Hey Winnipeggers,

Thank you for the amazing response to the poll on Monday! It seems like so many of you are either already playing pickleball or are planning to give it a try this year. Maybe we’ll even host a pickleball event ourselves once the new courts open—stay tuned for that!

In today’s edition, we’re covering a wide range of stories from federal and provincial news to updates right here in our local community. So grab your coffee, settle in, and don’t forget to let us know what you think with the poll at the end.

In today's edition:

• Justin Trudeau Steps Down as Prime Minister

• Charity of the Week

• New Manitoba Teachers Registry

• Manitoba’s $1.5M Climate Action Fund

• Multiple events this week & more!

— Jas Singh

News

Justin Trudeau Steps Down as Prime Minister

As you know, we usually stick to local topics, but this news affects all of us Canadians. Justin Trudeau has announced he’s stepping down as Liberal leader. While he’ll stay on as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen, this marks a major shift for our country’s political landscape.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Why now? Trudeau said disagreements within his party have made it harder to lead effectively. He believes stepping aside can help lower political tension.

• What’s next? Parliament is on pause until March 24, giving the Liberals time to hold a leadership race and pick their next leader.

• Trudeau’s reflections: He’s proud of achievements like supporting families and Indigenous reconciliation but regrets not following through on electoral reform.

• What it means for us: A new leader could bring fresh ideas and direction, and there’s growing talk of an early election.

This change will impact all of us. Whether it’s policies around affordability, reconciliation, or even climate, the new leadership will set the tone for what’s next. For now, Parliament is on hold, but the months ahead will shape the future for every community, including ours.

We’ll keep you updated as things develop—big changes are coming for Canada. Stay tuned!

A message from Lazer Grant!

Debt Counseling – The First Step to Financial Freedom

Struggling with debt can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle. That’s where debt counseling comes in—it’s the first step to understanding your financial situation and charting a path toward freedom.

At Lazer Grant Insolvency, Licensed Insolvency Trustees provide personalized, judgment-free guidance to help you tackle debt head-on. They’ll work with you to understand your unique circumstances, create a budget, and explore options like debt management plans, consumer proposals, or other strategies to rebuild your financial stability.

Debt doesn’t have to define you—let’s work together to regain control and start fresh.

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

Charity of the Week:

Winnipeg Humane Society

In our last edition, we shared how the Winnipeg Humane Society is struggling to care for over 350 animals in need. So today, we want to keep the spotlight on them because they need us now more than ever.

The Humane Society is doing everything they can to help animals who’ve had a rough start, from rescuing dogs in terrible conditions to supporting families who can’t afford vet care anymore. But they can’t do it alone.

If you want to help, here’s how you can do it:

• Foster or adopt: Even giving an animal a temporary home makes a huge difference.

• Donate: Every little bit helps cover food, medical care, and shelter.

• Volunteer: They can always use extra hands and loving hearts.

• Spread the word: Share their story with friends and family to help them find more support.

• Or even fundraise for the animals: Through socials, bake sales, BBQs, Golf Tournaments, and more!

If you love pets, please take some time to help in any way you can. It’s times like these where we can come together as a community and make a real difference. 🐾 💙

City Updates

New Teacher Registry Helps Keep Manitoba Students Safer

Keeping kids safe at school has been a big concern for parents in recent years. We all want to know that the people teaching our kids are trustworthy and accountable. That’s why Manitoba’s new online teacher registry is such an important step forward. It’s designed to give parents peace of mind and make our schools safer for everyone.

• What it does: The registry lets you see if a teacher is certified and whether their licence has been suspended or cancelled. It’s public, simple to use, and goes back as far as 1960.

• Why it matters: This makes it easier for parents to know exactly who is teaching their kids and ensures more transparency in our school system.

The process is overseen by Bobbi Taillefer, Manitoba’s independent commissioner, who handles complaints and investigations to keep student safety front and center.

This is a great tool for parents to feel more confident about their kids’ education. Click the button below to check it out!

Holiday Checkstop Program – Week 4 & Final Results

The Festive Checkstop Program is one of Manitoba’s most important safety efforts, especially during the holidays when celebrations are in full swing. It’s a reminder that keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility. This year’s results show how much this program helps, but also how far we still have to go.

Everything the 2024 numbers tell us:

• 3933 vehicles stopped, with 124 impaired drivers found.

• 18 criminal charges, including four for drug impairment.

• 106 roadside prohibitions and 93 traffic tickets.

• Eight impaired drivers caused collisions, and four were found unconscious behind the wheel.

While this program catches impaired drivers and spreads awareness, it’s heartbreaking to see numbers like these. Driving under the influence puts so many lives at risk, and it’s completely avoidable.

Let’s commit to making better decisions in 2025. Plan a ride, call a cab, or ask a friend—but don’t drive impaired. Programs like this help keep our community safe, but real change starts with each of us. Together, we can make a difference.

Manitoba’s Climate Action Fund

With Winnipeg winters starting later and unpredictable weather becoming the norm, climate change isn’t just a global issue—it’s a local one too. Manitoba is taking action with its $1.5 million Climate Action Fund.

What you need to know:

• The fund supports projects that cut greenhouse gases, promote renewable energy, and prepare for climate change impacts.

• Non-profits, schools, businesses, municipalities, and Indigenous communities are eligible.

• Applications are open now and close on Jan. 25 at noon.

