MBP E-Newsletter: April 19/2024

Where to Find Information About Potential Flooding in Manitoba

The following information is from recent provincial government flood-related news releases, and includes links to where to find current information and resources.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre indicates the fast snowmelt rate that occurred in the upper Assiniboine River basin in Saskatchewan created significantly high flows along the Assiniboine River. Flood Warning remains in place for the Assiniboine River between the Shellmouth Dam and Brandon. Water levels are expected to be over the banks at these locations until first week of May.

The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support in response to spring flooding. Additionally, Manitoba EMO continues to work with Indigenous Services Canada and Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations to support First Nation and Northern Affairs communities’ flood response.

Manitobans are reminded to stay off waterways including creeks, streams, rivers and the floodway. High flows, debris and cold water temperatures present a significant safety risk. Members of the public are also asked to keep away from flooded areas, water control structures including dams and diversions, and areas where flood response crews are working.

Up-to-date information on highway conditions, including detours and road closures, is available at www.manitoba511.ca or by calling 511.

Flood mitigation assistance can be directed to the municipal authority. In case of an emergency, residents are advised to contact 911.

For questions about forecasts, water levels, provincial waterways or provincial water control infrastructure, call 204-945-1165 or email floodinfo@gov.mb.ca

Updated forecast information is available at www.manitoba.ca/floodinfo/.

Livestock Predation Prevention Program

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program Description

The Livestock Predation Prevention Program supports adoption of non-lethal, on-farm measures that reduce the risk of livestock predation by wolves, coyotes, bears and other predators. Reducing livestock predation promotes the co-existence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions of Manitoba.

Who Qualifies

Livestock producers who have both:

• A paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program in 2021 or later.

• A Manitoba Premises Identification Number.

What Qualifies

Eligible expenses include purchasing equipment, livestock guardian dogs, and constructing predator resistant fencing to deter attacks on livestock by coyotes, wolves, and other predators. The objective of a project must be to deter predation of livestock located on Manitoba farms. More details of eligible expenses can be found in the program guide.

Cost-Share and Funding Cap

FUNDING STREAMS

Pre-approved Livestock Predation Equipment and Guardian Dogs

Predator Resistant Fence Construction

The Pre-approved Livestock Predation Equipment and Guardian Dog funding stream is a rebate program. It allows eligible applicants to purchase items from a pre-approved list and submit the required documents to receive reimbursement.

Eligible producers can apply for funding to support construction of fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas, and deadstock compost sites. Producers will receive a funding decision letter indicating the approved budget for eligible projects.

Important Dates

June 14, 2024: Deadline for fence construction applications.

October 31, 2024: Complete fence construction.

November 29, 2024: Complete fence inspection.

December 20, 2024: Deadline for submitting claims and proof of payment for equipment and guardian dog purchases and completed fence projects.

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of:

• $5,000 for purchases of pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs.

• $10,000 for fence construction projects

These maximums are the total funding available per applicant. Maximums also apply to individual categories of purchases and fence construction projects.

Pre-Approved Equipment & Guardian Dog Rebate Details

Producers submit a rebate claim for purchases from a list of pre-approved equipment and livestock guardian dogs that deter predators from their livestock. No prior approval is required. Claims are processed up to the claim deadline or until funding is exhausted.

Cost Sharing and Funding Cap

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $5,000 for all eligible equipment and livestock guardian dog purchases. Each category of eligible purchase has its own funding cap.

Solar foxlights create an unusual frequency and colour of light to mimic human presence and deter predators from entering a livestock area. They are best used during high-risk periods as their effect can wear off as predators become used to them.

Electronet is a wire netting fence that is electrified and can be used as temporary fence to deter predators from sheep or other small livestock. Netting and ground rods are eligible purchases. One energizer is also eligible when electronet is purchased.

Fladry is a line of brightly coloured flags that can be hung in front of a fence or other barrier to deter predators due to the novelty of the installation. Turbo fladry has the added feature of being electrified and further deterring predators. They are used temporarily in high-risk periods as the effect will wear off. Fladry, turbo fladry, temporary posts and insulators are eligible. One energizer and ground rods are eligible when combined with the purchase of turbo fladry.

Livestock guardian dogs are breeds of dogs that will deter predators from cattle, sheep, and other livestock. Eligible breeds include Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Kangal, Komondor, Kuvasz, Maremma, Sarplaninac, and Tatra. One spike collar can be claimed per dog.

