WINNIPEG — Buying a bottle of booze at a Liquor Mart will soon get you no closer to paying for a vacation.

Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp. announced it is flying away from being part of the Air Miles program, after almost 30 years of helping its eligible customers rack up reward points.

“We are exploring what other loyalty programs are available and whether they would be a fit for Manitoba Liquor Marts,” an MLL spokesperson said on Wednesday.

“We’ll follow our usual procurement process if we decide to engage with a new provider. Until then, Manitobans can expect to continue receiving the superior service and experiences that Liquor Marts are known for.”

WINNIPEG — A $1-million security enhancement fund for places of worship and cultural centres announced in January has been fully allocated, but the funds have not yet flowed, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said this week.

“It’s really about just ensuring that the right resources are going to the areas where we’re going to have the biggest impact to keep people safe,” Wiebe said in an interview.

The province announced the fund to support Manitoba communities facing acts of hate, targeted intimidation and vandalism by helping community organizations strengthen safety measures, improve preparedness and install security infrastructure to meet specific needs.

It followed a series of hate-motivated attacks targeting Jewish and Muslim communities.

Recent winners of the Crocus athlete of the year awards.

2025

• BOYS: Seth McAuley

• GIRLS: Rebecca Alebiosu

Other recent winners at Vincent Massey.

2025

• BOYS: Zach Redekop

• GIRLS: Kypling Black

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Public Insurance has asked the Public Utilities Board for a 2.38 per cent increase to auto insurance rates next year to contend with forecasted claims costs, operating costs and investment income.

MPI filed the application with the PUB Wednesday.

In a news release, the Crown corporation said recent extreme weather in Manitoba did not influence the request for the 2027-28 insurance year.

Last year the PUB denied MPI’s 2.07 per cent rate increase and authorized a 1.77 per cent increase, which translated to, on average, an increase of $21 to ratepayers.

SASK. NOT READY FOR FIRES

REGINA — A report from Saskatchewan’s auditor says the province’s public safety agency needs to do a better job at preparing for the wildfire season.

Tara Clemett’s report says the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency does not plan for the optimal amount of resources it needs each year to fight wildfires.

She says the agency also isn’t properly budgeting before the season begins.