MBP E-Newsletter April 1, 2022

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP April 1, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Changes to AgriRecovery Drought Programming to Provide Additional Support to Producers (March 30, 2022 Federal/Provincial Governments News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are

making changes to the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance Program to make it easier for producers to receive funding and to enhance financial compensation, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“Manitoba producers are working hard, and our government is committed to ensuring they are fully supported during this difficult time,” said Bibeau. “By making these changes to the AgriRecovery program in the province, we are making it easier for them to access funding that will help them when they need it most.”

Changes include: • eliminating the “producer share” for applicants to increase payments to each applicant. The “producer share” was set at $50 per head for cattle, bison, elk and horses or $10 per head for sheep and goats; • reducing the compensation rate and the extraordinary expenses for feed receipts to 70 per cent from 75 per cent, which, when combined with

eliminating the “producer share”, will increase funding to all applicants; • increasing the maximum payment to $270 per head for cattle, bison, elk and horses from $250 per head and from $50 per head for sheep and goats to $54 per head, which will allow producers who have already received the maximum amount to receive an additional payment; and • adjusting previous claims automatically, so clients do not need to reapply.

“We know producers need some additional support after last year’s drought, and these changes are the best way to accomplish that while staying within the parameters of the AgriRecovery program,” said Johnson. “This will help producers receive additional funding in a timely way so they can get the support they need as soon as possible.”

Johnson also noted that an extension has been put in place for the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program. The program, which covers feed, feed transportation and related extraordinary expenses, will now cover eligible expenses up to April 15. The application deadline has been updated to May 13. continued on pages 5-7

The first Canadian Cattle Producers Town Hall of 2022 is set to go next week! Get up to date on CCA activities, the Canadian and global weather outlook, what’s happening in the cattle markets, and tag availability.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Provincial COVID-19 Bulletin: Provincial Testing Locations to Close April 15 NOTE: This is the last scheduled COVID-19 bulletin.

Future bulletins will be issued as needed.

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated online:

(five locations), Safeway, Sobeys and IGA (40 locations) and Walmart (16 locations). For a full list of locations and self-testing instructions, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/rat.html .

• Weekly epidemiology reports including vaccination coverage: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveillance/c ovid-19/index.html .

• Outbreaks: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/prs/index.html .

Information about COVID-19, including vaccination, will continue to be updated in weekly epidemiology reports found at: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveillance/c ovid-19/index.html.

Key Updates On April 1, several provincial test sites will be changing their hours of operation. Manitobans are encouraged to visit: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/locations.html for the most current information.

All provincial testing locations will be permanently closed on April 15. After that date, pre-operative patients will be able to make COVID-19 test appointments by directly calling the provincial call centre at 1-855-268-4318, the Dakota Medical Centre at 204-254-2087 or the Minor Illness and Injury Clinic at 431-222-2273.

Rapid antigen tests remain widely available at Winnipeg public libraries and retail locations including Co op (42 locations), Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart (59 locations), London Drugs (one location), Northern, NorthMart and Solo (29 locations), Rexall (18 locations), Save-On-Foods

Vaccine dashboards will no longer be updated after April 1.

As compared to people with two or more doses of vaccine, those who are not fully vaccinated are: - six times as likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, - seven times as likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit, and - 16 times as likely to die with COVID-19.

More Resources - COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

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Vaccine campaign: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

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Testing information: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/index.h tml.

April 15 Deadline Approaching re: Herd Management Program Application Process The Herd Management Drought Assistance program is the third program developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba livestock producers experiencing drought conditions.

This program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

•

retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to predrought levels.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021.

A two-step application and claim process is required for Herd Management Drought Assistance. Producers must submit applications by April 15, 2022. Only producers who have submitted an application by this deadline will be able to submit a claim. Claims will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2022 to Feb. 17, 2023.

Step 1 - Application Applicants are required to complete in full and submit the Application Form with a declaration of their: a) Inventory of eligible breeding females owned on March 16, 2021 b) Inventory of eligible breeding females owned and maintained until March 16, 2022 Applicants must declare that they meet all the program terms and conditions and that the

information provided is complete and accurate.

They must declare that their breeding female inventories are accurate and the inventory declared for March 16, 2022 will be maintained to that date. They must accept all declarations for the application to be complete.

An application form can be submitted from Jan. 10, 2022 to April 15, 2022. Only one application can be submitted.

Note: You can also pick up an application package at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or by calling us at 1-844-769-6224 to have an application package mailed to you.

Step 2 - Claim The claim forms will be available on Dec. 1, 2022.

