The Advance Payments Program gives MB producers access to low-cost cash advances of up to $1M based on the expected value of their agricultural product. Have questions? Visit the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance website [http://manitobalivestock.com] or call toll-free 1-866-869-4008.
Monthly provincial prices received by farmers in February for grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs and dairy products are now available.
Slaughter cattle prices rose in every province in February compared with January, with increases ranging from 0.7% in British Columbia to 6.2% in Ontario. Year over year, slaughter cattle prices were higher in each province by at least 21.3% in February.
Feeder cattle price movements varied across the provinces in February compared with a month earlier. Quebec (-4.3%), Alberta (-3.8%), Manitoba (-0.6%) and British Columbia (-0.5%) recorded declines, while the remaining provinces posted increases. Feeder cattle prices were at least 17.4% higher in every province in February 2025 compared with February 2024.
Compared with January, slaughter hog prices increased across all provinces in February, led by Alberta (+6.3%).
In February, the price of wheat (excluding durum) rose moderately across the western provinces compared with January, with gains ranging from 0.6% in Manitoba to 1.5% in Alberta. In February, estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture showed a decrease in the global supply of wheat for the 2024/2025 crop year, exerting upward pressure on the prices.
Prices for dry peas posted monthly increases across the Prairie provinces in February, with gains ranging from 2.0% in Alberta to 4.5% in Saskatchewan. On a year-over-year basis, the prices for dry peas declined in the Prairie provinces, led by Alberta (12.2%).
Text - Selected Tables Related information Previous release PDF (131 KB)
(April 9, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is investing $2 million to expand Manitoba’s Operational Communications Centre to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to respond to violent crime and critical incidents, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced.
“Providing law enforcement with the tools they need to keep Manitobans safe and to get tough on crime is a priority for our government,” said Wiebe. “This investment of $2 million will help ensure our officers have the resources they need to respond to
emergencies in the moments when it matters most to Manitobans.”
Manitoba’s Operational Communications Centre is the intake and dispatch command centre for all incoming calls for Manitobans to report an emergency to RCMP. The $2 million in additional funding will add six new RCMP officers and ten public servant dispatchers to expand the Operational Communications Centre and allow 24-7 risk management operational support for law enforcement, allowing the RCMP to better connect with Manitobans and ensure their safety quickly, noted Wiebe.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) welcomes the provincial government's investment to strengthen the RCMP's capacity and help ensure a more effective response to crime across Manitoba,” said Kathy Valentino, president, AMM.
“With front-line officers dealing with repeat prolific offenders and expanded responsibilities that extend beyond traditional law enforcement, these additional resources are both timely and essential.”
Adding the funding for six new sergeants will enable the Manitoba RCMP to create a 24-7 member operational support services (MOSS) unit. A member of the MOSS unit will be readily available to dispatchers and officers to provide expertise and
servant dispatchers by ten new positions will ensure consistent support services can be provided to the public and officers, noted the minister
The expansion of the Operational Communications Centre builds on the government’s recent actions to address rural and northern crime in Manitoba including $3.3 million in funding for Manitoba's RCMP emergency response team to double its members, increasing the funding for the urban policing grant by 28 per cent, implementing a fivepoint plan to tackle repeat offenders and bail reform, creating a general investigate unit pilot project in Swan Valley, expanding the electronic monitoring program to rural Manitoba and building
Information Webinar for Farms, Small Businesses and Non-Profits is Wednesday April 16 at 3:00 pm
MBP note: The Manitoba government is undertaking a public consultation through the EngageMB portal about proposed changes to the province’s Disaster Financial Assistance Regulation. This will include changes to who is eligible for assistance, as well as the maximum compensation amounts. More information can be found below, as well as in the question and answer document included in this edition of the e-newsletter.
See: https://engagemb.ca/disaster-financialassistance-regulation to take part in the consultation.
Further, the province is holding webinars in April about the proposed changes. See separate notice in this e-newsletter for dates and times or go to:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/webinar.html
MBP has been advocating for enhancements to the DFA program to make it more responsive to the unique needs of beef producers, and believes the types of regulatory changes that are being proposed should be beneficial to those affected by natural disasters. MBP strongly encourages producers who have been affected by past natural disasters to consider taking part in this online consultation.
