Dawson Trail Dispatch April 2023

Ste. Anne Community Unified

You could feel the eyes of all Ste. Anne residents focused on the TV screen during the first intermission of the Toronto versus Ottawa NHL game as they awaited the announcement of the Kraft Hockeyville 2023 winner.

Conversely, you could hear the collective sigh from the community and many Manitobans when the Town of Ste. Anne was not the community name announced by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

It did not take long for many in the community to realize that what they had accomplished overshadowed what they had not accomplished.

“Passion and community is what I saw in this rally,” said Sarah Normandeau who jumped on board to help with the campaign.

“When that announcement came in…yes it was disappointing and seeing our kids/teens and even some adults cry almost broke me… but we got this! I’ve never seen a community come together like this ever!”

“You always hear how a community comes together when needed and with my 51 years in Ste Anne I have never seen anything close to what this contest did for our community, greater Ste Anne (GSA),” noted Town of Ste. Anne Mayor in a post on the town’s social media page created to rally the community.

“About 6 weeks ago, out of desperation, we called a town hall meeting as our arena is in desperate need before next winter and the community responded by turning out in big numbers,” he reflected.

“From this meeting, the GSA com-

munity had decided to form a Rec Steering committee so it was a great start. Suddenly, Kraft Hockeyville gained momentum and Greater Ste Anne went wild!”

The mayor believes the campaign has galvanized the community with a new purpose.

“What has taken place the past month and particularly the last 2 days has energized me like never before and it’s crystal clear I’m not alone in the want to fix this building!’ he wrote. “I’m a huge believer in that something good always comes from any event and I think this is the best thing that could have ever happened to our Greater Ste Anne community.”

The Town has a new Recreation Steering committee and has received a renewed interest from the rural municipality surrounding the town and now the momentum to find solutions.

“In a strange way, not winning may be a blessing in disguise,” he noted. “The 250K would have been outstanding, but the truth is we need way more than that to get done what we want to get done for our dear old arena and recreation in general.”

“Not winning will inspire us to work even harder now to get it done and I assure you I will pour every ounce of effort I can into this project and also guarantee you we will find what we need to open the arena next winter… it’s just not an option,” he added.

St. Vincent reflected on how fixing the arena seemed so daunting when he originally ran for council, but how now, he sees a community motivating to find so- The

For making the top four, the Maurice Chaput Arena in Ste. Anne will be awarded $25,000 from Kraft Hockeyville plus an additional $10,000 from the NHLPA towards equipment. The RM of Ste. Anne had already committed $75,000 towards repairs and funds were raised throughout the voting period through various raffles and events.

A Rec Steering committee meeting is scheduled for April 5 at 6 pm at arena for anyone interested.

youth of the entire region were instrumental in building the momentum of the campaign.

Some of the organizers putting the miles on their thumbs continuously casting their votes along with the thousands they rallied. lutions and do what is needed.

By Dan Guetre

Submitted photos

$10-a-Day Child Care in Effect for Manitoba

By Dan Guetre

Manitoba has achieved an average of $10-a-day regulated child care effective April 2, three years ahead of the national target. This milestone could save families hundreds of dollars per child, per month on average.

Under the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the Manitoba government committed to decreasing parent fees and reaching an average of $10 per day by 2026.

The Manitoba government announced it has surpassed its commitment and has done so three years ahead of schedule, Premier Heather Stefanson noted.

“Our government recognizes that access to affordable and high-quality child care is essential for Manitobans to participate in the workforce, support their families and play an active role in the growth of their communities and the economy,” said Stefanson.

“Over the past several years, our government has been working diligently to strengthen and

grow the early learning and childcare system to be able to effectively implement this significant fee reduction,” added Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko. “We have been working collaboratively with the child-care sector, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and the business community to create thousands of new spaces throughout our province. Additionally, we are supporting initiatives to build a strong workforce so Manitoba families can be confident their children are receiving the best care to support their needs.”

This announcement comes less than two years after the governments of Canada and Manitoba reached an agreement to support an average of $10-a-day regulated child care in the province.

“Reaching $10-a-day child care on average is a huge milestone achievement for families in Manitoba,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement. “It means hundreds of dollars per child back in the pockets of hard-working families every month, it means more jobs in early learning and child care, it means a stronger economy for Manitoba, and it means we’re

giving every child the best possible start in life,”

Additionally, the Manitoba government also announced an expression of interest to expand post-secondary training options for early learning and child-care professionals.

“Our government continues making investments to attract, train, and retain child-care professionals,” explained Ewasko. “The expression of interest will support training expansion, as well as the development of additional on-site child-care spaces and expansion of existing facilities to create new learning labs and development sites that will allow students to put their in-class learning into practice.”

The expression of interest invites post-secondary institutions to apply for funding to develop new programming to train child-care professionals and will help ensure there are an additional 1,000 childcare assistants and 2,000 early childhood educators by 2026, the minister said, adding that post-secondary institutions are also invited to submit proposals for the expansion of child-care services on campus to support students, employees and communities.

Piney to Host Financial Plan Public Hearing

The RM of Piney intends to present its financial plan for the fiscal year 2023 at a public hearing on Tuesday, April 11 at 6 pm in the Council Chambers at 6092 Boundary St. in Vassar. To ensure that everyone is able to participate, they are offering their residents 3 options to participate, by Zoom, teleconference, or in person. If you wish to attend virtually you

are asked to contact CAO Martin Van Osch to request your meeting link at martin@rmofpiney.mb.ca.

Council will hear any person who has questions, make a representation, or register any objections to the financial plan. Copies of the financial plan are available for review during the municipal office regular office hours.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson host a joint press conference setting the effective date for “$10-a-day child care” for April 2. Submitted photo

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Lorette’s 36-Hour Hockey Takes to the Ice in 21st Anniversary Reunion Game

By Dan Guetre

Over the decades, the 36-Hour Hockey organizers in Lorette have hosted hockey games and fundraisers, welcoming volunteers, supporters and the public to take in a fun day.

The 36-Hour Hockey - 21st Anniversary Reunion Event held at the Lorette Community Complex on March 23 was no exception.

This year’s event included several co-ed hockey games and a showcase game by Sledge Hockey Manitoba.

“To see people of all ages and abilities having fun playing a sport they love is one the proudest moments in our long history,” said organizer Chris Maxemuck. “The Sledge Hockey Game was very well attended and showcased players from the National Team in addition to a couple of local players.”

“In 2002, our slogan for 36-Hour Hockey was ‘One Goal At A Time’,” added Maxemuck. “With the announcement of a new recreational facility in Lorette by Municipal and Provincial officials we look forward to a

New Parks Reservation Service Set to Go

Over the next week, the Province is encouraging campers and park visitors to log onto the new park reservation service, open a new account and explore the site to help prepare for great summer adventures.

The new Parks Reservation Service will feature a modern design, a user-friendly interface and an enhanced queuing system to better handle demands on opening days. The new service is also easily navigated on a mobile device.

Account information has not been transferred from the old service, so all users will need to create a new account and browse the site to become familiar with the new service to prepare for reservation openings, which start April 3.

For 2023, reservation policies remain similar to previous years, with minor adjustments to booking restrictions on the new service. For instance, long weekend stays will require a two-night minimum that includes a Saturday and Sunday (excluding Canada Day long weekend in 2023). A full list of reservation policies, along with tips and technical advice to help prepare for reservation opening is available at manitobaparks.com.

This year’s event included a showcase game by Sledge Hockey Manitoba.

The 36-Hour Hockey - 21st Anniversary Reunion Event held at the Lorette Community Complex. Submitted photos

Amendments to Intimate Image Protection Act Introduced

According to Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen, amendments introduced in the Legislature will strengthen protections under the Intimate Image Protection Act (IIPA). Changes would implement a reverse onus requiring the individual to prove that they had received consent prior to the distribution of an intimate image.

