Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

Hope you’ve had a great week, even with all the news swirling around. Between tariff talks, big healthcare moves, and city safety updates, it’s been a lot to keep up with—but that’s what we’re here for!

And don’t miss today’s poll—we want to hear what you think!

As always, thanks for being here. Stay warm, support local, and let’s get into it!

In today’s edition:

• US Tariffs Come Back Once Again

• Manitoba Becomes First Province to Sign Federal Pharmacare Deal

• New Health Cards Are On Their Way!

• City Launches New Accessibility Webpage

• 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

US Tariffs Come Back Once Again

Well, here we go again. After a month of paused conversations, Trump is moving forward with tariffs on Canada, and this time, it’s happening for real. Starting March 4, a 25% tariff will hit most Canadian goods, and Trudeau isn’t letting it slide. Canada will respond with its own 25% tariff on U.S. goods.

For us in Manitoba, this means higher prices, supply chain headaches, and a major shift in what’s on our shelves. As part of the pushback, Manitoba Liquor Marts are expected to pull U.S. alcohol brands, a move that reinforces what’s already clear—now is the time to support local.

If we’re going to be paying more, let’s make sure that money stays in our communities.

How We Can Support Local

• Buy local – whether it’s beer, produce, or clothing, every dollar spent here matters

• Eat local – swap fast food chains for local restaurants that source from Manitoba suppliers

• Shop small – independent businesses will feel this the most, so let’s back them

None of us asked for this trade fight, and it’s everyday people who will feel it the most. But if there’s one thing Manitobans know how to do, it’s look out for each other.

And don’t forget! Our provincial government has put together a directory to help you find Manitoba-made products and keep your dollars local.

Manitoba Becomes First Province to Sign Federal Pharmacare Deal

Manitoba just became the first province in Canada to sign a pharmacare agreement with the federal government. That means more people will get the medications they need without worrying about the cost.

The province is getting $219 million over four years to fully cover diabetes medications, contraceptives, and other medical supplies. Coverage kicks in this June, giving thousands of Manitobans access to essential prescriptions.

And there’s more—hormone replacement therapy for menopause is also being added to the list, which is a huge win for women’s health!

What’s covered?

• Diabetes medications and supplies

• Birth control (already covered but reinforced in the deal)

• Hormone replacement therapy for menopause

Why this matters

• Makes medication more accessible for those who need it most

• Reduces out-of-pocket costs for everyday Manitobans

• And sets the stage for a national pharmacare plan

It’s not perfect yet, and there’s still work to do, but this is a huge step toward affordable healthcare for all Canadians!

A message from Canlan Sports!

Fun, Active, & Skill-Building Camps – Right Here in Winnipeg!

Spring Break is coming up fast, and if you’re looking for a way to keep the kids moving, learning, and having a blast—we’ve got just the thing.

Canlan Sports’ Spring Break Camps & Programs are designed to keep kids active, build their confidence on the ice, and help them develop new skills—all in a fun, supportive environment led by experienced coaches who know how to make learning exciting.

🏒 Spring Break Hockey Camps

For kids looking to improve their skating, puck handling, and overall game sense. Open to all skill levels, this program focuses on building confidence and technique through structured games (not boring drills!). With low coach-to-player ratios, every kid gets the attention they need.

⛸ Learn to Skate – Spring Sessions Open Now!

Perfect for beginners! Whether your child is stepping onto the ice for the first time or working on their balance and control, this program helps them build a solid foundation in a safe, encouraging setting.

📅 Spots are filling up fast – Sign up today before it’s too late!
📍 Canlan Sports has been a part of Winnipeg for 30+ years – Their play-based curriculum makes learning fun.

Need skates? Have questions? Their team is always happy to help. Make this Spring Break one to remember—register now! ⬇

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

Community Digest

New Health Cards Are On Their Way!

We’ve been talking about these new plastic health cards for a while, and guess what? They’re finally starting to arrive. Over 200,000 Manitobans have already applied, and the government says cards will start hitting mailboxes in the next few days.

If you haven’t applied yet, now’s the time!

Why upgrade?

• More durable and won’t rip or fade like the old paper ones

• Easier to carry in your wallet, just like your driver’s license

This is one of those little things that just makes life easier. And with so many people already on board, don’t get left behind—apply now and get yours in the mail soon.

City Launches New Accessibility Webpage

If you live with a disability, you know how frustrating it can be to plan ahead—only to arrive somewhere and find out an elevator is broken, a sidewalk is blocked, or a transit stop is inaccessible. It’s exhausting, and it shouldn’t be this way.

Now, the City of Winnipeg is making things a little easier with a new webpage that tracks temporary accessibility disruptions in real time.

How it helps:

• See live updates on accessibility issues in City buildings, libraries, pools, sidewalks, and more

• Search disruptions by location so you know what to expect before heading out

This isn’t just about posting notices—it’s about making Winnipeg more accessible and giving people the tools to navigate the city with confidence.

City Updates

Safer Shopping Thanks to SafeShop Project

A big concern this holiday season was theft and safety, and to combat that, the Winnipeg Police Service launched the SafeShop Project. The goal? Make shopping areas safer for retailers, staff, and customers.

