22,
Canfax, Canada’s source for cattle market information, is looking for a talented, self-motivated individual to participate in their 2025 Summer Intern Program. See page 5 for more information.
Applications for Consideration for The Environmental Stewardship Award Due to MBP by December 13
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 13, 2024 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow.
At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding environmental contributions. In Manitoba, this occurs in conjunction with MBP’s annual general meeting in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete for national recognition from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting held in August in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
How to Nominate
All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
Note: if you are a producer who is considering selfnoomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process.
The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers by email to info@mbbeef.ca no later than Friday, December 13, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.
October 2024
Job Posting: Summer Intern
Canfax & Canfax Research Services
A division of Canadian Cattle Association #180, 6815 - 8th St NE Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
Em: crs@canfax.ca
Tel: (403) 275-5110 Fax: (403) 275-6943
Canfax, is Canada’s source for cattle market information. Providing expert analysis of market trends in the North American beef industry for over fifty years. Canfax Research Services (CRS) provides the Canadian beef industry with statistical and market information on the domestic and global beef trends. Economic analysis is utilized for marketing, research, policy and investment decisions supporting strategy and business plan development as well as performance measurement. CRS monitors data sources from national statistics and develops new economic models to and evaluate the impact of management decisions on cost of production.
We are looking for a talented, self-motivated individual to participate in our Summer Intern Program, starting May 5, 2025
Job Description
The Summer Intern Program is a unique opportunity for students interested in the Canadian beef industry across a broad range of topics. The successful candidate will be involved in collaborating on research projects in the areas of productivity, sustainability, and markets as they relate to the Canadian beef industry.
Responsibilities:
• Covering staff vacation: feeder market analyst (radio report, data entry and analysis), member and database coordinator (website, report template)
• Cost of production indexing
• Conduct literature reviews on a wide variety of topics
• Write fact sheets and blog articles
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
• Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate studies
• Applicants should be enrolled in an agriculture or associated program, have beef production experience, and/or an expressed interest in pursuing a career in the Canadian beef industry
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be available for the duration of the internship
• Must have excellent research, writing and communication skills
• Must be able to work in CCA’s Calgary office
Please send your resume and cover letter, by Monday November 25th to:
Brenna Grant, M.Sc. P.Ag.
Executive Director, Canfax Research Services
180, 6815 - 8th Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
Ph: (403) 275-5110 or Em: grantb@canfax.ca
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: CCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CCA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Canada.
Reasons to Hope: Manitoba Government Presents Throne Speech
(November 19, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government was joined by members of the public and community leaders from around the province at the reading of the speech from the throne, which outlines what Manitobans can expect from their government, Premier Wab Kinew announced.
“Every day, we measure our success by how much Manitobans are free to pursue a good life,” said Kinew. “The opportunity of a good job to support your family. Knowing that if you work hard, you can afford a home. Health care that’s there when your family needs it. We’re starting to see progress on these important priorities and we won’t stop working to make life better for all Manitobans.”
One year into the government’s mandate, Manitobans are starting to see relief from high costs, improvements in health care and more good jobs, but there’s still more to do, noted the premier – the throne speech lays out a plan to keep delivering for families.
The premier said among the commitments made in the throne speech are:
• Making progress on health care: building on the 870 net new health-care workers and new clinics in Winnipeg and Brandon with a new ER wait times strategy, 800 new hip and knee surgeries at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre and applications for an improved plastic health card rolling out before the end of the year.
• Lowering your bills: with a plan to freeze Manitoba Hydro rates for one year, and new steps to provide relief to renters and homeowners, and address anti-competitive contracts that make groceries more expensive.
• Growing the economy: with a new critical minerals strategy, a new Indigenous loan guarantee program to help big energy projects move forward and big infrastructure projects like twinning the Trans-Canada Highway east.
• Making our downtowns and communities safer: with the new Public Safety Strategy, which will put more police on the streets, hire more mental health workers to work alongside first responders, crack down on drug dealers and get dangerous weapons off Manitoba streets.
• Giving kids the freedom to be kids: building on the province’s universal school meal program and cellphone ban to help kids focus on learning, with updated science curriculums and a dedicated unit on financial literacy in Grade 9, and a commitment to ensure all First Nations people are able to vote in school board elections.