The following information is from background information posted on the EngageMB website.
Canada has announced changes to the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), a federal program that provides funding to provinces and territories for the costs of responding to, recovering from, and mitigating against natural disasters. The proposed
amendments to Manitoba’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program will align Manitoba’s program with the revised DFAA to provide greater support to Manitobans and local governments during and after a natural disaster, but without passing additional costs on to program participants.
The key proposed changes to the DFA Program include:
• The DFA program will allow rebuilding of damaged assets (structures and infrastructure) to a more resilient standard (“build back better”). For assets located in high-risk areas that sustain damage, eligibility for future assistance will be contingent on mitigating the risk as part of recovery.
• Businesses/organizations (MBP note: this includes farms/ranches) that earn up to $15 million in gross revenue are now eligible (increased from $2 million). The revenue cap for eligibility can be waived for organizations offering affordable housing, essential service providers, and communal societies.
• Removal of restrictive eligibility requirements which shut many Manitoba farms, businesses and organizations out of past programs. For example, removal of restrictions that excluded farms that have more than two owners.
• Increase the maximum assistance amount to private sector claimants from $300,000 to $3 Million. The $3M
Information Webinar for Farms, Small Businesses and Non-Profits is Wednesday April 16 at 3:00 pm
maximum can also be waived for organizations offering affordable housing, essential service providers, and communal societies.
• Extended period of eligibility for recovery of municipal assets from one year to two years.
• Expanded eligibility of protective natural assets (not just built infrastructure) to achieve resilience and mitigation.
• New eligibility for mental health, psychosocial supports, and financial counselling for disaster-affected people.
• Expanded eligibility for delivery of nonmonetary services and supports to those affected by a disaster, including case management, transition planning, and targeted support for vulnerable populations.
• Expanded recovery supports which include greater support for temporary housing for displaced persons, community recovery and resilience planning, and post-disaster lessons learned reports.
• New eligibility for organizations to provide targeted and temporary supports to low income or individuals, households or populations who are more likely to experience disproportionately negative recovery outcomes.
• Allowing EMO to issue payments based on proof of loss for essential belongings or non-major damage to a home or essential structure, instead of making claimants submit receipts showing repair/replacement.
There are also significant federal changes made to the DFAA, and which will flow through Manitoba’s DFA Program to disaster-affected Manitobans:
• The definition of areas at high-risk of flooding and the required standard to mitigate for assets in high-risk areas is increased from 1:100 year flood to 1:200 year flood.
• Expanded eligibility for different types of homes (fix-in-place mobile home, trailer, houseboat, collective or cooperative housing, transitional housing, etc.).
(April 7, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is supporting the installation of 51 new electric vehicle charging stations across the province, boosting the network of EV infrastructure and driving the shift to greener transportation, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced.
In all, the Manitoba government is investing $500,000 through the Climate Action Fund for the installation of 51 EV chargers. This funding will support the installation of 39 electric vehicle charging stations in Brandon and Morden as well as other rural, northern and Indigenous communities across Manitoba. In addition, funding will support the installation of 12 charging stations at three multi-unit residential developments, the minister noted.
For the complete list: www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/ en/climateac tion/ev-charger-infrastructure.pdf.
The 51 new EV charging stations build on previous
stations such as those in the communities of The Pas, Thompson, Ile des Chênes, Dunnottar, Holland, Cypress River and Treherne.
These projects help support the expansion of Manitoba’s EV charging network and collaborative planning for regional green transportation initiatives. The new EV charging stations complement the Manitoba government’s vision to grow the use of zero-emission vehicles in Manitoba through accessible and reliable EV infrastructure, as outlined in Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan, the minister added.
To view the plan: www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/ energypla n/mb-affordable-energy-plan.pdf.
Manitoba’s Climate Action Fund supports projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help build Manitoba’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, develop community-based climate adaptation plans and support a low-carbon economy.
(April 7, 2025 Province of Manitoba news release)
The Manitoba government is supporting an additional 37 Manitoba companies through Export Support Programming funding to help them expand the export of their products and services into new and more diversified markets, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.
