Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

I hope everyone got a chance to step outside this weekend, even with that snowstorm on Friday and Saturday. It looks like things are starting to melt again, so hopefully that was winter’s last word.

Now, in today’s edition:

• Manitoba to Host Rally Against Being a 51st State

• Manitoba Campground Reservations Open Up

• Restaurant of the Week

• Victoria Hospital’s Emergency Room Is Coming Back

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

Manitoba to Host Rally Against Being a 51st State

As most of you probably have seen, U.S. President Trump recently commented that Canada should become the 51st state.

Yeah… no thanks.

We’re proud to be Canadian. Proud of our healthcare, our culture, our kindness, and everything that makes this country feel like home. And this coming Sunday, we’re coming together to show it.

The Manitoba government is inviting all of us to the Rally for Canada. An afternoon to celebrate our pride, our province, and our country.

Here’s what to expect:

• 🎶 Live music, including a performance by Fred Penner

• 🍔 Food trucks with local favourites

• 🧸 Family-friendly fun and activities for kids

When & Where:

• 📍 Legislative Grounds

• 📅 Sunday, April 6

• 🕐 1 to 3 p.m.

It’s free, it’s for everyone, and it’s a chance to show the world that we’re Canadian, and we’re not going anywhere.

As Premier Wab Kinew said: “Bring your kids, your family and your friends to show their Manitoban and Canadian pride and send a message – we will never be the 51st state.”

For more details about the Rally, click the button below.

Manitoba Campground Reservations Open April 7

Growing up in Manitoba, nothing beat packing up the car, arguing over snacks, and heading out to the lake for a few days of sunshine, smoky campfire clothes, and chasing dragonflies.

And this summer? You can do it again, all without paying any park entry fees. Yup, it’s free this year.

Campground reservations open soon, spread over five days from April 7 to 11 to give everyone a fair shot at booking their favourite spots.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 🗓️ Reservations open at 7 a.m. daily

• 🌐 Book online at manitobaparks website or call 204-948-3333

• 🧾 Update your account and check the rules ahead of time

• 📍 Walk-in reservations: 1181 Portage Ave, starting April 7

Reservation Schedule:

• Apr 7 – Cabins, yurts, group-use areas

• Apr 8 – Birds Hill, Winnipeg Beach, Grand Beach

• Apr 9 – Whiteshell (all campgrounds)

• Apr 10 – Northern/Western (Spruce Woods, Asessippi, etc.)

• Apr 11 – All remaining campgrounds

So gather your family, mark your calendar, and get ready to make new memories under the stars.

A message from Lazer Grant!

Feeling Overwhelmed by Debt? You're Not Alone

With tax season in full swing, money stress can hit a little harder. Maybe your tax bill came in higher than expected or debt has just quietly built up over time. If that sounds familiar, just know you’re not the only one and there’s help right here in Winnipeg.

Lazer Grant Insolvency offers debt counseling that feels more like a conversation than a lecture. Their Licensed Insolvency Trustees provide personalized, judgment-free guidance to help you take control of your finances and find a path forward.

Here’s how they can help:

• Take a close look at your full financial picture

• Help you build a realistic and manageable budget

• Talk through options like debt, consumer proposals, or bankruptcy

• And support you every step of the way toward financial stability

Sometimes, just talking to someone who gets it can make all the difference. So if this tax season has brought more stress than usual, consider reaching out.

Because debt might be part of your story right now, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story.

P.S. Looking to advertise in the Winnipeg Digest? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Restaurant of the Week: Alena Rustic Italian

Tucked along Roblin, Alena Rustic Italian is the kind of spot you hear about from a friend, then immediately text someone to plan a night out. It’s stylish without being fancy, warm without being loud, and everything about it feels thoughtfully done.

The food? Classic Italian, with a few surprises. Rich, comforting pastas. Wood-fired pizzas with perfect crusts. Slow-roasted meats that make you forget you're still in Winnipeg. And if you see anything with garlic butter or chocolate on the menu… just order it.

Whether it’s date night or dinner with your parents, Alena has a way of making the evening feel like a little celebration.

📍 700–7000 Roblin Blvd
🕔 Dinner: Tues–Sun, 5 PM – late
📞 Reservations recommended on weekends

City Updates

A New Advocate for Manitoba’s Seniors

If you’ve ever tried to help a parent or grandparent figure out care, housing, or health services, you know how overwhelming it can be. That’s why this news matters for so many Manitobans.

The province is officially creating an independent Seniors Advocate. Starting November 1, this new office will be a dedicated voice for older adults. Someone who will listen, investigate, and speak up where it counts.

With such a large portion of our population aging and entering retirement, this is a much-needed step. Seniors deserve to have someone standing up for their needs at the provincial level.

The advocate will be responsible for:

• Reviewing seniors’ experiences with healthcare, housing, and government programs

• Making formal recommendations to improve services and support

• Reporting directly to the Legislative Assembly, free from any political influence

This move is part of the government’s commitment to protect and support older adults so they can age with dignity, security, and a voice that’s finally being heard.

Victoria Hospital’s Emergency Room Is Coming Back

When someone in your family needs urgent care, every minute matters. And for years, families in South Winnipeg have had to go without a local emergency room, adding stress to already difficult moments.

That’s why this update matters.

The province is moving forward with a brand new emergency department at Victoria Hospital, and they’re asking the community to help shape what it looks like.

A town hall will take place on May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Winnipeg Community Centre. It’s a chance for residents to weigh in on the design and help make sure the new ER reflects the needs of the people who will use it. A separate session with hospital staff will happen April 15, and an online survey will be available for anyone who cannot attend in person.