• Protecting our environment: with the government’s new Affordable Energy Plan, improvements to efficiency codes and a new stakeholder working group to help protect Lake Winnipeg.
• Protecting freedom and democracy: with an all-party committee to look at the future of diverse, local journalism and an inquiry into the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters construction project.
• Honouring our past while giving hope to our future: with a new mother and child bison statue to be built on the front lawn of the legislative building grounds,
Reasons to Hope: Manitoba Government Presents Throne Speech
and a new honour for veterans and other Manitoba heroes.
Manitobans can read the full text of the speech at: www.gov.mb.ca/thronespeech/index.html.
MBP note: The following items in the Speech from the Throne may be of interest to producers.
• The province reaffirmed its commitment to freeze agricultural Crown land rent rates for the second year in a row.
• It is opening two new Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation offices in 2025, but did not announce the sites.
• It is freezing Manitoba Hydro rates for one year starting in 2025.
It stated the province will be “moving forward with the channels project in the Interlake to protect all communities from flooding.”
Manitoba Government Opens Cheque Distribution Locations
November 20, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is making sure families and businesses may pick up cheques and other essential mail by opening pickup and drop-off locations across the province, effective today.
Most offices will be open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Essential mail includes cheques, court orders, educational materials, medical supplies and resources required to maintain health-care services and other prioritized items.
Provincial departments have held essential mail in anticipation of a possible disruption and have forwarded these items to pickup locations. A complete list of locations, including what types of mail can be picked up or dropped off, along with more information for Manitobans, has now been updated at: www.manitoba.ca/postaldisruption.
The Manitoba government takes responsibility for handling all mail safely. Anyone picking up mail must present one valid piece of government identification with a photo or two pieces of non-photo identification that include their name and address.
Manitobans can also drop off mail for the provincial government at any location. Letters must be addressed to a specific department including the room number, street address and city or town.
Manitobans who require more information about essential government mail can contact Manitoba Government Inquiry at 1-866-6264862 (toll-free) or 204-945-3744, or visit www.gov.mb.ca/contact/index.html.
Click here to easily send a letter to Senators and make sure your voice is heard.
Nature Conservancy of Canada and local family protect grasslands in Manitoba
Conserving endangered grasslands on a working landscape
(November 20, 2024 Nature Conservancy of Canada News Release) A local family with a long connection to the land has partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to ensure that an important stretch of Manitoba nature is protected for its endangered grassland. The charitable organization is announcing the conservation of the Langford Escarpment project, situated 15 kilometres southeast of the Town of Neepawa.
The 178-hectare Langford Escarpment project was first homesteaded by the Harper family in the early 1900s and was home to several generations. According to Judith Harper, “that the property is donated and conserved for the benefit of nature seems the most fitting way to honour my family and the land.”
This project is a high priority for grassland conservation and the economy due to its connection to the Langford Community Pasture. NCC looks forward to collaborating with local livestock producers and partners to continue the property’s historical grazing management, which will provide the appropriate disturbance to allow the grasslands, and the species that call it home, to flourish.
Other natural habitats on Langford Escarpment include oak savannah, aspen and oak forest, creeks and basin wetlands. NCC’s land purchase will ensure a continued future for many wildlife species in the area, including moose, elk, black bear, ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse, wood duck, blue-winged teal and red-tailed hawk. Species at risk, such as golden-winged warbler, red-headed woodpecker, common-night hawk and eastern wood-pewee, rely on many habitats on the property.
NCC wishes to thank the Harper family, who generously donated 25 per cent of the value of
the property. Purchase of the remainder of the project was made possible in part by the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund. NCC thanks the many private donors who have also given support. People and organizations wishing to learn more and contribute may do so by contacting manitoba@natureconservancy.ca.