“With U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs creating economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to help Manitoba companies promote their products internationally,” said Moses.
“Our Export Support Programming helps local businesses showcase their Manitoba products and services to the world, creating good jobs and strengthening our economy at home. During this critical and uncertain time for global trade, we’re proud to provide local businesses with the opportunity to expand their reach and explore new markets.”
Under the program, 37 companies will receive a total of $171,895 in funding, noted the minister.
The program has seen strong uptake from Manitoba companies, highlighting the importance of having dedicated provincial export support programming, noted the minister. For 2024-25, the program is supporting 48 companies to attend 81 national and international events, trade shows and missions to form valuable partnerships, added Moses.
To learn more about how Export Support Programming helps companies enter new markets and provides opportunities for education, developing relationships, contacts and sales, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/expo rt/index.html
Export Support Programming provides financial assistance to small- and medium-sized enterprises in Manitoba to participate in trade shows or missions outside of the province, with the goal of expanding existing or entering new export markets.
(April 8, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba government, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is investing $3.3 million to expand Manitoba's RCMP Emergency Response Team in rural and northern Manitoba, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today.
“Our government won’t stand by as crime disrupts rural and northern Manitobans lives,” said Wiebe. “By investing to expand the RCMP Emergency Response Team, police will have the resources they need to keep Manitobans safe, regardless of where you live in our province. I’m pleased to work with the RCMP to get more boots on the ground to tackle these senseless crimes.”
The RCMP Emergency Response Team will now include nine new regular RCMP members, for a total of 18 full-time members. Their skills and training include rural tracking operations, addressing incidents involving armed persons, high-risk searches and arrests, and carrying out serious crime arrest warrants, along with other specialized training.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) welcomes the province’s timely investment to expand the RCMP Emergency Response Team for rural and northern Manitoba,” said Kathy Valentino, president, AMM. “With rising crime and repeat prolific offenders facing little accountability, this support is a critical step toward safer communities and ensuring all Manitobans feel secure – no matter where they live.”
This new funding will expand the team to full time and allow members to be deployed across the province day and night, in all types of locations and weather, noted the minister.
This investment expands on the government’s past actions to address rural crime including increasing the funding for the urban policing grant by 28 per cent, implementing a five-point plan to tackle repeat offenders and bail reform, creating a general investigative unit pilot project in Swan Valley, expanding the electronic monitoring program to rural Manitoba and building a new Centre for Justice in Dauphin, added Wiebe.
April 9, 2025
There has been lots of information and misinformation circulating this afternoon amid reports that President Trump is pausing most reciprocal tariffs and further increasing tariffs on China.
CCA representatives are in Washington, D.C. and have confirmed that there will be no change to the current tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Goods covered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will continue to be exempt from tariffs while products that are not covered by the trade deal will have a 25% tariff. Recently imposed Canadian energy and fertilizer products are subject to a 10% tariff.
We will advise of any changes as soon as we become aware of them and are able to confirm the information.
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The scholarship criteria are as follows: Eligibility:
• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.
• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.
• The completed application form;
• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;
• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);
• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2025-26);
• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,
• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions and photos will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
The completed application, all supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 to the attention of:
Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee
220 – 530 Century Street
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4
E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca
Fax: (204) 774-3264
For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 12, 2025.
Name:
Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone: _____________________________
Date of birth: _____________________________
Email:
Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________
Are you a beef producer? _____________________________
Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __
Current institute of enrolment: ________________________________________________________
Institute and your intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training in 2025-26:
Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)
Essay or Short Video Submission Requirement: Please submit either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* OR a 5-7 minute video on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. No preference will be given to either option.
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions and photos will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
Please return the following no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025:
• completed application form;
• typed essay or video submission;
• a copy of your transcript;
• proof of enrolment in a recognized institution or an apprenticeship program (current transcript, letter of acceptance, or a letter of intent to pursue further studies);
• a list of your community involvement; and,
• your references
To: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee
220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4
Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264
Tuesday April 8 – 7:00 pm
Monday April 14 – 7:00 pm
Tuesday April 8 – 10:00 am
Wednesday April 16 – 3:00 pm
Register Below!
