at home with all tasks, such as getting dressed, moving around the home, going up the stairs, bathing, going to the washroom, cleaning, laundry, cooking, and attending medical appointments. Further, this individual said they could not go shopping due to their limited mobility. This limited function also made them unable to work with the possibility of never being able to return to their prior employment.

The SIU team investigated, and surveillance found the claimant shopping on multiple occasions for hours at a time, carrying several bags in each hand, and power walking around the mall. There was no evidence of difficulty walking, standing, using the right arm, or moving their neck. The only time the claimant was seen to have difficulty was when they attended medical appointments, after which they would go shopping for hours with no issues.

As a result of the investigation, income replacement and personal care benefits ceased. This saved ratepayers all future benefits costs, and the claimant had to pay MPI back almost $5,000 for receiving benefits fraudulently.

The lifetime savings to ratepayers was almost $1.8 million.

Fraud 2: Sniper Fire

An individual checked on their vehicle, which was parked in a vacant lot, as it had no valid insurance. While there checking, the claimant said an unknown cyclist passed by and urgently advised them to move their vehicle, so the claimant went to a nearby MPI broker and obtained a five-day temporary policy for the vehicle so they could move it.

When the individual returned to the vehicle, they said they were collecting their personal belongings when a window in the vehicle was suddenly shattered by a suspected gunshot. Fearing for their safety, the individual fled the scene. Local fire and police were called to the scene minutes later as the vehicle interior was on fire. They found no evidence to support or confirm any gunfire in the area.

The SIU team took the investigation and learned that the temporary policy was purchased 45 minutes before the fire loss. The individual was observed next to the open vehicle by a nearby security camera six minutes before the fire was detected and reported. Further, nobody else reported hearing a gunshot, to which the claimant clarified that they believed they were targeted by a sniper using a silencer.

Further investigation revealed the vehicle had not been capable of starting, running, or being driven away in its current state as many parts had been removed or disconnected.

The claim was denied, saving ratepayers almost $9000.

Fraud 3: Rascally rabbit (or coyote?)

A claim was opened, stating that the registered owner of a vehicle was driving 50 km/hour when they hit an animal, which they stated could have been a rabbit or a coyote. The driver reportedly swerved left to avoid hitting the animal and then swerved right to get back in the proper lane, at which time they hit the curb, flipping the vehicle.

When SIU began to investigate, the driver denied going any faster than 50 km/hour and claimed they were driving two passengers, one of which was the claimant's licensed child.

SIU investigators obtained vehicle data, confirming the vehicle was travelling over

100 km/hour with 100 per cent acceleration, followed by a hard brake and swerving at the time the collision happened.

Once the investigation's findings were shared with the claimant, they admitted that they had been home sleeping at the time and their child had taken the vehicle without permission.

It was never determined whether the animal was a rabbit, a coyote, or even existed. The claim was denied, saving ratepayers almost $33,000.

Fraud 4: Phantom driver

In the early morning hours, a two-vehicle collision occurred on a Manitoba highway. One vehicle rolled. The drivers and lone occupants of both vehicles were injured. The driver of the second vehicle, which did not roll, is the claimant in this case.

Once at the hospital, the claimant stated they had no memories of the incident or how they ended up in the hospital. They had no recollection of being involved in a collision that caused one vehicle to roll.

SIU began to investigate and discovered that the injured driver in the rolled vehicle saw another vehicle approaching quickly from behind. The driver of the rolled vehicle assumed the second vehicle would go around and pass. However, the vehicle approached at a high rate of speed and struck the vehicle, causing it to hit the median and roll. A passerby called 911.

The claimant stated they were not driving the second vehicle as they had consumed a lot of alcohol. They reported that someone came over to the residence where the claimant was by cab and the unknown person drove the claimant's vehicle, causing the collision.

Further investigation by SIU showed the passenger side airbag in the claimant's vehicle was not deployed. The front passenger seat was proven not to have been occupied at the time of the collision, and the vehicle had been going 180 km/hour at the time of the collision.

In addition to admitting to consuming a bottle of alcohol, the claimant was proven to be impaired with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.

The claim on the claimant's vehicle was denied, saving ratepayers almost $10,000. The third-party claim value for the damage to the rolled vehicle was almost $49,000, which must be paid by the claimant.

Fraud 5: Pole-shaped deer

A customer contacted MPI to make a claim after hitting wildlife on the highway on the way home from grocery shopping. Upon inspection, deer hair was present, but the intense frame damage to the vehicle was not consistent with a deer collision, but more of a collision with a pole. The vehicle was found to be a total loss.

