Credit: May Contain Studio-Courtesy of Travel Manitoba While Manitobans and Canadians continue to look for ways to support local with their travel plans, Travel Manitoba has received an additional $4.5 million from the Manitoba government to boost the provincial economy and showcase Manitoba to Manitobans, the rest of Canada and the world. “Tourism is a key part of what makes Manitoba such a dynamic place to live, work and visit,” said the Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, speaking at an event to mark the start of National Tourism Week. “With this investment, our government recognizes the importance of tourism and the role it plays in the economic well-being of our province. Travel Manitoba has a track record of success in growing tourism in ways that benefit all Manitobans.” “Investments in tourism are investments in Manitobans,” said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “Manitoba is home to incredible heart-stirring tourism experiences that attract travellers from across the country and around the world. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, travel not only creates unforgettable memories but also supports businesses, jobs and investment in communities throughout Manitoba.” Ferguson noted the additional investment will allow Travel Manitoba to be more competitive in promoting Manitoba in key markets encouraging Manitobans, Canadians and travellers from around the world to discover what makes Manitoba a world-class, demand-generating travel destination. Of those dollars, 10 per cent will be earmarked for Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. “In just a few years, we have seen the number of Indigenous tourism businesses double,” said Holly Courchene, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. “Manitoba is home to authentic and meaningful Indigenous experiences and this funding will help us support their growth and showcase them to the world.” In Manitoba, the impact of tourism is felt across the province. In 2023, the province welcomed 10.4 million visitors who spent $1.82 billion dollars, contributing $373 million in provincial tax revenues. These tax dollars can be invested in things that benefit all Manitobans including infrastructure, healthcare and education. Tourism is responsible for over 25,000 jobs in Manitoba. Kennedy presented Travel Manitoba and Indigenous Tourism Manitoba with an official proclamation to kick off National Tourism Week. “I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of exploration and appreciation for our province’s incredible experiences. By supporting tourism businesses, experiences and attractions, we strengthen communities and build a stronger Manitoba,” Kennedy said. Tourism success will be on full display this week when the achievements of Manitoba’s tourism industry take centre stage at the third annual Tourism Awards Winnipeg | Manitoba. Hosted on April 10 by Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg, this prestigious event recognizes outstanding contributions in promoting Winnipeg and Manitoba as must-visit destinations. From May 27 to 30, Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg will welcome the world to Winnipeg for Rendez-vous Canada 2025, the nation’s premier travel trade show. This flagship event, held by Destination Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), brings together international travel buyers with Canadian tourism businesses in a marketplace-style event. “Hosting this event in Winnipeg reinforces Manitoba’s position as a world-class destination and underscores the province’s growing reputation as a leader in the tourism industry,” said Ferguson. “Tourism benefits Manitobans beyond dollars and cents. Festivals, major events and local attractions provide spaces for residents to connect, celebrate and engage with their communities. Cultural experiences highlight Manitoba’s rich and diverse heritage while the province’s vast natural landscapes, wildlife and world class fishing give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore and appreciate its beauty,” said Kennedy.

The Deadheadz throttled Jarett Plewes Painting 11 - 2 to sweep the best of 3 series in the Division C championship in the Wendy's Winter Hockey league.. In game 2, Trysten Morin scored four goals while Bradley Warrener added two goals of his own. Drew Bertone, Reagan Potter, Ryan Edmunds, Dan Ariss and Calvin Van Santen rounded out the scoring for the Deadheads. Brandon native Mason Lobreau was named the Most Valuable Player of the Year for the Neepawa Titan for the 2024/25 season. A former member of the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA hockey team, Lobreau, suited up in 33 games for the Titan this season and registered an impressive .911 save percentage. Jonah Lemoine has joined the Portage Terriers of the MJHL for their playoff run. He spent the past season with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA hockey team where he finished 3rd in league scoring with 81 points in 48 games. The adult rec softball season (slow pitch or orthodox) in Brandon is just around the corner. Those looking to register a team can do so here. The Source for Sports AAA Hockey Challenge (100 teams over 3 weekends) kicks off this Thursday (April 10) in Brandon. In week 1, twenty teams will hit the ice at the J&G Arena and the main rink inside the Keystone Centre. The tournament will then take a week off before resuming for two additional weekends; April 24 – 27 and May 1 – 4. All 4 active rinks in Brandon will be used for weeks 2 and 3. The long standing tournament has played host to many future NHL'ers including Jordan Eberle, Zack Hyman, Seth Jarvis, Travis Sanheim, and Ryan Pulock.   The Killarney Shamrocks came up just short in their bid for a Provincial 'A' championship as they lost a pair of match-ups against the Ste Anne Aces. The Aces, South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League champions, feature a number of former Brandon Wheat Kings including Brenden Walker, Jordan Depape, and Darren Bestland. The Rural Manitoba Football League (9 man football) will be holding the Challenge Cup 2025 at the Neelin High School on Monday May 19, 2025. The game will feature Team Sask taking on Team Toba with the kickoff scheduled for 2:00pm.