Manitoba Emergency Management Organization is hosting webinars to let Manitobans know about proposed changes to the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program.
Register for the webinar that suits you the best. To register, use the link or QR code below.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/webinar.html
Manitoba is changing its Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program to help people, organizations and communities build back better. Manitoba’s new DFA program recognizes that fixing the same flooded basements or washed-out roads over and over isn’t effective or sustainable. It’s smarter to invest in risk mitigation and improvements that prevent future damage. The new DFA program also recognizes that disasters not only affect infrastructure, but people and communities as well. Greater financial and mental health supports will now be available to support a more holistic recovery.
Manitobans will see an increase in financial and adjacent support through the DFA program. Complex ownership requirements have been removed and eligibility has been expanded, meaning that more Manitoba farms, businesses, and non-profit organizations will qualify for assistance. Assistance is increasing, and the process is being streamlined to deliver programming and assistance more quickly.
Canada’s new Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) were only recently finalized and represent a foundational shift in disaster recovery. Manitoba is ready to deliver a DFA program under the new DFAA and is continuing work to develop agreements, policies, and tools for new programming.
Manitoba is choosing to leverage Canada’s new Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements to expand recovery supports and build back better following a disaster. Manitoba will see a substantial increase in disaster-related costs resulting from the expansion of program services, along with changes to the federal cost-sharing formula which downloads a great share of recovery costs to Manitoba. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency of events and program costs, but ideally, these costs will decrease over time due to investments in mitigation.
The new program helps individuals, organizations and local authorities understand and plan for the increased risks we face due to climate change. The new DFA requires that we invest in disaster risk reduction when rebuilding in high-risk areas and we account for high-risk in the development planning process. Manitoba EMO will also help Manitobans understand how simple mitigation strategies can reduce risk, including protecting personal financial risk through appropriate insurance coverage.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
Manitoba’s DFA Program will continue to provide assistance to help Manitobans recover after an acute natural disaster Assistance is provided to local authorities, residents and organizations for uninsurable losses to essential property and for disaster-related response. Manitoba’s DFA is a program of last resort and is meant to re-establish a basic standard of living and function. DFA is not a substitute for private insurance and does not compensate applicants for lost revenue, inconvenience, non-essential items/damages, injuries, or lost wages.
Not all natural disasters will result in a DFA program being established. DFA programs may be established when three criteria are met:
• The disaster is a result of a natural hazard with a clear start and end date that occurs in a specific geographic area;
• Damages are widespread and essential assets and/or essential services are damaged in the geographic area.
• Damages result in a significant financial burden to Manitobans.
DFA remains a post-disaster program. Expenses are only eligible if adequate insurance is not available.
Canada has issued a new DFAA that sets the rules for providing disaster assistance to provinces and territories. These new rules took effect on April 1, 2025.
The rising frequency, impacts, and costs related to disasters drove Canada to initiate a review of the DFAA. The previous program would only pay to rebuild to pre-disaster conditions. Canada recognized the need to build back better and invest in disaster risk reduction.
Provinces and territories set their own rules for financial assistance, and Manitoba has historically aligned its DFA program with Canada’s DFAA. This enables Manitoba to maximize cost-sharing with Canada for disasters.
Manitoba is choosing to leverage Canada’s new DFAA to expand recovery supports and build back better following a disaster despite increased costs.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
Complex ownership requirements have been eliminated for farms and businesses, as have restrictions on non-profit eligibility. The old program limited eligibility to farms and businesses whose owner acted as a day-to-day manager and owned at least half the business. They also couldn’t have more than 20 full-time employees to qualify or have more than $2 million in annual revenue. Non-profits had to provide “unrestricted public access” to all members of the community and had to “contribute significantly to the fabric and sustainability of the community” to qualify for the previous program.
Now, any organization with annual revenue under $15 million is eligible for support. That revenue cap can be waived for communal societies like Hutterite colonies, affordable housing providers, and non-profits that deliver essential services like food banks and shelters.