Due to the irregularities, SIU began an investigation. The claimant told MPI they were travelling at approximately 110 km/hour when a deer came from the right side of the road and impacted the front of the vehicle. They further stated that there was no other collision that took place with any vertical or fixed object.

A collision analyst was engaged, and a mechanical inspection was done. It was determined that the damage to the vehicle was the result of two distinct collisions - one being the alleged wildlife collision and the other with a fixed object resembling a post or a pole. The false wildlife collision was used as an opportunity to disguise the extensive damage that pre-existed.

The claim was denied, saving ratepayers just over $13,600.

Anyone with information about auto insurance fraud is encouraged to call the MPI TIPS Line at 204-985-8477 in Winnipeg, toll-free 1-877-985-8477 outside of Winnipeg, or submit information online at mpi.mb.ca. Information can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or online at manitobacrimestoppers.com. All calls and reports are anonymous.

With files from Manitoba Public Insurance

After years of asking residents not to place wrapping paper into recycling bins, Steinbach's Solid Waste Manager says his message has now changed.

With plenty of gifts expected to be unwrapped in the coming days, people might be wondering whether or not wrapping paper gets tossed into the garbage bin or the recycling bin. Eldon Wallman says some of the more expensive wrapping paper can now be recycled. 

"If you are not sure, just err on the side of throwing it in there anyway," says Wallman. "And we'll let the recycling place sort it out and figure out whether it actually is recyclable or not."

Wallman says another item commonly recycled by mistake at Christmas is Styrofoam.

"Styrofoam is a no-go," says Wallman, noting that is not a product that can be recycled yet in Manitoba.

"There are people that are working on stuff that looks very promising," he notes. "But it hasn't hit the market yet."

When it comes to getting rid of real Christmas trees in Steinbach, Wallman notes those can be brought to the end of the driveway after New Year's Day. He says simply bring it to the curb on your garbage day. 

"The guys will make a second run at the end of the day and fill up the truck with just trees," he says. 

Wallman says it is not unusual for them to still be picking up trees at the curb in April or May. 

"They look like Charlie Brown trees by that point but yeah we'll take them any time, it's no problem at all," he says. 

According to Wallman, the number of real trees that get picked up in Steinbach is fewer and fewer each year. He recalls that about 20 years ago they would pick up between 200 and 300. These years it is down to between 50 and 60. The trees that get picked up are turned into wood chips for use at the landfill. Wallman says pine needles are not great for mulch, so they rather just use the wood chips at the landfill. 

Wallman says another reminder this Christmas is to avoid tipping off thieves to what you got for Christmas. He notes when you bring your cardboard boxes to the road for recycling, it is a good idea to cut them into smaller pieces, making it less obvious if you received a big screen TV for Christmas.

And, finally, Wallman reminds residents that with three holidays over the next two weeks, Steinbach's Garbage and Recycling Day will change three times between now and January 2nd. 

A mainly cloudy and foggy morning turns into a mix of sun and clouds for Winnipeg on Tuesday. For Christmas Day on Wednesday, skies look to be mostly cloudy. Temperatures the rest of the week hover around the freezing mark.

Two siblings have come together in Winnipeg for an unlikely holiday family reunion: Their first-ever meeting after spending more than four decades unaware of each other's existence.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham predicts a Manitoba premier will eventually agree to a new funding model for cities. There are examples across Canada of cities that have managed to find new sources of money, he said in a year-end interview.

While police cite lower closure rates as one of the reasons they need increased funding, experts are conflicted about whether they’re an accurate measure of police achievement — and whether the figures should be used to justify more resources.

It’s been a year full of political changes and Olympic triumphs, scientific breakthroughs and stocks going seemingly to the moon. There were international disputes, losses of beloved figures and constant debates on technology that could change our lives. In short, 2024 was overflowing with stories that had Canadians talking all year long.

Each year, The Globe and Mail creates a holiday card filled with those news stories from the past twelve months, beautifully drawn by cartoonist David Parkins. Take a look at this year’s homage to the year that was, and see how many news stories you can find.

Seen through 21st-century eyes, Winston Churchill can seem like a ridiculous, even offensive figure. He was born in a palace. He barked at his servants and helpers. He took six bottles of vermouth and 18 bottles of whisky along when he went off to the Boer War. He opposed any form of Indian self-determination. He called Mahatma Gandhi a “half-naked” fakir.

A new documentary on Netflix reminds us of his eternal relevance.

RNC are investigating a hit and run on the weekend that sent a 42-year-old man to hospital with serious injuries.

Police say the pedestrian was struck in the area of Garden Road in Conception Bay South just before 10:00 on Sunday evening.

A suspect vehicle was located nearby. Police are seeking any witnesses or video footage from the area of Garden Road and Morgan’s Road in CBS between 9:00 and 11:00 Sunday evening.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RNC or Crime Stoppers.