What’s happening:

• Design planning is already underway

• Construction tenders will go out later this year

• This is part of a larger effort to bring care closer to home

It’s a step forward not just for healthcare, but for rebuilding a sense of safety and support in the community.

Community Digest

Support for Manitoba’s Universities in 2025 Budget

The students filling classrooms today will be the nurses, teachers, researchers, and leaders shaping Manitoba’s future tomorrow. That’s why this year’s provincial budget and what it means for our universities matters to all of us.

Both the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg will receive a two percent increase to their operating grants. That means more stability for core programs and long-term planning, especially in critical areas like healthcare and infrastructure.

At the University of Manitoba:

• $2.3 million will continue funding programs that train nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical psychologists

• $10 million will go toward expanding undergraduate medical education at the Bannatyne Campus

• $3.9 million is set aside for agricultural research facilities

• $4.5 million will address deferred maintenance on campus

At the University of Winnipeg:

• $1.56 million increase in base funding

• $2.5 million for much-needed building repairs

• The university is still facing financial pressure and has already made tough cuts including layoffs and program closures

Both schools play a vital role in shaping Manitoba’s future. This investment is a step forward, but leaders are clear that ongoing, stable support will be key to making sure post-secondary education remains strong and accessible for all.

Coming up this week:

This section includes only the major events happening soon. For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!

• The Leaf After Dark: Adults Only Nights | 7PM, April 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live musical entertainment. Wine and beer, as well as charcuterie plates.

• Murder for Two Musical | April 2-19 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tom Hendry Warehouse Theatre

  • Description: A blend of classic musical, comedy and murder mystery, where two actors play a dozen characters and a piano. Settle in for this witty homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries.

• Winnipeg Home & Garden Show | April 3-6 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

• First Friday in The Exchange | 5-9PM, April 4 (Free)

  • Location: Multiple locations in the Exchange District

  • Description: A chance to experience everything the Exchange District has to offer while being part of one of the city’s most vibrant and creative arts events.

• Dylan Gossett Concert | 8PM, April 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: An American country singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. He has released two studio EPs and seven singles.

• CoComelon Meet & Greet | 11AM - 3PM, April 4 (More Info)

  • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

  • Description: An opportunity for your kids to meet their favourite characters, JJ & Cody!

• ​The Winnipeg Fine Art Fair | April 4-6 (Tickets)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: A juried ART SHOW AND SALE where 70+ local artists with diverse backgrounds and media will showcase their work.

• Untamed: A Cirque Spectacular | April 4-5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain

  • Description: Step into a world where the jungle comes alive in the air!

• Mini Pop Kids Live Celebration Tour | 1PM, April 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Burton Cummings Theatre

  • Description: Audiences can expect a high-energy, interactive, and exciting concert that will have everyone singing, dancing, and grooving to their favourite tunes.

Exciting Events: March 31st & April 1st

Sports🏀

• Manitoba Moose vs Laval Rocket | 7PM, April 1 & 2

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

• Quinton Blair | 12-2:45PM, March 31

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall (1212 Nairn Avenue)

• Dirty Dancing In Concert | 7PM, April 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and experience one of the most memorable movies of the past 35 years - now live!

• Siyahkal Stompers/Age of Self/Genex/Lackey | 8PM, April 1 (Tickets at the door)

  • Location: Public Domain

• Sean Burns | 12-2:45PM, April 1

  • Location: Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall (1212 Nairn Avenue)

Family Fun🎆

• Mini Mondays at the Children's Museum | 10AM - 2PM, Mar 31

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: A fun-filled day of stimulating play designed for our youngest visitors, children under 4 years old!

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | March 31 - April 13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry (1824 Pembina Hwy)

  • Description: Saddle up for a wild ride as Destination Dinner Stage takes you on a hilarious journey through the wilderness of family drama, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Casey and Diana Play | Mar 31 - April 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Inspired by Princess Diana’s historic visit to Toronto’s Casey House in 1991, Casey and Diana is a tremendously moving and surprisingly funny portrait of the men at the heart of the AIDS crisis, their devoted caregivers, and the ‘People’s Princess’.

• Astronaut Adventure | 10AM - 5PM, Mar 31 - April 6 (Needs Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

  • Description: Space-themed experience will immerse young explorers in hands-on activities inspired by astronaut training, space science, and the wonders of the universe.

• Spring Break at the Zoo | Mar 31 - April 6 (Needs Tickets)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Activities will include Zoo chats with our animal care team, crafts, a special historical tour of the Zoo, and more.

• Spring Break Line-Up at the Children's Museum | Mar 31 - April 6 (Needs Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

  • Description: From 11:00AM – 3:00PM daily throughout Spring Break, kids can participate in exciting crafts and hands-on activities with special guests

• Spring Break Week at Living Prairie Museum | 10Am - 4PM, Mar 31 - April 4 (Free)

  • Location: Living Prairie Museum

  • Description: Drop-in to visit the hands-on displays and plant your own prairie flower to take home!

Special Events 🎨

• Spring Break Hip Hop Dance Workshops | Mar 31 - April 3 (More Info)

  • Location: The Event Space (2nd floor, The Forks Market)

• Raised by Women Play | April 1-13 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: Raised by Women is Barker’s tale of the lessons he learned through the women in his life.

• Jordan Welwood Comedy | April 1-2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Local Winnipeg Comedian! In 2015, he won Runner up in Sirius XM’s “Canada’s Top Comic” at JFL42. He also represented Winnipeg in the finals of “Top Comic” in 2013.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Friday!