Organizations in Manitoba will see increased support through the DFA The maximum amount of assistance for private claimants is now $3 million in eligible costs instead of $300,000. That assistance cap can be waived for communal societies like Hutterite colonies, affordable housing providers, and non-profits that deliver essential services like food banks and shelters.
Eligibility remains limited to uninsurable losses for basic and essential needs Assistance is capped at the assessed value of land or structures or the lesser of the cost to restore function or replace an asset.
Given this expanded support, Manitobans are expected to share in the cost of their recovery. A 20% deductible on private claims was maintained, with a new minimum deductible of $2,500 to ensure that assistance is focused on those who cannot recover without government assistance.
The new DFA program allows organizations to build back better, unlike the previous program which would only cover the cost of repairs to pre-disaster conditions. All damaged assets can receive the equivalent of 15% of the cost of standard replacement value − which is the cost to repair the asset to pre-disaster conditions − to undertake disaster-resilient enhancements. These enhancements must align with published disaster resilience guidelines. Manitoba EMO is developing a Manitoba-based Disaster Resilience Enhancement Guide that outlines eligible activities Upgrades to meet existing building codes and standards will continue to be considered a standard recovery cost
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
Manitoba EMO is using this opportunity to improve the DFA program and recovery outcomes for Manitobans. A dedicated liaison will be available to help farms, businesses, and non-profits navigate the claims process. We will be able to process some payments more quickly by switching to a proof of loss standard for certain eligible costs, rather than waiting for paid invoices to be submitted. Assets with major structural damage will continue to be paid based on incurred costs. We are also exploring other ways to reduce paperwork requirements. Manitoba EMO recognizes that agricultural producers have unique needs and is working to build additional supports for those claimants.
The new program recognizes that Manitobans need more than just financial support to recover after a disaster. All private claimants will have access to mental health and financial counseling services. New supports will also be made available for transient populations like seasonal workers. Manitoba will be implementing these supports incrementally as we develop agreements, policies, and tools for new programming.
While the build-back better funding is a welcome carrot, it also comes with a stick. Canada does not want to keep paying to repair the same damaged assets over and over again. Canada’s new DFAA program is expanding the areas that are identified as high-risk and enhancing the standards for mitigation requirements.
Existing homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in designated high-risk areas that experience major damage must be adequately mitigated to retain eligibility for future DFA programs. If the property owner chooses not to mitigate after accepting DFA, that property will be barred from future DFA programs even if the ownership changes. This ‘one-and-done’ rule does not apply to assets that obtain DFA support for damage that does not reach the ‘major’ threshold.
New construction1 in high-risk areas must be adequately mitigated to qualify for future disaster financial assistance. The rule applies to both private structures like homes or businesses and infrastructure assets like dikes and culverts. Assets that are in high-risk areas and require additional mitigation work will be identified in the inspection process. Claimants can use their build-back-better amounts toward mitigation.
1 New construction applies to assets which received approval or a permit after April 1, 2025 for a new build or a structural renovation.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
Adequate mitigation means the asset is not expected to suffer major damage2 resulting from the identified hazard. It can be achieved through site-specific measures or community-level protections like ring dikes but must be mitigated to a 1:200 flood protection level. About 85% of municipalities in Manitoba’s known high-risk areas already have residential and commercial development plans that require development to a 1:200 flood protection level.
These changes may have significant impacts on provincial and municipal infrastructure assets across the province. Land use plans, building codes, standards, and guidelines will need to be updated to reflect high-risk flood protection requirements.
2 Major damage means significant impact to the safety, structural integrity or critical function of an asset such that the asset is unable to function as intended and requires significant repairs or total reconstruction.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• Manitoba is changing its Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program to help people, organizations and communities build back better.
• Manitoba’s new DFA program recognizes fixing the same damages over again isn’t effective or sustainable. It’s a lot smarter to invest in risk mitigation and protective improvements.
• The new DFA program also recognizes that people and communities need more holistic recovery support after disasters.
• Manitobans will see an immediate increase in support through the new program.
o We are cutting red tape to provide assistance more quickly.
o We are expanding the program to cover more farms, businesses and nonprofits.
o The amount of support we can provide is increasing, and new types of support − such as upgrades to help prevent future damage and mental health counselling − will be available.
