Happy Monday, Winnipeggers!

As most of you have probably already heard, the U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on Canada. Now, we don’t usually cover federal news, but this one hits close to home for Manitobans, so we’re making sure you have all the key details.

In today’s edition, you’ll find everything you need to know about the new tariffs, how they impact us, and a quick summary of what’s happening next.

But before we dive into that, let’s start with something positive! Here’s some of our favourite community feedback from last week, and as always, thank you for the love! Your messages keep us going, and we appreciate every single one of you. 😊

P.S. There’s a poll at the end of today’s email, and we’d love to hear from you again!

In today's edition:

• U.S. Announces Tariffs on Canadian Goods

• Manitoba Launches Tariff Hotline

• Restaurant of the Week

• Manitoba Pulls American Alcohol Off Shelves

• Multiple events this week & more

— Jas Singh

News

U.S. Announces Tariffs on Canadian Goods

The latest trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. is officially underway, and it’s everyday people who are likely to feel it the most. Over the weekend, the U.S. government announced new tariffs on Canadian goods—25% on most imports and 10% on energy. These tariffs will officially take effect starting Tuesday.

In response, Canada has introduced its own set of tariffs on $155 billion worth of American products, covering everything from coffee and peanut butter to vehicles and steel.

Here’s what’s happening:

• The U.S. imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

• Canada responded with a 25% tariff on a wide range of American imports, aiming to protect Canadian businesses and workers.

• These new trade barriers could mean higher prices on everyday goods for both Canadians and Americans.

For most of us, this means a higher cost of living—from groceries to appliances, and even a simple cup of coffee. So what can we do?

Support Local. If things are going to get pricier, let’s make sure that extra cash goes to small businesses here in Winnipeg.

We’re putting together a list of Winnipeg businesses to support in the coming weeks—keep an eye out for it in future editions. In the meantime, let’s hope these tariffs don’t stick around too long because rising prices help no one.

Manitoba Launches Tariff Hotline

Now, staying on the topic of tariffs—as we mentioned a few editions ago, the provincial government has stepped in with a new resource to help Manitobans navigate the impact of these trade changes.

The Manitoba government just launched a tariff hotline, giving businesses and workers a direct line for support. If you’ve got questions about how these new tariffs might affect you, or just need some clarity, you can call them or fill out the online form.

The hotline officially opened this weekend, just in time to help clear up concerns.

Here’s how to reach them:

📞 Call toll-free: 1-877-827-4330
📞 Local numbers: 204-945-8011 or 204-945-3744
💻 Visit: https://manitoba.ca/tariffresponse/

The provincial government launched this just ahead of the weekend to make sure no one is left in the dark. Whether you're a business owner, worker, or just want to understand what’s happening, this is your go-to resource.

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Restaurant of the Week: Gâto Bakeshop

If you haven’t been to Gâto Bakeshop yet, let this be your sign! Nestled in Winnipeg’s West End at 819 Sargent Ave, this charming spot is a paradise for pastry lovers and planet enthusiasts alike.

Gâto is all about eco-conscious creations—think melt-in-your-mouth croissants, flaky sourdough pastries, and indulgent cronuts. But here’s the twist: they’ve got a dazzling lineup of plant-based and vegan treats, so everyone gets to join in on the fun.

But here’s the best part: every bite you take supports something bigger. From sourcing local ingredients to using eco-friendly packaging, Gâto is all about reducing its carbon footprint while celebrating bold, fresh flavors.

So, head down to Gâto and treat yourself to something sweet—you’ll feel good knowing you’re making an environmentally conscious choice while supporting local!

City Updates

Manitoba Pulls American Alcohol Off Liquor Mart Shelves

Adding to the 25% tariffs Canada is imposing on the U.S. at the federal level, Manitoba’s provincial government is also taking a stance by removing American alcohol from Liquor Marts starting Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Here’s what this means:

• Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries will stop selling and ordering American alcohol as part of the province’s response to U.S. trade policies.

• Premier Wab Kinew is encouraging Manitobans to support local breweries and distilleries instead.

• More support for Manitoba businesses and workers impacted by the tariffs is expected to roll out this week.

With tariffs already driving up prices on many goods, this is one way the province is pushing back. So, if you are looking for something new to try, now is the perfect time to explore locally made beer, wine, and spirits.

And again, for more information on anything related to tariffs, be sure to click the button below!

Safe Zones Around Abortion Clinics Now in Effect

Starting February 1, new legislation in Manitoba creates buffer zones around abortion clinics, ensuring safety and privacy for patients and providers.

Here’s what this means:

• Protests, demonstrations, and picketing are now prohibited near clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies that provide abortion services.

• Health-care workers are also protected at their homes under the new law.

• The goal? To make sure reproductive health care is safe, accessible, and free from harassment.

This is a crucial step in supporting Manitobans’ right to health care, especially during such a sensitive time.

If you or someone you know needs these services, this new legislation helps ensure they’re safe and supported every step of the way.

Community Digest

Food Access Bus: Helping Seniors Shop with Ease

Getting groceries can be a real challenge for seniors, especially those with mobility issues or limited transportation. That’s why the new Food Access Bus (FAB) program is such a wonderful initiative! As reported by CBC News, the program had its first run in north Winnipeg last Thursday, and it was a huge success.

