NewsNow
With U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian imports now firmly in place - as well as some counter-tariffs by the Canadian government - CKDM News Now continues to talk to local businesses about how those tariffs will impact them.
Today we talk with Dean Cooley, the owner/operator of Dean Cooley GM.
He says vehicle buyers will not see any difference right now as all of the vehicles in their lot are tariff-free.
As for the future, there is a lot of uncertainty.
"Right now, the tariffs are for vehicles produced in Canada and exported to the United States. So that does not affect us either. However, later in the month, potentially the Canadian government is going to impose reciprocal tariffs, and that may be on the auto industry. We are not sure about that as they have not announced that yet so we do not know."
"All of the manufacturers and parts supply people are all talking to the U-S government about why this is something that will hurt both their side and our side. With the flow of parts and vehicles back and forth, it is imperative that we have a free trade agreement."
Cooley added that a number of manufacturing jobs in Ontario could be impacted if the tariffs impact the flow of auto parts from both sides of the border.
He says the best advice for now is to be patient and to let this situation settle out.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Another King Charles III Coronation Medal has been presented to a local resident.
This time it is Audrey Fontaine of Strathclair who has received the prestigious honour.
Fontaine was recognized for her over 40 years of dedicated work with 317 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron in the Strathclair area.
Fontaine has held nearly every leadership role within that group, ranging from Supply Officer to Commanding Officer.
But it is her guidance and mentorship to both cadets and officers that has made Fontaine appreciated by many.
Fontaine was recognized during the recebt cadet parade in Strathclair.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Following the announcement earlier this week of his decision to step down after 10 years as Executive Director of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce, Stephen Chychota reflected on his many memories with CKDM News Now.
Stephen says among his fond memories from his time with the Parkland Chamber will be his involvement with the annual Street Fair and Dance.
"I just had such an awesome time planning that, and I feel so fortunate that I get to be the person that gets to pull that off with the team that we have assembled. So to grow up going to an event like that, and then 10 years ago being given the checklist to pull that event off is very interesting as you are on the other side of it."
Chychota was also particularly proud of the work that went into transforming from the Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce to the Parkland Chamber.
"In that there is a region that we have to look after and to try and step up and be a resource for a much larger scope. So moving into the Parkland Chamber role was huge and a lot of years in the making. We are really excited to see that we have gotten there and there is still a lot of work to be done but we are showcasing that that there is a need for that regional support."
Chychota will remain in his role with the Chamber until early May, at which time he will relocate to Portage and join his wife Nicole, who has been hired as the new city manager for the City of Portage la Prairie.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin Regional Connections and Immigrate Parkland will be hosting a special event tonight for newcomers to Dauphin.
On Wednesday night, from 6 to 8 p.m., Newcomers to the area will have a chance to meet others and share valuable information and resources for settling in our community.
This will take place at the Dauphin Neighbor Renewal Corporation at 37 3rd Ave North West.
The whole family is welcome to attend, and there will be activities for the kids.
Interested individuals can register ahead of time by calling 204 647 0693, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
‼️TOMORROW‼️Join us for a special Newcomer Welcome Evening on March 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at DNRC (37 3rd Ave NW,...
Posted by Regional Connections on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Dan Mazier and his team are hosting a series of eight pop-up passport clinics across the Parkland this week.
The clinics are by pre-booked appointment only, with over 800 people having registered for them, including close to 200 at a clinic Monday night at the Parkland Rec Complex.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
There is still time and room for you to enter this Saturday's Dauphin Lake Walleye Dash Ice Fishing Derby.
It's a unique format for ice fishing, as all fish caught are weighed right at the hole and then placed back into the water.
Nicole Gulenchin of the Kin Club of Duphin says they are fortunate to be partnering with Toba Outdoors on this event.
" Rod Carberry has been instrumental in helping get this event off the ground. So we are so thankful for his help. And it is great that we get to keep those fish in the water. It is great for the environment and great for our lake. "
If the event is a sellout, the top prize will be $7,500.
Gulenchin explains how you can enter the fun.
"We have posters in every community that we could reach and there is a QR code on that poster that if you scan it, it is going to take you right to the page that you need to go to in order to register. That QR Code can also be found on our Facebook page."
All money raised from the event goes right back into the community through projects funded by the Kin Club of Dauphin.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Local Doctor Bittoo Malik is the latest recipient of the King Charles III Coronation medal.
She was presented with the medal yesterday at the Dauphin Community Health Centre by Dauphin - Swan River - Neepawa MP Dan Mazier.
Dr. Malik was recognized for her work in revolutionizing stroke and trauma care, as well as ensuring rural communities can receive state-of-the-art treatment.
Her expertise and leadership have also been recognized as an inspiration to everyone that has worked alongside her.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Today is Shrove Tuesday, with several Parkland area communities serving pancake meals today.
That includes lunch at the Eriksdale New Horizons Club, and supper in here locations - the Grandview United Church, the Knox United Church in Roblin, and the Lutheran Church in Erickson - all starting at 5.
Shrove Tuesday marks the final day of pre-Lent, with Lent beginning tomorrow with Ash Wednesday.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Today is Shrove Tuesday, with several Parkland area communities serving pancake meals today.
That includes lunch at the Eriksdale New Horizons Club, and supper in here locations - the Grandview United Church, the Knox United Church in Roblin, and the Lutheran Church in Erickson - all starting at 5.
Shrove Tuesday marks the final day of pre-Lent, with Lent beginning tomorrow with Ash Wednesday.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A pillar of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce will be leaving his position to pursue new opportunities.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota has been serving his community for 10 years.
He transformed the Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce into the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and increased its membership from 180 to over 300.
Chychota was a driving force behind staples in Dauphin's annual calendar, including flagship events like the Celebration Award night and the annual street fair and dance, all while maintaining a firm commitment to supporting local businesses and growing the Parklands economy.
The Chamber of Commerce and CKDM, as members, wish Stephen all the best in this next chapter of his life and thank him for his years of service and dedication to the Parkland business community.
Please join us in expressing our appreciation and support for his future endeavors.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Manitoba's Maritime Mineral trade is looking forward to massive growth in the next few years.
In a news release, The Arctic Gateway Group of Manitoba has partnered with Hudbay Minerals to expand export capacity in this unique northern trade hub.
Chris Avery, CEO of AGG, notes that the Hudson Bay Railway is in its best condition in over 25 years and that this 100% Canadian-owned company could be pivotal in expanding export markets around the world.
AGG is expecting growth though 2025 to expand more than mineral transport, it would also act as a passage for the Parkland's grain producers to reach overseas markets.
Infrastructure expansions for will likely include grain elevator maintenance and upgrades, wharf rebuilding and maintenance, and long-term site design improvements to meet the needs of current and future customers.
With impending tariffs to our trade partners to the south, this port opens the door to many trade partners, shipping directly out of Manitoba.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