• Manitoba will be implementing additional supports incrementally as we develop agreements, policies, and tools for new programming:
o Targeted support for vulnerable people.
o Additional disaster mitigation funding to address vulnerabilities across Manitoba.
o Supports for recovery and resiliency planning.
• Manitoba’s DFA Program will continue to be a program that provides financial assistance for the recovery needs of Manitobans following an acute natural disaster.
• DFA remains a post-disaster program.
• Expenses are eligible only if adequate insurance is not available.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• The draft regulation will be open for public comment until April 27, 2025 on the EngageMB website: https://engagemb.ca/disaster-financial-assistance-regulation
• Manitoba EMO welcomes feedback at any time and may be contacted at dfa@gov.mb.ca
• The draft regulation is available for review on the EngageMB website: https://engagemb.ca/disaster-financial-assistance-regulation
• Manitoba EMO will be hosting a series of targeted webinars in April 2025 for: local authorities and watershed districts; individuals, homeowners and tenants; and small businesses, farms and non-profit organizations.
Links for public webinars are on the EMO website: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/webinar.html
• Manitoba EMO will continue to engage with stakeholders in the coming months.
• Manitoba will be ready to manage a DFA program under the new rules if a major disaster strikes this spring.
• Manitoba EMO will provide training and support to help local authorities, organizations, and households navigate the new program.
• Manitoba EMO is working to simplify processes and provide more support.
o A dedicated liaison will answer claim questions and ensure all required documentation is submitted.
o Manitoba EMO is developing tools, templates and guidance documents to help organizations manage their DFA claims.
o Manitoba EMO is working to better serve agricultural producers and their unique needs. On our radar: inspectors and evaluators with an agricultural background
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• The new DFA program allows organizations to build back better, unlike the previous program which would only cover the cost of repairs to pre-disaster conditions.
• All damaged assets can receive the equivalent of 15% of the cost of standard replacement value − which is the cost to repair the asset to pre-disaster conditions −to undertake disaster-resilient enhancements.
o These enhancements must align with published disaster resilience guidelines.
o Manitoba EMO is developing a Manitoba-based Disaster Resilience Enhancement Guide that outlines eligible activities
• Upgrades required to meet building codes and standards will continue to be considered standard recovery costs.
• Manitobans are expected to share in the cost of their recovery.
• The previous program applied a 20% deductible to all private sector claims.
• The new program applies a minimum deductible of $2,500 or 20%, whichever is greater.
• The new minimum deductible ensures that assistance is focused on those that who cannot recover without government assistance.
• DFA is a program of last resort and is not a substitute for insurance.
• Expenses are eligible only if adequate insurance is not available.
• Canada released new Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) that set the rules for providing disaster assistance to provinces and territories.
• The new rules took effect on April 1, 2025. More information is on the Public Safety Canada website
• The previous program expired on March 31, 2025.
• The rising frequency, impacts, and costs related to disasters drove Canada to initiate a review of its Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements.
• The previous program would only pay to rebuild to pre-disaster conditions. Canada recognized the need to build back better and invest in disaster risk reduction.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• No – provinces and territories set their own rules for financial assistance.
• Manitoba has historically aligned its DFA program with Canada’s DFAA to maximize cost-sharing with Canada for disasters.
• Manitoba is not required to expand the program to receive federal support for other eligible costs – it is choosing to invest in improving recovery outcomes and building more resilient communities.
• Changes to Canada’s DFAA will download a greater share of costs to provinces and territories while also expanding coverage.
• Manitoba is choosing to leverage Canada’s new DFAA to expand recovery supports and build back better following a disaster.
• Canada’s new DFAA were only recently finalized and represent a foundational shift in disaster recovery.
• Manitoba will be implementing DFA program changes incrementally as we develop agreements, policies, and tools for new programming.
• Manitoba EMO is also working to make the process simpler and faster for claimants and to improve program outcomes.
• We will provide regular updates about the rollout of new programs, policies and tools.
• Canada has changed the way it assesses risk – it is now using a 1-in-200 year flood protection level (1:200 FPL) instead of the previous standard of 1:100 FPL.