The IIPA allows a person whose intimate image is distributed without consent to sue the person who distributed the image.

“The unwanted distribution of an intimate image can have lifelong negative impacts.

Strengthening the Intimate Image Protection Act makes it clear that no one should distribute an intimate image of another person without informed consent,” said Goertzen stressing that Manitobans have the right to privacy and to consent to the distribution of their intimate images.

Changes to the act would also require the government to make appropriate supports available to assist people who have had an intimate image distributed without consent or believe their

intimate image is about to be distributed without consent. These supports would include assistance in having an image removed from the internet and information on legal remedies and protection for people concerned about their intimate images being distributed.

“In the last six months alone, Cybertip.ca has seen a 100 per cent increase in reports concerning intimate images. As technology and offending tactics evolve, such as the creation of altered images to coerce and control victims, it is imperative that our laws keep pace,” said Signy Arnason, associate executive director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “Manitoba has been a leader in addressing the non-consensual distribution of intimate images and we welcome this important review to ensure citizens have options beyond the criminal justice system to deal with this form of online sexual violence.”

These amendments would bring the IIPA in line with Manitoba’s Privacy Act, which establishes the tort of violation of privacy. Under this legislation, the defendant would carry the burden of proof to show that the person consented. Seeking feedback, the Province

is also launching an EngageMB survey to gather input from the public on the changes.

You can provide feedback at engagemb.ca/intimate-image-protection-act before April 14.

Budget 2023

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presented her government’s 2023 Federal Budget.

Prior to the budget, Conservatives were clear: Budget 2023 needed to include concrete steps to reverse inflationary deficits and taxes and end the Liberal war on work. That is, letting workers bring home more of what they earn and stop penalizing Canadians for getting ahead.

Needless to say, that’s not what Canadians got.

To listen to Freeland, Canadians have never had it so good. That under the Liberals Canadians “have more money in their pocket by the end of the workday”.

Perhaps that’s true of government consultants and Liberal cronies but certainly not so for most ordinary Canadians.

Most glaring in the budget

was the abject failure to deal with inflation and cost of living.

“We all want inflation to go down and interest rates to go down,” said Freeland in her speech.

But the budget barely addressed inflation.

Even if we were to take the minister at her word, the first step would be for her to reverse course on the myriad of Liberal policies that have led to the inflation in the first place—policies she has been instrumental in implementing.

As long as this government continues to add more and more new deficit spending, inflation and costs will continue to go up. (It should be noted the minister announced tens of billions in new deficit spending in this week’s budget.)

Instead of bringing relief for struggling Canadian families, the Liberals are simply doubling down on their failed policies.

Conservatives have a clear plan for the economy.

1) Bring home powerful paycheques by lowering taxes so hard work pays again.

2) Bring home lower prices by ending inflationary Liberal spending, including axing the Liberal Carbon Tax and ending the deficit spending that is driving up the cost of living and interest rates.

3) Bring homes people can afford by removing government gatekeepers to free up land and speed up building permits.

Only Conservatives are in touch with the needs of every day Canadians and only Conservatives can bring home a country that works for people who work.

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says amendments to the Intimate Image Protection Act would require an individual to prove that they had received consent prior to the distribution of an intimate image.

Submitted photo

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Making Our La Verendrye Community Stronger with $1.5M in Local Funding

It’s an exciting time for La Vérendrye with the announcement that six local organizations are receiving funding as part of our government’s Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) fund. These projects are directly enhancing the community spaces that you and your family use and enjoy. La Vérendrye is receiving over $1.5 million across our communities in new funding!

As part of our PC government’s plan to strengthen communities, we invested nearly $50 million through the ACSC fund to support 402 projects that will support the delivery of quality programming and facilities in communities throughout Manitoba. These projects will foster creativity and innovation in local arts, culture and sports initiatives in La Vérendrye now and for generations to come.

The local organizations receiving support are:

RM of DeSalaberry is receiving $700,000 for an Arena Renovation, RM of La Broquerie is receiving $650,000 for an Arena Ice Plant Efficiency Enhancement,

Otterburne Curling Club is receiving $132,500 for an Upgrade Insulating in the Rink Area,

The Dufrost Curling Club is receiving $39,320 for a New Chiller, Sprague and District Historical Museum is receiving $25,000 for an Indigenous Exhibit Building, Bilbliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library is receiving $25,000 for an Accessible Gathering Space.

The ACSC program grants up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses to a maximum of $5 million per project. Applications were assessed based on the project’s financial and planning readiness, community impact and need, and alignment with the fund’s outcomes and objectives.

Initially, the ACSC fund intended to distribute the $100 million in grants over three years, however, because an exceptional number of qualified organizations submitted applications for high-quality, innovative projects that contribute to thriving sustainable communities, our PC Team is investing an additional $16 million allocated to the 2022-23 intake. This is a great opportunity for additional organizations to apply!

Upcoming intake dates are as follows: Small Capital and Special Initiatives intake closes Apr. 17, Large Capital intake closes Apr. 24 and the next Community Celebrations intake closes June 15.

If you think your organization or an organization you know may be eligible, please reach out to me at 204.424.5406, where I would be more than happy to assist in the application process. For more info on the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community fund, you can visit manitoba.ca/acsc.

Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy Announced by Province

By Dan Guetre

Manitobans will soon be able to travel to Ontario on four-lane highways, as part of a $4.1-billion, multi-year infrastructure strategy.

The massive plan details more than 800 approved capital projects planned for the next five years to improve provincial highway, water control and northern airport assets throughout the province.

Additional projects throughout the southeast include work on various Provincial roads and highways. Highways 75, 59, 52, 44, 15, 12, and 11 will receive various levels of repairs and upgrades over the next few years. Provincial Roads 200, 201, 206, 210, 301, 302, 308, 311, 317 have also been targeted for various levels of repairs and upgrades.

The improvements coming for the intersection of Loewen Blvd and PTH 12 in Steinbach has a $4.15 million budget and work is slated to be complete by 2025-26.

Southeast regional water related infrastructure includes work at Joubert Creek ($740,000), in St. Pierre-Jolys ($730,000), Tourond Creek ($1.35 million), and the Pansy Drain ($580,000). St. Pierre-Jolys will also have a price tag of $690,000 for improvements and repairs to its ring dike.

The pump station at the St. Adolphe Dike will see $12.7 million poured into it, along with $5.99 million spent on the dike. All work should be completed by 2027-28.

The Ste. Agathe Dike repairs and improvements carry a budget of $8.45 million with an estimated time of completion in 2027-28.

The Emerson Ring Dike work comes in at $110,000 and should be completed by next year.

Lastly, Grande Pointe along with their dike has $900,000 of targeted repairs and improvements and work should be completed by 2027-28.

April 2023

Budget 2023 Addresses Affordability, Tax and Funding

It has been a very busy time in government. While in the throes of Budget 2023, the Manitoba government has put forward our plans to improve the quality of life of Manitobans by making historic and substantial investments toward the long-term sustainability and growth across all sectors of our province. I am pleased to share with you some of the incredible work our government has been doing within the last month that will directly benefit our constituency and our province.

As part of Budget 2023, Historic Help for Manitobans, and its efforts to build stronger communities, the Manitoba government is investing a historic $104 million to support disability services and increase the wages of staff that deliver them. As part of this $104-million investment, nearly $82 million will support increased wages for front-line staff. This foundational investment is the largest single investment in Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS) since the program’s inception.