Here’s what makes FAB so special:

• It provides free monthly rides to grocery stores like Walmart and Superstore for seniors living in Elmwood, North Kildonan, and East Kildonan.

• Over 40 seniors joined the first trip, making grocery shopping easier and stress-free.

For participants, it means more flexibility and independence—without the steep costs of taxis or the hassle of planning days in advance.

So, if you know a senior who could benefit from this program, it’s a great way to make grocery shopping more accessible. Let’s hope this is just the beginning and that programs like this expand city-wide in the future!

To learn more, call (204) 669-0750.

New Jobs for Rural Manitoba Communities

As reported by The Winnipeg Sun, two new federal programs are opening doors for Manitoba’s smaller towns to grow and thrive. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) are designed to bring newcomers to places like Brandon, Steinbach, Altona-Rhineland, and St. Pierre Jolys to fill job gaps and boost the local economy.

Here’s why this matters:

• The RCIP brings skilled workers to rural areas with pathways to permanent residence.

• While the FCIP focuses on increasing French-speaking newcomers in Manitoba’s Francophone communities.

With much of the province’s population centered in Winnipeg, this is a great way to help folks explore new places and contribute to the growth of smaller communities. It’s a win-win for businesses and the newcomers who will help shape their futures!

Events 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 | Feb 5 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Leaf Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Enjoy a relaxing adults-only atmosphere complete with live music, wine/beer and as well as charcuterie plates.

• First Fridays Lights On The Exchange Art Walk | Feb 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Exchange District BIZ

  • When: Tours will run at 5:30PM and 7PM

  • Where: Tours begin at 492 Main Street and conclude at 123 James Avenue

• The Trews | 7PM, Feb 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: Club Regent Event Centre

  • Description: One of Canada’s most successful rock bands of the past decade, earning 19 Top 10 Rock radio singles.

• Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | 7PM, Feb 7 (Tickets)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: Catch the screenings of the best films from the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity!

• Four Season RV Show & Sale | Feb 7-17 (Free)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Place

  • Description: Manitoba’s largest RV show and sale, presented by Four Seasons, is back!

• Faris Hytiaa Comedy | Feb 7-8 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: Faris Hytiaa is one of Canada's fastest rising comedians. Last year, he was a part of Just For Laughs New Faces of Comedy, appearing at festivals in Montreal and Toronto.

• Children’s Hospital Book Market – pop-up sale | 10AM, Feb 8 (More Info)

  • Location: St. Vital Centre

  • Description: Shop a wide selection of fiction, mystery, romance, comics, graphic novels, teen titles and cookbooks along with sheet music, CDs, LPs, DVDs and puzzles!

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Feb 9

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Skate and Snowshoe Lessons, DJs by The Canopy, Winter Wellness Classes, Storytelling and Drumming in the Teepee and more!

• Threads: A Fashion Demonstration | 2PM, Feb 9 (Free)

  • Location: WAG-Qaumajuq

  • Description: This event will include a fashion show, talks by designers, a family-friendly dance party, and more!

Exciting Events: Feb 3rd & 4th

Sports🏀

• Jets vs. Hurricanes | 7PM, Feb 04 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Music 🎵

• Mitchell Stewart Klyne | 12-2:45PM, Feb 3

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

• Sean Taylor (MCMA album of the year) | 12-2:45PM, Feb 4

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

• Tuesday Night Jazz Jam | 8PM, Feb 4

  • Location: Park Alleys

Family Fun🎆

• Mini Mondays at the Children's Museum | 10 AM - 2PM, Feb 3 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Children's Museum

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

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Feb 3 - March 30 (Tickets)

  • Location: A Maze in Corn

  • Description: Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride!

• Yellowstone: A Wild West Musical! | Feb 3 - March 20 (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 untamed wilderness of family drama, ranching antics, and a hearty dose of cowboy humor.

• Free Entry to Manitoba Parks | Feb 3-28

  • Location: Multiple Locations

• $12 Tuesdays at the Zoo | 9AM - 4PM, Feb 4 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park Zoo

  • Description: Enjoy all that the Zoo offers and discover the wild winter days! Plan your visit and take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Special 🥂

• The Living Well Program | 2:15PM, Feb 3 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Indoor Classroom, 145 The Leaf Way

  • Description: Enables people living with mild to moderate signs of dementia to reap the social and well-being benefits of engaging with plants with the guidance of a practitioner of horticulture therapy.

• Raw Almond Restaurant | Feb 3 - Feb 16 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: World class chefs gather to create a pop-up restaurant experience like no other.

• Mix Tapes From My Mom | Feb 3 - Feb 15 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre - Tom Hendry Warehouse

  • Description: Winnipeg theatre veteran Cory Wojcik, shares a deeply personal story of the day he travelled back and forth between two hospitals.

• The DATENIGHT Comedy Tour | 7:30PM, Feb 4 (Tickets)

  • Location: 1420 Portage Ave, Winnipeg

  • Description: Come prepared to laugh as comedians Andy Beningo & Leland Klassen create a night you won't soon forget. Plus enjoy a live game show and so much more...

• Matt Nightingale Comedy | Feb 4-5 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Matt has performed in The San Francisco Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs NorthWest, Chicago Sketch Fest, Oddblock Comedy Festival, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival.

CHEERS!

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! I’ll see you again on Wednesday!

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