Quotes
“The key to saving grasslands is working together on the land in a way that brings together nature, culture and the economy. Families like the Harpers, and partners like the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures, are just a few of the people responsible for the existence of grasslands in Manitoba today. We are honoured to be a part of this story and look forward to continuing to move forward for a better tomorrow.” – Josh Dillabough, Natural Area Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada
“The conservation of these lands is an important linkage to the Langford Community Pasture. We’d like to thank the Harper family and the Nature Conservancy of Canada for their foresight in conserving this important working landscape and look forward to continuing to work together.” – Barry Ross, General Manager, Association of Manitoba Community Pastures
“Manitobans deeply appreciate both the beauty and value of the Prairies, which define some of the province’s most iconic landscapes. Working in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, our government is helping to protect native prairie grasslands in Manitoba, which
Nature Conservancy of Canada and local family protect grasslands in Manitoba
Conserving endangered grasslands on a working landscape
play a critical role in the recovery of species at risk, like the golden-winged warbler and the eastern wood-pewee. These investments are part of our national conservation campaign to protect 30 percent of land and water in Canada by 2030. Protecting the natural environment in Manitoba reflects our whole-of-society approach to meet our conservation goals.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Facts
• Canada’s iconic prairie grasslands are one of the most endangered and least protected ecosystems on the planet. More than 80 per cent of the prairie grasslands have already been converted and the loss continues.
• The Langford Escarpment conservation project exemplifies a dedicated commitment to safeguarding grasslands under NCC’s Prairie Grasslands Action Plan a cross-country comprehensive strategy aimed to conserve more than 500,000 hectares by 2030. This is equivalent to what we will lose if we don’t act now to protect the grasslands that remain. Learn more about how you can take action to care for Canada’s iconic Prairie grasslands at prairiegrasslands.ca.
• Partnership is at the heart of the plan. Only with a whole-of-society approach can we hope to slow the loss of Prairie grasslands. NCC is working with local communities and in collaboration with Indigenous Nations on a multitude of projects. It is partnering with
About
landowners, industry, government and other conservation organizations to complete conservation projects on the ground. NCC is advancing stewardship with ranchers, livestock producers and grazing groups to deliver solutions that ensure that grasslands remain a foundation for thriving communities.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation and recognition of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested $500 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $1 billion in contributions raised by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community leading to the protection and conservation of over 840,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
Some Important Program and Resource Reminders from Manitoba Agriculture
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Initiatives
Livestock Predation Prevention:
• Funding Purpose: Purchase of preapproved equipment and guardian dogs
• Application Deadline: Dec. 20, 2024
Food Safety and Traceability:
• Funding Purpose: Equipment for monitoring and controlling food safety parameters, and improving traceability systems
• Application Deadline: Jan. 23, 2025
Explore Sustainable CAP priority areas and programs at manitoba.ca/sustainablecap/, check out our YouTube playlist, or call 1-800811-4411. Stay tuned for updates!
Livestock Producers: Check out the 2025 Updated Cost of Production Resources!
Manitoba Agriculture has updated many livestock and forage calculators designed to provide producers with planning information, and a format for calculating costs of production for various livestock enterprises in Manitoba. Adjust these newly updated budgets with your figures to calculate your farm’s cost of production.
Important Changes to AgriStability start with the 2024 program year; deadline reminders
(Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) If you farm in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon or Northwest Territories, the following changes will start with the 2024 program year:
• the final deadline to submit your AgriStability program forms will change
• new optional program features will be made available to participants
o tax-aligned reference margins
o coverage notices
Advancing deadlines
Starting with the 2024 program year, the final deadline to submit your AgriStability program forms will be:
• June 30, 2025 - initial deadline to submit your 2024 forms without penalty
• September 30, 2025 - final deadline to submit your 2024 forms with penalty
Tax-aligned reference margins
You can now choose to have your reference margins calculated based on the same method of accounting you file to tax (cash or accrual) going forward. For cash filers, this means you’ll no longer need to submit up to 5 years of historical accrual information, significantly reducing the information requirement. Learn more on how to choose a taxaligned reference margin. The deadline to choose a tax-aligned reference margin for 2024 is December 31, 2024.
Coverage notices
To increase the predictability of the program, you can receive a coverage notice that provides an estimate of your reference margin and coverage level for the current program year. These coverages notices will be available to you if you have:
• enrolled in the program for the current program year
• elected to have a tax-aligned reference margin
• submitted your current year’s intended productive units
The coverage notices will be available online in the My AAFC Account portal during the program year and will help you better determine if you’ll be in a payment position and decide whether you need to provide the necessary program year supplementary information. If you believe you would not qualify for a payment, you don’t need to submit a final application. Learn more on how to apply for a coverage notice. The deadline to apply for a 2024 coverage notice is December 31, 2024.