As part of Budget 2023, Historic Help for Manitobans, more than 400 community arts, culture and sports projects will receive $50 million in funding from the Manitoba government to immediately begin making improvements to build stronger communities across the province. Due to the program’s popularity, Budget 2023 has added $16 million to the fund to provide a total of $50 million to qualified second-round applicants. For more information on the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community fund visit manitoba.ca/acsc. To help Manitobans make ends

meet, Budget 2023 delivers an unprecedented $1.8 billion in affordability and tax measures while bolstering vital programs and services Manitobans most rely on with a record-setting investment of $2 billion. This will include the largest personal income tax reduction in Manitoba history. Changes to the Provincial Basic Personal Amount will ensure that Manitobans do not pay a cent of income tax on the first $15,000 they earn in 2023. This measure alone will save the average two-income family over $1,000 and will remove 47,400 low-income Manitobans from the tax rolls.

The Manitoba government has introduced the Police Services Amendment Act that would create a new, layered public safety model to expand the scope and authority of community safety officers, allowing additional options for municipalities to support safety in their communities. The proposed amendments to the Police Services Act would expand the scope and authority of community safety officers to enforce provincial statutes and bylaws, and to respond to a range of lower-risk incidents that do not require investigative or tactical interventions, freeing up police to respond to violent and complex crime.

Budget 2023 funding will lead to safer streets, more supports for seniors, stronger communities, and help families to make ends meet; creating new opportunities for all Manitobans. For more information on Budget 2023 and what it means to Manitobans, visit manitoba.ca.

In my corner of the legislature as Minister of Education and Early

Childhood Learning, I was happy to announce the construction of three more new schools. This means the Manitoba government will exceed its 2019 commitment to build 20 schools in 10 years and complete the work two years ahead of schedule.

March was Lymphedema Awareness Month, designed to bring awareness and educate the world about lymphatic diseases. Back in 2014, I was honoured to introduce a private member’s bill, officially declaring March 6th as Lymphedema Awareness Day in Manitoba. The month of April recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness, Parkinson Awareness and Autism Awareness to name a few. Special Days in April include the Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on the 9th, School Bus Driver Day on the 19th and Earth Day on the 22nd.

As we all look forward to warmer temperatures and time spent with family and friends, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at wayne@wayneewasko.com, or call me at 204-268-3282. Also, you can follow me on Twitter @wayneewaskomla and friend me on Facebook.

Wayne Ewasko is the MLA for Lac du Bonnet and the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning.

Agape House Brings Hundreds Together to Celebrate International Women’s Day

By Dan Guetre

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women explained Tracy Whitby, Executive Director for Agape House in Steinbach as her team reflects on a successful event recently

Women, Wine and Theatre hosted in early March in Steinbach brought together hundreds to recognize the day including an opportunity for the organization to fundraise.

“Each year this day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women and renew our efforts in achieving gender equality – in

Canada and around the world,” noted Whitby. “This day/week of acknowledgement and celebration is necessary to celebrate the successes of women, but also to remind us that we still have much to accomplish.”

While Whitby believes society needs to recognize its successes, there is more we can do to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities and quality of life.

“Society has moved towards equity in many ways, we have come a long way since the days when women were not allowed to vote (which was not that long ago) but there continues to be many stereotypes and barriers for women,” she explained. “Society still needs to build workplaces where women thrive, empower women’s choices in health, applaud equality for women in sport, and recognize that Gender Based Violence continues to impact women far more often than men. There is much work to be done.”

Women, Wine and Theatre was also an opportunity for Agape House to feature women artists and performers.

“We selected female artists who showcase the struggles that women can face and those who are overcomers; some were survivors, some that have been treated negatively based on their gender and/or race, and all who align with the work that our organization accomplishes,” explained Whitby. Their efforts to successfully fundraise also checked off all the right boxes.

“Raising funds was a goal for Agape House,” said Whitby. “This year we raised over $14,000 as a result of our Women, Wine and Theatre Event.”

In 2019, the group raised $3,200, and in 2020 the effort succeeded in raising just a bit over $5,000. Agape House was not able to host their event in 2021 and 2022 due to Covid-19.

“We were thrilled to see our event well attended and many organizations purchasing tables to support Agape House,” she added. “Having a full house was a highlight for our team.”

Whitby noted that this year there were “more men in our audience which is fantastic to see!”

“I think a goal for next year will

be to see more political leaders attend Women, Wine & Theatre,” she said noting that Dougald Lamont, the Manitoba Liberal leader took in the event with his wife and friends. “Notably, it was nice to see members of the [Manitoba] Liberal Party attend.”

Whitby was also pleased to see Michelle Bezditny, the Director of Economic Development for Steinbach in attendance. Bezditny is successfully working with council and the community to build and develop Steinbach sustainably.

Conservative Cuts Hurt Rural Healthcare

By Chris Wiebe

I’ve knocked on thousands of doors in Dawson Trail over the last year, and the number one concern expressed to me at the doorstep is the state of rural healthcare due to Manitoba PC cuts. It doesn’t matter if you are a senior, a parent with young family, or even someone new to the area – getting basic healthcare can be an incredible challenge to those living outside the Winnipeg perimeter. Finding a family doctor is now a very difficult task with long wait lists even in places like Steinbach. And if there is an emergency? Some constituents have told me

that they don’t call 911 for an ambulance if they live in Dawson Trail. Burnt out EMS departments due to Conservative cuts and staff shortages mean that some rural Manitobans could wait hours for an ambulance to reach them. If there is an emergency, constituents often start driving to the nearest hospital – if they have that luxury.

The Ste. Anne’s ER is our hub for emergency care, and although the staff are wonderful at this institution, they are also overworked and facing shortages. Seven years of PC cuts have left us with an ER that is often closed in the evenings as it was last summer. So, in Dawson Trail, if you have a medical emergency, you often first check the time before you start to drive to an ER. If you are planning on going to Ste Anne, you had better have your emergency during the day – otherwise you are driving to Steinbach or Winnipeg. When crucial minutes matter in a medical emergency, I don’t think that it is fair for Dawson Trail constituents to have to make this choice for healthcare access. The time issue is even more important with the growing senior population in

Ste. Anne and places like Paradise Village. I’ve heard heartbreaking stories at the doorsteps over the last year of medical tragedies precisely because of this lack of care – and I find this unacceptable.

Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagassé has been silent on this matter, and he has supported every Conservative cut and privatization from Brian Pallister to Heather Stefanson. We need to find ways to invest in people again in this province and keep medical professionals in rural Manitoba. Better work-life balance needs to be found for nurses that were bullied by this PC government for years without a contract. The heartless cuts and increased work demands are no way to treat the healthcare professionals that were at the frontlines of the pandemic and that we so desperately need now in rural Manitoba. Mr. Lagassé suggested in his last column that we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. I agree with him on this point – we need a higher standard for our elected officials that will advocate for us, improve rural healthcare, and help build a better Manitoba together. We deserve better.

Chris Wiebe is the NDP Candidate for Dawson Trail. Submitted photo

waNda wilsoN and Shelley Marshall story-telling combined with a musical duet.

Guests were treated to food and wine at the Agape House annual fundraiser.

It was a full house at the Agape House Women, Wine and Theatre fundraiser held recently at the Pat Porter Centre.

Ruth Morris takes guests through her journey with a personal account of achieving happiness and poetry.

Submitted photos

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

April 2023

New School and Daycare Announced for Ste. Anne

By Dan Guetre

While leaks in government plans and announcements are common and sometimes expected, this wasn’t the case when the Mayor of the town of Ste. Anne was asked to come to a press conference recently.

“I guess it’s very easy to keep quiet… town got the invite to attend press conference two days before but we weren’t 100% sure what it was even for as no details were shared until the press conference,” said Mayor Yvan St. Vincent who, while surprised, was very happy with the announcement of a new school planned for construction in his community.

“I’m very excited!” said St. Vincent. “It’s much needed and great for our community and neighbouring communities!”

The new school along with a new child-care centre was more than expected but definitely necessary for the growing community and region.

The plan is to construct a vocational high school for grades 9-12 as part of Seine River School Division and is slated for completion in 2027.

