SMP - Dec. 6, 2024

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Friday, DECEMBER 6, 2024 Vo lum e 17 N um b e r13

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DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / SO U T H M O U N T AIN PR E SS Blazing a trail for traffic along our rural roadways, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure truck plow operators are the shepherds of our area highways. This unit was spotted rumbling down Highway 45 in the Erickson area on Friday, Nov. 29, making short work of the snow covered shoulder. As the temperatures remain cold, and the snow continues to fall, skis and snowboards will be polished and laughter will break the silence on local hills.

Giving sp irit sh ines brigh t a cross th e region RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

As fundraising events overflow across the region, festive examples of giving are alive and well this holiday season. Sandy Lake’s Karen Shindruk is leading by example with her creative and heartfelt initiative to support Christmas Cheer.

For the second year in a row, Shindruk has crafted live outdoor Christmas arrangements, with all

proceeds going directly to Christmas Cheer efforts in Erickson, Onanole, and Sandy Lake.

“I have had enough orders that I will be donating around $600 to Christmas Cheer this year,” she exclaimed.

Shindruk’s passion for Christmas stems from her deep faith and desire to give back.

“I love Christmas because of the most amazing gift that was given to us through Jesus,” she explained.

“God has blessed me in so many ways, and I love to give back to families that are finding it hard to make ends meet.”

This generous spirit is a family affair; last year, she also bought gifts for a family through Christmas Cheer and involved her nine-yearold grandson in shopping for the family.

“It was a great way to teach him about the most beautiful gift of giving,” Shindruk added. “He gets to

be a part of it through what I do.”

In addition to Shindruk’s efforts, the region is busy with even more community spirit. At Parkway Coop locations, including Rossburn, their Food Bank Advent Calendar invites residents to contribute daily essentials to location donation boxes, like cereal and peanut butter.

“This initiative not only helps stock the shelves of our local food banks but also fosters a sense of unity and compassion,” stated Park-

way Co-op General Manager Conrad Nabess. “It’s amazing to see our communities come together to share the true spirit of the season – giving and caring for one another.”

Complementing this, Shoal Lake’s Bigway, Strathclair Grocery, and Oak-Site Foods launched a food drive, offering shoppers the option to purchase and donate items directly to Christmas Cheer.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 6, 2024

Com m unities ra lly w ith m oneta ry, food dona tions from p age 1

P rovince la unch es snow p low tra cking Manitobans are now better able to plan safe winter travel thanks to “Track My Plow”, a new snowplow tracking feature that provides real-time updates on Manitoba 511, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced.

“Manitobans know that winter storms are a part of our lives and the new Track My Plow app will help Manitobans plan their winter commutes without having to even look out the window,” said Naylor. “Track My Plow will not only save drivers time but will help improve the safety of Manitoba’s roads during winter. I’d like to thank our snowplow operators, who are out in all sorts of weather to clear our highways, for their hard work.”

The new tracking feature, available on Manitoba 511’s website and smartphone app, will allow users to track active snowplows and where they have been for the past two hours. When combined with descriptions of road conditions and closures, drivers can make informed decisions before travelling this winter.

“CAA Manitoba congratulates the Manitoba government on the launch of this new technology, which we believe will be welcomed by Manitobans as they navigate our roads, streets and highways this winter,” said Ewald Friesen, manager of

government and community relations, CAA Manitoba.

“We are in full support of innovations that increase road safety in our province. As part of our road safety advocacy, we remind motorists that planning your route is one of the most effective ways to avoid needing a tow and avoiding the dangers of being stranded. We believe that this app can significantly help drivers make informed decisions to safely reach their destinations.”

AW AY FROM HOM E

Listening attentively to their coach, members of the Erickson/Onanole Wildcats practiced at the Shoal Lake Communiplex on Friday, Nov. 29, waiting patiently for natural ice to be ready back home. Hockey practice plans for all age and ability levels are readily available, from a full ice, half ice, and station based practice setups. Like all sports, hockey provides significant mental and physical health benefits, on top of developing team work and togetherness.

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Likewise, the U15 Yellowhead Chiefs are channeling the holiday spirit at their home games on Dec. 7 and 8 by collecting toys for local kids, ensuring that every child can enjoy the magical excitement of Christmas.

Even local schools, like Birtle Collegiate, are getting involved by organizing collections of non-perishable food items and gifts, teaching students the power of giving back to their communities.

As you navigate the holiday season, look around your local community for opportunities to spread cheer, knowing that whether you’re eager to lend a hand or in need of a little support, there are ample ways to fill your Christmas with joy.

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Working to bringing resources together, Christmas Cheer committees everywhere are rallying their towns through monetary and food donations, ensuring that families feel cared for this season. Christmas Cheer locations in the area such as Minnedosa, Miniota, Birtle, and Russell, among others, are all collecting everything from non-perishable goods to gifts, mitts, hats, and personal care items, emphasizing that united support can bring warmth in many ways to every home.

Toy drives are springing up in various towns as well, with Russell’s Annual Toy Drive standing out as a beloved tradition. These drives bring joy to children and embody the essence of community giving during the holidays.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 6, 2024

3

O’ CHRISTMAS TREE

Ex p lorin g the a ge-old deba te of choosin g a rea l Christm a s tree vs a n a rtificia l on e for your holida y celebra tion s ways to celebrate.

Now, with fewer hands to help with the setup, I find myself leaning toward an artificial tree year after year. It’s a more convenient option. I no longer must worry about how I’ll get the tree home or deal with the mess of fallen needles.

Artificial trees can be a great way to save time and effort, especially during busy holiday seasons. I appreciate how I can pull mine out of storage each year without the hassle of tree shopping or watering.

Plus, there’s something comforting about knowing that, with proper storage, my tree remains vibrant and ready to be decorated without any fuss.

That said, when it comes to picking the perfect Christmas tree, both real and artificial options come with their own set of advantages and challenges. Each type has its dedicated fans, with choices often based on personal preferences, family traditions, and practical considerations.

Real Christmas trees are treasured for their authentic charm and the natural aroma they bring into a home, creating an instantly cozy and merry atmosphere.

Each tree’s unique appear-

ance adds a special touch to holiday decorations and choosing a sustainably sourced tree can support local farms and the environment.

However, maintaining a real tree involves regular watering and cleanup, and the process of selecting, transporting, and setting up can be more labourintensive.

In contrast, artificial Christmas trees offer convenience and repeat usability, making them an attractive option for those looking to save time and money in the long run. These trees eliminate the need for watering and reduce the mess associated. Despite being easy to use, artificial trees can’t match the distinct scent and character of real ones, and they may sometimes feel less eco-friendly or lack the nostalgic quality that most love.