Applicants are required to complete in full and submit the Claim Form with a declaration of their: a) Inventory of eligible breeding females owned and maintained until Jan. 31, 2023 Applicants must declare that they meet all the program terms and conditions and that the information provided is complete and accurate.

They must declare that the inventory of breeding females is accurate and will be maintained until Jan. 31, 2023. They must accept all declarations for the application to be complete.

A claim form can be submitted from Dec. 1, 2022 to Feb. 17, 2023. Only one claim can be submitted.

More information re: Herd Management Drought Assistance Web Page: Herd Management Drought Assistance •

Video: Herd Management Drought Assistance - Determining Payments

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Video: Herd Management Drought Assistance - Two-Step Application Process

Factsheet - Herd Management Drought Assistance

AgriRecovery program – cont.

The deadline has been extended due to extreme weather conditions in January and February that have required producers to increase the amount of feed used to maintain the health and welfare of their animals.

Under the drought assistance program, eligible expenditures between June 1, 2021 and April 15, 2022 include feed purchases, rentals of additional crop or pasture acres, temporary fencing for supplemental grazing, hauling water, harvesting extra acres and hauling selfproduced feed from distant locations. Eligible animals under the program include breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine, sheep, goats, bison and elk. Producers must support a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance.

“Manitoba Beef Producers has had ongoing engagement with the provincial and federal governments about the drought’s adverse

effects and how to potentially modify programs to make them more responsive to cattle producers’ needs,” said Tyler Fulton, president, Manitoba Beef Producers. “These latest adjustments will help get more financial assistance to producers who have faced feed and water challenges and we thank governments for listening to the concerns and making these important changes.”

For detailed program information, producers can contact an AG-MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-84-GROW-MB-AG (1-844-769-6224).

They can also visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/business-riskmanagement-programs/index.html.

Manitobans can stay up to date on the province’s agricultural programs and services by following Manitoba Agriculture on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

Program Description – Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur.

The Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing drought conditions.

The program helps livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to maintain their breeding herds.

HOW TO APPLY Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs, as well as other program requirements.

For your application to be considered complete, you must submit all necessary program documents.

continued on pages 6-7

AgriRecovery program – cont.

Required Documents

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These changes are retroactive to June 1, 2021 and apply to all applications received.

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For previously submitted claims, the Program Administrator will automatically issue payments triggered by eliminating the producer share and increasing the caps. A cheque and payment letter will be automatically issued without producers needing to submit extra documentation or request that their payments be recalculated.

Application Form Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals - if first time applying Declaration of Extraordinary Expenses - if have extraordinary expenses - only submit once Self-Haul Declaration - if you hauled the feed Invoices - for each feed and/or transportation purchase Proof of Payment - for each invoice (e.g. cleared cheque, bank statement, credit or debit card receipt)

WHAT IS NEW? Feed Purchases and Extraordinary Expenses – Deductible Removed and Maximum Payments Increased •

The producer share or deductible has been eliminated from the payment calculation.

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The maximum per head payments have been increased to $270 per breeding head for beef and dairy cattle, bison, elk and horses (for PMU); and $54 per breeding head for sheep and goats.

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The payment rate is now 70% of eligible expenses with payments capped at the new maximums.

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Producers will see increased payments due to these changes. No producers will see a reduction.

Extension of Invoice Dates - Invoices dated on or before April 15, 2022 are eligible if the purchase or transportation was to continue maintaining the eligible breeding animals owned on March 15, 2022. This extension will assist producers facing issues with taking delivery of feed ordered before the original March 15th deadline.

Extension of Application Deadline - The application deadline has been extended to May 13, 2022 due to the extension of the eligible dates for invoices. This extension will allow time to obtain proof of payment for the purchases made by April 15, 2022.

PREVIOUS EXPANSION OF ELIGIBLE EXPENSES Expansion of Eligible Feeds: the list of eligible feeds now includes feed additives and premixes, molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, and oils and fats. The change is retroactive to June 1, 2021. Previous applicants of the program have been sent an email or letter in the mail informing them how they can apply for these expenses.

Extraordinary Expenses incurred between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 including hauling water, renting extra pasture and cropland, harvesting extra acres for livestock feed,

AgriRecovery program – cont. temporary fencing for supplemental grazing, and transporting feed from distant locations. A one time declaration of extraordinary expenses can be submitted over the life of the program.

Guidebook: AgriRecovery Drought Assistance Farmers Guidebook

View: What are Extraordinary Expenses?

Web Page: Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance

Updated Video: How are Payments Calculated for Feed Purchases and Extraordinary Expenses?

For Full Program information on AgriRecovery Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance refer to:

Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance

Video: What are Extraordinary Expenses?

Video: How are Payments Calculated for Feed Purchases and Extraordinary Expenses?

