Jets fans embrace Whiteout fun
Province increasing funding to help protect lakes, rivers
The Manitoba government is investing an additional $540,000 to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including a new fund to deliver AIS prevention resources to partners across the province, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today during Invasive Species Awareness Week in Manitoba.
“Manitobans care deeply about our beautiful lakes and rivers and we want to ensure that all Manitobans will be able to enjoy them for generations to come,” said Moyes. “That’s why our government has stepped up with funding for partners and communities to support their efforts in protecting Manitoba’s waterways from aquatic invasive species.”
Budget 2025 includes $410,000 in AIS prevention including the new Manitoba Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund to help deliver AIS prevention resources to partners across the province. This fund will provide funding to municipal governments, Indigenous governments, non-government organizations and water-user groups, to help implement AIS prevention programs, projects and supports.
In addition, the Manitoba government is investing $130,000 for equipment dedicated to AIS prevention and mitigation efforts.
“In 2015, the Gull Lake Basin Management Board launched a self-run decontamination station to combat AIS with support from the Manitoba AIS Program. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we’ve kept Gull Lake AIS-free,” said Kevin Betzold, Gull Lake Basin Management Board. “I urge all at-risk communities to work with Manitoba’s AIS Program, as we all play a role in prevention. I want to make special mention of our late president, David Cairns, for his relentless work to protect waterways in Manitoba and educate Manitobans on the seriousness of AIS. Don’t wait for AIS to strike, I encourage you to be proactive and take action.”
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) welcomes increased provincial funding to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species including the creation of a dedicated AIS Prevention Fund,” said Kathy Valentino, president, AMM. “With more Manitobans expected to visit local waterbodies this summer, this investment, along with the heightened awareness it brings, is both timely and critical. Ongoing support and long-term funding will be vital to protect our lakes and waterways for future generations.”
The human-caused spread of AIS is preventable. Water users are reminded to clean, drain and dry watercraft and water-related equipment to prevent the spread of AIS. Anglers are also reminded it is illegal to import live bait into Manitoba.
Later this spring, watercraft inspection stations will be set up throughout Manitoba to help water users comply with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft over land must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route. Operating schedules for these stations will be posted on the AIS website.
Manitobans are legally required to clean, drain and dry both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. This includes power boats, jet skis, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, as well as all water-related equipment including:
- watercraft trailers;
- fishing gear;
- paddles and anchors;
- farm and industrial gear such as water pumps;
- personal flotation devices including life jackets;
- beach toys (such as sand pails and shovels);
- floating devices and inflatables (such as tubes, rafts, water mats and hunting decoys); and
- scuba and snorkeling gear.
In July 2024, the Manitoba government released Manitoba’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention and Response Plan. To read the plan and for more information on AIS, visit: www.manitoba.ca/StopAIS.
Budget 2025 invests over $2.2 million to protect Manitoba’s lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species.
For more information about the AIS partnership program, visit: www.manitoba.ca/stopais/partnerships.html.
Blue Bombers 2025 CFL Draft summary
Submitted
WINNIPEG, MB., April 29, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected nine players in the 2025 CFL Draft held tonight.
The Club began the night with a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, acquiring National running back Matthew Peterson (Alberta), the second pick in the first round of the Global Draft, and the 39th pick overall (5th round) in the CFL Draft. In exchange, Hamilton received National defensive lineman Kyle Samson, the eighth pick in the first round of the Global Draft, and the 36th overall selection in the CFL Draft (4th round).
With their first pick at 6th overall, the Club selected University of Wyoming linebacker Connor Shay.
Shay (6’2″, 232, University of Wyoming; born Feb 2, 2002 in Danville, California), emerged as a key defensive player for the University of Wyoming Cowboys during the 2024 season. In his senior year, Shay started all 12 games at weak-side linebacker, amassing 76 total tackles (45 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and one interception.Shay has accepted an invitation to participate in the Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp. His Canadian heritage – through his father, Chuck Shay, who was born in Charlottetown, P.E.I. – have contributed to his eligibility for National status in the CFL.
With their second pick in the draft, 15th overall, Winnipeg selected North Texas linebacker Jaylen Smith.
Smith (6-0, 230, North Texas; born: March 1, 2002, in Hamilton, ON) appeared in 52 games from 2021 to 2024 with North Texas. Over that span, Smith recorded 160 tackles (75 solo, 85 assisted), two interceptions, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, four knockdowns and one forced fumble.
Smith started all 13 games as a senior in 2024, recording 106 tackles (44 solo, 62 assisted), one interception, 7.5 tackles-for-loss and three knockdowns. After the season, he was selected to the DCTF Second Team All-Texas and earned Third Team All-AAC honours. Smith finished the regular season third in the AAC in tackles while leading the team in tackles.