In the end, whether you choose a real tree or an artificial one, what’s most important is the spirit of the season. It’s about creating joy, sharing laughs, and making memories with those we love.

So, as we approach another holiday season, I feel grateful for the experiences I’ve had with real trees and open to the many new tradi-

tions that come with an artificial one. No matter what we choose, it’s the feeling and celebration that truly makes our Christmas special. Each year may bring

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Every holiday season, I find myself reflecting on one of the most cherished traditions in my family... choosing a Christmas tree.

For years, my family and I always opted for a real tree. There was something magical about it – the wonderful smell of pine filling our home, the joy of picking out the perfect tree, and the beautiful memories we created during our annual outing. Even though it could be a bit messy, with needles falling all over the floor, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.

I still remember the excitement of bundling up in warm coats and gloves, piling into the car, and driving out to our favourite tree farm. A few years ago, we actually harvested a permit tree from Duck Mountains!

With each visit to the tree farm, however, we would wander through rows of trees, looking for the one that would be the centrepiece for our holidays. That scent of fresh pine as we brought the tree inside was simply unforgettable – it felt like Christmas had officially begun.

However, as time has

gone by, my family has changed. The kids are growing up, and family gatherings aren’t as big as they used to be. This shift made me reconsider our tradition.

Artificial trees have an interesting history. They first appeared in the 19th century when they were made from metal and painted green. These early versions were quite different from the realisticlooking trees we see today.

The introduction of the “feather tree” in the early 1900s, which was made of dyed goose feathers, paved the way for modern artificial trees. And… by the 1960s, plastic trees started to become popular, offering a more convincing alternative to the real thing. Over the years, these artificial trees have evolved significantly, with improvements in materials and design, making them more lifelike and easier to assemble – my tree is in three pieces and not pre-lit, but many come as one piece with the lights strung and ready!

It is safe to say that convenience and reusability played a huge role to the popularity of the artificial trees, especially in the decades following World War II as families needed simpler

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4

OPINION

Friday, December 6, 2024

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Be thankful for the little things There are countless routes to receive encouragement, be motivated, and achieve satisfaction including posters, books, messages, prose, and spoken words from a close friend or loved one.

Here are some that fall under the Rules of Life Motivational Canvas Wall Décor…

7 R U L E S O F L IF E 1). Let It Go – Never ruin a good day by thinking of a bad yesterday.

2). Be Yourself – What others think of you is none of your business.

3). Give It Time – Time heals everything.

4). Don’t Compare – You have no idea what their journey is all about.

5). Stop Thinking Too Much – The answers come to you when you least expect it.

6). It’s On You – No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

7). Smile – You don’t own all the problems in the world.

hard in silence, let success make the noise.

7). Be Kind – Kindness makes you the most beautiful.

8). Keep Smiling – Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.

ICH O O SE Darrell

Nesbitt AR OUN D T OW N 8 PO W E R F U L W O R DS 1). Believe In Yourself – Believe you can and you will.

2). Stay Strong – Dream, believe, achieve.

3). Never Give Up – A little progress each day adds up to big results.

4). Be Grateful – A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.

5). Work Hard – Good things come to those who hustle.

6). Stay Humble – Work

It could be their grin, their words, their examples, or their real kindness that pulled me through.

How much I appreciate them, I’m not sure they will ever understand… but you should know, one of those amazing people is you.

N O T E T O SE L F

To live by choice, not chance; To be motivated, not manipulated; To be useful, not used.

To make changes, not excuses; To excel, not compete.

I choose self-esteem, not self-pity.

I choose to listen to my inner voice, not to the random opinions of others.

I choose to be me.

Your feelings are valid Your boundaries are important You are doing the best you can It’s ok to ask for help You are worthy and loveable You are allowed to say no You are capable of amazing things It’s ok to start over and try again.

AM AZIN G PE O PL E

W AT CH Y O U R T H O U GH T S

In my life, I’ve met some amazing people who’ve forever changed me. I don’t know if they know how much they helped me on days when I felt discouraged, uncertain, or simply blue.

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for

they become your character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

What we think, we become!

F R IE N DSH IP BL E SSIN G

to be great. We all make mistakes. You are not anyone’s expectations. You are interesting. Nobody’s perfect. You are worth it. You are important, thank you for being you!

Take some morning sunshine, And a smile, some kind words too.

Sprinkle in some happy hours, It’s not very hard to do.

Add a little thoughtfulness, Stir just enough to blend.

Serve it warm with loving hands, It’s the making of a friend.

1 heart full of love 1 head full of understanding 1 large pinch of courage 3 heaping cups of patience 2 cups of laughter 1 handful of generosity 4 scoops of fun Friends are the most important ingredients, in the recipe of life!

Y O U AR E

L IF E IS L IK E A CAM E R A

You are brave. You are enough. Your words are meaningful. You have great ideas. You are the best at being you. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. You are beautiful inside and out. It is okay to cry. You can say yes. You can say no. You are “loved”.

Self-care is important.

You don’t have to be perfect

1). Focus on what’s important.

2). Capture the good times.

3). And if things don’t work out.

4). Just take another shot.

R E CIPE F O R F R IE N DSH IP

Until next week… Everyone can do simple things to make a difference, and every little bit really does count.

T rudea u’s environm enta l record is fa iled a nd fa ke I want to let you in on a secret: Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government are fake environmentalists.

For years, the Trudeau Liberals faced little scrutiny over their environmental policies. The mainstream media anointed them as untouchable stewards of the environment who could do no wrong. Anyone who disagreed with their policies was quickly labelled a “climate change denier” who didn’t give a damn about the environment. But all it takes is a scratch of the surface to quickly reveal the truth about the Trudeau government’s environmental record.

There is an old saying that “only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked,” and with multiple reports being published this month, it’s clear the Liberals have been swimming naked in the waters of environmentalism for years.

In November, Canada’s independent and non-partisan Environment Commissioner released a damning audit that revealed the Liberals will NOT meet their own emissions reduction targets despite forcing Canadians to comply with their costly policies.

Included in the array of socalled environmental policies the Liberals promised would catapult Canada to success, was their plan to quadruple the carbon tax, ban gas powered vehicles, stop funding the construction of new roads, and restrict fertilizer use for farmers.

Letter Not only have these policies inflicted immense economic harm on Canadians, but they have also done nothing to achieve the environmental outcomes the Liberals promised.

In fact, not only did the Environment Commissioner reveal the Liberals will not meet their own targets, but he also revealed that Canada has the worst record in emissions reductions of any G7 country under the Liberals.