  This spring break and for the next year, the Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to head out into the great outdoors and visit provincial parks for free, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “In Budget 2025, our government announced free entry to all of our incredible provincial parks for the next year,” said Moyes. “As Canadians explore closer to home, we hope everyone will get out and enjoy our beautiful parks and take in all they have to offer. Whether you love to hike, canoe or just want to relax surrounded by nature, we encourage all Manitobans to visit our provincial parks, as no vehicle permit is required.” Budget 2025 includes an $18-million increase for infrastructure improvements at a number of provincial parks, the minister noted. Projects include new washroom and shower buildings at St. Malo and West Hawk Lake’s seasonal campground. This funding will also support campground improvements and the addition of electrical sites at Spruce Woods, Grand Beach and Hecla/Grindstone provincial parks. For the 2025 season, visitors to Whiteshell Provincial Park’s West Hawk Lake will see a restored Crescent Beach seawall, which will include an accessible ramp and beach access mat. New playgrounds will open at several provincial parks including in the Whiteshell, Clearwater Lake, Winnipeg Beach and Turtle Mountain. “Manitoba is home to more than four million incredible hectares of land and water set aside in 93 provincial parks,” said Moyes. “Visitors can make memories while exploring varied landscapes, including lush boreal forests to perfect prairie parklands and sandy shorelines, or walk through the past on a historic site tour and develop new skills at an outdoor workshop.” Provincial park campground reservations have a staggered opening from Monday, April 7 to April 11. The Parks Reservation Service will start taking reservations for specific campgrounds each day at 7 a.m. each day online at www.manitobaparks.com and by phone at 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1-888-482-2267 (toll-free). While park vehicle passes will not be required for the 2025 season, camping reservation fees continue to apply. For more information, visit www.manitobaparks.com.

Manitoba Labour and Immigration is notifying Manitobans the provincial minimum wage will increase by 20 cents to $16, effective Oct. 1. Updated annually, Manitoba’s minimum wage is regulated through the Employment Standards Code. This year’s increase of 20 cents per hour raised the minimum wage to $16 from $15.80. This adjustment reflects Manitoba’s 2024 inflation rate of 1.1 per cent, rounded up to the nearest five cents. For more information on the minimum wage and other employment standards, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards.

The Division 2 championship in the Wendy's Winter Hockey League was decided on Saturday evening, as Southern Seed (pictured above) secured a 5-2 victory over Smitty's Wings, in game 2 of their best of 3 series. Bryson Werbicki-Mallet scored a goal and added an assist, while Rylan Veitch, Tavish Quinn, Mitchell Thiessen, and Eric Sorenson rounded out the scoring for Southern Seed. Of note, Jody Sass was on-hand to present the championship banner as league owner/commissioner Darryl Wolski had to attend to a prior engagement. The Assiniboine Cougars hockey team made it all the way to the 2025 ACHA National Championship Final before dropping a 6-2 decision to the Sault College Cougars. The Neelin Spartans varsity boys basketball team captured the 2024-25 “AAA” provincial championship banner. The Spartans defeated Garden City Zodiacs 76-70 on March 23 in a game played in Winnipeg. Owen Falk was named to the tournament all star team, while Ethan Olson took home the MVP award. The Brandon AAA U18 Wheat Kings hockey season came to end on March 26, as the team was swept in the league final in their best of 5 series against the Winnipeg Wild. The Vincent Massey Vikings hockey team swept their best-of-three series against the Dauphin Clippers in the finals of the Westman High School Hockey League. In baseball news, the AAA Brandon Marlins tryout registration is now available online. Tryouts will be held April 11th-13th and the coaching staff for each respective division has also been announced: Torey Scott 18U head coach, Dylan Haney 15U head coach and Tim Lang as the 13U head coach. The Killarney Shamrocks are your THHL champions for 2024-25. Killarney won the final series 3 games to 1 over the Virden Oil Kings. Ty Enns was named the Playoff MVP after registering 33 points in only 12 playoff games.