With their final pick of the second round, 18th overall, Winnipeg selected Wilfrid Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma.
Elgersma (6-5, 235, Wilfrid Laurier University; born: March 27, 2002, in London, ON) served as the starting quarterback for the Golden Hawks from 2022 to 2024. Over his collegiate career, he amassed over 10,000 passing yards and 76 touchdowns, culminating in a standout 2024 season where he led Laurier to an 8–0 regular-season record and a Yates Cup championship. Elgersma was honored with the Hec Crighton Trophy as U Sports football’s most outstanding player, becoming the first Laurier quarterback to receive the award.
In 2024, Elgersma completed 178 of 239 pass attempts (74.5% completion rate) for 2,643 yards with 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His performance in the Uteck Bowl set a bowl game record with 452 passing yards and five touchdowns, earning him the game’s offensive MVP. Elgersma’s achievements garnered attention from professional leagues; he was invited to the 2025 Senior Bowl, becoming only the second U Sports player to participate in the event. Although he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Elgersma received invitations to rookie minicamps with both the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.
In the third round, 27th overall, Winnipeg selected South Dakota State offensive lineman Ethan Vibert.
Vibert (6-4, 310, South Dakota State University; born: January 23, 2001, in Regina, SK) played 14 career games with the Jackrabbits over his four seasons with the team. He recorded 12 starts along the offensive line in his final season, contributing to a unit that allowed only eight sacks and amassed 3,542 rushing yards. Vibert received the Missouri Valley Football Conference Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award in 2023 and was named to the MVFC Honor Roll for five consecutive years (2019–2023). He also captained the 2018 Team Saskatchewan squad that won the Canada Cup championship.
In the fifth round, 39th overall, Winnipeg selected New Hampshire receiver, Joey Corcoran.
Corcoran (6-1, 208, University of New Hampshire; born: December 14, 2000, in Montreal, QC) played 36 career games over five seasons with the Wildcats. He recorded 126 receptions for 1,476 yards and eight touchdowns during his collegiate career, including a standout 2024 season with 39 catches for 459 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Corcoran also led the team in punt return yards that season. A product of St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., Corcoran was a two-sport athlete who contributed to back-to-back NEPSAC championships. After redshirting his first year at UNH, he became a consistent offensive threat over the next three seasons.
In the fifth round, 45th overall, Winnipeg selected University of Saskatchewan linebacker Lane Novak.
Novak (6-1, 229, University of Saskatchewan; born: May 21, 2002, in Balgonie, SK) played four seasons with the Huskies and in his senior year, he recorded 25 solo tackles, including two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one interception. Novak was recognized as the Huskies Football Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honors in the 2020–2021 academic year. He also contributed to Team Saskatchewan’s back-to-back Canada Cup championships in 2018 and 2019.
In the sixth round, 54th overall, Winnipeg selected University of Calgary defensive back Ethan Ball.
Ball (6-0, 190, University of Calgary; born: December 23, 2001, in Regina, SK) played four seasons with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks before transferring to the University of Calgary for his final collegiate year. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Ball transitioned to defensive back at UND, where he appeared in all 12 games during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, recording a combined 40 tackles. Ball joined the Dinos in 2024, recording three total tackles and recovering one fumble last season.
In the seventh round, 63rd overall, Winnipeg selected Eastern Michigan defensive lineman Trey Laing.
Laing (6-3, 243, Eastern Michigan University; born: October 2, 1999, in Tallahassee, FL) played 12 games for the Eagles in 2024, recording 22 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. Laing’s collegiate journey included stints at South Florida, Indiana, and Southern University before transferring to Eastern Michigan. His standout season at Southern in 2022 featured 38 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. At Eastern Michigan’s 2025 Pro Day, Laing showcased his skills for scouts from seven NFL teams.
In the eighth round and with their final pick, 71st overall, Winnipeg selected University of Alberta offensive lineman Iwinosa Uwubanmwen.
Uwubanmwen (6-4, 290, University of Alberta; born: January 9, 2002, in Calgary, AB) is an offensive lineman entering his third year of eligibility with the Golden Bears. A graduate of Notre Dame High School in Calgary, Uwubanmwen has been a steady presence on Alberta’s offensive front, contributing to the team’s ground game and pass protection schemes.
Bezan wins another election
Longtime member of parliament James Bezan won his eighth federal election in a row on Monday, April 28.