“This new school and child-care space will benefit families of Ste. Anne and the surrounding community for years to come,” said Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse. “It will also strengthen the rich, francophone heritage of our region.”

While the Seine River School Division (SRSD) had a bit more forewarning before the announcement, it was still an exciting announcement.

“We’re extremely pleased!” said Wendy Bloomfield, Chairperson of SRSD. “We have been pushing for and waiting for approval for a new school in Ste. Anne for several years. We are excited for SRSD and the students and staff and also for the Town of Ste. Anne. This will be a wonderful new addition to this community.”

Specifics are still being worked on for what this new school and daycare centre will look like.

“We need to do a considerable amount of work determining the capacity, potential vocational offerings, daycare attached or stand alone, etc. before we can start with developing any drawings,” said Bloomfield. “The Province is tendering all the nine new school projects together, so at this point we have no idea who the architect, builder, etc. is. This process is quite different than

other new schools we’ve built in past, and unfortunately we haven’t yet been provided with many details or timelines.”

Bloomfield was still surprised with part of the announcement though.

“The inclusion of a daycare facility in the announcement was a bit of a surprise,” she explained. “I’m familiar with daycare facilities being approved with K-8 schools, but I wasn’t expecting it with a high school.”

“That being said, this is also a very welcome addition for SRSD and Ste. Anne,” she said.

Courses offered, capacity and other logistics are not available as of yet but Bloomfield says that will be worked out as the fine tuning stage takes place.

“The actual configuration is to be determined once we meet with the Province,” she explained. “We are just now able to start the planning for this exciting new school, however, at the moment we do not have the anticipated capacity. In terms of courses, at this point all we know is that it is a vocational school. I’m sure we will be having considerable consultations with the Department of Education, our staff, trustees, etc. as to what exactly we will be able to offer. There are a lot of planning steps required before we get down to starting to talk design.”

St. Vincent says the school and daycare will be constructed in the northeast end of the community within a new development by Caledonia Road.

St. Vincent is still recovering from the excitement of a new grocery store announcement made last month by Clearview Co-op.

“It’s been several years that council has been working with Co-op to try to make this work,” said St. Vincent. “Truth is our CAO, Marc Darker and his office staff do a ton of work for development in town so they deserve most of the credit.”

He said credit for the new school needs to be properly given.

“That credit goes to SRSD trustees and their central admin staff, town played a small role in encouraging our MLA Mr. Lagasse but SRSD has been after this for years so they’ve been at it a long time as they saw the need for it,” he credited.

St. Vincent and Bloomfield already have their focus set on their next targets.

According to St. Vincent, the Town needs more daycare spots and have applied for RTM grant and hoping that happens next year as the daycare with the school won’t be ready until 2027 and daycare spaces are required sooner than that. He is also focused on sustainability grants for the community’s recreation complex and working with the development corporation to attract additional businesses to the community with the hope of creating more local employment.

Bloomfield is already looking towards more schools.

“St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes are definitely on the radar and we have had some very basic discussions

with the RMs as to future development plans to try to get a handle on what we may need to anticipate for schools,” she explained. “That being said, we’re also aware that hous-

ing starts/sales have slowed down a bit in the past few months. We are, however, keeping a very close eye on the expected growth in these communities.”

“This new school and child-care space will benefit families of Ste. Anne and the surrounding community for years to come,” said Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse (third from right). “It will also strengthen the rich, francophone heritage of our region.”

Ste. Anne Mayor Yvan St. Vincent says the school and daycare will be constructed in the northeast end of the community within a new development by Caledonia Road.

MLA Wayne Ewasko explained that the plan is to construct a vocational high school for grades 9-12 as part of Seine River School Division and is slated for completion in 2027.

Submitted photos

April 2023

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities! Dawson Trail Dispatch

Film Studio to Invest $30M in Niverville

By Dan Guetre

A Winnipeg film production studio and Los Angeles sound stage enterprise have chosen Niverville for the site of a multimillion dollar state-of-the-art, full-service film and television studio village.

The joint facility between Volume Global and Julijette Inc. will create Jette Studios. This venture will leverage the latest technology and include 18,581 sq.-ft. of studio space. As construction is completed in two phases starting this summer, the facility will be instrumental in supporting the 1,500 Manitobans who make up the province’s film labour force into the future explained Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan who was on hand for the announcement.

According to Khan and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk 300 new jobs over the next three years will be created at the full-service film and television studio.

“We’re all excited to set up another Film Production Studio in Manitoba, Jette Studios in Niverville will allow Productions to benefit from some of the best tax incentives available,” said Juliette Hagopian, founder of Julijette Inc. referring to a Provincial Film and Video Production Tax Credit worth an additional 5% if located in rural Manitoba.

Piwniuk was on hand to announce $40.6 million worth of infrastructure investments in and around Niverville in its five-year Multi-year Infrastructure Investment Strategy.

“Our government has committed to working with the Town of Niverville on strategic

infrastructure projects to further enhance and attract economic growth in the area,” Piwniuk said.

The upgrades along PR 311 are expected to include twinning of PR 311 west from the train tracks to Wallace Road, a traffic circle between Wallace and Krahn Roads, upgrading to a controlled intersection at Krahn Road and an approach to facilitate further development.

“[The] announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, partnership and a lot of hard work,” said Mayor Myron Dyck, Town of Niverville. “We thank the Manitoba government for their investment in the much-needed infrastructure upgrades that will trigger this significant economic development project.”

“[It’s] an exciting day for Niverville with significant economic benefits resulting from nearly two years of discussions,” said Ron Schuler, MLA for Springfield-Ritchot.

“I am grateful to all for investing in Niverville and the Springfield-Ritchot constituency.”

Additionally, the much-anticipated Blue Crescent Hotel and Waterpark, a $13 million project being constructed by Steel Creek Developers, kicked-off construction with an official sod-turning at the hotel’s future site along Drovers Run. Construction is slated to start this summer and will help create up to 25 jobs in the area.

“We know residents have been asking when construction will begin on this newest Blue Crescent location and we are so excited to finally be moving ahead with this project,” said Trevor Rempel, Steel Creek Developers.

Wildlife Haven is Throwing a Baby Shower!

By Angelique Forest

Wildlife Haven is gearing up for its busy spring and summer season by throwing a baby shower. The veterinary hospital receives over 3,000 patients per year and one third of them arrive in May and June, so it is an extremely busy time of the year for them.

You can help care for these orphaned and injured animals by purchasing an item from their gift registry. The gifts can either be shipped directly to the centre (Wildlife Haven, Box 165, Ile des

Chenes, MB R0A 0T0) or be dropped off in-person during the baby shower celebration which will be held at Wildlife Haven on April 22 from 1 pm to 4 pm.

You will have the chance to meet the wildlife ambassadors is you show up in person. All are welcome, and admission is free to attend.

Concept drawing of the new multimillion dollar state-of-the-art, full-service film and television studio village.

Juliette Hagopian, one of the proponents in the planned studio, is looking forward to the Niverville studio location. The joint facility between Volume Global and Julijette Inc. will create Jette Studios.

Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck recognized that all the stars aligned as the Province committed to an infrastructure to complement two major private investment capital project announcements. Submitted photos

You can help care for these orphaned and injured animals by purchasing an item from their gift registry.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Red River Métis Couple Spearhead Trail Ride to Support Ukrainian Orphans

By Dan Guetre

A southeast couple, who are no strangers to adventure, have planned a final trail ride to cap off a career of passion to revive the history and culture of the Red River Métis. This spring they, along with the friends they have added over the years, will set off from Hadashville with traditionally built Red River Carts accompanied by wagons and outriders and head west along the Dawson Trail.

Armand Jerome is self taught in building the traditional Red River Cart discovering through trial and error the lost art. He is now considered one of Manitoba’s top experts and builder.

