Obama Signs Bill, COOL Repealed
President Barack Obama has formally signed a bill that completes the legislative process to repeal the US country-of-origin meat labelling law.
The legislation was just two pages that were part of 2,000+ pages of spending legislation.
Congress passed the bill Friday.
The World Trade Organization granted Canada and Mexico the right to impose $1-billion in punitive tariffs on various US products after finding that the labelling provisions on beef and pork products violated international trade rules.
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Port of Churchill Letter of Intent Accepted
Denver-based OmniTrax says it has accepted a letter of intent from First Nations communities over the sale of the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay rail line.
Churchill is Canada's only deep-water northern port and relies heavily on grain shipments from western farmers.
But those grain shipments were less than half the normal 500,000 tonnes this year, which prompted OmniTrax to look for a new owner.
The company says there's a 45-day period of due diligence before a sale can be completed, and the federal and provincial governments will be asked to support the group buying the assets.
Selinger says no final decision has been made, but he's been "looking at'' high-income tax rates that have been implemented in Alberta, Ontario and federally.
Manitoba's current top tax rate is 17 per cent and kicks in at 67,000 dollars.
Selinger suggests that if a surtax is implemented, it would be at least partially offset by cuts to middle and lower income taxes.
Ottawa will be transferring out a record high of nearly $71-billion in 2016-17, with Ontario and Quebec getting more than $21-billion each.
Transfer payments consist of total federal cash for equalization, the Canada Health Transfer, the Canada Social Transfer and Territorial Formula Financing.
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau hopes today's meeting will focus on improving the national economy, and finding some consensus on enhancing the Canada Pension Plan.
Manitoba Pork says many producers delivering pigs to assembly yards don't follow the most basic biosecurity steps to avoid bringing diseases back to their farm.
It advises putting on plastic boot covers before touching the ground, and taking them off when stepping back into vehicles.
The organization also advises putting on an additional pair of boot covers as you enter your trailer.
Denver-based OmniTrax says it has accepted a letter of intent from First Nations communities over the sale of the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay rail line.
Churchill is Canada's only deep-water northern port and relies heavily on grain shipments from western farmers.
But those grain shipments were less than half the normal 500,000 tonnes this year, which prompted OmniTrax to look for a new owner.
The company says there's a 45-day period of due diligence before a sale can be completed, and the federal and provincial governments will be asked to support the group buying the assets.
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Premier Eyes Surtax?
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger is considering a surtax on high-income earners.
Selinger says no final decision has been made, but he's been "looking at'' high-income tax rates that have been implemented in Alberta, Ontario and federally.
Manitoba's current top tax rate is 17 per cent and kicks in at 67,000 dollars.
Selinger suggests that if a surtax is implemented, it would be at least partially offset by cuts to middle and lower income taxes.
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Finance Ministers Meeting
As Canada's finance ministers gathered in Ottawa last night for a meeting with their federal counterpart, the provinces and territories were told how much money they will likely receive in federal transfers for the next fiscal year.
Ottawa will be transferring out a record high of nearly $71-billion in 2016-17, with Ontario and Quebec getting more than $21-billion each.
Transfer payments consist of total federal cash for equalization, the Canada Health Transfer, the Canada Social Transfer and Territorial Formula Financing.
Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau hopes today's meeting will focus on improving the national economy, and finding some consensus on enhancing the Canada Pension Plan.
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MB Pork Biosecurity Advice
Manitoba Pork says many producers delivering pigs to assembly yards don't follow the most basic biosecurity steps to avoid bringing diseases back to their farm.
The organization says the most common mistake is that transporters are not changing or covering their shoes when they step out of their trucks.
It advises putting on plastic boot covers before touching the ground, and taking them off when stepping back into vehicles.
The organization also advises putting on an additional pair of boot covers as you enter your trailer.
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Enter Dauphin Hospital From Back Temporarily Tonight
A reminder that the Dauphin Regional health Centre front entrance will be temporarily closed tonight from 8 to 10.
Equipment is being hauled through the front at that time.
People visiting the hospital are asked to use 4th Avenue to park at the back and there will be marked access to the building from there.
