this edition...
Reminder
Great Tastes of Manitoba, a farm-to-table collaboration showcasing the nutritious, affordable, delicious foods grown by Manitoba’s farmers including Manitoba Beef Producers, is seeking Food Influencers and a Manager of Data & Analytics. Please see pages 10-11 for 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.
Manitoba Agriculture Update re: Agricultural Crown Land Invoices for 2025 - Canada Post Strike Impacts
Due to the ongoing postal disruption with Canada Post, 2025 ACL invoices will be delayed. Manitoba Agriculture is closely monitoring the situation and exploring alternative options for delivery. The department recognizes the impact the strike has in ensuring payments will be received by annual due dates of December 31, and will address concerns and adjust payment deadlines accordingly. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this period.
Manitoba Agriculture invites clients to proactively sign up for electronic accounts to ensure they receive information about their invoices and other important communications. Contact your local Farm Production Extension Specialist - Crown Lands (FPES-CL) or the Real Estate Services Branch (RESB) for information about signing up and options for paying outstanding bills in the event mail-in payments are not possible.
As a reminder, if you no longer require the lands you lease, you must submit a surrender form to Real Estate Services Branch (RESB). The form must be received by January 1, 2025. Contact your localFarm Production Extension Specialist - Crown Lands (FPES-CL) to obtain a surrender form.
If your surrender form is received by January 1, 2025, you will not be responsible for the 2025 invoice amount. If your surrender form is not received by January 1, 2025, you will be responsible for the 2025 invoice amount. Partial surrenders of your lease and/or permit may not be approved.
ACL Cropping Lease and Permit Auction Planned for 2025
In 2024, Manitoba Agriculture paused the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction. In 2025, the ACL Leases and Permits Auction will be limited to cropping leases only. There will be no forage leases and permits auction taking place for 2025.
For more information about the Agricultural Crown Land Leasing Program, visit manitoba.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/leasing-program.html www.truenorthfoods.ca
With significant program changes to the ACL forage lease program over the past five years, Manitoba is taking time to review the effectiveness of the changes and determine future program priorities. Casual permits will continue to be available for vacant properties (forage and cropping) through the regular application process for 2025.
Government of Manitoba Responding to the Postal Disruption
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 November 20.
If you currently receive your payments or benefits by direct deposit, you will not be affected by the postal disruption.
Manitobans can pick up their essential mail at various locations across the province. To find the right location, please review the listings at this link https://www.gov.mb.ca/postaldisruption/index. html
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. If you are unsure which location serves your community, please refer to this listing.
All offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. If you are not sure which location has your cheque or other essential mail, or have other questions please call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 1-
866-626-4862 (toll-free) or 204-945-3744, or www.gov.mb.ca/contact/index.html.
Please bring proper identiication with you. You will need to show one piece of photo ID or two pieces of non-photo ID with current address.
People who are picking up cheques or essential mail on behalf of another individual must complete and sign this authorization letter. If this letter is not provided, the mail cannot be released.
Businesses who are sending an employee or courier to pick up cheques or essential mail, please provide a letter of authorization on letterhead. Business owners can use their business card along with proper identification to pick up mail.
If you are picking up a tax refund on behalf of a business, a completed Authorization or Cancellation of a Representative form is also required.
Important note: These locations only have provincial essential mail. This does not include federal mail (Government of Canada payments, employment insurance, Canada Child Benefit) or mail from utilities such as Manitoba Hydro or Winnipeg Water.
Province Advises of Increased Outflow from Shellmouth Reservoir
(December 12, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports the outflow from the Shellmouth Reservoir will be increasing today as part of the normal operation to draw down the level of the reservoir in preparation for spring runoff from the upper Assiniboine River.
The current outflow is 240 cubic feet per second (cfs). The outflow will be increased to 500 cfs today and to 700 cfs on Dec. 13.
This increase in outflow will result in a one-and-a-half to two feet level increase on the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth to Russell and one to one-and-a-half feet from Russell to Brandon. The increase will diminish as the river reaches Winnipeg.
The province will continue to monitor conditions on the upper Assiniboine River as well as downstream river levels.