• That means more areas in Manitoba may be designated as high risk.
• New construction in high-risk areas must be appropriately mitigated to 1:200 to qualify for future disaster financial assistance.
• Existing assets in high-risk areas will initially remain eligible for DFA. If they experience major damage, they must be appropriately mitigated to 1:200 to retain future eligibility for DFA.
• Assets that are in high-risk areas and require additional mitigation work will be identified in the inspection process. Claimants can use their build-back-better amounts toward mitigation.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• Major damage means significant impact to the safety, structural integrity or critical function of an asset where the asset is unable to function as intended and requires significant repairs or total reconstruction.
• Appropriate mitigation means an asset is not expected to experience major damage in an event at or below the 1:200 FPL.
• These assets will likely experience minor damage, and they would still be eligible for support if they suffer major damage in a flood which exceeds the 1:200 FPL.
• Mitigation can be site-specific or community-level protection.
• Assets that are in high-risk areas and require additional mitigation work will be identified in the inspection process. Claimants can use their build-back-better amounts toward mitigation.
• Manitoba’s DFA program provides financial assistance for uninsurable losses to essential property damaged by a natural disaster. It also provides assistance for disaster-related response.
• Manitoba’s DFA is a program of last resort and is meant to re-establish a basic standard of living and function.
• DFA is not a substitute for private insurance and does not compensate applicants for lost revenue, inconvenience, non-essential damages, injuries, or lost wages.
Not all natural disasters will result in a DFA program being established. DFA programs may be established when these criteria are met:
• The disaster occurs as a result of a natural hazard;
• Has a determinable beginning date and has or will have a determinable end date;
• Occurs in a geographic area that can be specified;
• Causes widespread damage and disruption to essential assets or essential services in the geographic area that result in a significant financial burden on Manitobans.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• No. Long-term environmental conditions, such as droughts, do not meet the requirement for a disaster to have a definable start and end date. This is also the case for other prolonged and underlying weather conditions such as El Niño or La Niña cycles or climate change. While these may contribute to the frequency of storms, they are not in and of themselves distinct disasters.
No DFA programs are only established in response to distinct natural disasters.
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
Definition
• Farms, businesses and non-profit organizations were all considered under private sector regulation.
Eligibility
• “Small business” included those that earned between $10,000 and $2,000,000 in gross revenue.
• Could not employ more than 20 full time workers.
• Applicant must be the owner-operator and the owneroperator must be the day-to-day manager.
• One owner-operator must own at least 50% of the business.
Maximum Assistance
• Small businesses received a maximum assistance amount of $240,000 ($300,000 less the 20% deductible).
Deductible
• A standard 20% deductible applies to all claims.
Definition
• New term “organization” includes all agricultural producers (i.e. farms), businesses and non-profit organizations.
Eligibility
• Businesses that earn up to$15 million per year in gross revenue are eligible (no minimum).
• Complex ownership criteria is eliminated.
Maximum Assistance
• Small businesses can receive a maximum assistance amount of $3,000,000 in uninsurable eligible costs ($3,000,000 less the 20% deductible).
Deductible
• 20% or $2,500, whichever is greater.
*Note: In general, eligibility of expenses is limited to uninsurable losses, basic and essential needs, and the lesser of the cost to restore function, replace or the assessed value (for land/structures).
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• Only repairs to pre-disaster conditions are eligible costs.
• Upgrades to align with building codes and standards are allowable expenses.
• Eligible items included those necessary to repair the farm/business and enable it to operate again.
• Supports beyond financial assistance were not provided.
• Additional assistance is available to mitigate assets in order to reduce future disaster risks/costs.
• Eligible items to enable the organization to operate again are largely unchanged (business supplies, essential work clothing, costs for disaster response, mandatory evacuation costs, clean up/debris removal, repair and restoration of buildings, livestock).
• Supports for mental health, financial counselling and unhoused/transient populations are now eligible.
• Case management support is eligible for those that are disproportionately impacted by disasters and/or needs more support to successfully recover from a disaster.
*Note: In general, eligibility of expenses is limited to uninsurable losses, basic and essential needs, and the lesser of the cost to restore function, replace or the assessed value (for land/structures).