Quick Reference: How to Apply for Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance

https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/livestoc k/agrirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html

Quick Reference: What Qualifies for Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TOOLS FOR ALL AGRIRECOVERY DROUGHT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

Web Page: Livestock Transportation Assistance

AgriRecovery Drought Assistance (All Three Programs)

Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance

Quick Reference: How to Apply for Livestock Transportation Assistance Quick Reference: What Qualifies for Livestock Transportation Assistance

FCC supports cattle producers in western Canada Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is reminding ranchers across western Canada that its customer support program is available for those facing financial challenges due in part to rising feed prices.

Customer support was originally announced in July 2021 as FCC anticipated the impact of the drought.

After experiencing some of the driest conditions on record in 2021, ranchers headed into a winter that saw production challenges amplify.

“We’ve had a long, tough winter after a hot and dry summer,” said Wilco Van Meijl, District Director for the prairie region. “We recognize the compounding difficulties, including the escalation in both grain and hay feed costs are putting producers in a tough spot. We want them to know this customer support program continues to be available."

FCC will work with customers to come up with solutions for their operations on a case-by-case basis which may include consideration of additional short term credit options, deferral of principal payments and/or other loan payment schedule amendments to reduce financial pressures on those impacted by the current challenges.

“We continue to be in close contact with our beef customers and we see them doing the best they can in the current environment,” said Van Meijl.

“If your operation is facing financial pressures please come in and talk to us about what options may be available for you.”

Customers in Western Canada are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager sooner rather than later to allow for the most flexibility in discussing options available to them.

Customers can do this by contacting their local office or the FCC Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301

Photo credit: Carson Callum/MBP

Province Invests in Support for Manitoba 4-H Council

(March 29, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) —The Manitoba government has

signed a funding agreement with the Manitoba 4-H Council to support the organization with a $900,000 investment over three years, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair.

“Our government is a long-term supporter of 4H and we are so pleased to announce this agreement with this very important and successful program,” said Johnson. “More than 100 years ago, Canada’s 4-H movement began right here in Manitoba. The 4-H program has a long and successful history of providing opportunities for Manitoba’s youth to develop skills ranging from leadership and communication to agriculture and environmental sustainability.”

The funding will help the Manitoba 4-H Council deliver unique and quality programming across the province to 102 4-H clubs for more than 1,020 members, Johnson noted.

“4-H Manitoba is extremely grateful for the relationship we have with the Manitoba government,” said Shannon Carvey, executive director, Manitoba 4-H Council. “The financial support received from the Department of Agriculture is essential for the delivery of new and existing programming to our members.”

The minister noted the province has also supported the launch of Clover, a life-sized model cow simulator unveiled today at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. The Hereford Dystocia Simulator contains a life-sized model calf that offers several educational scenarios for calving and general animal husbandry for 4-H beef members. Manitoba Agriculture provided $5,000 for the purchase of the simulator.

“Our government is pleased to be one of the contributors to help bring this new teaching tool to life,” said Johnson. “What a great way to learn through a tool like Clover. This is really living the 4-H motto – Learn to Do by Doing.”

These investments build on previous Manitoba government support for 4-H Manitoba, including a $1-million initiative to establish a program that provides post-secondary scholarships to current and former 4-H members. Manitoba Agriculture’s strong partnership with the Manitoba 4-H Council and its more than 600 volunteers provides great opportunities, experiences and education for youth, the minister said.

For more information on Manitoba 4-H, visit https://4h.mb.ca/.

Note: Manitoba Beef Producers also provided a financial contribution toward the purchase of the life-sized model cow simulator.

Getting Prepared for Possible Spring Flooding Are you prepared for possible spring flooding?

The following is some information from the provincial government to help you get organized in the event of an emergency such as a flood.

A reminder about individual responsibilities during an emergency: Step 1: – Producers/Individuals are the first point of responsibility to deal with their own emergency situation.

Step 2: - If individuals cannot provide appropriate response to their emergency situation, their local municipality is the first point of contact for emergency-related information and assistance.

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Disaster Financial Assistance Fact Sheet

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Disaster Financial Assistance Application and Information

If you do experience flooding and are incurring damages and expenses related to that which may be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance it is important that you: •

Take pictures of all damaged property and items before you dispose of anything.

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Keep track of all your disaster-related repairs and activities including:

Step 3: - If the local municipality cannot handle the situation, that municipality will contact Emergencies Measures Organization (EMO) for assistance. If EMO requires Manitoba Agriculture’s assistance, they will assign an issue to our emergency coordinator.

Below are some useful provincial links related to flooding (forecasts, river and lake levels, etc.), tips for evacuation, Disaster Financial Assistance, etc.

