Leons Headlines May 9: Special Air Quality Statement from Env Canada-Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality, reduced visibility across southern MB from wildfires in northern SK & MB.
-Due to dry weather & rising temps, MB bans all motorized backcountry travel & tightens fire restrictions starting today to prevent wildfires in high-risk areas.
-Several Westman farmers use repurposed ag equipment to help contain a large grass fire north of Kemnay Thursday.
-Swan Valley SD cuts 40 EA jobs after losing $2M in federal funding.
-WestJet cuts back or pauses flights from YWG to Vegas, LA, Orlando & Atlanta due to low traffic & end of a provincial flight subsidy.
-Construction starts this month on 2 new Habitat for Humanity homes on Stickney Ave in Brandon.
-Patricia Ave from 1st to 17th Street E is closed UFN due to water.
-Canadian Blood Services announces a plan to recruit 1M new donors over the next 5 years due to rise in demand.
-Catholics in MB react with surprise, pride as 1st American named Pope. Chicago’s Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV.
-Jets will make tweaks for Game 2 NHL playoff series with Dallas. Game time in Wpg 8:30pm with Stars up in the series 1-0.
SUNDAY IS MOTHER’S DAY! HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY MOMS!
Here are 9 interesting facts about Mother’s Day in Canada:
- Second Sunday of May: Like in the U.S., Canadians celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May each year. It’s not a statutory holiday, but it’s one of the most celebrated days on the calendar.
- Most Popular Day for Dining Out: Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants in Canada, with families treating moms to brunch or dinner more than any other day.
- Origin Linked to the U.S.: Canada adopted Mother’s Day after it became a national holiday in the U.S. in 1914, largely thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis.
- Spending Soars: Canadians spend hundreds of millions of dollars on Mother’s Day gifts, including flowers, cards, spa treatments, and meals—making it one of the top consumer holidays of the year.
- Florists’ Gold Mine: Mother’s Day is the biggest sales period of the year for flower shops in Canada, beating even Valentine’s Day in some regions.
- Handmade Cards Still Loved: While store-bought cards are popular, many Canadian kids still make handmade cards in school or at home, a tradition loved by moms.
- Cultural Variations: In many Indigenous communities, Mother’s Day also includes honoring grandmothers and aunties, who often play key maternal roles.
- Phone Lines Light Up: It’s one of the busiest days for phone calls in Canada, as people reach out to mothers, grandmothers, and other maternal figures.
- Church Attendance Increases: On Mother’s Day, some churches in Canada see a spike in attendance, with many holding special services or acknowledgments for mothers.
In 2025, Canadian moms are seeking meaningful, personalized, and experience-driven gifts for Mother’s Day. Based on current trends and expert insights, here are the top five gifts Canadian moms desire this year:
MOM WANTS A DAY TO HERSELF! 🙂 https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/solitude-in-a-social-world/202505/what-moms-really-want-for-mothers-day
- Wellness and Self-Care Experiences
Moms are prioritizing self-care, making wellness gifts highly sought after. Options such as spa day vouchers, luxurious skincare sets, and yoga or fitness equipment provide relaxation and rejuvenation. Subscription boxes delivering beauty products or health-focused items also offer ongoing pampering. - Personalized Keepsakes. Personalized gifts remain a top choice, allowing moms to cherish unique, heartfelt items. Examples include engraved cutting boards featuring family recipes, custom photo books capturing cherished memories, and personalized jewelry like name necklaces or birthstone rings. These items offer a sentimental touch that resonates deeply.
- Experiential Gifts and Quality Time
Experiences that create lasting memories are increasingly popular. Moms appreciate gifts like cooking classes, wine tastings, or family outings. Even simple gestures, such as a homemade dinner or a day spent together, hold significant value. - Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Products
Environmentally conscious gifts are gaining traction. Moms are interested in items like reusable water bottles, organic skincare products, and eco-friendly home goods. These gifts reflect a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful living.
Canadian-Made Artisanal Gifts
Supporting local artisans resonates with many Canadian moms. Handcrafted items such as maple syrup gift sets, wool scarves, and handmade chocolates offer a unique and personal touch. These gifts celebrate Canadian culture and craftsmanship.
A baby costs HOW MUCH in the USA?!?!? A woman named Kayla shared her experience giving birth to her fifth child, particularly the expenses she paid. In a recent TikTok video, she gave a detailed breakdown of her costs, which amounted to a tremendous amount of money, especially if you converted it to Canadian dollars.
https://www.boredpanda.com/woman-lists-giving-birth-cost-america
There’s a new pope! And he’s the first American Pope in history. Is this a good thing considering what’s going on in the world right now? Does it matter where The Pope is from?
https://www.buzzfeed.com/lydiaoconnor/new-pope-elected-conclave-pope-francis