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
• Inspections were conducted by internal EMO staff.
• Manitoba EMO is examining the possibility of using agricultural inspectors for farm claims.
• Manitoba EMO will connect with agricultural organizations and producers as it explores this approach.
• Payments could be made after inspection for building components (walls, floors, etc.) For other damages, assistance was provided once the repairs were completed, invoices paid, and proof-of-payment was provided.
• On a case-by-case basis MB EMO can pay up to 80% of an approved quote for eligible work directly to a contractor.
• Appeals to the Disaster Assistance Appeal Board must be filed within 30 days.
• The entire claim must be closed to proceed to appeal.
• Assistance will be provided based on proof of loss (after the inspection) for non-structural items and for minor damages to structural assets.
• Will allow speedier payments and reduced claim timelines.
• Can continue to pay directly to a contractor for eligible structural repairs where damage is more major and costs must be incurred.
Appeals
• Appeals to the Disaster Assistance Appeal Board must be filed within 60 days.
• Portions of claim can be closed in order to proceed to appeal on a specific site or portion of the claim.
*Note: In general, eligibility of expenses is limited to uninsurable losses, basic and essential needs, and the lesser of the cost to restore function, replace or the assessed value (for land/structures).
This information is based on draft regulation. Feedback from online consultations will be shared with government and may result in changes to the regulation before it becomes final.
It is no surprise that Canada’s beef industry continues to focus on the engagement of young entrants into the beef industry, whether that be grassroots producers, future leaders of our national and provincial organizations, or industry partners along the value chain.
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency (the Agency) continues to diversify its youth strategy with the renewal of the annual scholarship, aimed at students who intend to make an impact in Canada’s beef industry.
The scholarship is open not only to beef producers and those directly involved with their families, but it is open to students who can see unique ways to make an impact through marketing, research, public engagement, and other areas where check-off dollars are invested to generate value for the beef industry in Canada.
“We are working hard to ensure that we are engaging the next generation of industry leaders,” said Trevor Welch, Agency Chair. “This scholarship allows us to reach pockets of young producers that we often find it challenging to connect with.”
Adeleen Bolduc, the Agency’s Youth Member and member of the scholarship committee, sees value in the extensive range of career paths that can help shape Canada’s beef industry.
“Our scholarship outreach is one of the most successful communications programs to date at the Agency ”, said Bolduc. “We have been focusing on different platforms to get the word out to young beef industry stakeholders and it has been extremely positive.”
While preference may be given to applicants who are beef producers or have a background in agriculture, it is not a requirement for the scholarship.
Applicants are asked to submit a 1-2 minute video, showcasing their desire to improve and grow Canada’s beef industry in a unique way. The investment of the beef check-off in Canada delivers value to the beef industry, and the scholarship seeks to support those who want to make an impact in the same way.
The deadline for scholarship applications is June 30, 2025 and the selected applicant will be announced during the Agency’s AGM in August 19, which will be held virtually.
Apply by June 30 at cdnbeefcheckoff.ca/scholarship
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency has established a scholarship to encourage and support students pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of agriculture, agricultural research, or with an agriculture background pursuing studies in marketing or other areas of impact to the beef industry.
To be eligible for the $2000 scholarship, applicants must:
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• be accepted to or attending a designated post secondary institution
• be accepted to or attending a full-time program relating to:
• agriculture or agriculture business
• marketing, communications or public relations
• science and research including veterinary medicine
• human health and nutrition
• policy and economics
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who are active beef producers or have a background in agriculture, but it is not a requirement.
Applicants must submit to the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency:
• an application form
• a link to a creative video no longer than two minutes, showcasing how their background in agriculture, paired with their education, can help grow the future of the beef industry in Canada
• an official acceptance letter or current enrollment document to a designated post-secondary institution
Videos must be posted to YouTube, marked as public, and the link shared in the application form.
The recipient will be selected by committee on the basis of video content, and desire to improve and grow Canada’s beef industry in a unique way. Knowledge and understanding of Canada’s national beef strategy, checkoff system and national beef organizations is preferred.