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Flood Forecasting

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Flood Information

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Evacuation Information Sheets

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Caring for Livestock During an Evacuation

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Animal Emergency Supply Kit

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Labour and equipment hours.

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Materials used, including quantities.

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Specific types of equipment used, including make, model, year, horsepower and attachments.

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Receipts, invoices and other documents you need to support your DFA claim.

Keep all receipts, invoices and any other documents for disaster related expenses as they are required in order to support your DFA claim. Invoices submitted to Manitoba EMO must be accompanied by the corresponding proof of payment (e.g. credit/debit slip, cancelled cheque) in order to be considered for eligibility.

Reminder of April 14, 2022 Claim Deadline re: Lake Manitoba Flood Class Action Lawsuit Settlement 2021 Exchange Solutions Inc. is the Claims Administrator for the 2011 Lake Manitoba Flood Class Action Settlement Agreement that received the Court-Approval Order by the Honourable Justice Joan McKelvey of the Court of Queen's Bench on January 13, 2022.

A class action lawsuit was initiated against the Province of Manitoba in 2013 on behalf of those affected by the 2011 Lake Manitoba flood waters.

In 2021, the Province of Manitoba and the class legal counsel DD West LLP reached a settlement of $85.5m that was approved by the Court of Queens Bench on January 13, 2022.

compensation based on the Claims Administration Procedure criteria in the Lake Manitoba 2011 Flood Settlement.

It is important for you to know that your Claim Registration Form must be received by the Claims Administrator no later than April 14, 2022.

www.exg.ca

If you were affected by the 2011 Lake Manitoba Flood, you may be eligible for compensation even if you did or did not receive compensation from the original Government of Manitoba Financial Assistance Program as the Class Action Settlement includes different eligibility and compensation criteria.

CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE 1 - 554 St. Mary's Road Winnipeg, MB R2M 3L5

If you believe you are eligible for compensation from the class action settlement, the first step is for you to obtain and submit a Claim Registration Form to the Claims Administrator.

Telephone: 1-204-947-7120 or 1-833-947-7120

A Claim Registration Form provides information for the Claims Administrator to assess if you are eligible to potentially receive

Questions@LakeManitobaFloodSettlement2021 .com

Fax: 1-204-957-5195 See also: https://www.lakemanitobafloodsettlement202 1.com/

Province to Reconstruct Rivers Dam, Investing in Climate Resiliency Infrastructure Strategic Infrastructure to Prepare for Future Weather Events: Piwniuk surrounding communities including Brandon, Riverdale and Whitehead.

(Province of Manitoba News Release, March 29, 2022) The Manitoba government has awarded

the contract for the design of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Rivers Dam on Lake Wahtopanah to KGS Group Limited (KGS), Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk announced here today.

“The heavy rainfall event that occurred in the summer of 2020 saw unprecedented water flows that put communities and dams located along the river at risk,” said Piwniuk. “As a government, we want residents in these communities and all Manitobans to be safe and have confidence in their local infrastructure.

That is why we are investing in this critical infrastructure to make sure the Rivers Dam is properly engineered and built safely and to provincial and national standards.”

The Rivers Dam controls water levels on Lake Wahtopanah, which also serves a provincial park where numerous cottages are located. In late June and early July of 2020, heavy rainfall in southwestern Manitoba caused record flooding on the Little Saskatchewan River that adversely affected the dams at Rapid City and Rivers.

During the rainfall, the water level at the dam at Rivers reached record-high levels, affecting

“For many years, Lake Wahtopanah has been a place where people gather and the Rivers reservoir is an important part of this community,” said Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke. “The reservoir is also an important part of our province’s system of drainage and water storage, and the dam here performs an important function by helping moderate flows on the Little Saskatchewan River to protect people from flooding. This investment will ensure the dam continues to protect Manitobans for years to come.”

Piwniuk noted interim repair work on the spillway was completed in winter 2021 and the dam has performed well since then, including during the spring runoff in 2021. The rehabilitation project will bring the existing dam to current standards so it can safely operate during extreme flood events.

KGS is currently working on the preliminary design of several options for the permanent repairs. The final design will be based on Canadian Dam Association guidelines, upgrading the existing dam to meet current standards so it would have the capability to pass higher water levels. Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and is expected to take approximately three years to complete, noted Piwniuk.

He added the province will continue to work with the municipalities of Riverdale and Oakview, local residents, landowners and the public on the repairs of the Rivers Dam through continued on page 11

Province to Reconstruct Rivers Dam, Investing in Climate Resiliency Infrastructure Strategic Infrastructure to Prepare for Future Weather Events: Piwniuk two rounds of stakeholder and public engagement expected to be conducted in the upcoming months.