Manitoba Hydro Billing During a Postal Strike
(Source Manitoba Hydro website) Manitoba Hydro customers who receive a paper Manitoba Hydro bill by mail, should be aware that delivery may be delayed because of a Canada Post labour disruption.
Customers who already have an online account need only log in to see their bill and payment due date any time. This allows customers to view, print, or save the bill for their files.
Customers who have not signed up for an online account can do so with their postal code and
14-digit account number. Billing, usage, and account information will be accessible through our app or a browser anytime they are needed. Customers who want to continue receiving a paper bill can still do so with an online account.
Log in or sign up for an online Manitoba Hydro account.
Manitoba Hydro customers without access to internet can call our automated billing line at 1204-289-7278 to find out their bill amount and due date.
Travelling during the holiday season? The CBSA gives tips for a smooth trip
(December 12, 2024 Canada Border Services Agency News Release) The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers that it can be extra busy at the border during the holiday season.
Every day, the CBSA works hard to protect Canadians, support the economy and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across the border. Between January 1 and October 31, 2024, we welcomed over 80.5 million travellers, made over 24,400 illegal drug seizures and seized approximately 16,400 weapons and firearms. Keeping Canada safe is keeping North America safe. Read our 2024 Year in Review to find out how CBSA is protecting the border and supporting our economy.
The CBSA is dedicated to planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and summer months. We monitor traveller volumes and take measures to minimize border wait times at land ports of entry and at international airports, without compromising safety and security.
Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip:
• Check border wait times and expect delays.
o Early mornings are the best time to cross the border to avoid wait times.
o The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest.
o Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.
o Check the port of entry’s hours of operation on the
official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services.
o If you are using a GPS application (such as Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze) to direct you to a port of entry, consider checking different navigation options (such as fastest and shortest routes) to determine the preferred route of travel.
• Be prepared to declare. Declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. If arriving by land, you are responsible for everything inside your vehicle.
o Leave gifts unwrapped. If travelling with gifts, make sure they are unwrapped or in gift bags in case border services officers need to inspect the contents.
o Goods purchased abroad: If you are a resident of Canada, personal exemptions allow you to bring goods, including alcohol and tobacco (up to a certain value), back to Canada without paying regular duty and taxes. Make sure you know how much you are bringing back in Canadian dollars and have your receipts readily available for the officer.
o Taking advantage of crossborder shopping? Between December 14, 2024 and February 15, 2025, no GST/HST will be charged
Travelling during the holiday season? The CBSA gives tips for a smooth trip
on certain items like gifts, and children’s clothing. All goods entering Canada, whether they are eligible for duty and tax exemptions, must be reported to the CBSA.
o Flying into Canada? Use Advance Declaration and make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at participating airports.
o Poultry products, including turkey: Be sure to review current restrictions on poultry and birds from the U.S. before bringing these products across the border. Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada.
• Have your travel documents handy. This will speed up processing times at the border.
• When travelling with children, who are not your own or for whom you don’t have full legal custody, we recommend you have a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. We are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions.
• Travelling with pets? Pets must meet specific requirements to enter Canada. Review Importing and travelling with pets before leaving.
o Will you be going to the U.S. with a dog? As of August 1,
2024, there are updated documentation requirements for all dogs entering the U.S. from Canada. For more information, visit Dogs travelling to the United States
Are you bringing any of the following into Canada?
• Food, plant, or animal products: Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) before bringing any food, plant, or animal products into Canada.
• Fireworks: Consult Importing, exporting and transporting fireworks to ensure that the fireworks you are bringing in are authorized.
• Medication: Make sure you understand your responsibilities when travelling with medication.
Restricted and prohibited goods:
Make sure you review the necessary information before attempting to bring certain items into Canada. If not, you risk having your goods seized or facing fines and prosecution.
• Firearms: Leave them at home. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms. If you choose to do so, be sure to check the rules on importing firearms
• Weapons: Restricted and prohibited goods include pepper spray, switchblades, and butterfly knives.
• Narcotics: Narcotics such as cocaine and heroin are illegal in Canada. If you are found to be in possession of illegal
Travelling during the holiday season? The CBSA gives tips for a smooth trip
drugs (on your person, in your vehicle, or in your luggage) you will be arrested and may be charged. The drugs will be seized.
