Tag: Manitoba

  • Manitoba Removes Provincial Sales Tax on Chips, Rotisserie Chickens and Other Food Items

    Manitoba Removes Provincial Sales Tax on Chips, Rotisserie Chickens and Other Food Items

    The government of Manitoba has expanded its list of food products exempt from the provincial sales tax (PST), allowing shoppers to purchase items such as potato chips, rotisserie chickens, and several other prepared food products without paying the provincial levy.

    The tax change is part of the province’s efforts to provide financial relief for consumers and reduce the cost of everyday grocery purchases amid ongoing concerns about household affordability.

    Under the updated policy, a wider range of food items that were previously subject to Manitoba’s provincial sales tax will now be exempt, lowering the final price paid by consumers at grocery stores and participating retailers.

    Provincial officials said the measure is intended to help families manage rising living expenses while simplifying the tax treatment of commonly purchased food products.

    The exemption includes ready-to-eat foods such as rotisserie chickens, snack foods like potato chips, and other eligible grocery items covered under the revised tax guidelines.

    Government representatives noted that the changes are designed to make everyday essentials more affordable for Manitobans while supporting household budgets during a period of continued economic pressure.

    Retailers across the province are expected to implement the updated tax rules immediately, allowing customers to benefit from the savings at the point of purchase.

    Consumer groups have welcomed the announcement, saying the measure could provide modest but meaningful financial relief for families facing higher food prices and inflation.

    Economic analysts note that while the tax exemption will not eliminate broader grocery cost increases, it is expected to reduce expenses on a range of frequently purchased food products.

    Business organizations also say the policy could simplify certain retail transactions by reducing confusion over which food items qualify for provincial sales tax exemptions.

    The Manitoba government has indicated that the initiative forms part of its broader affordability agenda, which aims to ease financial pressures on residents through targeted tax measures.

    Residents are encouraged to review the province’s updated guidelines to determine which products are now exempt from provincial sales tax.

    As food prices continue to be a major concern for Canadian households, Manitoba’s latest tax policy represents another effort by provincial authorities to improve affordability and provide direct savings for consumers.

    The new exemption is expected to benefit thousands of shoppers across the province while reinforcing the government’s focus on reducing the everyday cost of living.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Winnipeg Naija Tradefair Celebrates Success

    Winnipeg, July 14, 2024 – The Winnipeg Naija Tradefair received high praise from both organizers and attendees as it concluded successfully. The event, organized by Bunmi Agbaje, popularly known as Diva and founder of Nigerians in Winnipeg, and Tolulope Adebayo, founder of Canada Naija Business Hub and Brand Parlour, saw a large turnout.

    Agbaje and Adebayo expressed their gratitude to all participants, including consumers, the Planning Committee, government representatives, community leaders, vendors, partners, and volunteers. The government officials in attendance included Honorable Uzoma Asagwara, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care of Manitoba; Honorable Jamie Moses, Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade, and Minister of Natural Resources for Manitoba; Honorable Markus Chambers, Acting Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for St. Norbert-Seine River; and Honorable Janice Lukes, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Waverley West.

    Tolulope Adebayo highlighted the hope of the organizers to continue the Winnipeg Naija Tradefair initiative in the future, aiming to support the business community within the Nigerian diaspora. Bunmi Agbaje, also the administrator of the Nigerians in Winnipeg WhatsApp group, announced that the trade fair would become an annual event.

    The successful turnout and positive feedback underscored the event’s importance in fostering community and business growth among Nigerians in Winnipeg. Plans for next year’s trade fair are already underway, promising even more opportunities for engagement and economic development.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

     

  • Consultations Start for Winnipeg’s First Supervised Consumption Site

    WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is advancing its initiative to establish the province’s first supervised drug consumption site.

    Premier Wab Kinew announced that the government will collaborate with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, which currently operates an addiction clinic.

    Kinew stated that the group will be consulting on potential locations over the coming months to identify a site that minimizes the impact on the surrounding area. The planned facility will also provide medical supervision and treatment options.