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ongoing repairs to dikes and pump stations at key locations throughout Manitoba’s major basins; and

This investment builds on other significant, critical flood-mitigation projects as part of the Manitoba government’s climate resiliency plan including:

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ongoing investment in the Portage Diversion including repairs to the outlet structure and upgrades to the control structure.

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the northbound lanes of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75 have been raised by up to 1.2 metres to protect the major trade route from a 2009-level flood event;

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Provincial Road (PR) 246 has been upgraded to Manitoba’s highest loading standard to provide an efficient detour for PTH 75 as needed;

The province has also installed nine new realtime gauges to monitor water levels in reservoirs across southern Manitoba and plans to install four additional gauges in 2022. In addition, the project for the repair of the Rapid City dam is well underway and construction work for the permanent repair of the Rapid City dam embankment is scheduled to begin this summer, added Piwniuk.

Province Reduces Outflows from Shellmouth Reservoir (March 30, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and

Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is advising the public to stay off the Assiniboine River between Shellmouth Dam and Portage la Prairie as the ice surface may weaken or crack and become hazardous following the reduction in flows from the Shellmouth Reservoir.

Flow was being released from the Shellmouth Reservoir since the fall in order to increase its capacity for anticipated spring runoff. As the target level on the reservoir has been achieved, it is necessary to reduce the outflow to 100 cfs

from the current 1,035 cfs (cubic feet per second) starting Wednesday March 30. Outflow will be reduced to 500 cfs today Wednesday, March 30 and to 100 cfs on Thursday, March 31.

The reduction on flows in the Assiniboine River could break the ice and create hazardous conditions. It is strongly advised that individuals are careful due to potential weak ice conditions on rivers and lakes.

Grazing Workshop Series Start Your Grazing Plan (Workshop 1) Choice of 3 locations MBFI Brookdale Farm Learning Centre - Tuesday, April 12, 2022 (12:00-6:00 PM) North of Brandon, Corner of PR 353 and HWY #10 Eriksdale Community Centre - Wednesday, April 13 2022 (9:30-3:00PM) 22 Railway Ave - Eriksdale Grandview Kinsmen Community Centre - Thursday, April 14, 2022 (9:30-3:00PM) 435 Burrows Ave - Grandview

Agenda

Building Pasture Productivity using Pasture Planning Steve Kenyon - Greener Pastures Ranching Ltd • Using Agri-Maps as a tool to develop grazing system plan Shawn Cabak - Ag Adaptation Specialist - Livestock, MB Ag • Developing applications for grazing project funding - Laura Grzenda, Andrea Bertholet, & Jewel Mazur Agri-Ecosystems Spec. - Livestock Stewardship, MB Ag - Local cost sharing programming • Hands–on supplementary training (optional) please bring your laptop •

SAVE THE DATES! - MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW Fence and Water Solutions (Workshop 2) - MBFI Brookdale Farm Site - June 1, 2022 Electric Fencing Theory & Hand-on Demonstration, Solar Power for Remote Water Systems, Pasture Pipeline Installation Health Check Your Pasture and Soil (Workshop 3) - MBFI First Street Pasture - July 6, 2022 Hands-on Demonstration of Pasture and Soil Health Assessments Diversify Your Grazing (Workshop 4 ) - MBFI Brookdale Farm Site - August 3, 2022 Extended Grazing and Annual Forages for Feed and Livestock/Crop Integration Workshop 1 Fee - $30.00 per person (Lunch included and discounts available) Pre-registration is required (spaces may be limited) - April 8 registration deadline for Workshop 1 Register at MBFI website @ https://www.mbfi.ca/registration or call 204-761-3300

LAKE MANITOBA LAKE ST. MARTIN OUTLET CHANNELS PROJECT

Newsletter – March 2022

Issue 16

Message from Minister Piwniuk In 2018, our government announced an infrastructure plan to develop a permanent flood control management system in Manitoba’s Interlake Region – the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. This historic project will reduce peak flood levels and provide enhanced flood protection to Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin.

The Province continues to engage and consult with Manitobans who are living within flood-affected areas to share information and receive feedback, which is essential to completing the environmental approvals and licensing process prior to beginning construction on the Outlet Channels Project.

Widespread flooding across much of southern Manitoba in 2011, the largest flood event on record, resulted in unprecedented inflows into Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin, overwhelming the capacity of existing waterways. The impact of larger flood events can be severe, disrupting lives and damaging homes and properties. These events can also require evacuations and cause economic disruption not limited to significant response and recovery costs. Construction of the Outlet Channels Project is a critical component of the water control network in Manitoba and will create improved and permanent flood protection for Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin, providing resiliency as our climate changes.