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. While cannabis is legal in Canada, bringing it across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer. The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask!
For more information, visit the CBSA website or call us at 1-800-461-9999.
Associated links
• Plan your trip across the border
• Residents returning to Canada
• Border reminder checklist
• Advance Declaration video
• 2024 Year in Review
Job Type
Part-Time/Term
Compensation
Competitive freelance salary to be negotiated based on duties assigned
To Apply
Please submit a resume video sample and minimum three references to Great Tastes of Manitoba Senior Producer, greattastesmb@gmail.com, by Januar y 17, 2025
We thank all those who apply, but only applicants who meet the qualifications will be contacted for an interview.
Great Tastes of Manitoba is a farm-to-table collaboration showcasing the nutritious, affordable, delicious foods grown by Manitoba’s farmers. The well-known brand reaches consumers through a multi-platform approach which includes a website, social media presence, YouTube channel and Manitoba’s longest-running locally produced television series. We are seeking a diverse team of entertaining, food personalities to appear in our videos starting in June 2025. Successful cast members will appear in sponsored food-related video content targeting a consumer audience and represent the Great Tastes of Manitoba brand on the @GreatTastesTV YouTube channel. Cast members will report directly to the series’ senior producer, Donalee Jones.
Duties /Responsibilities
•Participation in content development meetings with series producers
•Recipe research and development
•Contributing personal experiences and knowledge to script development
•On camera delivery of scripted video content with a Teleprompter
•Ability to cook on camera
•Possible participation in Great Tastes activations at live events
•Ability to self-record vlog and social media content
Qualifications
•Successful candidate must have permanent residence in the province of Manitoba
•Excellent verbal communication
• Experience or keen interest in culinary arts/cooking/food & nutrition
•Have taken or be willing to take a Certified Food Handler Training Program
•On camera/performance experience
Benefits of joining our team
•Flexible work hours
•The ability to work with the team of video production professionals at Frank Digital and film on location in Frank’s Kitchen
•The opportunity to share your love of cooking with local food with a wider audience online
•Term contract renewal would be negotiated annually as funding allows
Are you data-driven?
Job Type
Part-Time/Term
Compensation
Competitive freelance salary to be negotiated based on duties assigned
To Apply
Please submit a resume and minimum three references to Great Tastes of Manitoba Senior Producer, greattastesmb@gmail.com, by January 17, 2025
We thank all those who apply, but only applicants who meet the qualifications will be contacted for an interview.
Great Tastes of Manitoba is a farm-to-table collaboration showcasing the nutritious, affordable, delicious foods grown by Manitoba’s farmers. The well-known brand reaches consumers through a multi-platform approach which includes a website, social media presence, YouTube channel and Manitoba’s longest-running locally produced television series. We are seeking a part-time Manager of Data & Analytics to join our expanding team from February to December 2025, with the potential for renewal. Due to the flexible nature of the position, hours will be determined based on the candidate’s strengths and availability, which could be up to 12 hours per week. The Data Manager will report directly to the series’ senior producer, Donalee Jones.
Duties/Responsibilities
• Working with the GTOM Senior Producer & Digital Producer to implement a targeted digital marketing plan
• Tracking digital marketing and social media analytics and providing recommendations based on results
• To develop customer surveys and report results to sponsors
• Participation in client-facing meetings and communication
Qualifications
• Successful candidate must have permanent residence in the province of Manitoba
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently
• Post-secondary education in marketing, communications, or creative field
• Proficiency with Meta Business Suite, YouTube Creator Studio, WordPress, Survey Monkey and Google Analytics
• Minimum 2 years experience in Sales/Marketing or similar creative field
• Post-secondary education in marketing, communications, or creative field
• Experience or knowledge of agriculture in Manitoba will be considered an asset
• Experience or knowledge of culinary arts/food will be considered an asset
Benefits of joining our team
• Work independently from home OR at our offices at 509 Century Street (free parking)
• Flexible work hours
• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Term contract renewal would be negotiated annually as funding allows