My AAFC Account
Sign up for My AAFC Account for secure, convenient and paperless access to your AgriStability and AgriInvest program information. With My AAFC Account you can:
• quickly and securely send your 2024 AgriStability Coverage Notice Intended Productive Capacity Information and 2024 AgriStability Tax Aligned Reference Margin Consent form as attachments using the Messages feature in the online My AAFC Account portal
• receive a coverage notice detailing your estimated reference margin and coverage level for the current program year
As well, with a My AAFC Account you can:
• view current and prior year statements
• track the status of your application
• register for AgriStability direct deposit
• delegate limited access to your authorized representative(s)
• submit adjustment requests and appeals online
We’ll send you an email notification when new documents are available for you to view or when there is new activity in your account to ensure that you’re always up to date and have access to new information the moment it is available.
Minister MacAulay concludes productive visit to China
(November 19, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Last week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, visited Beijing, China, where he met with Chinese industry leaders, importers, and key Canadian stakeholders to advocate for improved commercial opportunities for Canadian farmers, processors and exporters, and reinforce Canada's commitment to exploring ways to support fair competition, a level playing field for businesses, and more open, sustainable and inclusive trade.
Minister MacAulay met with a range of industry stakeholders and key Chinese interlocuters to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges for Canadian agriculture, agri-food, and fish and seafood exports. Throughout his visit, the Minister expressed his deep concern over China's unfair initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada and pressed for the full restoration of market access for Canadian beef and dry pet food containing poultry ingredients, as well as noting China's delays with its approval process for Canada's other market access requests. He also shared Canada's views on achieving more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, while reaffirming that Canada stands ready to work with China to enhance our agricultural trading relationship.
While in Beijing, Minister MacAulay was the keynote speaker at the Canada China Business Council Annual General Meeting and Business Forum, where he acknowledged the Council as a leading voice in helping to grow the trade relationship between the two countries and how the Canada Brand program helps distinguish the quality, innovation, sustainability and diversity of Canadian products, giving our exporters a competitive edge in the global marketplace. He also visited the MARS Global
Food Safety Centre, a company with operations in Canada and China, and had an opportunity to learn more about their work in food safety research and collaboration with government, academia, regulators, and competitors in the industry.
Minister MacAulay was pleased to be joined by Chris White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council and Canada Pork and Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council during his visit and welcomes the recently announced Canadian Meat Advocacy Office***, which will be based in Beijing, China. The Office is being supported by a federal investment of up to $223,850 over two years through the AgriMarketing program, and will allow the sector to have an onsite presence in China and work with local intermediaries to secure access for Canadian red meat products.
***MBP note: The Canadian Meat Advocacy Office will be a collaboration between the Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Pork Council, and Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
Quotes
"Canada has the best products in the world and it's my job to promote them. This was my sixth trade mission to China over two terms as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and I am always proud to help showcase our delicious, high-quality, sustainable foods, while advocating for our trading relationship to be fair and beneficial to our hardworking producers."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Minister MacAulay concludes productive visit to China
Quick facts
• China is Canada's second-largest customer for agriculture, agri-food, and fish and seafood products, with sales of $11.5 billion in 2023.
• China is Canada's largest canola seed trade partner, with over 4.5 million tonnes worth CA$3.8B exported in 2023, followed by Japan (with over 1 million tonnes worth over CA$868 million) and Mexico (with over 0.8 million tonnes worth CA$749.0 million).
• On September 9, 2024, China formally launched an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada.
• Canada will work with the canola industry and provincial counterparts to ensure a level playing field in international trade and will always stand up for Canadian businesses and workers and defend them from the harmful effects of unfair trade policies.
• Encompassing 40 economies, over four billion people and $47.19 trillion in economic activity, the Indo-Pacific region is
the world's fastest-growing region and home to 11 of Canada's top 20 trading partners.
• In February 2024, Minister MacAulay opened Canada's first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO), which marks a new chapter for Canada's engagement in the region.
• The opening of the IPAAO supports the economic pillar of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy and demonstrates our commitment to the region and our Indo-Pacific partnerships.