Doyle Piwniuk, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Our government is committed to ensuring Manitoba is prepared with long-term flood control measures. We value ongoing discussion with involved Indigenous groups and stakeholders regarding the project’s impact, components, construction, operation and maintenance, and will remain engaged with these groups to continue sharing information and receiving feedback as the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project progresses.

LET’S TALK

IN YOUR AREA

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) continues to meet with Manitobans living within the flood-affected areas around Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin, including Indigenous groups and communities; the Rural Municipality (RM) of Grahamdale; and property owners around Lake Manitoba. This process of sharing information and receiving feedback is essential to completing the licensing process before construction of the Outlet Channels Project.

Once constructed, this project will protect lives and property from the potentially devastating impacts of future flood events. A highlight of recent and upcoming meetings is included below: March 11 Peguis First Nation

Meeting to allow for continued discussion on consultation work plan activities.

March 17 Dauphin River Northern Association of Community Councils

Meeting to allow for continued discussion on consultation work plan activities.

March 24 RM of Grahamdale

Regularly scheduled monthly meetings to discuss project updates.

March 24 Regular bi-weekly meeting to Interlake Reserves Tribal Council discuss project and consultation updates.

April 5 Peguis First Nation

Bi-weekly meetings to discuss project and consultation updates.

April 7 Bi-weekly meetings to discuss Interlake Reserves Tribal Council project and consultation updates.

April 19 Peguis First Nation

Bi-weekly meetings to discuss project and consultation updates.

April 21 Bi-weekly meetings to discuss Interlake Reserves Tribal Council project and consultation updates.

Indigenous Consultation

Downstream view of Lake Manitoba Outlet Channel (conceptual drawing)

We Want To Hear From You Please share your comments on the potential effects of the project by participating in meetings, or by contacting your local project Community Coordinator, band office, government office or association. You can also email outletchannels@gov.mb.ca or visit manitoba.ca/ outletchannels.

The environmental assessment is both a planning and decision-making tool. This process is iterative and evolves as additional project information, and community and stakeholder feedback is received. Project design, mitigations, and proposed monitoring activities can be adapted to ensure that feedback received through this process is addressed.

The Manitoba government is currently in Phase 2 of its four phase consultation and engagement process. Highlights this past month include: • Sending out an invite, offering meetings to review Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) Information Requests feedback provided by communities.

• Planning a second meeting for Spring 2022 with Indigenous communities to provide updates on construction sequencing and contracting.

• Planning the second meeting for Spring 2022 with Indigenous communities and the RM of Grahamdale on the Environmental Advisory Committee.

• Sent out invitations to Indigenous communities with consultation work plans to meet and discuss a mutually agreeable path forward for completing outstanding activities.

As of March 4, 2022, the Manitoba government has communicated by letter (1,036), meetings (246), and emails/phone (4,460) with 39 Indigenous groups and communities about the Outlet Channels Project.

IN YOUR AREA Access Road • Construction of the Access Road is substantially complete.

Minor construction activities will take place in Spring/ Summer 2022. Work includes: trimming (fixing of the embankment side slopes), revegetation, cleanups, decommissioning of the borrow pits (source of road building materials), and correcting any surrounding deficiencies due to winter construction.

In the event that you have any concerns about upcoming field work, please respond to the contact details indicated in Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s notification letters. Stakeholders in the Rural Municipality of Grahamdale can contact Jacqueline Hickman at 204-302-1870 or Jacqueline.Hickman@gov.mb.ca with questions about the Outlet Channels Project.

Lake Manitoba 2011 Flood Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Open House Information About How to File a Claim with the Claims Administrator April 5/ 4:00pm – 8:00pm

A class action lawsuit was initiated against the Province of Manitoba in 2013 on behalf of those offreserve who were affected by the 2011 Lake Manitoba flood waters.

In 2021, the Province of Manitoba and the class legal counsel DD West LLP reached a settlement of $85.5m that was approved by the Court of Queens Bench on January 13, 2022.

If you were affected by the 2011 Lake Manitoba Flood, you may be eligible for compensation even if you did or did not receive compensation from the original Government of Manitoba Financial Assistance Program as the Class Action Settlement includes different eligibility and compensation criteria.

If you believe you may be eligible for compensation from this Class Action Settlement, Claimant Service Representatives from Exchange Group, who are the Claims Administrator, will be at the Langruth Community Hall, Langruth, MB on Tuesday, April 5 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm to answer questions you may have about the Class Action Settlement, Claims Procedures and the process / and assist you to file a Claim with a Claim Registration Form.

