News briefs for Friday, April 10, 2026

RCMP, MMF team up

5:51 PM

After eight years, an RCMP position is returning to the Manitoba Métis Federation.

The MMF’s Julyda Lagimodiere and RCMP assistant commissioner Scott McMurchy, the commanding officer in Manitoba, have signed a memorandum of understanding to recreate the community initiatives coordinator position.

The position, which was in place from 2010 to 2018, helps support policing priorities for the Red River Métis.

“The Métis community liaison officer is a tangible investment in our relationship — ensuring consistent dialogue, early problem-solving, and stronger, safer Métis communities across the province,” McMurchy said in a statement Friday.

Lagimodiere said the position “will re-establish our government’s relationship with the RCMP to work directly in support of our distinct needs to improve our relationship with law enforcement.”

Province gives money for mining

5:00 PM

The province is spending more to support mining in Manitoba.

The Manitoba government announced Friday it’ll be putting another $2.5 million into the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, said a government release. 

Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Jamie Moses said the fund has created more than 1,300 jobs in the sector. 

The MMDF was started with $20 million from the province and the cash is administered by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce. 

Its CEO and President Chuck Davidson said 131 projects have been approved under the fund since 2020, creating more than 1,200 short and long-term jobs. 

Measles exposure at Winnipeg airport

3:46 PM

Travellers are being warned about a measles exposure at Winnipeg’s airport.

An Ontario health authority said Friday a person with contagious measles travelled from Winnipeg to Toronto and on to Orlando on March 28.

The person was at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and boarded WestJet Flight WS968 with a 11:52 a.m. departure.

Anyone who came into contact with the person should monitor for symptoms until April 19, the Northwestern Health Unit said.

Manitoba public health officials noted two new possible measles exposure sites Friday.

They are:

• University of Manitoba Investors Group Athletic Centre on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (during a basketball tournament);
• Selkirk Quick Care Clinic in Selkirk on Monday from 5:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

There have been 429 confirmed measles cases in Manitoba this year and 63 probable cases. That includes 17 confirmed cases in April.

Two boys charged after toy gun pointed on Trans-Canada

2:57 PM

Two teenagers have been charged after RCMP say they pointed a gun at a moving vehicle multiple times on Thursday evening.

At about 7:10 p.m. Portage la Prairie RCMP were called to the Trans-Canada Highway near Highway 13 where it’s said passengers in a westbound vehicle pointed a green-coloured gun at another woman driver, according to a Friday release.

Officers found the vehicle and did a high-risk traffic stop, taking the two males into custody without incident, but stopping roughly 30 cars on the highway in the process.

Police say upon further investigation, the guns turned out to be toys. Two 16-year-old boys now face a charge of common nuisance endangering life.

Both were released on undertakings.

Winnipeg fire paramedic chief to retire

2:14 PM

The head of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is retiring.

After nearly 33 years of service, Christian Schmidt will soon step down as paramedic and fire chief in Winnipeg, a Friday press release said.

He joined the WFPS in 1993 and has served in a number of roles throughout his career. In the release Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham thanked the chief for his years of service. He took over as fire chief in 2021 and took over the position after former chief John Lane retired.

“He has been an innovative leader, guiding the WFPS through a period of real modernization, from new facilities and equipment to the implementation of a more advanced dispatch system that is improving how we respond to calls,” said the mayor in the release.

“Just as importantly, he has led with a collaborative approach, working with partners across the system to deliver better service for Winnipeggers. He leaves the department in a strong position for the future, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

His retirement is effective July 3 and the City of Winnipeg says a search for the new chief will now begin.

Man arrested after rifle pointed at teens

1:44 PM

A man was arrested after police said he pointed a gun at two boys from a car window on Thursday afternoon.

The teens, ages 16 and 17, were walking near Jefferson Avenue and Maevista Place when a 2015 Chevy Equinox pulled up beside them.

A passenger in the front of the car then rolled down the window, aiming a sawed-off rifle, according to a Friday police release.

The car then fled and the boys were not injured. At approximately 2 p.m. police spotted the suspect car in the 400 block of Adsum Drive and stopped it on Jefferson Avenue.

Police searched the car and found the sawed-off rifle, a .177 calibre air pistol, a flint-lock cap gun and a machete.

An 18-year-old man is now facing charges including unauthorized possession of a gun, pointing a gun and possession of a gun with a tampered serial number.

Woman hit by car in Westwood

11:42 AM

A 69-year-old woman was rushed to hospital in critical condition after being hit by a car Thursday afternoon.

Just before 5 p.m. Winnipeg police responded to Country Club Road and Portage Avenue for a report of a collision involving a pedestrian. The woman has since been upgraded to stable condition.

The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with officers. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information or who may have footage from around the time of the incident is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-7085, anonymously through Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.

Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard headlining Dauphin’s Countryfest

11:02 AM

The 2026 Dauphin’s Countryfest, taking place June 25-28 at the Selo Ukraina site on the edge of Riding Mountain National Park, will feature a trio of multi-platinum American country stars: Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard and Nate Smith.

Son of a Sinner singer-songwriter Jelly Roll is a rapper, wrestler and multiple Grammy winner. Hubbard is a former member of Florida Georgia Line now forging his solo career, while Smith first found fame on TikTok with his song Wildfire. 

The Rockin’ Thursday Kickoff Party will feature Canadian rocker JJ Wilde, alongside Manitoba’s Leddwyn and the Haileys.

Additional highlights on the hilltop stages include acclaimed Canadian artists Charlie Major and Aaron Pritchett, along with Eddy and the Dirty Boys, a Canadian rock band featuring members of the Glorious Sons and Boston Levi. Classic rock faves Toque will be returning to the hilltop stage.

The remainder of the weekend features home-grown talent and out-of-province rising stars.

Tickets for the fest are now at the tier 3 level, with weekend passes available for $369 plus fees and taxes. Tickets and camping can be purchased online at Countryfest.ca or by calling 1-800-361-7300.