Associated links
• Canada-China relations
• Market Overview – China
• Canada Brand
• AgriMarketing Program
• Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office
• Statement from Minister MacAulay on China's anti-dumping investigation
More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians
(November 21, 2024 Department of Finance Canada News Release) The government can’t set prices at the checkout, but we can give Canadians more money in their pockets. To help them buy the things they need and save for the things they want, the government announced that it will be introducing legislation in Parliament that would provide for a two-month Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) break for groceries and holiday essentials.
The government is proposing that the GST/HST be fully and temporarily relieved on holiday essentials, like groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts, from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. This tax break will make a meaningful difference for Canadians by making essentially all food GST/HST free, providing real relief at the cash register.
More Money in Canadians’ Pockets
Removing the GST from these qualifying goods for two months will provide an estimated $1.6 billion in federal tax relief.
A family spending $2,000 on qualifying goods, such as children’s clothing, shoes and toys, diapers, books, snacks for the house, or restaurant meals would realize GST savings of $100 over the twomonth period.
In provinces where the HST will also be removed from qualifying goods (Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island), further savings would be realized. In Ontario, the same $2,000 basket of qualifying purchases realize HST savings of $260 over the twomonth period.
How it Works
Businesses are expected to remove the GST/HST on qualifying goods at checkout as of December 14, 2024.
The proposed relief would apply to the below listed goods that are delivered to the purchaser, and paid for during the relief period. The GST/HST would also be fully and temporarily relieved on an
importation of these same qualifying goods if the goods are imported during the period beginning on December 14, 2024, and ending on February 15, 2025.
Qualifying Goods
The following are descriptions of goods that would qualify for the proposed tax relief.
• Children’s clothing: meaning garments (other than garments of a class that are used exclusively in sports or recreational activities, costumes, children’s diapers, or children’s footwear) that are:
o Designed for babies, including baby bibs, bunting blankets and receiving blankets;
o Children’s garments up to girls size 16 or boys size 20, according to the national standard applicable to the garments, and if no national standard applies to the children’s garments, girls or boys sizes extra small, small, medium, or large; or,
o Hosiery or stretchy socks, hats, ties, scarves, belts, suspenders, or mittens and gloves in sizes and styles designed for children or babies.
• Children’s footwear: meaning footwear (other than stockings, socks or similar footwear or footwear of a class that is used exclusively in sports or recreational activities) that is designed for babies or children and has an insole length of 24.25 centimetres or less.
• Children’s diapers: meaning a product designed for babies or children and that is a diaper, a diaper insert or liner, a training pant, or a rubber pant designed for use in conjunction with any of those items.
• Children’s car seats: meaning a restraint system or booster seat that conforms to the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, 213.1, 213.2 or 213.5 under the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations
More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians
• Print newspapers: meaning print newspapers containing news, editorials, feature stories, or other information of interest to the general public that are published at regular intervals. They would not include electronic or digital publications. They would also exclude most fliers, inserts, magazines, periodicals, or shoppers.
• Printed books: including a printed book or an update of such a book, an audio recording where 90 per cent or more of it is a spoken reading of a printed book, or a bound or unbound printed version of scripture of any religion. However, they would not include:
o a magazine or periodical purchased individually, not through a subscription;
o a magazine or periodical in which the printed space devoted to advertising is more than 5 per cent of the total printed space;
o a brochure or pamphlet;
o a sales catalogue, a price list or advertising material;
o a warranty booklet or an owner’s manual;
o a book designed primarily for writing on;
o a colouring book or a book designed primarily for drawing on or for affixing or inserting items such as clippings, pictures, coins, stamps, or stickers;
o a cut-out book or a press-out book;
o a program relating to an event or performance;
o an agenda, calendar, syllabus or timetable;
o a directory, an assemblage of charts or an assemblage of street or road maps (other than a guidebook or an atlas that consists in whole or in part of maps other than street or road maps);
o a rate book; or,
o an assemblage of blueprints, patterns, or stencils.
• Christmas trees or similar decorative trees: whether natural or artificial.
