As a result of what is being referred to as the wind event of May 14 and 15, the RM of Montcalm has declared a state of local emergency.

In a May 20 press release the RM states that there’s lots of work to be done.

“Montcalm has started emergency recovery to a substantial amount of blown in ditches and drains and to repair damaged gravel roads throughout the RM,” they said.

The state of emergency will remain in effect until June 18.

It was a long time ago, but I remember it very clearly. It was 1995 and it was the night of the second Quebec referendum which would decide whether Quebec would leave Canada or stay part of the federation. I was working as political staff in the government of Premier Gary Filmon, and like most staff, had remained in the building that evening to work and to watch the results.

Late into the evening, my work was done. I had drafted two news releases for various MLAs. The one release would be sent to their local media if Quebec voted to separate. It was filled, as I recall, with lots of cautionary language about the uncertain road ahead and disappointment in the result. The second release was to be sent if Quebec voters decided to stay in Canada. It contained more hopeful sentiments, but still cautionary language about what was avoided and the challenge to ensure that steps would be taken to ensure we never reached this point again.

While most staff were in the various offices huddled around T.V.’s watching the results (this was before our phones and social media gave us immediate updates), I sat on the grand staircase of the legislature with the different news releases in separate hands waiting to hear which one to send. But mostly, I was contemplating what Canada would look like the morning after the referendum.

Of course, history shows I was able to send the release signifying a vote by Quebec to remain in Canada. Barely. The vote was 50.58 percent to 49.42 percent to remain. I have always felt grateful that I was able to send out the release I did. I love Canada, every part of it, and want it to remain strong and united.

The provincial government is asking Manitobans to share their views on seasonal time changes and whether Manitoba should adopt permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time.

In a Wednesday announcement, Municipal and Northern Affairs Minister Glen Simard said a number of provinces and territories are considering this issue.

He expressed his support for changing the status quo.

“From a lower risk of stroke to when the sun rises and sets, there are a number of things to consider, and we want to hear directly from Manitobans,” he said.

When business closures consistently outpace new business creation, it signals a growing concern for Canada’s economic outlook. According to new research by The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), “More businesses in Canada have closed than opened for six consecutive quarters, and more than half (55 percent) of small business owners say they would not recommend starting a business right now”.

CFIB’s director Brianna Solberg also warned that “Canada’s economic foundation is crumbling. Governments need to stop just papering over the cracks and really refocus efforts on policies that improve the small business environment”. Her remarks came in a CFIB newsletter addressing the ongoing entrepreneurial drought across the country.

Further, the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA) reports that only 104 investment deals were made with Canadian companies this year. Compared with last year, total venture capital investment in Canadian companies declined by 11.5 percent. These trends expose a lack of investor confidence in Canada, resulting from the environment created by the Carney Liberals.

At the same time, concerns have been raised about capital flows leaving the country. For very dollar of foreign direct investment coming into Canada, two dollars have left—which has been described as the largest capital exodus in Canadian history. The total cumulative investment loss since the Liberals came to power is $1 trillion with a substantial portion going to the U.S. After 11 years of Liberal government, there is less growth, fewer jobs and less investment in our industries.