Francophonie month is a time to celebrate the language, culture, and contributions of Francophone communities across the province. It’s an opportunity to recognize Manitoba’s rich French heritage and the vibrant communities that continue to shape its identity.
Learn more about the history, events and programs throughout the month of March!
Need help with your taxes?
Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation.
Find a free Tax Clinic service (Virtual or In-person)
Local Free Tax clinics available across SH-SS regions:
Please note: The local free tax services are only available to the residents of the region unless mentioned otherwise.
Automatic tax filing helps eligible individuals file their taxes without having to complete a full return themselves. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses the information it already has (such as income slips and benefit data) to assess eligibility for benefits and credits.
This option is designed to support people who:
The CRA is inviting individuals to use the SimpleFile by Phone service starting March 9, 2026. With SimpleFile, you only need to answer a series of quick questions, and then the service uses your answers, with the information we have on file, to auto-file and process a tax return on your behalf.
This service is offered in three different ways:
The government is introducing the Canada groceries and Essentials Benefit, replacing the GST credit.
As a result of that:
This benefit will provide additional financial support to over 12 million Canadians.
Learn more about this news release!
Applications for grant funding will be accepted until March 31, 2026.
Summary of the grant program:
The application form and guide can also be found on the Trails Office webpage and may be submitted to [email protected].
March 16th-20th
When it comes to inclusion, neurodiversity refers to a world where neurological differences are recognized and respected as all other human variations.
Depending on how our brains are wired we think, move, process information and communicate in different ways. Many people use neurodiversity as an umbrella term used to describe alternative thinking styles. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognizing those who think differently. No matter whether you are a school, university or organization you can benefit from different thinkers! March 16th-20th is Neurodiversity Awareness Week. Lexxic has a wide variety of webinars to help you and your community members better understand neurodiversity including inclusive language, empowerment, youth perspectives, intersectionality, and so much more!
Check out the 2025 recorded webinars or access the 2026 events.
Observed on March 31 to honour, celebrate and promote the revitalization of over 70 unique Indigenous languages.
Created in 1989 by the Assembly of First Nations, this day highlights the critical role of language in preserving culture, history and identity.
It serves as a reminder of the need to support the reclamation of languages by Indigenous communities.
Video stories – Language Champions and Language Learners of all ages
Designed specifically for the agriculture community and provides counselling services delivered by professionals with agricultural literacy
Its counsellors understand the unique stressors farmers, farm families and agricultural employees face, including extreme weather events, market volatility, rising input costs, labour challenges and the demands of running multi-generational family operations, while providing targeted supports to address those stressors.
Built on principles of accessibility, confidentiality and agricultural literacy, the program provides timely, no-cost counselling tailored to farmers, their families and farm employees. It reduces barriers to support by offering flexible, farmer-centred care, helping participants manage financial pressures, family conflicts, operational stress or personal well-being challenges.
Access more information and support.
Do you consider yourself an ‘indoorsy’ person during the winter months?
Winter can be challenging—it’s dark, cold, and snowy. However, breaking down these challenges can help us discover practical ways to shift our mindset.
We know we benefit when we get outside and connect with others, when winter makes us feel isolated. Park groups across Canada are helping to find the light in the dark, warmth in the cold and a ball in the snow.
Check out some ideas on how your community can animate your park in the winter!
The capital expansion project at Bethesda Regional Health Centre is now complete, marking a major milestone for health care in the community. The project was delivered on time and under budget, with construction spanning 31 months from start to finish.
The first phase of the expansion included the opening of a new renal dialysis unit, which has already enhanced access to specialized care for patients in the region.
The second and final phase adds a two-storey, 59,000-square-foot addition to the facility and introduces 15 new medicine & palliative care beds, a quiet room designed for cultural ceremonies and family gatherings, a new laboratory, and three state-of-the-art operating theatres.
Additional improvements include new shipping and receiving docks, a morgue, shell space for future development, and the refresh of eight rooms within the existing facility.
The project was partially funded by generous community contributions through the Bethesda Foundation, reflecting strong local support for expanded health services. The new spaces are expected to welcome their first patients in March 2026.
Bethesda Regional Health Centre
Since September 2023, Mobile Withdrawal Management Services (MWMS) has been quietly transforming the way withdrawal and recovery support is delivered—by meeting participants exactly where they are, both physically and in their recovery journey.
Designed to remove traditional barriers to care, MWMS provides voluntary, short-term withdrawal management and recovery support to individuals aged 18 and over for any substance. Participants are referred to the program through a variety of pathways, including primary care providers, nurse practitioners, the RAAM clinic, emergency departments and urgent care facilities. The MWMS team makes initial phone contact within 72 hours of referral, followed by an in-person visit within 3 days of completing the phone intake, ensuring timely and responsive support during a critical period. The program’s guiding principle is simple: meet participants where they are. There are no geographic boundaries on where the team will travel within Southern Health-Santé Sud and participants have full autonomy to choose their meeting location—whether that’s their home, their vehicle or even another community entirely. Since the program’s inception, the team has travelled to 53 communities across the Southern Health-Santé Sud region, with the furthest location being South Junction.
MWMS is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes a Health & Social Service Coordinator, Health & Social Service Worker, Recovery Health Nurses, Indigenous Community Support Worker, consulting Addictions Physicians and Peer Support Workers.
Together, they support a shared participant load of up to 16 individuals, working collaboratively to provide seamless care 365 days a year!
The team operates on weekends, statutory holidays and during peak times to ensure continuity of support when participants need it most. The core program runs for 30 days, during which participants receive daily phone check-ins and weekly in-person visits. For participants who choose to include peer support as part of their recovery, they can receive an additional 30 days with peer support following their time with MWMS. Throughout the program, the team follows the participant’s lead—supporting individualized goals that may include substance use reduction or complete abstinence.
Participation in MWMS is entirely voluntary. Participants remain in full control of their recovery goals and may leave the program at any time. There are no limits to the number of times any one individual can be referred, recognizing that recovery is not a linear process and that people may need support at different points in their lives.
Building trust and rapport is central to the team’s approach. With participant consent, families may also be involved, and the MWMS team can provide both peer and family support as part of the service. The team also offers psychoeducation to help participants connect with longer-term community resources, including counselling, medication management, as well as mental health and addictions supports.
When requested, MWMS works closely with primary care providers and community services to ensure continuity of care once the program ends. Future work will add additional supports to strengthen primary care capacity to deliver this follow‑up. Weekly team reviews ensure that all staff are aligned on participant needs and treatment planning, allowing any team member to step in at a moment’s notice to provide support.
By combining flexibility, compassion and clinical expertise, Mobile Withdrawal Management Services is helping redefine what accessible, client-centred recovery care can look like – one visit, one call and one relationship at a time.
Visit this link to learn more about Mobile Withdrawal Management Services and other Mental Health and Addictions supports available through Southern Health-Santé Sud.