• Food or beverages: items for human consumption that are:
o Alcoholic beverages (excluding spirits but including wine, beer, ciders, and spirit coolers up to 7 per cent ABV);
o Carbonated beverages, noncarbonated fruit juice or fruit flavoured beverages or products that, when added to water, produce one of these beverages;
o Candies; confectionery classed as candy or goods sold as candies (e.g., candy floss, chewing gum, and chocolate); fruits, seeds, nuts or popcorn coated or treated with candy, chocolate, honey, molasses, sugar, syrup, or artificial sweeteners;
o Chips, crisps, puffs, curls, or sticks (e.g., potato chips, corn chips, cheese puffs, potato sticks, bacon crisps, and cheese curls), popcorn, brittle pretzels, and salted nuts or seeds;
o Granola products and snack mixtures that contain cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or other edible products;
o Ice lollies, juice bars, ice waters, ice cream, ice milk, sherbet, frozen yoghurt or frozen pudding, including non-dairy substitutes;
o Fruit bars, rolls or drops or similar fruit-based snack foods;
o Cakes, muffins, pies, pastries, tarts, cookies, doughnuts, brownies, croissants with sweetened filling or coating (note that many bread products, such as bagels, English muffins, croissants, and bread rolls, are already zero-rated);
More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians
o Pudding, including flavoured gelatine, mousse, flavoured whipped dessert product, or any other products similar to pudding;
o Prepared salads, sandwiches, platters of cheese, cold cuts, fruit or vegetables, and other arrangements of prepared food;
o Food or beverages heated for consumption;
o Beverages dispensed at the place where they are sold;
o Food or beverages sold in conjunction with catering services;
o Food or beverages sold at an establishment where all or substantially all of the food or beverages sold are currently excluded from zero-rating (e.g., a restaurant, coffee shop, take-out outlet, pub, mobile canteen, lunch counter, or concession stand); and
o Bottled water or unbottled water that is dispensed at a permanent establishment of the supplier.
• Select children’s toys: a product that is designed for use by children under 14 years of age in learning or play and that is:
o a board game or card game (e.g., a strategy board game, playing cards, or a matching/memory card game);
o a toy that imitates another item (e.g., a doll house, a toy car or truck, a toy farm set, or an action figure);
o a doll, plush toy or soft toy (e.g., a teddy bear); or,
o a construction toy (e.g., building blocks, such as Lego, STEM assembly kits, or plasticine).
• Jigsaw puzzles, for all ages.
• Video-game consoles, controllers or physical game media (e.g., a video-game cartridge or disc).
Backgrounder: More money in your pocket: The Working Canadians Rebate
The government can’t set prices at the checkout, but we can give Canadians more money in their pockets. To help them buy the things they need and save for the things they want, the government announced that it will be introducing legislation in Parliament that would provide for the delivery of a new $250 Working Canadians Rebate to 18.7 million Canadians in early spring 2025.
Eligible for the tax-free $250 rebate are all Canadians who worked in 2023, earned up to $150,000 individual net income, and meet the following requirements:
• Filed their 2023 tax return by December 31, 2024, and:
o claimed the tax credit for Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan contributions on employment or selfemployment earnings;
o claimed the tax credit for Employment Insurance (EI) or Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) premiums on employment or self-employment earnings; or,
o reported income from EI or QPIP benefits;
• Are a resident of Canada on March 31, 2025;
• Are not incarcerated for a period of at least 90 days immediately prior to April 1, 2025; and,
• Are not deceased on April 1, 2025.
The Canada Revenue Agency is already working to be ready to automatically deliver the $250 Working Canadians Rebate in early spring 2025, via direct deposit or cheque, to 18.7 million Canadian workers who satisfy the above eligibility requirements.
Related product
• News Release: More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians and a bonus for working Canadians
• Backgrounder: More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians
The CBSA is adjusting hours of service at land ports of entry across Canada
(November 18, 2024 Canada Border Services Agency News Release) The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announces that it intends to adjust hours of service at 35 land ports of entry across Canada as of 12:01 am (local time) on January 6, 2025.
The announcement, determined in collaboration with the United States, will enhance overall security for both countries. It will allow the CBSA to use its resources more efficiently by deploying officers at busier ports of entry. This will support the CBSA’s ability to process travellers and goods as well as to manage enforcement activities.