Passion for pottery on display in St. Andrews
Alan Lacovetsky, who run Oak Hammock Pottery, has been dazzling people with his works of art for more than 40 years. The longtime potter held a firing of his wood kiln on the weekend of April 25 to 27. Lacovetsky invited a number of his pottery friends down to his place in St. Andrews to take part in the firing of his kiln.
Valour FC defeated a home
It wasn’t the home opener Valour FC and its fans were hoping for when the took to the pitch against Halifax at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on April 25.
Halifax earned a 1-0 victory.
Valour FC ready for home opener
Valour FC takes to the field for the team home opener at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg Friday, April 25.
Before the team’s home opener, the Selkirk Times had the opportunity to get to know the commissioner of Canadian Professional Soccer with a Q & A session.
Mark Noonan became commissioner of the CPL and CEO of Canadian Soccer Business in 2022 and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Noonan is only the second commissioner in the League’s short history. His extensive experience in the global sports industry combined with his soccer background as a player seemed to be a nature fit for Noonan.
Q & A with Mark Noonan.
Speed can stop you in your tracks: MPI and RCMP
Submitted By MPI
With the cold winter months in our rear-view mirror and summer straight ahead, Manitobans are hitting the road with adventure on the mind, but speed can stop you in your tracks. It just takes seconds to have adventure turn into tragedy. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and the Manitoba RCMP are here to help you avoid having speed ruin your next great adventure.
Music up, windows down, and clear, dry roads ahead can make a driver forget that no matter the road conditions, there can be severe consequences to driving too fast. At high speeds, your field of vision is reduced and your reaction window shortens. Like switching from a wide-angle lens to a zoom lens, you can easily miss what is happening around you and lose your opportunity to react.
Even small increases in speed can make a difference between life and death. MPI data shows that at 30 kilometres per hour, pedestrian fatality risk is around five per cent. At 65 kilometres per hour, that fatality risk jumps to 80 per cent.
In the last three years, 68 people have died and 2,220 have been injured in collisions on Manitoba roadways with speed as a contributing factor to the crash. The number of speed-related collisions in Manitoba from 2022-2024 totaled 10,499.
“Speeding is one of the most dangerous high-risk driving behaviours we see in Manitoba,” said Maria Campos, MPI Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “The thousands of crashes and the high number of fatalities is very concerning, and we want to make sure that law enforcement have the tools they need to help curb this behaviour. We are proud to support the purchase of Automated Licence Plate Readers, and continue to fund Enhanced Enforcement Programs focused solely on speed. These tactics help in cracking down on dangerous behaviour, but the best outcome is drivers keeping their speed within the legal limit.”
From 2022-2024, law enforcement issued 1,326 Serious Offence Notices for drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 kilometres per hour.
“Road safety has been and will continue to be a top priority for the RCMP,” said Staff Sergeant Shelley Lepla, Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services Enforcement Commander. “We are committed to working to decrease speeding and speed-related collisions throughout Manitoba.”
Summer adventure does await, so let’s all slow down, enjoy the ride, and, most importantly, reach our destinations safely.
SCO extending condolences on death of Pope Francis
Submitted
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTE TERRITORY, MB – On behalf of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and the 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations we represent, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels extends condolences on the passing of Pope Francis.
Grand Chief Daniels states:
“Pope Francis’s leadership will be remembered for its humility and compassion, along with the significant steps he took toward truth, justice, and healing with First Nations peoples.
His historic visit to Canada in 2022 marked a powerful moment as he publicly apologized on the lands of our ancestors for the role the Catholic Church had in the residential school system—a system that inflicted deep and lasting trauma on generations of First Nations people.
The apology offered on Treaty land was not merely symbolic, it was a necessary and meaningful step in the journey toward reconciliation. Many of our Elders, Survivors, and community members found strength in his words and presence.
Prior to the Pope’s historic visit to Canada, he met with First Nations Elders, Survivors, leaders, and delegates in the Vatican, opening the door for continued dialogue, understanding, and action, and for that, we honour his legacy.
One of the Survivors he met with at the Vatican in early 2022 was former National Chief Phil Fontaine, a member of the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. SCO recognizes the commitment of Mr. Fontaine in advocating on behalf of residential school Survivors.
Pope Francis also had a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, which also resonated with First Nations teachings. He reminded the world of what our ancestors have always known: that the Earth is sacred, and we must protect it for future generations.
While much work remains, we acknowledge and are grateful for the role Pope Francis played in beginning the process of healing. His passing is felt deeply among those who believe in justice, compassion, and the power of truth.”
High flying Jets take Game 2
The Winnipeg Jets defeated the visiting St. Louis Blues in Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg April 21. Game 3 of the best of seven series shifts to St. Louis on April 25.