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March 3rd is the deadline for Canadians to purchase RRSPs and be able to claim them on their 2024 tax return.
But as Parkland residents rush to their financial institution or investment advisor to do so, a new poll suggests contributions to Registered Retirement Savings Plans will drop in Manitoba this year.
Only 39 per cent of Manitobans surveyed say they plan to contribute to their RRSP, which is down from previous years.
Financial uncertainty is the main reason for that reduction.
One in ten respondents say they can't afford to invest in RRSPs at all.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, says ERs and ICUs are feeling the pressure, and he expects a second wave of cases to arrive in late winter or early spring.
So far this winter, 1,998 cases of influenza A have been reported.
By this time in the 2023-2024 season, there had been 2,723 cases, while the 2022-2023 season saw 2,649 cases.
In those years, numbers peaked in late November and December.
The cases may be more severe this year, with 64 deaths reported so far, compared to 56 in the 2023-2024 season and 57 in the 2022-2023 season.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Gilbert Plains/Grandview Ag Society will try once again tonight to hold their Annual General Meeting.
It is set for 7 pm at Heartland Lanes in Gilbert Plains after having to cancel their previous meeting a few weeks ago due to the extreme cold.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend, as the Ag Society needs new board members, chair people and volunteers for this summer's fair and rodeo in Gilbert Plains.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Town of Grandview has played host to an evening promoting the stay of healthcare workers in Rural Areas.
Eight family medicine residents currently with the Parkland Family Medicine Unit in Dauphin trekked to Grandview. There, they networked with other healthcare professionals and community representatives to learn about the benefits of practicing in Grandview and showcase the infrastructure and available lifestyle opportunities.
Outside of the medical facilities, local volunteers toured the Medical workers around the area and even got them involved in their first games of curling a the local rink.
Dr. Vlad Omelchenko expresses gratitude to the volunteers who made this possible: "On behalf of the residents, we wish to thank the community of Grandview for organizing this evening. It is invaluable for our education and gives us a better understanding of working in the area."
The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit of the University of Manitoba began in 1991 and has graduated over 200 residents. Some 75 percent of the program graduates have stayed in rural Manitoba communities.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Rural supplies in the Sugarloaf Area, near Grandview, are currently under a boil water advisory.
Due to an unexpected draining of the treated water reservoir on February 24th, water pressure dropped, leading to potential health and safety issues.
It is currently recommended that all water being used in the Sugarloaf Public Water System is brought to a rolling boil for at least a minute.
This would include any water being used for cooking, consumption, tooth brushing, etc.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A guilty plea has been entered in Dauphin Provincial Court in relation to a November 2023 traffic stop in the city that led to the seizure of drugs, cash and weapons.
37-year-old Chantelle Ferland of Dauphin pled guilty to a total of three charges, including Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous purpose.
She was given a 12-month suspended sentence, as well as being placed on probation for one year.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition is offering a Songs and Signs class for newborns and toddlers up to the age of three.
The program kicked off today and runs every Monday at 10 am and 5:30 pm.
There is still room if parents want to register their children for this free activity,
You can text 204-996-9912 to register.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is back within the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region.
This free service is here to help low-income individuals get their taxes done and claim the benefits they deserve. Last year, residents in the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region saw over $10 million in benefits and refunds through the program—$3,500 on average per person! In Brandon alone, 14 volunteers worked hard to assist clients, with an additional 11 volunteers in rural areas making sure everyone gets the support they need.
This includes GST refunds, Canada Child benefit, MB Rent assist, Disability Tax
credits, Pharmacare deductibles and more.
You can get your income tax done FREE through this program if you fall under one of the categories:
• One person with income under $35,000/ *Two persons with income under $45,000; and
• *Three persons with income under $47,500 / *Each additional dependent add $2,500
Qualified for the program? Drop off your documents at 7th Street Health Access Centre (20-7th St., Brandon) from Feb. 24 – Oct. 30, Mon-Fri, 1:30–4:30 PM. Need an appointment? Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation is booking from March 3 – April 30 at (204) 729-2490.
Outside Brandon? PMH sites start accepting drop-offs on March 3— locally at the Dauphin Community Health building, Camperville Primary Health Care Centre, and the Roblin Community Health Services building, to name a few. You can get a full list of drop-off spots here.
Bring your forms (T3, T4, T5, T5007) and receipts for daycare, donations, rent, tuition, and medical expenses.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Over 200,000 Manitobans have already registered for the new plastic Manitoba Health cards, according to a report by the CBC.
Applications for the new cards - which include an image of the Northern Lights - began on January 15th.
The cards are a more durable option than the previous paper cards that were prone to rips from wear and tear.
Those who have already applied for the plastic cards could start seeing them in their mailbox as early as this week.
You can apply for your card online, as well as by mail or in person.
A digital version will also be made available later this year.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Ethelbert's Marc Dorais will return to a Winnipeg court on March 13th.
The 54-year-old was given a new court date this week as he faces arson with disregard to human life charges in relation to a house fire in the community last June.
Meanwhile, a Brandon man arrested on drug charges last December following a routine traffic stop near Russell has also had a new court date set.
34-year-old Kacey Packham was remanded in custody until March 10.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Water Treatment plant on the Ebb & Flow First Nation is now fully operational again after repairs were completed on wells #6 and #7.
However, the community remains under a Boil Water Advisory and will remain that way until two consecutive daily tests show no sign of bacteria in the water.
Band and council encourage residents to continue using the bottled water that is being provided until further notice.
Water jugs are available at the Ebb & Flow Community Complex.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