“Over the years there has been a resurgence of Métis culture after many years of only being known as Canada’s forgotten people,” Armand explained. “It has taken several forms such as the rejuvenation of our dance, music, beading, weaving and recently the resurrection of the Michif language and the relearning of the technology and construction of the Red River Cart is a big part of this.”

His first journey was in 2002 in conjunction with the North American Indigenous Games where he participated in a ride from the US to Winnipeg. He followed that up with additional rides in 2003 and a massive ride of 800 km in 2004-05.

Armand met his wife Kelly in 2008 where she also became involved and together they continued the adventures helping any way they could to revive and share the Red River Métis culture and history.

To celebrate Manitoba 150, the couple organized a two part journey spanning from Kenora to Winnipeg. It included dog sleds for the first leg with plans to complete the route with the Red River Carts. Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic put a hold on the second leg of the journey.

Not willing to call it quits and retire, Armand and Kelly decided they needed to complete this “final journey.” Through friends, they heard of the plight of children being orphaned in the Ukraine and decided to gather their friends together one last time, complete the trail ride and raise funds for organizations looking after these children.

“Having done some research on these innocent victims we felt the

need to help in some way and the thing we know the best is the Métis Cart Journeys,” explained Armand, “so with that in mind we devised a way to finish the journey started in 2020 and add a fundraising attribute to it to help the orphans in a MetisUkrainian cooperation.”

“The idea of this ride comes from the belief that as freedom loving people we owe it to the innocent children of this war that we are there for them,” he added. “We also hope that some of the funds can be used for reunification of families at some point.”

“The Red River Métis Ride of Hope” is gaining support.

“The Manitoba Métis Federation has offered us support for this to take place and we have started a GoFundMe page for private donations,” he elaborated. “Sophie’s Restaurant off Hwy 11 in Hadashville has offered fundraising meals to take place over the May long weekend.”

“There are other fundraisers offered but are still in the works,” he added. “We are receiving great assistance in putting this together from the community of Richer including Richer Métis Local.”

He also said additional communities along the route may add entertainment and activities to coincide with their arrival.

“If you wish to help these children then you can be a part of this solution by supporting this cause,” noted Armand. “…no matter how big or how small, for even a little can go a long way, and just remember that even the longest journey begins with a single step.”

Spectators are welcome to visit with the participants at all the public stops. Some of the private land they have arranged to stay on during the journey may not be open to the public in order to respect the land owners.

Over the May long weekend the travelers will muster in Hadashville by Sophie’s Restaurant. They will start the journey just after the weekend and have plans to complete the ride in early June east of Winnipeg.

With thousands of miles behind them, this may be the last opportunity for people to take in this historical and uniquely Manitoban experience.

“I believe when Kelly and I are done there will be no one to carry

on the torch of the Cart Journeys, perhaps the journey reaches its final end,” said Armand. “But you never know; maybe desire for another adventure will pop up… I guess time will tell.”

You are invited to visit themetisrideofhope.com for more information on the ride. Their donation page is gofundme.com/f/the-metisride-of-hope.

Kelly and Armand, with a Red River Cart that Armand built.

A short section of the ride held in 2021 along the Dawson Trail. File photos

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities! Dawson Trail

Canadian Institutions Need to Be More Proactive to Protect Consumers from Scammers

By Monica Guetre The

March was fraud Protection Month in Canada and it was no cause for celebration. The number of scammers stealing our money, property, safety, well being and even identities has reached historic levels.

The RCMP reported that in 2022, the Canadian AntiFraud Centre received fraud and cybercrime reports totalling $530 million in victim losses. That is a 40% increase from the $380 million in victim losses in 2021. In context, the increase wasn’t because we are reporting criminals more, no, the increase is because scammers are targeting us more and getting more.

realty is that the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre says that only 5 to 10% of people report these fraudsters.

Whether you’re a big corporation, medium sized or small family run business or an individual, we know the reported numbers don’t even scratch the surface of how much of our hard earned pay cheque and savings are going to organized criminals and countries that actively do these crimes and aid in this activity.

Back in 2019 CTV news reported that one senior alone lost $732,000 to a romance scam and the bank didn’t stop it. Or how about the recent CBC Marketplace report on an elaborate scam that all started with a knock at the door which leaves seniors with home improvement liens on their homes and high-interest mortgages they didn’t need, want or understand. Canadian law and banks didn’t protect those homeowners.

Even Statistics Canada totals look ridiculously low with 27,829 cybercrime incidents occurring in 2017 increasing to 70,288 in 2021 and for Manitoba in 2017 there were 455 incidents increasing to 1,523 in 2021.

Data collected by the Better Business Bureau 2022 survey of people reporting a loss shows that home improvement scams became the riskiest scam type, investment scams had the highest median dollar loss ($5,500) and nearly a third (29.5%) of all Canadians reported an online purchase scam, with 76.7% of people reporting monetary loss when targeted. The survey lists other scam types such as the advance fee loan, employment, rentals, credit cards, travel/vacation/timeshares, and phishing/social engineering scams like the grandparent scam where the fraudster urgently asks for money to get out of jail; or the scam letting you know that your computer’s been hacked and offering to fix your computer or cell phone.

What can we do about it?

Let’s ask our MPs, MLAs, and Municipal Councillors what they you are doing to protect us and ask that they move faster on the solutions.

Canada could position itself to organize the international community to broker more international cooperation to add teeth to prosecuting these criminals. Countries that continue to allow free reign to “scammers” need to face repercussions.

What about how to protect us from criminals trying to sell our property? A small solution is that all Provinces/Municipalities and legit Finance Institutions could link our property with a private (not visible online) “Not for Sale” “Pending Sale” categories. Real estate agents and lawyers could use this as further assurance (although not foolproof) that a sale is legit by checking a property’s status with 2 legal institutions along with the other information they are required to collect to sell a property.

Ban all residential property liens without owner’s knowledge and legal acceptance.

Outlaw door-to-door sales unless the municipality has provided a license after they’ve checked to see if the business is legit by collecting company information in-person and checking with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and BBB.

Close all banking regulation loop holes that still allow our financial institutions from shirking responsibility to us the consumer and to refund money lost on crimi-

nal activity like a scam. This nefarious activity, including scammers and fraudster payments need to be stopped.

Ban telephone companies from selling robo-calls except for legitimate reasons such as messaging during election time.

Remind telemarketer’s of their responsibility. Canada has a National Do Not Call List and when a consumer is on that list you can’t call. Connect the violation reporting on the Do not Call List to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

On a local level, how about a joint effort between the Chamber of Commerce, Regional Development Corporation and Seniors Senior’s organizations to mail out to their residents reminders on what to look out for, and how to report and leading annual in-person or virtual education sessions?

Each of us should check regularly on family or others who might be vulnerable to persuasive and persistent scammers. Let them know what scams are going around and how to report it.

Don’t sign any paper without taking the time to understand what you are signing and ask questions. Bring the papers to a knowledgeable family member or ask a legal expert for help.

Publish the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and BBB contact and scam information on the local news and municipal websites along with visible warning messages or alerts. Keep this information visible as a reminder. The out-of-site mentality, means forgetting or not being aware of a new scam and the once-in-a-while messaging is obviously not working.

When you go to buy a pile of gift cards for Christmas or birthdays and the store clerk asks if you are ok, did you get an urgent call to send money? Don’t get angry with them. Say thank you because that person is trying to help you out of a bind.

Make it mandatory that stores selling gift cards have well placed check out signage itemizing what is a gift card scam along with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reporting contact information.

Legislate to protect our personal data so that we have the option to store or not store any or all our information with a company offering on-line services unless we’ve allowed it. That goes for any on-line store, bank, utility, phone, internet, payroll provider, insurance, real-estate, Crown Corporation, government agency, etc. who stores data online or on a server accessible through the internet. Hold companies accountable with protecting our data and legislate liability so that we are reimbursed money lost automatically rather than having to go through the courts or get shuffled from one person to another.