Canada Post says Canadians should expect domestic package delays into the new year.  It’s already processed its backlog of parcels from the month-long strike by thousands of workers and expected a significant portion of them to be delivered before Christmas.  The postal service even delivered packages over the weekend in select cities in an effort to get more items at doors in time for the holidays.  And Monday, it started to accept new international mail. 

PEI RCMP, together with some other police agencies, set up checkpoints across the province last Friday and checked thousands of drivers – stopping 7 impaired drivers.   PEI RCMP Traffic Services alone arrested six impaired drivers with check points in Morell, Avondale, Caledonia, Vernon Bridge, and Fort Augustus. Queens District stopped the 7th impaired driver.  RCMP ask that, if you see a driver who could be impaired, call 9-1-1 and provide a description of the vehicle and driver, a license plate number, and the direction the vehicle is travelling.

Prince Edward Home’s Lupin Valley Household has declared an outbreak of the respiratory virus RSV. Residents of that household will be limited to one visitor at a time. Visitors will be asked to follow the current infection control measures, and visitors are reminded to not visit if they are experiencing any symptoms of respiratory illness.

The Kings County Memorial Hospital will be temporarily suspending emergency services on Saturdays, beginning January 11th, due to staffing challenges.   The Kings County Memorial Hospital Emergency Department is experiencing a shortage of staff at a time when demand for emergency services is increasing. Officials say pausing the services will allow Health PEI to stabilize the situation and continue to develop a long-term plan to ensure sustainable emergency care.  Three physicians will be working Monday through Friday in the Emergency Department to provide care while the Emergency Department is open.  The final emergency department Saturday shift will be Saturday, January 4th from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.   Health PEI will reassess the situation in April.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has announced that winter operations are in full swing.

There are more than 400 seasonal heavy equipment operators, management and staff hired and recalled for the winter season. 

There is a fleet of 534 snow plows and loaders for winter operations. Additionally, winter salt and sand have been procured at a cost of $36.5 million and distributed to all 67 depots across the province.

The department has also ordered 64 new tandem-axle plow trucks at a value of $24 million. These trucks are currently being manufactured and will be delivered in the coming months. Each year, the department will order more trucks and equipment as part of this multi-year commitment.  

The Government House Leader has outlined for the opposition parties and the two Independents the focus of a special debate in the House of Assembly starting on January 6.

The government resolution to support the terms of the MOU on the Upper Churchill will be debated for four days. The House will sit, as necessary from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 98:00 p.m.

Each leader will be limited to two hours of total speaking time, with two hours each set aside for both the Minister of Energy and Opposition critic for energy.

Each remaining member will be limited to 40 minutes of total speaking time.

Fredericton city staff presented councillors with concept images depicting a pedestrian crossing that has been long on the list of demands for residents living in the Skyline Acres neighbourhood.

Rachel Dalton, owner of Brigadoon Fiber Farm in Hoyt, wanted to make as many handmade Christmas gifts this year as she could. She used her weaving skills to turn alpaca and sheep fibre into wearable goods for friends and family.

A $54.1-million surcharge being paid by N.B. Power customers this year to reimburse the utility for past financial misfortunes has made no progress retiring a $236.1-million debt the payments were originally meant to deal with.

Dec. 25 and 26 are both statutory holidays on Prince Edward Island, meaning many businesses and services will be closed or on reduced hours. It’s best to call ahead if you’re thinking about venturing out anywhere this week. 

Joelle Bader is in her first season with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy, part of a national development centre that brings together the best players in the country. Bader is loving the experience, and wants to be a role model for other Islanders.

Statistics Canada has completed its annual accounting of greenhouse gas emissions from economic activity. The agency says Nova Scotia's top source of emissions in 2022 was electricity generation and distribution, accounting for about 40 per cent of the province's emissions.

Halifax Regional Police will ask for an armoured vehicle for high-risk situations in the upcoming city budget, but one policing expert is urging restraint when it comes to such tools.

Musicians Adam Baldwin, Jenn Grant and Harmz stopped by the CBC Halifax studio to spread some Christmas cheer and performed The Night Before Christmas.

More children than ever before will have gifts to unwrap thanks to a volunteer-run charity based in London, Ont. that collects thousands of toys each year to donate to families in need.

Uber Canada is taking the City of London to court over the fees the municipality charges for every ride, saying they’re an “unfair and inequitable financial burden,” and lead to higher prices for riders.

The chief of Toronto's paramedic services says the city is dealing with a "concerning number of sick calls" and more staff refusing to work overtime after paramedics voted against ratifying a new collective agreement last week. The paramedics' union says members are dealing with 'burnout.'