And it’s already making a difference. Between November and December, officers:

• Worked with 187 retailers to improve security

• Arrested 200 individuals for retail crime

• Recovered $56,579 in stolen goods

• Spent 670 hours on foot patrol in high-traffic shopping areas

But the work isn’t stopping there. Twelve new foot patrol officers have already hit the streets, with another 12 coming soon. These officers will continue patrolling hotspots like Osborne Village, the West End, and the Exchange District, making sure retailers, staff, and shoppers feel safe and supported.

$10M Federal Boost for Women's Health Clinic

No one should have to worry about their healthcare being interrupted because of a leaky ceiling or broken pipes, but that’s exactly what’s been happening at the Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg. As reported by CBC News, after years of infrastructure issues, the federal government is stepping in with $10 million to fund much-needed renovations.

What This Means for the Community

• Fixing major issues like broken pipes, unreliable air conditioning, and structural damage

• Keeping services running for thousands of people who rely on the clinic

• Reducing carbon emissions with updated mechanical and electrical systems

The clinic has been fighting to stay open despite these challenges, and this funding will go a long way. But with renovation costs climbing past $22 million, there’s still work to be done. Hopefully, the province steps up soon to help close the gap.

Exciting Events: Feb 28th - Mar 2nd

This section only includes events until the next edition on Monday, so here’s what’s happening Friday till Sunday!

Sports🏀

• Winnipeg Run Club | 8AM, Mar 1 (FREE)

  • Location: The Forks (by the main elevator)

• Winnipeg Jets vs Philadelphia Flyers | 6PM, Mar 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Canada Life Centre

Family Fun🎆

• Free Entry to Manitoba Parks | Feb 28

  • Location: Multiple Locations

• Worlds Largest Snow Maze | Feb 28 - 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 28 - 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.

• A Killing at La Cucina Play (A Lucia Dante Mystery) | Feb 28 - Mar 9 (Tickets)

  • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

  • Description: A food critic is poisoned at the exclusive five-star restaurant Fate, known by staff as La Cucina. Who could have done such a heinous thing?

• Indecent Play | Feb 28 - March 8 (Tickets)

  • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

  • Description: Told through music, song, dance and comedy, Indecent is an arresting play about forbidden love, artistic censorship and the enduring power of theatre.

• St. Norbert Farmer’s Market | 10AM - 2PM, Mar 1

  • Location: 3514 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB

• Create and Connect Crafts | 1-3PM, Mar 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Tannis M. Richardson Classroom at The Leaf

  • Description: Hands-on crafting using natural or recycled products! Crafts are appropriate for kids and families of all ages!

• Winnipeg Circus Club 10th Annual Fundraiser | 2-5PM, Mar 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Jubilee Place (173 Talbot Ave)

  • Description: Features juggling, poi, hula hoops, acrobatics, cuteness, clowning, and more. This annual event is a chance for all our members, professional and amateur, to be on stage and show what they do in the club!

Comedy❗

• The Kickback Comedy Party | Feb 28 - Mar 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

  • Description: The Kickback blends Montreal’s nightlife with some of the best comedians in Canada.

• Shannon Laverty Comedy | Feb 28 - Mar 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club

  • Description: She is a 5-time Canadian Comedy Award nominee and voted top host by Glenn Sumi in NOW Magazine.

• Dave Hemstad Comedy | Feb 28 - Mar 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

  • Description: Called a “Canadian Master” by Just For Laughs, Dave Hemstad has skyrocketed to the top of the national comedy scene, appearing regularly across the country and on a hit show on CBC.

Special Events 🥂

• Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert | 7:30PM, Feb 28 (Tickets)

  • Location: Centennial Concert Hall

  • Description: Immerse yourself in a nearly two-hour special recap of the animated series' three seasons, displayed on a full-size cinema screen, with a live orchestra performing the soundtrack in perfect harmony.

• Winnipeg Whiskey Festival | Feb 28 - Mar 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: RBC Convention Centre

  • Description: Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or eager to sample other exquisite spirits, there’s something for every palate.

• The Country Legends Tribute Experience | 8:30PM, March 1 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Park Theatre

  • Description: Canada’s top country artists come together at the Park Theatre to celebrate the legends of country music.

    Enjoy live performances of hits from Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and more.

• Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents Steppin’ Out | March 1-2 (Tickets)

  • Location: The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Founders' Studio

  • Description: It’s a highly entertaining mixed program of ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, tap, and musical theatre. Steppin’ Out celebrates the many talents of the RWB’s Adult dancers.

• Blue Beads and Blueberries Play | 1 & 4PM, Mar 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

  • Description: Blue Beads and Blueberries transforms an ancient fairy tale into a celebration of Métis culture.

• Latin Sundays at The Forks | 5:30-9:30PM, Mar 2 (Tickets)

  • Location: Room 201, second floor of The Forks Market

  • Description: Experience Latin culture through music, dance, food and performances, with Habanero Sombrero and Friends of the Cuban Arts!

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food or tickets available at the door.

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

P.S. Want to get your business in front of thousands of local Winnipeggers? Email us at [email protected].