You wouldn’t recognize this from the actions of the Prime Minister, though.

Trudeau and his ministers have been jetting around the world to promote their failed environmental policies like the carbon tax, while criticizing working-class people for fueling up their cars and heating their homes. In their eyes, it’s you – the average Canadian trying to make a living – who is the problem, not them.

I call this high-carbon hypocrisy.

Take a look at the Prime Minister’s own actions. Between June 1 and Sept. 12 of 2024, Trudeau logged 92,104 kilometres of jet travel across 58 different trips. That’s nearly 300,000 litres of fuel burned this summer according to estimates. It’s one thing for the Prime Minister to lecture you on your actions, but to be completely hypocritical and contradict the actions he’s demanding from everyone else, is absurd.

The work of the Prime Minister requires travel – but so does the work of Canadians.

While Trudeau’s environment minister, Steven Guilbeault, jetted across the world to attend the COP29 Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, his government’s failed environmental performance was once again exposed.

According to the 2025 Climate Change Performance Index that was released at the conference, under Trudeau, Canada now ranks 62 out of 67 countries in environmental performance. This is four rankings lower than two years ago despite multiple carbon tax hikes on Canadians.

In fact, dozens of countries around the world that do not punish their people with a costly carbon tax are significantly outperforming Canada on this environmental index.

Most notable is the United States – Canada’s largest trad-

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ing partner and closest ally.

The United States does not impose a federal carbon tax on its citizens, yet they outperform Canada on nearly every environmental metric.

The Americans’ refusal to copy the failed environmental policies of the Trudeau government has also protected their citizens from the accompanying economic harm.

According to Trevor Tombe, a professor of economics at the University of Calgary, last year, real GDP per capita in the United States was 43 percent higher than in Canada. He estimates the gap will increase to nearly 50 percent this year.

That’s why I asked the independent Environment Commissioner if Canada could achieve its targets without a carbon tax. He said yes.

For 9 years, the Liberals claimed that the carbon tax was the ONLY way to meet their environmental targets.

The tide is sure going out

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I regret not directly challenging the Liberals sooner on their environmental record. As a lifelong farmer, I have an understanding of the environment that few, if any, in the Trudeau government have.

It is the same understanding of the natural landscape that every farmer, rancher, hunter, and angler share across Canada. No one cares more about the environment

than those who live and work off the land.

Not only should we reject the failed “environmental” policies of the Trudeau Liberals – we should quit allowing ourselves to be lectured by the fake environmentalists in Ottawa.

Dan Mazier Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan RiverNeepawa Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment

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Friday, December 6, 2024

RCM P investigating hom icid e On Nov. 28, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of a deceased male located outside of a residence on Pipe Road in Thompson. Officers attended and located the body of a 28-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on scene. The cause of death remains under investigation as RCMP await the results of the autopsy, however it is believed his death was the result of a homicide. Thompson RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

On Nov. 27, during the course of an ongoing investigation, officers attended to an address on 2nd Avenue NW, in Dauphin, in an at-

RCMP Briefs Provincial Roundup tempt to speak with a resident in an effort to acquire information.

Officers knocked on the door and when the resident answered, he was observed holding a rifle. The individual then quickly retreated inside the home. The surrounding area was quickly contained, and officers established commu-

nication with the individual who was eventually convinced to exit the home and surrender to officers.

A 37-year-old male of Dauphin was arrested and remanded into custody on the following charges: Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Unsafe storage of a firearm, Unauthorized possession of a firearm, and Careless use of a firearm. The firearm, found to be loaded, was seized along with a small quantity of ammunition.

On Nov. 25, a Manitoba First Nations Police officer, who was travelling along Highway 16, came upon a two-vehicle collision near Macdonald, located approximately 25 kilometres north-

west of Portage la Prairie. RCMP officers from Portage la Prairie, along with EMS and the local fire department, attended the scene. The investigation has determined that a southbound SUV, being driven by a 47-year-old male from Winnipeg, veered over the center line and collided head-on with a northbound SUV, being driven by a 50-year-old female from Winnipeg. Visibility may have been a factor in the collision. The 50year-old was pronounced deceased on scene. The 47-yearold was transported to local hospital and then to Winnipeg for further treatment.

Portage la Prairie RCMP, along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

H a ve your sa y in M B Budget 2 0 2 5 survey taking a balanced approach to the province’s finances,” said Sala. “We’ve made progress over the last year, but we need to build on that work to get results for Manitobans – starting by hearing directly from you about your priorities.”

Budget 2025 will outline the government’s funding priorities for the upcoming year.

Manitobans can complete the online budget survey at https://engagemb.ca.

It will be one of several ways the Manitoba government

will engage Manitobans between now and when the budget is released in spring, noted the minister.

the Nursing Station and located an 18-year-old individual from Winnipeg, and a 16year-old individual from Sagkeeng First Nation, who were in stable condition with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. While at the Nursing Station, the health of the 18-year-old deteriorated to critical, but nonlife threatening. Both were transported by med-evac plane to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

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The Manitoba government is inviting all Manitobans to take part in a short online survey and share their priorities and opinions for the government’s next budget, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced.

“We’re working to rebuild health care, lower costs and get Manitoba families the services they need – while

On Nov. 25, Cross Lake RCMP received a report of shots fired near a residence located in the Wapack region of Cross Lake Cree Nation.

Officers conducted patrols in the area but did not locate any suspects nor victims as no other information had been provided by the caller. officers then received a report from the Nursing Station that two gunshot victims had been brought in by vehicle. Officers attended to

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SPORTS

Friday, December 6, 2024

Em a il us yo urspo rts ne ws:

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Fem ale Chiefs shutoutW ild cats The Yellowhead Chiefs closed out the weekend with a shutout win, after suffering a pair of losses.

The results leave the Chiefs in fourth place in the nine-team team league with a record of 7-8-0. Yellowhead is three points back of the Westman Wildcats with a game in hand.

CH IE F S 2 W E ST M AN 0 Clair Merckx made 24 saves to backstop the Chiefs to a 2-0 win over the Wildcats in Shoal Lake on Sunday, Dec. 1.

After a scoreless first period, Kirby Gray and Emma Pollock connected for the Chiefs just over four minutes apart in the latter half of the second.

Indigo Stone made 37 saves in the Pembina Valley net.

E AST M AN 5 CH IE F S 0 Addison Tomes made 34 saves to record the shutout as the Selects blanked the Chiefs 5-0 in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Danyel Heppner, Delainey Rigaux, Mya Grenier, Vayda Rigaux and Kennedy Carriere scored for the Selects, who led 3-0 after the first and sec-

Y U18 C ond periods.