Based on the 75% government cost-share, the $5,000 total funding cap is reached with total eligible purchases of $6,666.66. The caps for each category are reached with eligible purchases of $1,333.33 for solar fox lights and $4,666.66 each for electronet, fladry/turbo fladry and livestock guardian dogs.

Eligible Expenses

· Purchase cost including shipping and PST

· Purchasing an energizer when electronet or turbo fladry is also purchased. Two energizers are eligible if both electronet and turbo fladry are purchased.

All invoices must be dated on or after April 1, 2024.

Fence Construction Project Details

Financial assistance is available for construction of fences that reduce the risk of livestock predation:

Cost Sharing and Funding Cap

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000 for all fence construction. Funding approved for each fence construction project is based on the size, type and purpose of the fence.

Caps Applied to Funding For Fence Projects

Wire-net fence (e.g. page, welded, fixedknot, or hinge-joint fencing)

· 152 cm (60”) high

· 178 cm (70”) high

Electrified, high tensile, no apron

·

If an apron is added to prevent burrowing under a fence.

· $1,000 + $6/linear foot

· $1,000 + $7/linear foot

·

·

·

· $1/linear foot is

For each of the above fence types, the base funding is $2,000 (instead of $1,000). The per linear foot rates are the same as for Predator Resistance Fence.

Note: Based on 75% government cost share, the $10,000 total funding cap is reached with eligible expenses of $13,333.33 or more. Depending on fence size and type, the approved funding may be less than the $10,000 fence category cap.

Eligible Expenses

· Incremental Personal Labour at $30/hour and Incremental Personal Equipment Use at fixed, program rates. For these two incremental expenses combined, applicants can claim up to a total of $3.00/linear foot for deadstock compost areas, $1.00/linear foot for predator resistant fences or $1.50/linear foot if the predator resistant fence has an apron.

· Subcontracted Services related to custom labour and custom equipment use

· Equipment Rental for completion of the project

· Materials and Supplies such as gates, lumber, wire, and energizer (0.7 joules or more.)

· Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Further conditions for a fence project:

· Fences are inspected to verify work completed and that they will deter predators.

· Specific ineligible items include barbed wire fences, hard-wired power sourcing, temporary or mobile fences, infrastructure and land preparation inside the fence, and fences around feedlots, feed storage areas, and non-grazed crops.

Fence Inspection

Fences constructed to contain cattle, sheep and other livestock are often ineffective barriers to predators. To be effective, fences must be constructed to deter predators from climbing over, passing through, or burrowing under them. All fence projects are inspected to verify that the work has been completed and the fence will deter predators. See the Program Guide and the Sustainable CAP website for fence

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

standards as well as guidelines and examples for fence construction.

An inspection of the finished fence can be arranged by calling the Program Information Line at 1-800-811-4411 or emailing agriculture@gov.mb.ca

The applicant will then be contacted by an inspector from their local MASC Service Centre. The completed inspection report will be submitted by MASC on the applicant’s behalf.

The application and claim documents for equipment, guardian dogs, and fence construction can be found on the Manitoba Agriculture website:

· Applicant Information Form to be completed once. It covers both pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs and fence construction

· Rebate Worksheet for pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs

· Application Worksheet for fence construction

Go to www.manitoba.ca/scap/ and click on Resiliency and Public Trust and then on Livestock Predation Prevention to find these forms as well as the Program Guide.

The applicant must attach all invoices and proof of payment, along with the Rebate Worksheet for equipment and guardian dogs and the Claim Worksheet for fence construction projects.

An applicant can submit one Rebate Worksheet and one Fence Claim Worksheet over the life of the program. The documents can be emailed to: agriculture@gov.mb.ca.

CCA Budget Reaction:

Budget 2024 sends a positive indicator that meaningful changes are coming to Livestock Tax Deferral

April 16, 2024 – Ottawa, ON

On behalf of beef producers, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is cautiously optimistic that the Government recognized the Livestock Tax Deferral’s effectiveness in providing relief for producers in Budget 2024 and recognized it as a crucial tool for producers in times of natural disasters such as drought or floods. The CCA has requested a change to the Income Tax Act to include all classes of cattle and allow producers to self-elect when they need to use the deferral.