It is important for you to know that your Claim Registration Form must be received by the Claims Administrator no later than April 14, 2022.

OPEN HOUSE DROP IN AT: Langruth Community Centre Hwy 50 Langruth MB

Lake Manitoba Claims Administrator

AgriRecovery: Herd Management Drought Assistance WHO QUALIFIES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur.

The Herd Management Drought Assistance program is the third program developed with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba livestock producers experiencing drought conditions. The other two programs include the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program and Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program.

This program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: • purchase replacement breeding females

Primary producers who owned eligible animals located in Manitoba, and were responsible for their feeding expenses as of March 16, 2021, are eligible. Elk producers must have a Game Farm Production Licence and only elk farmed under that licence are eligible.

An applicant must: • be an individual who is 18 years of age or older at the time of application; a partnership, a corporation, a cooperative, a commune or a First Nation • be liable to pay income tax in Manitoba under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or is specifically exempted from filing income tax but is a permanent resident of Canada; and must file farm and expense tax forms

Eligible animals • Breeding females of beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and elk owned by the applicant • Breeding females are mature females (cows, ewes, does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does) that have previously calved, lambed or been exposed to breeding.

The producer must own a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

• retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021.

Available Assistance Assistance is provided to replace breeding females culled due to drought and support returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Eligible Sales of Breeding Females Culled Due to Drought The breeding females must be sold during the March 16, 2021 to March 15, 2022 time period and contribute to a decline in the applicant’s inventory of eligible breeding females on March 16, 2022.

March 16, 2021 inventory (pre-drought)

-

March 16, 2022 inventory (drought impacted)

=

Decrease in inventory due to drought culling

Eligible Replacement Breeding females culled due to drought can be replaced by purchases or retaining replacement females from the applicant’s existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant’s inventory of eligible breeding females on Jan. 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible.

The following replacements are eligible: • Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does • Purchases of females that will be bred by Jan. 31, 2023 • Retaining females from the applicant’s existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023 The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later.

Breeding Herd Inventory The following dates will be used for assessing the impact of drought and subsequent recovery on the applicant’s inventory of breeding females: • March 16, 2021 • March 16, 2022 • Jan. 31, 2023 The difference between the recovery and drought impacted inventory indicates the effect of purchasing and retaining replacement females on recovering from the drought.

Jan. 31, 2023 inventory (recovery inventory)

-

March 16, 2022 inventory (drought impacted)

=

Increase in inventory due to purchasing and retaining replacements

HOW TO DETERMINE HERD MANAGEMENT PAYMENT Payment Rates Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below for the replacement of eligible breeding animals culled due to drought. The payments are made for breeding females purchased or retained.

Animal Type(s)

Payment ($) per head

Beef Cattle, Bison, Elk

$250

Sheep and Goats

$50

Producers are paid the rates shown in the table above, based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between March 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.

The payments are calculated as follows,

Per Head Payment Rate Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250 Sheep/Goats $50

Increase in inventory due to purchasing and retaining replacements

X

=

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

Note: Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payments are made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level.

Other Criteria for Declaration of Inventory of Breeding Females: The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females: • animals sold prior to being exposed to breeding for the first time • market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding • animals sold after March 15, 2022

• animals leased by the applicant • animals not located in Manitoba as of March 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete) For the March 16, 2022 inventory declaration, breeding females that both gave birth and were sold in the Jan. 1, 2022 to March 15, 2022 time period should be included in the number of head declared.

Producers should maintain records of breeding animals sold or purchased in case they are requested by the program administrator.

HOW TO APPLY

Program Timelines

The application package will be available on Jan. 10, 2022: online at www.manitoba.ca/ agriculture, in-person at AG-MASC Service Centre,, or by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail.

• April 15, 2022 11:59 PM – Deadline for application declaring March 16, 2021 and March 16, 2022 inventory. Only producers who have submitted an application by this deadline will be able to submit a claim.

Application is a two-step process requiring applicants to fully complete and submit: 1) Application form, declaring their: a. March 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. March 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) Claim form, declaring their a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females

Contact Us • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Email us at agriculture@gov.mb.ca • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg • Visit your nearest AG-MASC Service Centre

Available in alternate formats upon request.

• Dec. 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available • Feb. 17, 2023 11:59 PM – Deadline for claim forms declaring Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

Further Resources • Herd Management Drought Assistance – Frequently Asked Questions • Video – Herd Management Drought Assistance – Determining Payments • Video – Herd Management Drought Assistance – Two-Step Application Process

What Qualifies AgriRecovery Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance Helps livestock producers offset freight expenses associated with moving their eligible breeding herd to alternate feeding locations due to shortages of feed.