Gracie Johnston stopped 19 shots in the Yellowhead net.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 6 CH IE F S 3 Jessica Anderson recorded a hat trick as the Hawks doubled the Chiefs 6-3 in Morden on Friday, Nov. 29.

Emma Durand, Casey O’Brien and Abigail Brigg had the other goals for the Hawks, who held period leads of 2-0 and 3-1.

Presley Hodson with a pair and Kirby Gray replied for the Chiefs.

Madison Froese finished with 23 saves in the Pembina Valley net, while Clair Merckx stopped 32 shots for Yellowhead.

NOTES – The Chiefs will play two games this weekend – both on the road. After a date with the Westman Wildcats in Hartney on Friday, Dec. 6, the Chiefs will face the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Yellow head U 18 Fem ale C hiefs team m ates surround goaltender C lair M erckx to celebrate her 24 save shu tout victory over the W estm an W ildcats on S unday,D ec.1 in S hoalLake PHOTO BY LILY CORN BOROUGH/ FOR SOUTH M OUN TAIN PRESS

Chiefs d rop p air of gam es U15 Fem ale Chiefs take The Yellowhead Chiefs dropped a pair of games over the weekend in Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League action.

With the losses, the Chiefs remain in the basement of the 13-team league with a 3-15-1 record.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 3 CH IE F S 2 The Chiefs scored twice in the third period to rally from a 3-0 deficit but dropped a 3-2 decision to the Hawks in Morden on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Tegan Fehr, Ryder Wolfe and Cole Secord scored for the hosts, who held period leads of 1-0 and 3-0.

Chase Cochrane and Cooper McColl replied for the Chiefs.

U18 Karsen Dyck earned the win in goal for the Hawks, stopping 21 shots. Connor Rapley made 33 stops in the Yellowhead net.

BR AN DO N 8 CH IE F S 3 The Chiefs took a 3-1 first period lead but the Wheat Kings scored the next seven goals to score an 8-3 win in Brandon on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Jaxson Brick scored two goals for the hosts, including what proved to be the game winner midway through the

second. Ethan Stanley, Roan Michalchuk, Grady Taylor, Crew Elder, Konner MacKay and Hudson Champagne added singles for the Wheat Kings.

Chase Cochrane, Colby Asselstine and Destin Knight tallied for the Chiefs, who trailed 6-3 after 40 minutes.

Brady Low recorded the win goal for Brandon, finishing with 12 saves. Cole Lelond stopped 50 shots in the Yellowhead net.

NOTES – The Chiefs were scheduled to host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Tuesday, Dec 3, before welcoming the Winnipeg Wild on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Parkland Rangers will be in Shoal Lake to face the Chiefs on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

U 15 C hiefs fallin two gam es on road The Yellowhead Chiefs dropped both of their games over the weekend in Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League action. The Chiefs remain in fourth place in the West Division, one point up on the Parkland Rangers.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 8 CH IE F S 1 Noah Prejet and Easton Holman each scored twice as the Hawks beat the Chiefs 8-1 in Altona on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Holden Frost, Jackson Froese, Evan Vigier and Ramsin Bergen also scored for the hosts.

U15 Lane McDonald had the lone goal for the Chiefs, who trailed 4-1 after 40 minutes.

The teams were scoreless through the first.

Brody Peters earned the win in goal, stopping 34 shots.

Ben Anderson made 46 saves for Yellowhead.

W IL D GR E E N 10 CH IE F S 0 Owen Honey scored four goals and Ardan Downey

stopped 41 shots for the shutout as the Wild Green hammered the Chiefs 10-0 in Shoal Lake on Friday, Nov. 29.

Colton Ross and Brady Vasko each added a pair for the visitors, with Jake LaBerge and Jaxon Dean notching singles.

Noah Wohlgemuth and Ben Anderson finished with 44 saves for Yellowhead.

NOTES – The Chiefs will host the Pembina Valley Hawks on Saturday, Dec. 7 and the Central Plains Capitals on Sunday, Dec. 8. Both games are in Shoal Lake.

d ow n Eastm an in shootout The Yellowhead Chiefs improved to 6-4-2 on the season with a 3-2 shootout win over the Eastman Selects in a Manitoba U15 Female AAA Hockey League game in Ste. Agathe on Saturday, Nov. 30.

Chloe Facey tied the game with a shorthanded marker with 6:19 left in the third, and then scored the shootout winner.

Y U15 C Haley Chipelski had the other goal for the Chiefs.

Sasha Lambert and Bryelle Muntain replied for the Selects.

The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of the first and

second periods.

Madison Fleury earned the win in goal, while Caitlyn Anderson suffered the loss.

NOTES – The Chiefs, who sit in fourth place just two points back of the Eastman Selects and Central Plains Capitals, are off until Friday, Dec. 13 when they will host the Norman Wild.

FRIDAY , DEC. 6 7 :00 P.M . vs .R E D DE E R

SATURDAY , DEC. 7

7 :00 P.M . vs .PR IN CE AL BE R T

South Mountain Press

Friday, December 6, 2024

7

F a rm ery ca m p a ign celebra tes w ork of w om en Loca l p hotogra p her Tra cy Gregora sh of M in n edosa ha s p hoto fea tured a s p a rt of n ew F a rm ery Brew ery ca m p a ign D ARRELL N ES BITT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Farmers Estate Brewery embraces innovation and new marketing schemes as the lifeblood of their company, in order to generate revenue and profit.

The Neepawa-based brew-

ery recently launched its “Northern Skies Through Women’s Eyes” campaign, transforming beer cans into a colourful canvas.

For a limited time Farmery’s Northern Lights Lager cans will prominently feature pictures of nature from four different Manitoba photogra-

phers. The visuals are focused, upon the beautiful of the northern lights, as they were captured across the province.

Tracy Gregorash of Minnedosa was among the local photographers to have work selected, as did Jodi Baker of Neepawa, and

Donna Lach of Plumas. They were joined by Alysa Ferguson of Thompson.

Lawrence Warwaruk, coowner of Farmery Estate Brewery, said in a Neepawa Banner and Press story, their business is proud to showcase these photographers and their artistry.

“This was just something that allowed us to highlight some tremendous artists from around the province,” said Warwaruk. “These pictures captured the beauty of the Northern Lights, and it’s one way to get them into people’s hands.”

The lager beer cans will

also feature contact information on each photographer, in the form of a bar code to view their available works for purchase.

These artists and their work will also be displayed at the Manitoba’s Flash Photographic Festival, which is set for Neepawa in April.

Province celebrates m unicipalities w ith record funding The Manitoba government is celebrating the successful conclusion of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) 2024 Fall Convention, which saw consultations, new policies to address public safety and the announcement of record funding for municipalities, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced.