The U.S. is also adjusting service hours at many of its ports of entry. This alignment will also allow both countries to return inadmissible travellers and goods to the other country, which is more difficult when one side of the border is closed while the other remains open.
These adjustments are based on an analysis of operational pressures, peak periods, and services required at the ports of entry, to minimize the impacts on border communities. Almost all of these ports of entry are processing an average of two or less cars or commercial trucks per hour during the hours that will no longer be in operation, and travellers have an alternative border crossing option within a 100 km radius.
Land ports of entry: updated hours of operation
(These times reflect local time zones)
Cartwright
Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Coulter
Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Commercial: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays)
Crystal City
Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
Goodlands
Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
Gretna
Travellers: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week
Lena
Travellers: 8 am to 4 pm, 7 days a week
Commercial: 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday (except holidays)
Piney
Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
Snowflake
Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
South Junction
Travellers: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
The CBSA is adjusting hours of service at land ports of entry across Canada
Tolstoi
Travellers: 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week
Windygates
Travellers: 9 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
Winkler
Travellers: 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
Associated links
• Directory of CBSA Offices and Services
• Plan your trip across the border
• Border wait times
• Travel and identification documents for entering Canada
• I Declare: A Guide for residents returning to Canada
US Customs and Border Protection Aligns Hours of Operations at Northern Border Ports of Entry
(November 18, 2024 CBP News Release)
WASHINGTON–-U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), will adjust hours of operation for 38 ports of entry (POEs) along the U.S. northern border, beginning at midnight, Jan. 6, 2025.
This will allow CBP to increase border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and travel. CBP officers will be deployed to busier ports of entry, enabling the agency to use its resources most effectively for its critical national security and border security missions.
These adjustments formalize current operating hours that have been in effect for more than four years at 13 ports of entry across the northern border, with eight ports of entry expanding hours. A small number of ports will see reduced hours in an effort to continually align resources to operational realities. Travelers who use these affected crossing locations will have other options within a reasonable driving distance.
Importantly, these adjustments have been made in close coordination with CBSA to ensure aligned operational hours that further enhance the security of both countries.
CBP continually monitors operations, traffic patterns, and volume, and analyzes the best use of resources to better serve the traveling public. CBP will remain engaged with local and regional stakeholders, as well as communities to ensure consistent communication and to address concerns.
The vast majority of the 118 northern border ports of entry will continue to operate at existing hours, including many with 24/7 operations. Locate ports of entry and access border wait times here.
The following are the new permanent POE hours of operation by state:
North Dakota:
Fortuna will expand its operating hours to 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Neche will expand its operating hours to 8 a.m.6 p.m.
Noonan will expand its operating hours to 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Walhalla will expand its operating hours to 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Carbury will permanently maintain current hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Maida will permanently maintain current hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Northgate will permanently maintain current hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
St. John will permanently maintain current hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sherwood will permanently maintain current hours of 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Westhope will permanently maintain current hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Minnesota:
Lancaster will permanently maintain current hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
CBP will temporarily expand its hours at the following location:
US Customs and Border Protection Aligns Hours of Operations at Northern Border Ports of Entry
North Dakota:
Antler will expand its operating hours temporarily for 120 days to 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
CBP and CBSA will align hours at the following locations:
North Dakota:
Hannah will continue to operate from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hansboro will continue to operate from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sarles will continue to operate from 9 a.m-5 p.m.
Minnesota: Pinecreek will continue to operate from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Roseau will continue to operate from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Manitoba Government Releases 2024-25 Advertising Schedule for Construction and Supply Tenders
(November 22, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba government announced its $500-million 2024-25 advertising schedule for construction and material supply tenders has been released, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced this morning at the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association’s (MHCA) awards breakfast.
The 2024-25 planned construction highlights include:
•bituminous rehabilitation on Provincial Road (PR) 224 from PR 325 to Fisher Bay;
•bituminous reconstruction on southbound Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75 from the Canada-U.S. border to 6.6 kilometres north of PTH 14;
•runway rehabilitation at Oxford House Airport;
•flood pump station replacement at Emerson-West Lynne Dike;
•structure replacement on Trans-Canada Highway at the Brokenhead River, 28 kilometres east of PTH 12 (east of Richer); and
•structure replacement on PTH 5 over the Assiniboine River, 11 kilometers north of PTH 2 (at Spruce Woods).