If you’ve got a great idea to make Manitoba greener, this is your chance to make it happen. Let’s work together for a better future!

Community News

U of M’s New Engineering Department

Big news for students at the University of Manitoba! As reported by CTV News, the engineering faculty is creating a brand-new department called engineering education!

Now, you’re probably wondering, what does that even mean? Basically, it’s a department focused on teaching essential engineering skills that don’t fit neatly into the usual programs like civil or mechanical engineering. Think of it as learning the building blocks of what makes a great engineer—problem-solving, teamwork, and staying ahead in a constantly changing field.

For students, this means more options to explore, more ways to grow, and a chance to develop skills that work across all areas of engineering. Whether it’s designing green energy solutions or creating new tech, this is a big step forward for future grads.

It’s great to see local universities stepping up to give students more opportunities. This is a win for students and for our community!

Jets Mid-Season Success

For us Jets fans, this season has been nothing short of amazing so far! While many doubted the team before the season started—questioning everything from free agent moves to attendance—the Jets have proven the critics wrong with an incredible start to the year.

Here’s what’s making it work:

• Connor Hellebuyck is dominating and eyeing his third Vezina Trophy.

• The top line of Scheifele, Connor, and Vilardi is unstoppable.

• 27-12-2 record puts the Jets in second place in the NHL standings.

• While the attendance is climbing, with over 14,000 fans per game.

It’s been a thrill to watch, and with this momentum, there’s hope for a deep playoff run. Let’s cheer them on and keep dreaming—maybe this is the year we bring the cup home! 🏒💙

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!

• Winnipeg Jets vs. Los Angeles Kings | 7PM, Jan 10 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

• Canadian Pigeon Fancier’s Association National Show! | Jan 10-11 (More Info)

  • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

  • Description: A showcase of many breeds of fancy pigeons with international judges. Open to the public!

• We are Winter Celebration | Jan 10-12 (More Info)

  • Location: Assiniboine Park

  • Description: Offering a variety of activities for all ages. From outdoor movies to ice skating, free hot chocolate, fire pits, ski trails, and more.

• Winnipeg Renovation Show 2025 | Jan 10-12 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: A vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, and experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project and more!

• Game Day at Sport Manitoba | 10AM - 1PM, Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: Sport Manitoba

  • Description: Over 20 different sports stations for kids to find their favourite sport.

• Lohri Mela | 5-11:30PM, Jan 11 (More Info)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Lohri Mela is "A Indian Cultural Festival of Winter Harvest & New Beginnings”

• Kelly Bado - Jazz at the Fort Garry | 7PM, Jan 12 (Tickets)

  • Location: Fort Garry Hotel

  • Description: Inspired by her African heritage, La chanson française (French ballad), and American gospel, Kelly Bado creates music transcending cultural barriers, bringing audiences together in joy and hope.

• Learn to Winter | 1-4PM, Jan 12 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

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

Exciting Events: Jan 8th & 9th

Music 🎵

• Classic Albums Live Performs Pink Floyd: Dark Side Of The Moon | 7:30PM, Jan 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Classic Albums Live and its roster of A-list musicians from across the country perform rock favourites exactly as you remember hearing them, note for note.

• Open Mic | 7:30PM, Jan 8

  • Location: Park Alleys

• Open Mic | 9:30PM, Jan 8

  • Location: Shannons Irish Pub & Eatery

  • Performer: God and the Bear

Sports🏀

• Cole Perfetti In Store Autograph Signing | 6PM, Jan 9 (More Info)

  • Location: Joe Daley's Sports & Framing (513 St Mary’s Rd)

• Wrestling United’s On Thin Ice | 6PM, Jan 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (340 Provencher Boulevard)

Family Fun🎆

• Kids in the Kitchen: Free 8 Week Program | Jan 8 - Feb 24

  • Location: NorWest on Alexander (1880 Alexander Ave)

  • Note: To Register call 204-940-2662 or visit NorWest

• Watt a Season | Jan 1-11 (More Info)

  • Location: Manitoba Electrical Museum (680 Harrow St)

Special Events 🎨

• Waitress - Musical | Jan 8 - Feb 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

  • Description: Jenna is a small-town waitress who puts her passion into incredible pie-baking. When she finds herself pregnant in a dead-end relationship, she realizes she must address her life, and find her true self in a world.

• Tyler Kotowski Comedy | Jan 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Local Winnipeg Comedian! He has been featured on The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Oddblock Comedy Festival, and more!

• Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights | 5-8PM, Jan 9 (More Info)

  • Location: The Forks

  • Description: Evenings on the patio shouldn't be reserved for only the summer months, so The Common is partnering with Raw Bar Oyster Co. to bring you Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights.

• Bikini Drive-In: The Thing | 7PM, Jan 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Dave Barber Cinematheque

  • Description: Rated R, 1982 film.

• IKEA BINGO Night | 6PM, Jan 9 (More Info)

  • Location: IKEA Winnipeg

  • Description: Check-in begins at 5:00 PM, and the game starts promptly at 6:00 PM, so don’t be late. This event is exclusively for IKEA Family members, and pre-registration is required. One prize per winner and prizes include unique IKEA products, gift cards and lots more. 

• Chris Redd Comedy | Jan 9-11 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Redd was hired to join the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2017, making his debut alongside Heidi Gardner and Luke Null, and serving as a cast member for five seasons until 2022.

CHEERS!

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

P.S. Want to sponsor our newsletter? Email us at [email protected].