Primary Producers

Breeding Animals

• Owned or leased the eligible breeding animals between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 or later

• Mature females exposed to breeding (natural service or artificial insemination)

• Have a minimum of 10 eligible breeding animals (per type of livestock)

• Males used previously for breeding

Eligible Breeding Animals • Beef cattle • Sheep • Goats

• Immature replacement females are not eligible

Eligible Alternate Feeding Locations • Farms, custom feeders and other livestock operations where breeding animals must be relocated to address a shortfall in winter feed capacity

• Movement to a normal wintering site is not eligible

• Locations are not owned, leased or rented by the eligible producers

• Animals cannot be sold or marketed prior to returning to the location of origin when temporary feeding is complete

• Must be capable of housing and providing adequate feed, water and care

• Animals must remain in the new location for at least 30 days

Eligible Distance • Minimum distance of 40 kilometres to a maximum one-way distance of 1,000 kilometres

Contact • 1-844-769-6224

• manitoba.ca/agriculture

Date of Eligible Expenses • Incurred from August 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

• ARD@gov.mb.ca

How to Apply for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance Six Steps for Application

STEP 1

Application deadlines:

May 13, 2022 for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance July 30, 2022 for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance

Application form and program guide Complete the form as instructed, declare that you meet all the program terms and conditions, and that the information you provide is complete and accurate. The terms and conditions are outlined in the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance for Farmers Program Guidebook. You can access the application form and the program guide by: downloading them at manitoba.ca/agriculture

In-person at your nearest Service Centre (see reverse for locations)

STEP 2

Declaration of eligible breeding animals

STEP 3

Self-haul declaration

STEP 4

calling 1-844-769-6224 to have a copy mailed to you

Extraordinary Expense Declaration

• Complete a Declaration with your first application • Declare the number of eligible breeding animals that will be maintained and overwintered

• Contact the program administrator (email: agaction@gov.mb.ca) if the number of eligible animals changes over time.

If you self-haul feed or livestock, complete the self-haul declaration form and provide invoices for feed purchases or accessing feed as outlined in the guidebook.

If you have extraordinary expenses for renting pasture or cropland, temporary fencing, hauling or pumping water, harvesting feed, or transporting self-produced feed, complete the one-time declaration as outlined in the guidebook.

Note: If your application is successful, you will receive a notification letter and cheque in the mail from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).

STEP 5

Prepare your application After completing the necessary documents, check the boxes for all declarations on the forms. Ensure that you have included everything needed in your submission:

STEP 6

 application form  invoices for each feed and/or transportation purchase  proof of payment for each invoice (e.g., cleared cheques, bank statement, credit or debit card receipt)

 eligible breeding animal declaration (first application only)  self-haul declaration (only if you self-hauled feed or livestock)  declaration of extraordinary expenses (only one submission allowed)

Submit your application Email documents in step 5 to: agaction@gov.mb.ca

or mail to: Manitoba Agriculture AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8

Service Centre Contact Information Arborg Box 2000, 317 River Road Arborg MB R0C 0A0 1-833-206-0451 1-833-478-1304 arborg@masc.mb.ca

Headingley 1-5290 Monterey Road Headingley MB R4H 1J9 1-833-206-0465 1-833-478-1307 headingley@masc.mb.ca

Portage la Prairie Unit 400, 50-24th Street NW Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3V7 1-833-206-0470 1-833-478-1312 portagelaprairie@masc.mb.ca

Brandon Unit 100 - 1525 1st Street S Brandon MB R7A 7A1 1-833-206-0455 1-833-478-1305 brandon@masc.mb.ca

Killarney Box 190, 203 South Railway Street Killarney MB R0K 1G0 1-833-206-0466 1-833-478-1309 killarney@masc.mb.ca

Steinbach Unit C – 284 Reimer Avenue Steinbach MB R5G 0R5 1-833-206-0480 1-833-467-1059 steinbach@masc.mb.ca

Dauphin Room 209, 27-2nd Avenue SW Dauphin MB R7N 3E5 1-833-206-0459 1-833-478-1306 dauphin@masc.mb.ca

Morden 536 Stephen Street Morden MB R6M 1T7 1-833-206-0479 1-833-467-1056 morden@masc.mb.ca

Swan River Box 1108, 120-6th Avenue N Swan River MB R0L 1Z0 1-833-206-0476 1-833-478-1315 swanriver@masc.mb.ca

Neepawa Box 1179, 41 Main Street E Neepawa MB R0J 1H0 1-833-206-0469 1-833-478-1310 neepawa@masc.mb.ca

Free Resources

Calf 911 Practical online tools for hard working beef producers.

www.beefresearch.ca