Make our financial credit reports free of charge at least once a year and forever after an identity theft.

Let our MPs know we need to get the new Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on-line reporting up and running. In 2020 the Government of Canada started developing a new reporting system but it’s still only at the pilot testing stage and won’t be operational until later in 2023 or 2024.

Never send money or provide personal documents to anyone without a face-toface meeting. Don’t over share on social

media. Before you donate money to a charity, research the organization to ensure it is legitimate. Check the charity out by going to the Canada Revenue Agency’s searchable online database of all registered charities in Canada. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited email or text messages.

Go ahead and hang up on unwanted phone calls. This is the time you shouldn’t be a polite Canadian. Please don’t carry on a conversation, do not encourage the person on the other end of the phone.

Remember that you’re not the only victim of these crimes. These criminals are very organized and will continuing doing it until you say something. Don’t let the scammer get away with it, lets help each other.

Ignorance is not bliss

Stay informed on the newest scammer activity at canada.ca/en/revenueagency/campaigns/fraud-scams and the Canadian bbb.org.

YouTube has some interesting scam baiter resources. These scam baiters are publicly trying to stop online fraudsters in their tracks. I’m certainly not advocating that all of you IT experts become vigilantes, however if you come across information and are helping your fellow Canadians, I hope you share this information with the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre and the RCMP who I hope are open to getting this information and acting on it because the online criminals know no jurisdictional boundary.

You can watch some of these YouTube scam baiters, who offer helpful online tips on how to keep safe and what how they locate these criminals and delete victim’s personal data. Check out some of the videos made by Jim Browning, Scammer Payback going by the name of Perogy, Scambaiter, and Pleasant Green.

How to Report it.

1. Have handy all information about the scam.

2. Alert your bank/financial institution that transferred the money and place flags on your accounts and check your credit report. The two national credit bureaus, to place a fraud alert on your credit report file are Equifax (1-888836-6351) or TransUnion (1-866-5250262).

3. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or through the Fraud Reporting System on line.

4. Contact your local police.

5. For online fraud, you can also notify the website where the fraud took place. If the fraud took place online, such as through Amazon, Overstock, Wayfair, Facebook, eBay, a classified ad website such as Kijiji, or a dating website, report the incident directly to the website. Each of those websites are supposed to have a “report abuse” or “report an ad” link.

6. Contact your local consumer affairs office to request an investigation that appears to come from within your own province or territory. In Manitoba contact the Better Business Bureau at 204-989-9010 or report online to file a complaint or leave a review about a business.

Library Adds Features Becoming More Accessible

By Dan Guetre

Libraries play a fundamental role in communities and the Bibliothèque régionale Jolys Regional Library has now removed some of the barriers to information access for some of those struggling with a disability.

With the support of the Manitoba Accessibility Fund (MAF), the library has made their space friendlier to visitors who may have forms of perceptual disabilities commonly known as “print disabilities” which could include a learning, physical or visual disability that prevents a person from reading conventional print.

The library now has access to resources and services through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), a non-profit organization that provides library content for people with print disabilities. The CELA service, coupled with the NEW assistive technologies, will ensure that Jolys Regional Library can meet the needs of its members with

a perceptual disability.

The service is available to all residents of the RM of DeSalaberry, the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys and the surrounding communities. In addition, students and faculty of Ecole Heritage School and Ecole St-Malo School have access to the service.

A library membership is required to check out the following assistive technologies:

- Victor Readers - media players with access to over 500,000 titles through CELA. Some models play Daisy CDs.

The library has over 100 CDs and continues to grow in both official languages.

- Yoto Players - screenless audio players designed specifically for children. Over 60 titles to choose from in French and English.

- iPads - preloaded with accessible applications such as Libby and Dolphin Reader. A great option for those who need dyslexic friendly fonts.

The library was awarded $7,600 from

the MAF to help them achieve this next step in ensuring they are supporting literacy, and continue to provide opportunities for learning and connection.

MAF was created in 2021 and through its grant program it assists municipalities, non-profit organizations and businesses in Manitoba by providing financial support for projects that remove barriers for people with disabilities, and promote accessibility across the province.

In this round of funding, MAF also awarded Border Land School Division $6,500 and Hanover School Division a little over $30,000 to create signs.

Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library will be hosting two community launch presentations open to the public. The first will be on April 12 at 10 am at Chalet Malouin (14 St. Hilaire St, St. Malo) followed by a presentation at Manoir St-Pierre (449 Jolys Ave, St. Pierre-Jolys) on April 28 at 1:30 pm.

La Broquerie Reaffirms Financial Support to Community Groups

By Dan Guetre

At a recent council meeting, the RM of La Broquerie approved their financial commitment to various service groups who look after their residents.

Bibliothèque Saint-Joachim receive $51,646 for 2023 contribution on an annual basis effective March.

The Marchand Community Club receive $15,500 for 2023 contribution on a quarterly basis effective January.

Additionally, council approved another $16,000 to other groups based on submissions they received.

Bienfaisance DSFM St. Joachim will get

$1,000; Comité Scolaire ESJ for their Operation Red Nose will receive $500; and Hylife’s request for $2,000 for its community support programs was also approved. Seine River Services for Seniors received a 3-year annual commitment of $2,000 per year.

Other grants approved were: Canada Day Fireworks Grant - $2,000; Le Club de l’Amitie - $1,500; Marchand Community Church$1,000; Paroisse Saint-Joachim - $500; Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue - $1,100; St. Jean Baptiste committee - $2,000; St. Labre 200 - $200; Ste Anne Hospital Fund Inc. - $1,200; and Ste. Anne Collegiate - $500.

Reynolds Recycling Contractor Gets More Than He Bargained For

By Dan Guetre

Finding rotting meat and vegetables is not something you would find written in the responsibilities of someone contracted to pick up municipal recycling but that’s exactly what occurred at one recycling collection site in the RM of Reynolds.

“It has been brought to our attention from our recycling contractor that residents have been placing none recycling items in the Hadashville Recycling shed,” read a notice posted by the RM of Reynolds. “These items include: 15 rotisserie chickens, 4 heads of lettuce, 1 box of chicken bones.” The items

were discovered in late March.

The Municipality has labelled this as an abuse of the recycling program as it will cost taxpayers more money for clean-up fees, and possibly worse, the potential loss of the recycling sheds.

“Most residents are very respectful of their use of the recycling program, and we ask that it continues to remain that way,” stressed Laecie Levesque, an Administrative Assistant with the RM of Reynolds. “We ask that everyone respect the recycling program for its intended purpose.”

“We want to thank all taxpayers for recycling responsibly,” she added.

Attention New Home Owners in Lorette

Welcome to the growing community of Lorette!

Have you purchased a home, town home, duplex, or condo in the LUD of Lorette, in the last year? Is this your first time living in Lorette? Do you have questions about your new community?

The Welcome Basket Committee would be happy to answer any

questions. We have a FREE basket of Gift Certificates, coupons, gifts, and information which have been generously provided by the businesses and organizations in the LUD of Lorette.

To arrange a short curbside visit please e-mail lorettewelcomebasket@gmail.com (no strings attached).

Manitoba Achieves Commitment on Bail Reform for Repeat Violent Offenders

Steinbach MLA and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen recently returned from Ottawa following meetings with his provincial counterparts and the federal government that have resulted in a commitment to make bail harder to obtain for repeat violent offenders.

“Manitobans and all Canadians are concerned about the increase of violent, often random crime,” said Goertzen. “For months the Manitoba government has been a leading voice in the need for bail reform to stop accused repeat violent offenders from too easily getting bail and often victimizing other Manitobans. Today, the federal government made an important commitment to change, but we will continue to press for other reforms for the safety of all Manitobans.”

