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SLOW START
This week
DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / CR O SSR O ADS T H IS W E E K Seeding operations across Manitoba are off to a slow start in 2026, as producers, including this Shoal Lake farm family, have had to contend with cool temperatures, saturated soils, and lingering snow in some regions. Just two percent of seeding is complete, compared to eight percent at the same time last year and a five-year average of six percent, reports Manitoba Agriculture.
Birtle P h a rm a cy a cq uired by Sup er T h rifty RYAN N ES BITT Cro ssro a d s This W e e k
It was the end of an era in Birtle, as Alison and Steve Desjardins will be stepping away from Birtle Pharmacy after its acquisition by Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd. The couple, who served the community for 26 years, will be focusing on more time with family, as Super Thrifty officially took
ownership on May 11. After 26 years serving the Birtle community, former owner/operators Alison and Steve Desjardins are ready to step away and enjoy more time with family. Alison said that getting to know their clientele was what made their time at Birtle Pharmacy so special. “We’re proud to have built a business that people from the entire area can rely on,” said Alison Desjardins. “I’m looking forward to
spending more time with our family, from our three sons in Canmore to our parents here in Westman.” With Alison to remain on staff through the transition, Steve says that the couple will step away knowing that the operation will continue its great tradition of service. “Selling to Super Thrifty has allowed us to ensure that the same level of customer service will con-
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tinue at Birtle Pharmacy, because it will be all the same staff our customers already know,” he said. Jenna Badger will now step into the role of Pharmacy Manager, continuing the legacy of trusted care for patients and staff. “I have been fortunate enough to have been mentored by Alison and Steve for the past 10 years and have seen first-hand the level of care that they provide to their patients and the level of service that
they provide to their community,” Jenna said. “I hope to continue to provide this level of care.” Super Thrifty says that the organization is committed to delivering personalized service, professional expertise, and convenient healthcare solutions. With the acquisition of Birtle Pharmacy, Super Thrifty now has 17 locations, all locally owned by pharmacists, to help ensure a strong quality of service to their communities.