“It’s been an excellent year of our government working closely with AMM members to address the needs of municipalities,” said Simard.

“We started the year by fulfilling our commitment to

provide municipalities with stable, predictable long-term funding. Now our government is proud to finish 2024 by providing record funding for a new operating grant for municipalities and new funding that addresses public safety.”

In the past year, grant programs for municipalities have been added or strengthened, where municipalities can access funding for flood mitigation and emergency preparedness, rural public libraries, public transportation, municipal services, waste reduction and recycling support and community development, said

the minister.

In the last year, Simard noted record provincial investments for municipalities include: •$500,000 to the Municipality of Virden to support the expansion and renovation of Virden Regional Airport; •$47 million to complete the rehabilitation of the Rivers Dam; •$221 million in unconditional funding to all municipalities including a two per cent escalator to the Municipal Operating Grant to help municipalities address rising cost pressures after years of

funding freezes worth $4.4 million; •$62 million for the One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund, a historic commitment to municipalities across the province; •$42 million for the new Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program, which provides dedicated capital project funding for municipalities outside Winnipeg; •$4 million in additional funding to the Manitoba Water Services Board, which increases its funding to $24 mil-

lion to support water and sewerage projects; and •$19.6 million for the Souris bridge crossing.

“Manitoba has never seen the type of funding stream that we announced at AMM convention,” added Simard.

“Our commitment to munici-

palities is unwavering and we will continue to ensure that towns, cities and rural municipalities have the resources they need to ensure every Manitoban has the opportunity to be successful in life.”

24121GE0

Chancellors b low out Renegad es The Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors won big in their only game on the week in Westman High School Hockey League action, blowing out the Reston-MelitaSouris-Hartney Renegades by a score of 10-0. The Chancellors currently sit in ninth.

M E 10 R M H S 0 Minnedosa-Erickson – Aiden McGorman (3), Zachary Lamb (2), Dylan Ewasiuk, Grady Burton, Kaius Kroe-

HIGH SCHOOL ker, Jager Atkinson, Matthew Toews

B/ S/ R / BT 7 BDW P 6 (SO ) Birtle-Shoal Lake-Rossburn-Birdtail – Aiden Lewis (2), Grady Lee, Reid Luhowy, Hayden Mackedenski, Carter Malchuk Boissevain-Deloraine-

Waskada-Pierson – Gavin Wickham (2), Myles McGregor, Tyson Polnik, Austin McCorquodale, Jake Maxwell

R M SH 6 BSR B 2 Reston-Melita-SourisHartney – Ty Bloomer (2), Chase Flannery, Carter Wray, Korbin Forster, Ty Vandenberghe

VIR DE N 11 M P 3 Virden – Dexen Routledge (4), Hunter Andries (2), Lane

Flecknor, Jaden BrowningLozinski, Beckham Clarke, Riley Hall, Brayden Rowan Major Pratt – Kingston Chamberlain (2), Kane Reagh

H R E S 6 GCB 2 Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Jack Oakden, Drayson Sheridan, Harlen Bridges, Samuel Rivas-Banos, Carson Smith, Chael Rozdeba Glenboro-Carberry-Baldur – Tucker Forbes, Austin Dubyts

Bom b ers continue w inning w ays The Rivers Jets won their sixth straight game and remain undefeated in Tiger Hills Hockey League play.

The Jets lead the Eastern Division by one point over the Killarney Shamrocks.

The Minnedosa Bombers, who also won their game last week, are in third place with a record of 4-1-1.

R IVE R S 7 N E E PAW A 2 Riley Shamray scored a pair of goals to lead the Jets to a 7-2 win over the Farmers in Neepawa on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Joben Smith, Ryder Richmond, Josh Elmes, Luke Decorby and Riley Boles added singles for the visitors.

Garrett Remple and Kyle McDonald tallied for the Farmers, who trailed 2-0 and 4-1 at the intermissions.

Layne Anderson made 22 saves to earn the win in goal

for Rivers, while Nate Braun stopped 49 shots in a losing cause for Neepawa.

M IN N E DO SA 5 DE L O R AIN E 2 Three goals in just over six minutes in the second period were the difference as the Bombers downed the Royals 5-2 in Deloraine on Saturday, Nov. 30.

The Bombers led 1-0 after the first period but the Roy-

als pulled even in the second.

Goals by Matt Saler, Ricky Kowalick and Micah Kroeker then gave the visitors a 4-1 lead.

Shane Jury and Logan Robinson also scored for the visitors, while Dawson Grebinski and Dylan Schrader replied for the Royals.

Jason Argue made 26 saves in the Minnedosa net, while Billy Patmore stopped

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DE ADL IN E is W e dn e s da y,De c.11 a t 12:00 n o o n

South Mountain

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8

South Mountain Press

Friday, December 6, 2024

M a il th eft investiga tion continues in N eep a w a Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Just under 50 post office boxes in Neepawa were damaged in an apparent vandalism and mail theft incident. Local residents who went to the post office on Nov. 22 discovered the vandalized and open lock boxes.

Spruce Plains RCMP has confirmed in the last few weeks, there were thefts of mail from the Kelwood, Arden, and Neepawa post offices.

Some mail was recovered on a rural road east of Neepawa, and the investigation continues.

Rivers: The Banner – The fresh snowfall and wintry roads didn’t deter 200 supper guests at the Oak River Community Association’s annual fall supper on Nov. 24 at the community’s Memorial Arena. The evening ended with a fireworks display.

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – A land full of memories in the area is now being preserved in perpetuity. This is the Langford Escarpment, a grand total of 178 sprawling hectares southeast of Neepawa. Previously owned by the Harper family, 25 percent of the value of this land was donated by the family to Nature Conservancy of Canada, the rest being purchased by the organization with funds from the Natural Heritage Conservation Program.

Whitewood: Grasslands News – A quickly planned fundraiser, which included a roast beef supper and NHL hockey cap auction, raised approximately $13,000 for the Whitewood Community Centre and its groups. Whitewood town council approved a proposal from the arena groups that will see them pay $12,000 to the town in exchange for not having to volunteer in the arena kitchen.

The town instead will use the $12,000 to hire people to work the kitchen.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – The landscape at the Virden agricultural grounds is changing, as two smaller barns have been demolished and been replaced with one larger building, thanks largely to a $100,000 donation by Federated Co-op.

It is estimated the project to see the new barn be used for animals, will require an additional $100,000+ to complete.