“Beef producers are encouraged to see the Livestock Tax Deferral in Budget 2024 and we are hopeful that meaningful change will come quickly as we head into another extremely dry season in Western Canada,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. Phinney views today’s announcement as “an indication that the government will make a change and work with ranchers to find a solution that addresses extreme weather challenges for producers across the country.”

“After years of advocacy, we are cautiously optimistic that the Government will work quickly in partnership with the beef sector to design a framework that addresses the weather-related challenges beef producers are facing,” continued Phinney.

CCA will continue to work with the Government of Canada to advocate for these changes to be made as soon as possible, to help producers mitigate climate risk.

In addition to the Livestock Tax Deferral, CCA is pleased to see the government is supporting efforts to amend the Copyright Act to help achieve interoperability between devices and equipment. CCA looks forward to taking part in consultations in June and to seeing more details announced shortly. CCA is also pleased to see the Advance Payment Program (APP) will have a $250,000 interest-free limit for the 2024 program year, as announced last month.

CCA will continue to review the Budget in detail and work with the government, all Parliamentarians and stakeholders on both our challenges and opportunities coming out of Budget 2024.

For further information, contact:

Carol Reynolds Communications Manager, Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots www.cattle.ca

Manitoba Government Supporting 10 Municipal Projects That Will Improve Emergency Preparedness

(April 18, 2024 Province of Manitoba media release)

The Manitoba government has approved 10 projects that mitigate against future disasters, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced today.

“In the past few years, Manitobans have increasingly seen the impacts of climate change with wildfires, floods and extreme snowfalls,” said Naylor. “Our government is committed to making sure Manitoba families and communities have the supports they need to prepare for these extreme weather events. We’re taking action to build up our resiliency and capacity so we’re prepared for future environmental events.”

The funding will be delivered through the Mitigation and Preparedness Program (MPP), through the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO).

For this round of MPP funding, municipalities affected by the 2023 spring flood were eligible to apply.

The 10 approved projects for the 2023 MPP include:

• up to $20,873 to the Municipality of Boissevain-Morton for road raising;

• up to $12,077 to the Municipality of Cartwright-Roblin for a reserve fund;

• up to $13,361 to the Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester for a reserve fund to purchase an EOC generator;

• up to $22,030 to the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin for lift station generators;

• up to $60,794 to the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie for emergency preparedness purchases;

• up to $18,306 to the Municipality of Louise for culvert replacements;

• up to $11,553 to the Rural Municipality of Montcalm for a reserve fund;

• up to $13,108 to the Municipality of Mossey River to purchase VHF radios;

• up to $16,000 to the Municipality of Norfolk Treherne for a reserve fund for road raising and armoring; and

• up to $52,603 to the Municipality of Rhineland for road raising.

Since its inception in 2020, the MPP has provided $3.7 million in support to 120 projects.

Manitoba EMO will continue to advance outstanding contribution agreements for the 2020, 2022 and 2023 MPP as they are submitted by municipalities, the minister added.

To learn more about the DFA program, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/index.ht ml.

To learn more about the MPP, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/mitigation/m pp.html.

MFGA Aquanty Model and Forecasting Tool

Open for Spring Thaw 2024

Farmers, Land managers, Indigenous Communities and Rural Municipalities offered free access to cutting edge water forecasting tool during spring thaw and run-off

(April 16, 2024 MFGA News Release) - The annual spring thaw and surface runoff is underway in most Manitoba basins.

And, while flood risks remain reportedly low and localized across southern Manitoba, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) is offering the MFGA Aquanty Model and Forecasting Tool free of charge to stakeholders in the Assiniboine River Basin interested in how much water is in the system or cascading and pooling overland on their fields.

“Our MFGA Aquanty Model is the premiere water movement model on the Canadian Prairies,” said Mike Duguid, MFGA chair. “There is no other water-focused forecasting technology on par with the MFGA Aquanty Model Forecasting Tool in North America. As a farmer-led group, we want farmers, land managers and communities to benefit from our model during the annual spring thaw where waters can rise and fluctuate on short notice, and the option to access our model for free and in a pinch can help plan and prepare for what’s coming down the waterways or running across fields.”

The MFGA Aquanty Model and Forecasting Tool

Portal can be accessed at MFGA.net. MFGA is the licence-holder of the model after leading two major projects – and a third with Pembina Valley Watershed District in the Red River Valley

– funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Province of Manitoba. A fourth project using the model was funded by the RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature and is in final report stages with PVWD, Swan Lake First Nation and MFGA.