    The NDP government allocated $2.5 million for the establishment of this facility in its spring budget, targeting an opening in central Winnipeg by 2025.

    Currently, Manitoba is the only province west of New Brunswick without a supervised consumption site.

    Source: The Canadian Press

  • Winnipeg’s African Communities Gather for 6th Annual Cup of Nations Soccer Tournament

    Winnipeg’s African Communities Gather for 6th Annual Cup of Nations Soccer Tournament

    Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg’s diverse African communities have come together once again for the Manitoba African Cup of Nations, a tournament designed to unite them through their shared love of soccer. The sixth edition of this annual event kicked off at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex in Fort Garry on Saturday.

    Six years ago, the competition featured only four teams: Ghana, Senegal, Eritrea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This year, the tournament has expanded to include 16 teams representing various African national communities, along with one team representing Canada. These teams will compete for the prestigious tournament trophy.

    “Africa is a vast community, a vast continent … but if there’s one language that unites us all, it’s the language of soccer,” said Gode Katembo, president of the Canadian African Cup of Nations. “The tournament is about bringing communities together, creating a safe space where youth and athletes can showcase their talents.”

    For the first time, the tournament finals will be held at a professional soccer field, Princess Auto Stadium, home to the Blue Bombers and Winnipeg’s Canadian Premier League team, Valour FC.

    “Every year, the tournament grows,” said Seidu Mohammed, who co-founded the event with Katembo. “Everyone is eager to play soccer, and it brings us together as a community.”

    Communities Represented in Competition

    In one of the opening matches on Saturday afternoon, Kenya faced off against Ivory Coast. Ivorian coach Cedric Cotte noted the competitiveness of the tournament, especially against Kenya, a frequent rival.

    “They’ve always won,” Cotte said. “We’re trying our best to beat them this time.”

    Kenya’s coach Dennis Maritim acknowledged the challenge. “They’ve strengthened their squad with some very good players,” he said. “We did our homework, too.”

    Team Kenya player Anjolaoluwa Paul Odedina, a veteran of the tournament, expressed his determination. “We have more motivated players. Our coach has been working hard, training us day in and day out,” he said. “We’re here to win and carry the cup.”

    On another pitch, the two-time champion Democratic Republic of Congo played against Team Somalia. Congo player Issac Milambo spoke about the high expectations for his team.

    “As champions, every team is coming for us,” Milambo said. “We’re supposed to repeat history, and we expect to win every game just like we did last year.”

    Despite the pressure, Milambo enjoys the excitement that the tournament brings, likening it to international football events. “Playing in this tournament is almost like a dream,” he said. “Every team has its community and fans. When our fans start cheering and dancing, we start scoring.”

    The finals of this year’s tournament are scheduled for August 4.

    Source: Swifteradio.com

     

  • Winnipeg Street Officially Renamed in Ceremony on National Indigenous Peoples Day

    Winnipeg, MB – On National Indigenous Peoples Day, Winnipeg held a ceremony to officially rename a significant street that was originally named after a Catholic bishop known for his advocacy of residential schools.

    Last year, the city council voted to rename Bishop Grandin Boulevard in the south end to Abinojii Mikanah, which means “children’s way” in Anishinaabemowin.

    Bishop Vital-Justin Grandin was identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a key proponent of residential schools. Mayor Scott Gillingham stated that the renaming acknowledges historical injustices and celebrates the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.

    Frank Beaulieu, a knowledge keeper involved in selecting the new name, emphasized that it unites all Manitobans, regardless of race or culture. “I believe our children and grandchildren unborn will walk in a humble way with humility, respect, and love for one another,” he remarked.

    The first street signs with the new name were installed in May, and two other streets in the city named after Grandin were also renamed.

    Mayor Gillingham highlighted that the decision to rename these streets goes beyond symbolism. “It’s an affirmation of our commitment to the preservation of Indigenous languages and cultures for future generations,” he said.

    Friday’s renaming ceremony featured teachings from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis elders, music, powwow dancing, and speeches from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous dignitaries.

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 21, 2024.