Rivers: The Banner –

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News from MB/SK weeklies Spruce Plains RCMP have confirmed the death of an 81year-old man, who was reported missing. On Nov. 23, police located the pickup truck of George Haslan of Rapid City, and Haslan, himself, on a rural road northwest of the community. Haslan had been reported missing on Friday evening around 8:20 p.m., after he had not returned home from a drive earlier in the day. His death wasn’t considered criminal in nature.

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – The labels for Farmery Estate Brewery beer cans have been transformed into a colourful canvas for four talented photographers, as part of the Neepawa-based brewery’s recently launched “Northern Skies Through Women’s Eyes” campaign.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – Under construction throughout the summer, the date of Oct. 24 was very exciting to the Rural Municipality of Sifton and Oak Lake CARE Centre Inc., as it was the day the keys to the new childcare centre were handed over. Over the dates of Oct. 26 and 27, staff, board members, parents and volunteers worked together to move equipment and furniture from storage into the new building.

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – A concept devised by a few of the staff members at the Neepawa-Gladstone Coop, created a new avenue to generate funds for a worthy cause and in doing so, having a little fun, on a sheet of curling ice as well. The inaugural Co-op Fund-spiel on Nov. 8 brought forth 40 curlers, in support of the Neepawa Salvation Army Food Bank.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – After years of hard work, Virden’s Kendall Charles has achieved the opportunity to play the sport she loves at the next level. The daughter of Joel and Dori Charles will play softball at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) starting with the 2025-26 school years.

The college is located in Wahpeton, ND.

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The plans for this home include an unfinished basement, which could serve as extra storage space, more room for a growing family or a secondary suite for revenue.

The covered entry leads into a foyer with a coat closet ahead on the right. Across from the closet is an L-shaped stairway to the unfinished basement, separated from the great room by a half wall.

The great room, with sliding glass doors to a covered deck, includes a gas fireplace, making the room a magnet for family activities in the cooler months.

The covered deck will be ideal for al fresco meals and yearround grilling.

A large window in the open plan dining area looks out to the back garden. An optional buffet offers extra space for serving and storage.

The kitchen is divided from the great room and dining area by a work island with double sinks and space for the dishwasher. This will allow the after-meal clean-up crew to watch television while they work. They will also appreciate the walk-in pantry and the Lshaped counter configuration, which will save steps.

Off the kitchen is the laundry room, which includes a shelf for sorting and folding. A coat closet will provide space for gear, and the doorway to the double garage means the laundry room can double as a mud room.

The master bedroom is reached through a square archway from the great room.

Overlooking the back garden, it includes an ensuite as well as a spacious walk-in closet. The

ensuite boasts a soaker tub in its own bayed-out niche, as well as a shower stall. The double basins will ease the morning rush-hour.

The two secondary bedrooms, also reached through a square archway, share a three-piece bathroom. Bedroom No. 3 has a built-in desk and bedroom No. 4 features an extra-wide window sill.

A linen closet is located near the entrance to the master bedroom.

Exterior finishes include wood siding with painted trim and brick accents. The gable ends are clad in wooden shingles and feature decorative brackets.

The painted wood pilasters that flank the entrance have brick bases, echoing the brickwork on either side of the garage door.

This home measures 40 feet wide and 65 feet, four inches deep. Ceilings are all nine feet high. Living space, not including the unfinished basement, totals 1,646 square feet.

Plans for design 1-3-674 are available for $915 (set of 5), $980 (set of 8) and $1,032 for a super set of 10. Please add GST or HST (where applicable) to both the plan price and postage charges.

Our new 52nd edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to “Jenish House Design Ltd.” and mail to: Jenish House Design Ltd., c/o South Mountain Press, #201 - 1658 Commerce Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1X 8A9 or see our web page order form on: www.jenish.com and email your order to: homeplans@jenish.com.

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South Mountain Press

Last week the column was all about that dark, crumbly, sweet smelling material that is the product of aerobically decomposed organic material called compost. We know that it greatly improves the structure of the soil as well as its capacity to hold and provide nutrients to plants. We learned that in order to compost four main components are needed: organic matter; moisture; oxygen and bacteria. In addition to bacteria, larger organisms including insects and earthworms are also active composters and have the ability to break down larger materials in the compost pile.

The amount of time needed to produce compost depends on several factors, including the size of the compost pile, the types of materials, the surface area of the materials, and the number of times the pile is turned. A good size for efficient composting is a pile/ bin that is between 3 to 5 cubic feet. This allows good heating of the center of the pile. By breaking down the materials into smaller parts by chipping, shredding or mulching will help to more quickly allow the compost to be made.

Turning the pile every 2 to 4 weeks will also help to speed up this process as it takes a couple of weeks for the pile to heat which will promote maximum bacterial activity. Do ensure when turning the compost pile, make sure that materials in the center are brought to the outsides, and that materials from the outside edges are brought to the center. With frequent turning the compost can be ready in about three months in our warmer season.

When using the compost, it is best to incorporate compost into your garden as you prepare the soil in the spring. Cover the area with 3-4 inches of soil and till it into at least the upper 6 inches of soil. Add compost to soil in vegetable gardens, annual flowerbeds, and around new perennials as they are planted. It may also be used as mulch around flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, or around trees or shrubs in landscape beds.

Apply a good 3-inch layer but be careful not to apply mulch close to the main stem or trunk of the plant.

As the summer wanes into fall you can alter your composting to vermicomposting or the process of making compost with the help of a specific type of worm. The most common type of worm for this process is red wigglers (Eisenia foetida). They are voracious eat-

Patricia

Hanbidge GAR D EN IN G ers who can easily eat their way through your kitchen waste and in the process convert that waste into a useful product.

Any container will do but I find that Rubbermaid totes are ideal. It is necessary for the bin to have oxygen so you can either poke holes in the lid or cut an opening in the top and cover it with a fine screen. To set up the container when you are starting you will need to provide a combination of “bedding” along with a small amount of garden soil. The best bedding is light and fluffy to allow a good exchange of air. Newspaper is a good bedding material and is readily available. Simply tear the newspaper into 3 to 5 cm strips and moisten it slightly by soaking it in water for several minutes. Ensure you squeeze out the excess water prior to adding the newspaper to the soil, as the environment must be moist but not soggy. Your worms will also need to be fed a balanced diet of good kitchen waste.

Good foods to feed your worms include most kitchen scraps including: vegetable and fruit peelings; tea bags; coffee filters; egg shells (crushed); dry bread etc. It is important to avoid: meat; fish; cheese; butter; animal products and large amounts of citrus peels. Worms need to be fed regularly in order to continue the process of composting.

Your new pets (the red wrigglers) will live quietly in their dark box. You will not have to do much to keep them happy and as long as they have a good environment they will eat their way into producing a good amount of compost for you.