Following calls for bail reform from provincial and territorial justice ministers last fall and Canada’s premiers earlier this year, federal Justice Minister David Lametti committed during this recent gathering to introduce legislative changes as early as this session of Parliament, Goertzen said.

The changes would implement

a reverse onus for repeat violent offenders who are seeking bail, as well as changes as it relates to serious offences committed with firearms. The reverse onus would apply to repeat offenders committing crimes using knives and bear spray - issues that were of particular concern to the Manitoba government, Goertzen added.

Additionally, the changes would require judges to consider the safety of the community as a whole and include that statement in a decision on bail, Goertzen noted.

“Keeping our streets safe is a key priority for our government. [This] commitment is the result of significant work and advocacy by the Manitoba government, but that work has to continue to ensure we are doing all we can to make Manitobans safe and hold those who commit crimes accountable,” said Goertzen.

While looking forward to these commitments being fulfilled by the federal government, the Manitoba government will continue to implement changes that are within provincial jurisdiction as it relates to monitoring those on bail, Goertzen noted.

Adventurers to Kick Off Crow Wing Trail AGM

The Crow Wing Trail Association will host its Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 15 at 1 pm at Cabane à sucre - St-Pierre-JolysSugar Shack.

Special guest speakers Terry and

Patty Doerksen will be presenting a recap of their adventure – traveling on the Crow Wing Trail by Red River ox-cart from Winnipeg to north of St. Paul, Minnesota, a 600 km journey they embarked on in 2022.

Terry and Patty Doerksen in Minneapolis at the end of their journey.

Terry followed the Crow Wing Trail most of the way by ox cart. Submitted photos

Chainsaw Carving Art Embraced by Grunthal Artist

St. Pierre hosted the annual Sugaring Off Festival recently. Visitors were able to take in the sweet delight along with experiencing the culture and music of the Francophone and Métis community.

By Angelique Forest

One Grunthal man’s decision to start making chainsaw carvings has turned into an art form in demand at community events, and has now led him to create a YouTube channel.

Lawrence Friesen explained that family problems in the past had caused a lot of anxiety, which in turn affected his sleep. Instead of worrying about problems that were out of his control, he found solice in chainsaw carvings.

Friesen has now been creating wood carvings for about 8 years now honing his skills.

Friesen’s journey started after watching other carvers on YouTube. The hints and techniques he absorbed led him to learn the skill. Soon after, he developed a passion, and soon became fully engulfed, initially creating a new hobby, but now taking it to the next level.

“My wife and I decided to sell our property and build a tiny house and live off grid so we could live debt free,” said Friesen. “I needed the flexibility so I quit my job and carved full time while building our house... so now I’m living the dream of a starving artist.”

Friesen, reflecting on his past, believes his interest in art all started when he was a boy. On a trip to BC with his parents when he was 10, his dad encouraged him to draw something to pass the time. He decided to draw semi trucks. When he turned 18, his artistic side came out again when he started airbrushing bikes, vans,

walls… just about anything the paint would stick to!

Eventually Friesen began selling carvings and marketing himself on Facebook.

More recently, he decided to start a You Tube channel of his own, Carvings by Law rence, in order to reach a larger audience, in crease sales and encourage others to express themselves. The response has been great, especially his video called Big Ash Bear.

“I dropped an ash tree near St. Malo on the river and carved a bear out of it from the stump,” he explained. “That video got 150,000 views and counting! Very excit ing!”

Another surprising outcome came from the channel, something Lawrence wasn’t expecting, helping someone in need.

“It started through a negative comment I received on one of my videos that didn’t make sense. Instead of lashing back, I asked if he was unhappy,” recalled Friesen. “Showing someone a bit of love goes a long way. I was able to encourage a young man who was contemplating suicide to have hope and be more positive about his life. I was happy I could be a flicker of light in this dark world.”

Friesen has now been creating wood carvings for about 8 years now, honing his skills.

Maple sugaring at the St. Pierre Museum’s “Cabane à Sucre”. Submitted photos

Lawrence Friesen demonstrates his artistry with a chainsaw at the St. Pierre Sugaring Off Festival held recently.

Species at Risk Spotlight: Short-eared Owl

By Norm Gregoire

As we slowly head into spring the warmer weather brings a change to the tall-grass prairie. With patches of snow disappearing, they reveal what has been lying dormant for many months. Rivers and creeks begin to flow and, in the water, and along the banks, life returns. In these first signs of spring there is no more life found anywhere else other than in the sky. Migrating birds are welcomed back as they begin to breed and nest, or just pass through on their way farther north. This includes many at-risk species such as the short-eared owl.

Short-eared owls are medium sized owls, comparable in size to the American crow. It has streaked brown, black, and beige upper parts and a more lightly streaked breast. The eyes are yellow with a black eye-patch on a light coloured, disc shaped face. Ears are seldom visible. Another identifying feature is a slow, moth-like flight pattern, observed at dawn and dusk that is typical of a short-eared owl as they search for prey.

The prey consists mostly of small mammals such as mice and voles. The owl is so reliant on these rodents that their own populations trend in similar direction as their prey. This phenomenon is sometimes known as a “boom or bust”. In times where prey is plenty, short-eared owls may lay upwards of eleven eggs, in their self built, ground nest. When prey population is low nests may be abandoned or yield as small a clutch size as a single egg.

In Canada, nesting is done mostly in the open areas of the prairies or tundra. Nests are scraped out by females who do most of the incubating. The males are still heavily involved by helping to feed the incubating female and hatchlings and work tirelessly defending the nest.

The short-eared owl is widely dispersed throughout the world. They are found in every continent except for Antarctica and Australia. Canada’s population is one that is considered to have seen declines, however, global population are beginning to stabilize in more recent years. Short-eared owls require large areas of unfragmented lands, so development has had a negative impact on them.

Short-eared owls are one of those species that may live in our backyard, but we rarely see. A species that is out of sight, out of mind like the short-eared owl is sometimes forgotten, but if you are lucky enough to witness one as it hovers over the prairie it is an image that you won’t soon forget.

The newly branded Shared Legacy Partnership is working hard to alleviate threats for species at risk such as the short-eared owl and improve their habitat through effective communication and coordination between the partners and targeted outreach. We have three key areas of focus: nature, culture, and economy. To learn more contact Norm at info@sharedlegacymb.ca or visit our website, sharedlegacymb.ca.

De Salaberry to Receive Funding for Continued Improvements to St. Malo Arena

In mid-March, the RM of De Salaberry was happy to find out they were receiving grant funding from the Arts Culture and Recreation Capital Fund for the St. Malo Arena, Phase 2 project for a total of $700,000.

The fund was approved from a Provincial program that targets infrastructure projects that strengthen and make communities more resilient.

According to the municipal council, with this funding, residents of St. Malo will have access to a modern and acces-

sible sports and a recreation facility they can enjoy well into the future.

Council noted that the timing of this funding is ideal as Phase 1, started 3 years ago, was just completed in 2022 which involved the replacement of the ice plant and addition of dehumidifiers.

The funding ensures that Phase 2 will continue. This involves further renovations and upgrades to the arena include replacing the dashboards, revamping the front entrance and foyer,

moving the tractor room, and more.

The municipality is projecting to complete the renovations and upgrades by 2025 and anticipates keeping the arena open for the hockey season.

The St. Malo Arena currently hosts the St. Malo Warriors, St. Malo War Hogs, and Rat River Saints in addition to other local teams.

This project will help make the St. Malo Arena a year round multi-use facility serving generations to come.

Landmark Blues Shine and Take Bronze in Provincials

The Female U13 B Provincials, which were held in Grandview in early March, saw the Eastman dual roster female team, the Landmark Blues win in overtime to take the bronze medal.

Amazing results for a team that only practices a handful of times throughout the season and only plays 3 to 4 exhibition games.

After a goal scored by Natalie Kotyk and a pair by Vienna Ottava, the game was tied at 3 at the end of regulation.