Duguid says MFGA has developed significant interest and uptake from groups such as watershed districts that want to use the model to better inform their land use decisions by better understanding the water resources in their jurisdictions via the eight categorical measurements provided by the model, from surface water to groundwater to satellite field views, all via real-time measurements. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is one of the many datasets that can be incorporated into the MFGA Aquanty Model for better understanding of water resources within MFGA Aquanty Model run scenarios.

MFGA will be closing the free access to the model and forecasting tool after the 2024 spring thaw subsides and passes. Training on the model and forecasting tool will continue to be held on request-by-request basis. Contact MFGA for more information on all MFGA Aquanty Model enquiries.

For More Information: Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director, 204.770.3548, Duncan@mfga.net

Premier and Delegation Departed On United States Trade Mission

(April 15, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The premier and a delegation are travelling to Washington, D.C. and New York City on a trade mission to meet with existing and potential partners invested in strengthening trade relationships and economic ties with Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew announced.

He will be joined by Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses, and Transportation and Infrastructure and Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Lisa Naylor.

“Manitoba has a wealth of natural and agricultural resources along with clean energy solutions that makes us a valuable asset to our American trade partners,” said Kinew. “Strengthening our province’s trade relationship will help boost good jobs and reinforce our strong economy for today and the next generation. Investments in Manitoba are investments in the future.”

In these meetings, the premier noted he will work with members from his Business and Jobs Council to build on Manitoba’s strong existing trade relationships and create new opportunities to export goods and services to the United States. The premier will also provide Canadian-made robust solutions to address today’s concerns around food security, providing reliable clean energy and bolstering overall economic growth.

The Premier’s Business and Jobs Council delegates attending the trade mission include:

• Stacy Kennedy, president, Mining Association of Manitoba, and director of Manitoba operations, Vale;

• Jill Verwey, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers;

• Bram Strain, president and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba;

• Paul Soubry, president and CEO, NFI Group Inc.;

• Mike Pulak, co-ordinator, United Steelworkers Manitoba Area;

• Ash Modha, founder and CEO, Mondetta Clothing;

• Loren Remillard, president and CEO, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce;

• Gustavo Zentner, president, International Point of Commerce and Jewish Federation of Winnipeg;

• Ryan Kuffner, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg; and

• Chuck Fraley, president and chief operating officer, Price Industries.

Former premier Gary Doer, former Canadian ambassador to the United States, will also accompany the delegation as a volunteer advisor on trade with the United States.

Security Rebate To Improve Safety for Manitobans and Provide Savings

Budget 2024 Invests in Community Safety with $300 Security Rebate for Homeowners, Small Businesses: Wiebe

(April 15, 2024 Province of Manitoba Media Release) As part of Budget 2024, the Manitoba government is investing in community safety by offering a $300 rebate for homeowners and small business owners to purchase security equipment, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.

“Everyone should feel safe in their home and their community,” said Wiebe. “This rebate is a step our government committed to during the election to help build a culture of safety throughout our province and we are following through on that commitment today. This is just one part of our government’s plan to make communities safer and lower costs for Manitobans. By taking advantage of this rebate, people can equip their homes with cameras, lights or other security measures and save some money while doing it.”

Homeowners and small businesses can take advantage of the rebate offered by the province. Upgrades eligible for a rebate include security cameras, alarm systems, motion detectors, reinforced doors or windows, anti-graffiti film, paints, security gates, pull-down protection shutters and permanent security fencing.

Ongoing subscriptions or monthly fees for existing alarm systems are not eligible. Only equipment associated with the alarm is covered by the rebate.

“Two years ago, a stranger vandalized our only car, breaking our back windshield,” said Anamika Deb, a homeowner in Fort Richmond. “Having lived in the area for over a decade, it left us shocked and made us anxious in our own community. We installed a blink doorbell as extra assurance, but it added to our family’s costs. That’s why this security system rebate is great news. It feels good to know that our government is here for us.”

The minister noted any purchase made after Sept. 1, 2023, is eligible to receive the $300 rebate. The application system for the rebate will launch this June and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Manitobans with multiple homes or business locations in the province will only be eligible to apply for one location. The minister noted the rebate can apply to multiple expenses for a single property or business under the $300 threshold.

More information about Budget 2024 can be found at www.manitoba.ca/budget2024.