Keep the composting factory in a spot where the temperature is between 17 and 27°C. Compost will be ready to harvest in 3 to 4 months and you will be ready to begin the process again.

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www. orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; or on facebook @orchidhort.

The challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box.

SUDOKU CHALLENGE 1 6 7 9

7 1 8

6

9

4

8 1 6 5 3 2 8 3 4 4 3 8 9 #7316

MEDIUM

8

2 1

6

6

5 4

2 7

9 8 7 5

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6 2 3 3 6 #2329

7 2 3 1 3 9 8 1 6 5 9 5 2 4

HARD

2

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 6, 2024

W hy guys d on’t go to the d octor Dr.

Roizen H EALT H Y LIVIN G your health stands today and committing to making it better tomorrow – the basic approach to a longer healthier happier life laid out in “The Great Age Reboot” and every one of our “YOU The Owner’s Manual” books – is gutsy and deserves a round of applause.

S o call the doc and get yourself checked out. Your wife will thank you.

Q: Can you explain how what you eat can harm your brain and what you can eat to help protect it? – Dave R., Santa Fe, NM A: Your brain is somewhat isolated from what’s going on in the rest of your body. It is enveloped by what’s called the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer lining the inside of blood vessels in your brain, designed to keep infections and toxins away from it. However, everything from alcohol and caffeine to antidepressants, NSAIDs and acetaminophen can get through. Plus, anything that damages the circulatory sys-

tem in general – like high blood pressure, elevated lousy LDL cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes – can impact the quality of blood circulation in the brain, depriving it of needed nutrients and oxygen, and increasing the risk of a stroke.

The overarching risk to your brain comes from chronic inflammation. That can develop from stress and eating added sugars/syrups, simple carbs and excess saturated fat. According to Harvard Medical School, four studies have shown that

“eating more saturated fat led to a 39% higher risk for Alzheimer’s and more than double the risk for dementia.” Other nutritional triggers of brain-damaging inflammation include heavily processed foods and excess alcohol.

In contrast, foods that fight inflammation – and subsequently help protect the brain – include tomatoes; olive oil; almonds and walnuts; leafy greens; berries and oranges; and fatty fish, like salmon. Coffee, cacao and green tea are also brain-

boosters, as are foods rich in choline, such as poultry, fish, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Studies show that folks who eat more foods containing choline have better verbal and visual memory, and if they eat choline-containing foods when young, they have less damage to the small blood vessels in the brain when they’re older.

Want a super-formula for brain health? Combine good nutrition with daily exercise, stay connected to your

posse, develop a sense of purpose, and adopt good sleep habits.

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevity playbook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store.

Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1’s).

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Q; My wife is nagging me to go see a cardiologist. I’m 52, don’t have any symptoms and don’t think it’s smart to run to the doctor all the time. What can I tell her? – Sal P., Jacksonville, FL A: Tell her thank you! It’s great to have someone looking out for your health. Now, it’s true that we don’t know the particulars of your situation. But let’s say you’re an average American middleaged man. Chances are you’re overweight or even obese, that you don’t eat a highly nutritious diet and don’t get 300 minutes of physical activity a week.

You also may have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Even one of those traits can increase your risk for heart problems, so it makes sense to get checked out. Early diagnosis and treatment mean you can avoid big trouble down the road.

But some guys cannot let themselves take advantage of preventive and early treatment. Why? According to a study in JAMA Network Open, men who adhere to a strong-silent type of masculine identity often convince themselves they don’t have symptoms (shortness of breath, swollen ankles, even chest pain). And even when these guys receive a diagnosis of a heart problem, they’re often unlikely to take prescribed meds that could help them.

Sabotaging medical help isn’t strong and thinking you can take care of yourself just fine isn’t smart. Having the guts to figure out where

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Friday, December 6, 2024

Classified Advertising Rates Minimum 25 words $7.00, additional words 25¢ (plus GST)

Place your Classified Advertisement by Phone, Fax, Mail or E-mail Extra weeks are one-half original cost • Not responsible for errors in handwritten submissions Ph: 204-759-2644 Ext. 1 Fax: 204-759-2521 E-mail: smpclassified@mymts.net Special rate for Obituaries, Cards of Thanks, In Memoriams Mail: Nesbitt Publishing Ltd., Box 160, Shoal Lake, MB, R0J 1Z0

Reach the entire Province: $189.00 (49 weekly papers) Westman or Eastman regions: $119.00

O BIT U AR IE S

SHELLBORN: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Lynn Shellborn on Nov. 11, 2024 at the age of 67 after a brief battle with cancer.

Janice was born on Jan. 8, 1957 to Basil Woloshen and Sadie McAuley. She attended Scandinavia School until it closed and completed the remainder of her education in Erickson, MB graduating in 1975. On Sept. 25, 1976, Janice married Wade Shellborn and they had four children between the years of 1977 to 1984. In 1993 Janice started to work outside of the home. She began volunteering at the high school front office and soon started working on a casual basis. She also spent time at the school and town libraries. She was hired at Erickson Credit Union in 1998 and worked there until she started at Prairie Mountain Health, first in Minnedosa and then in Erickson. She worked for PMH for over 20 years before retiring earlier this year. Janice was known for her strong work ethic and dedication to teamwork in every job she had.

Janice was a very dedicated homemaker. She always kept busy doing all the things a doting mother and farmer’s wife does – making the best meals and homemade treats for family and friends, visiting many relatives (particularly the older family members), driving her children to numerous activities, taking out meals in the field, and whatever else was needed to be done on the farm or for her kids.

She never missed sending a birthday or Christmas card. Janice was

always making sure everyone was taken care of – she was the definition of selfless. In 2013 Janice was blessed with two grandchildren, Maverick and Gweneth, followed

by Freya in 2014. Janice’s grandchildren meant the world to her and she would often be found attending their activities. The last notable outing with all three grandkids was August 2024 at Minnedosa Beach where she astounded everyone by taking in the fun on the water park structures. Janice will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Wade; her children Emil (partner Lin), Bradley (partner Natalya, granddaughter Gweneth), Stacey and Chrystal (grandchildren Maverick and Freya); as well as siblings Ray (Debbie), James (Donna), Leslie (Donna), Judy (Darcy) and Valerie (Danny); sister-in-law Darcie (Peter) and brothers-in-law Spencer and David. Janice was a special aunt to many nieces and nephews, and also leaves to mourn numerous extended family members and countless friends. She was predeceased by her parents Basil and Sadie; three sisters who died in infancy: Elaine, Sandra and Lois; her sister Marlane; her brother Richard; and parents-in-law Emil and Elvera.