To learn more about Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s construction projects, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mit/
To view the advertising schedule for 2024-25 construction and material supply tenders, visit https://gov.mb.ca/mti/contracts/ tenders_contracts.html.
Canada Post Work Stoppage: Impacts to Manitoba Public Insurance
(November 15, 2024 MPI Update) The ongoing Canada Post work stoppage is impacting delivery of MPI documents, including cheques and driver’s licences. The following documents are affected:
Annual statements
Customers will not receive their annual statements for their driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance until the stoppage is resolved. These include upcoming annual statements of account (reassessment notices) and renewal statements.
Reminder: With MPI’s five-year driver’s licences and policies, customers only need to visit an MPI Service Centre or broker once every five years, unless they want to change or cancel their policy between renewals, or they change their name, address or other personal information on their driver’s licence. However, customers are still required to pay for their driver’s licence and vehicle insurance every year. Years between renewals are considered reassessment years.
Customers who don’t receive a statement should keep track of the due date of their insurance and driver’s licence/ID card. Due dates are four months after a customer’s birthday. For example: If your birthday is on July 20, your due date is November 20.
To determine if a customer is in a renewal year and needs to have a new driver’s licence or identity card photo taken, they should check the expiry date on their current document. If it expires in 2024, they must visit an MPI Service Centre or broker on or before the due date.
For more information about renewal status, please visit a broker or MPI Service Centre.
Customers can also call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.
Cheques
The following types of cheques issued by MPI will be available for pick up at the MPI Service or Claim Centre location closest to the address on the customer file:
• Injury claims (including income replacement)
• Physical damage claims
• Refunds
• International Registration Plan (IRP)
One-time payments and IRP cheques should be available four business days from the date a payment is confirmed with MPI and all associated documents are signed. Outside of Winnipeg, cheques should be available after six business days.
Ongoing payments from MPI should be available four business days after they are typically received in Winnipeg, and six business days outside of Winnipeg.
Identification is required to claim a cheque. Customers will need to provide one piece of government-issued photo identification or two pieces of government-issued non-photo identification.
To find the closest MPI Service Centre, please use the Service Centre Locator Tool
Customers with questions about the status of their payments can call MPI’s Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 or toll free at 1-800-665-2410.
Driver’s licences and identification cards
Canada Post Work Stoppage: Impacts to Manitoba Public Insurance
Most new and renewed Manitoba driver’s licences and identification cards will not be mailed until the stoppage is resolved. Please keep your temporary documents, including any condition documents issued, and do not dispose of any expired cards until you receive a new one.
Manitoba law enforcement agencies are aware that some 45-day temporary driver licence certificates may expire before customers receive their permanent driver’s licences, and that some drivers who have valid driving privileges may be carrying expired paper documentation.
If a customer has an urgent need for updated photo identification, they should speak with their broker or an MPI Service Centre representative about their options.
Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
Rebates approved under the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Program will not be mailed until the stoppage is resolved.
Personalized licence plates
Approved personalized licence plates, replacement specialty plates, and any new member-based specialty plates will not be mailed until the stoppage is resolved.
2024-2025 StockTalk Webinar Series
Manitoba Agriculture is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations, packed with information and featuring innovative leading experts, aimed at helping Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations. Find out the latest news on research and production for beef and forage management by participating in these virtual sessions.
Date:
Time:
Place: Dec.12, Jan.16, Feb.13, March 13 & April 10 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Your computer, smartphone or tablet
Register for StockTalk webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GW020_TOTyO_YOi_R_DmvA
Please add the webinar series to your calendar once you are registered.
Presentations and topics will cover Cattle Nutrition, Backgrounding Rations, Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation, Beef Cost of Production, Cattle Marketing, Beef and Forage Conference Highlights, MASC Forage & Livestock Insurance, Ask the Vet Calving Tips, Range and Pasture Health, Native Pasture Management, Forages to Improve Soil Health & more.
For more information, call Manitoba Agriculture 1-844-769-6224 or email shawn.cabak@gov.mb.ca
Or visit our website at manitoba.ca/agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html
