By now, many Canadians will have seen the video released Sunday morning by Prime Minister Mark Carney, called ‘Forward Guidance”. His message was all about abandoning our reliance on the United States— a message delivered using American platforms.

In the video, Mr. Carney reiterated a “new world order” in response to what he labels a more divided and dangerous world. He suggests that the United States has fundamentally changed its relationship to trade by raising tariffs to levels not seen since the Great Depression.

To illustrate his point, the PM referenced a small statue, displayed on his desk, of General Isaac Brock, given to him from U.S. based entertainer Mike Myers just over a year ago. Brock led the charge against the 1812 American invasion of Canada. Mark Carney is no General Brock. And frankly, the Liberal government is not even at the negotiating table, much less defending the Canadian economy.

More than 70 percent of Canadian exports are tied with the U.S. and cannot easily or even possibly, be replaced through expanded trade with Asia or other regions. After a five-month hiatus, it is time for Mr. Carney to re-engage with Washington and make Canada strong. Instead, Mr. Carney envisions “a new world order” that ignores our largest trading partner and the largest economy in the world, right next door. He has dismissed our shared history as nostalgia, not a strategy. He insists Canada’s future should ignore our close geography and history. He completely dismisses the fact that Americans are our closest neighbors, our best allies and our largest trading partners. Instead, Mr. Carney calls all that a “weakness”.

A Green Valley School student was arrested early Wednesday morning by RCMP after the student was found with a weapon on school property by school staff.

As a precaution, the Grunthal school was put into lockdown. Staff were able to detain the student without incident prior to the arrival of police, who arrested the student when they arrived. The lockdown was lifted after the student was taken into custody and an assessment determined it was safe to do so.

Hanover School Division wouldn’t comment on the age or gender of the student nor what the weapon was citing student privacy and the RCMP investigation.

“Hanover School Division thanks the RCMP for their prompt response and assistance in helping ensure the school community remains safe,” read a HSD press release.

There’s still time to apply! The Steinbach Arts Council is once again looking for artists to share their talents with the community at the 2026 K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park. This free outdoor concert series returns to the K.R. Barkman Park gazebo on Main Street throughout May and June. Applications are open to bands, soloists, dancers, choirs, and artists of all disciplines—including family and cultural groups and youth ensembles.

Apply to be a performer by April 27 online at SteinbachArts.ca. Please include a short bio, media samples, and a promo photo with your submission.

The Steinbach Arts Council is delighted to partner with the Barkman Concrete Foundation to continue this tradition of bringing local and guest artists together for our community.

New quilted portrait series by Cynthia Hiebert exhibits at the Steinbach Arts Council