Janice’s legacy of kindness and deep love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth, generosity and strength will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed. The funeral service was held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from the Erickson Lutheran Church with Rev. Heather Parrott-Howdle officiating.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Erickson Palliative Care, Erickson Handi-Van, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice. To leave condolences for the family please visit www. raesfs.ca. Rae’s Funereal Service of Erickson were in care of arrangements.

CO M IN G E VE N T S Elphinstone Lions Christmas Turkey Bingo, Sunday, Dec. 15, Elphinstone Memorial Hall. Doors open 1:00 p.m., early birds 2:00

Minimum 25 words $7.00, additional words 20¢ (plus GST) • It is preferred if Obituaries can be emailed.

Any obituary copy that is typeset by our staff will be subject to proof approval prior to publication.

No discount for municipal or government ads • Ads not pre-paid by Thursday Noon are subject to a $2.50 billing charge

p.m., reg. games 2:30 p.m. A canteen will be available. Spread holiday cheer and bring toques, mittens, and scarves to donate to the local Christmas Cheer Board.

Sandy Lake Ukrainian Heritage Association St. Nicholas Tea and Bake Sale, Thursday, Dec. 19, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Sandy Lake Drop-In Centre. Program and raffles. Everyone welcome It’s hard to believe but not everyone has Facebook. This ad you’re reading costs $13.50 and reaches over 5 communities and 3,000 readers every week. And next week it will be half price. Planning an event? If you tell them they WILL come. Call Michelle at 204759-2644 ext. 1.

AR T ICL E S F O R SAL E Book your December/Christmas Ads right now. Now booking advertising for the remainder of 2024.

Plan your success. Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please call this newspaper 204-759-2644 to book now or call MCNA at 204-947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

L AN D F O R SAL E / F O R R E N T Farmland For Sale By Tender: Municipality of ClanwilliamErickson. NW 1/4 15-17-18 WPM

and NE 1/4 15-17-18 WPM. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Closing date for sale to be April 1, 2025. Any questions call Brad Shellborn at 204-573-0506.

Email tenders to: bshellborn@ yahoo.ca. Tenders must be received on or before 12:00 noon on Dec. 20, 2024.

W AN T E D Licensed gun dealer looking for firearms in all classes, and any-

thing firearms related. Inheritance assistance provided. Can store handguns during the ban. Call or text Keith 204-471-9015.

N O T ICE S Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstand secondmortgages.ca

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 6, 2024

Trum p could sp ell troub le for Canad a

By CAM D AHL Pierre Elliott Trudeau once noted that living next to the United States is “like sleeping with an elephant.

No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.”

On Nov. 5, the elephant did more than twitch, it sneezed, and Canada is likely to catch a cold. The electorate south of the border has voted and the impact is going to reverberate throughout the Canadian economy, including or even especially, in agriculture.

In some ways it does not really matter which party won the White House and Congress. Protectionism is on the rise in the U.S., and I don’t see Canada being prepared to respond. President Trump called for massive tariffs on the campaign trail.

In the past, he has threatened to rip up the Canada – U.S. – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA, the former NAFTA). Vice-President Harris was one of only 10 Senators to vote against CUSMA when the agreement was ratified. She has stated that the CUSMA agreement made it far too easy for companies to outsource jobs and that she would use the 2026 CUSMA review to address her concerns.

Now we know which version of protectionism we are facing. Mr. Trump will be President again. He has vowed to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. by applying tariffs to imported products. He is also tying politi-

N O T ICE S Invest in advertising. The cost of advertising is small when you think of the number of people who will potentially attend your event simply because they saw your ad in the newspaper. If the cost of advertising is covered by just two or three admissions to your event, any additional guests you welcome is money in your pocket. Advertising does not cost, it pays! Call Michelle at 204-759-2644 ext. 1.

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Op inion cal goals to U.S. market access. For example, increased defense spending by Canada is likely going to be a condition of ongoing Presidential support for CUSMA. Agriculture, particularly dairy, is going to be a target for U.S. negotiators. How is Canada going to respond?

The first step would be to have a strategic plan for agriculture and food trade going into the 2026 CUSMA review. I cannot find evidence of the existence of such a plan. The Government of Canada has a responsibility to call together farmers, processors, and provincial governments to develop a strategic response to U.S. policy makers who are calling for limits on agriculture and food trade. There can be no further delay.

What are the key elements that need to be included in this strategic plan for agriculture and food trade? The first component is that we must not be trading off one commodity group or region of the country to protect others. We saw the potential for this to occur when the Chinese government instituted an investigation into canola exports from Canada, as a response to Canadian tariffs on electric vehicles, aluminum, and steel.

Second, Canada needs to stress the benefits to U.S. national security that are created by our open trade. In an uncertain world, agriculture and food trade can be used as exciting change in operations?

Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for only $35 plus GST. Call Manitoba Community Newspapers Association 204-947-1691 for more information, See www.mcna.com under the ‘Types of Advertising’ tab for more details.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

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a weapon in political disagreements between countries. Canada and the U.S. are each other’s largest market for food and agricultural products. We need to be able to demonstrate to U.S. negotiators that this trade will not be threatened by diplomatic disputes, something that may happen when trading outside of North America. It is in the national security interest of both countries to secure trade between us and to limit any political uncertainty within the North American market.

Third, Canada needs to be ready to demonstrate the cost to U.S. consumers that will result from growing pro-

tectionism. For example, recent changes to U.S. country of origin labelling regulations will discriminate against Canadian pigs, cattle, and red meat exports. This will introduce new costs into the North American supply chain, which in turn will raise the price for consumers and lower the return for farmers. Why is the Government of Canada not aggressively pushing back on this legislation? At a minimum, we should be advocating for alternative means of informing consumers while protecting the integrated North American market, “a product of North America” label for example.

Fourth, going into the CUSMA review, Canada must stress the importance of unified national standards.

We have negotiated a trade agreement with the United States of America, not with 50 individual states. Recent actions from state governments have reached beyond their own jurisdictions. For example, Proposition 12 in California not only sets out the conditions under which animals will be raised in the State, but imposes conditions on other jurisdictions, including Canada. Other states are contemplating similar measures. Moving away from national standards will be a further fragmenting force on

North American trade and will cost consumers and farmers on both sides of the border.

Finally, Canada must be speaking with a common voice across governments, industry, and farmers. Many voices delivering the same message to Washington and State Capitols throughout the U.S., which gets back to the importance of calling all stakeholders together to develop a national trade strategy for agriculture and food trade. Time is of the essence.

Cam Dahl is the General Manager of the Manitoba Pork Council.