Four minutes into OT, Amelie Paseshnik fed her defence partner, Jani Chaput, a high slot pass and Jani made no mistake by firing a shot from the point to beat Macdonald’s goalie five hole for the win.

Manitoba Government Reduces Charitable Raffle Licence Fees

By Dan Guetre

The Manitoba government is introducing regulatory changes to the Licensing and Appeals Regulation that will allow the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) to restructure its licence fee model for charitable raffles.

“Manitobans are the most charitable people in all of Canada,” said Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen. “Lowering raffle fees will ensure that more of Manitobans generosity will go to the charities and causes they are choosing to support.”

Under the new model, which comes into effect April 1, the fee for major raffles with anticipated gross revenues over $10,000 will be reduced to one per cent from 1.5 per cent of the actual gross revenue, calculated and due after the event. The change represents a 33 per cent fee reduction for raffle licensees, noted Goertzen.

Charitable raffles with anticipated gross revenues between $2,000 and $10,000 will pay a nominal licence fee, while charitable raffles with anticipated gross revenues under $2,000 - which typically operate for recreational purposes rather than fundraising will continue to be eligible for a free licence.

Groups like ROC Eastman, the Dawson Trail Museum, and dozens of other community groups will be able to retain a bit more of their fundraising efforts.

The new reduced fee also includes the popular fundraising event Chase the Ace raffles. In Lorette, a committee running a Chase the Ace is raising funds to go towards their Tache Community Recreational Complex. This is held at the Dawson Trail Motor Inn on Thursdays. The Steinbach and Area

Animal Rescue hosts a weekly Chase the Ace at Smitty’s Restaurant on Mondays. The Jackpot of $ 9,249.25 was just won and the organizers are considering running a fresh game. The Richer Community Club has hosted a Chase the Ace at the Richer Inn on Saturday for years. Funds raised go towards the Dawson Trail Park. Their highest Jackpot reached over $160,000. More funds raised through these community fundraisers will now stay with the groups.

“So the next time the charitable organization holding the event submits a report, the licence fee they would be required to pay would be calculated at 1% of revenue,” confirmed LGCA spokesperson Alison Mitchell. She noted that the new fee is effective on the reporting date, not on the date that the ace is selected.

Short-eared owls are medium sized owls, comparable in size to the American crow. It has streaked brown, black, and beige upper parts and a more lightly streaked breast. The eyes are yellow with a black eye-patch on a light coloured, disc shaped face.

Photo by Tony Campbell

Groups like ROC Eastman, the Dawson Trail Museum, and dozens of other community groups will be able to retain a bit more of their fundraising efforts. The new reduced fee also includes the popular fundraising event Chase the Ace raffles such as the ones benefiting the Steinbach Area Animal Rescue (left), Richer Community Club (centre) and Lorette Community Complex Fundraiser (right). File photos

The team is made up of girls from Ste. Anne, Springfield, Landmark, Niverville and La Broquerie, as well as other Eastman areas. Submitted photo

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch April

Provincial Green Leadership Won by Southeast Woman

By Dan Guetre

A member who joined the Green Party of Manitoba when it was founded in 1998 has been elected the Party’s new leader.

Voting took place online from March 13-26 in which Janine Gibson, who resides just south of Steinbach, received a majority of votes. Turnout in the Election was 54%.

Gibson is a seasoned Green can didate who has run four times for MLA and is planning to run again in La Verendrye. As an Agriculture Consultant, Gibson works to shift farms and industry toward, what she describes, true sustainability.

“I am excited and humbled at the confidence expressed in my lead ership during these challenging times,” said Gibson in response to her victory.

Gibson is also involved with the national party joining it 5 years after joining the provincial party.

“I joined the Green Party of Canada in 2003 and served as the federal Agriculture critic under the leadership of Jim Harris,” said Gibson. “Elizabeth May has been a wonderful mentor and inspiration for me since she was first elected leader in 2006 with her mission to ‘rescue grassroots democracy from the political spin that makes voters recoil from participation’.”

As the new leader of the Green Party of Manitoba, Gibson is preparing for a Provincial election with most predicting an election in the fall.

“Making choices based on my values has helped give direction and strength in responding to the challenges of life,” said Gibson. “Too many folks are angry and feel betrayed by our political system. I share this message with Manitobans to inspire greater engagement in our democratic system, to improve the low voter participation rates we are seeing in Manitoba and Canada.”

Gibson’s goals as the new leader are to work hard to improve on the structure in place to get their message out and to use her experiences from elections and activism to attract candidates and work with the media to be heard.

“Building our leadership team within the GPM to respond to the wide variety of Manitobans concerns in a timely manner is going well and needs to continue,” said Gibson. “We have a great Policy Development team. We need to build our donor base, increase our visibility and communication outreach and continue to network with like minded, goal sharing groups to build our voter base through joint sponsored community events.”

“My goals include letting folks know it is important we vote, it is an act of hope,” added Gibson. “It is important we vote Green to support upstream policies everyday folks need with costing to ensure fiscal responsibility so we are not borrowing from our grandkids.”

She is hoping to increase the percentage of the vote towards Green candidates as it will send a strong message to other parties that they should take a deep look at their policies.

“We Greens have always been cutting edge with our policy ideas, based on our grassroots, practical experiences,” explained Gibson. “We’ll happily educate on their values so other parties help themselves and update their approaches to meet today’s realities.”

To get a consistent message out to Manitobans, Gibson has a plan.

“Our GPM Communications Committee plans to offer Media training to our 2023 candidates to build these crucial media skills,” she explained and added, “I have a fair amount of media experience having run 9 times federally, 4 times provincially, served as the national president of Canadian Organic Growers, and co-chaired our Manitoba Organic Alliance. The SE Manitoban ‘Ever Green Candidate’ as I have been called, enjoys media work, which helps.”

Gibson is currently recruiting volunteers for all duties relevant to a political party, including searching for candidates to represent them in the next election.

“I plan to increase our membership, increase our volunteer contingent, and find the hopeful, talented, dedicated folks to serve as candidates in all 57 constituencies in Manitoba so we are ready in the fall to give Manitobans more choice,” she said.

When voters go to the polls, Gibson wants electors to know when it comes to the financial stability of the Province’s books, the Manitoba Green Party plans to cost everything out.

“We pride ourselves as Greens on putting the ‘conserve’ back into fiscally conservative policy finance planning,” she said. “When we cost out our policies we ensure they are financially doable.”

“Our policies are generally up-

2023

stream, proactive and not reactive ‘band-aid’ solutions other parties resort to,” she added.

“For example, we have a focus on Basic Income, which would actually save money, not cost more than current supports. These savings in addressing poverty, crime, addiction, homelessness, especially savings in healthcare, emergency room and incarceration costs will be substantial. And our focus in health is on prevention and not illness-care, clearly financially much more prudent.”

Gibson believes that being environmentally responsible can save money in the long-term.

“With our more proactive approach to reducing GHG emissions and better environmental stewardship, we plan to better manage climate change impacts and the cost of paying for climate disasters,” she explained.

She also believes that subsidies for oil and gas production would be one important example where funds could be reallocated such as towards education and expanded childcare space development.

“We would advocate for expanding opportunities to promote energy efficiency and conservation in our schools and community buildings [such as] existing building retrofits including solar energy and sustainable designs of new construction,” she stressed.

“In doing so, significant reductions in the long-term costs of operations and maintenance of public buildings would be realized, while their environmental footprint would be dramatically reduced.”

“Democracy needs participation to work, not just the participation of people with money, everyday people like you and me are needed for perspective,” is a message she wants people to hear.

The Woods are Calling

Welcome to another day of spring, sort of. The sun is shining and the snow is melting in some areas but, for the most part, the temperature is staying just below the freezing mark. If you’re like me you can hardly wait for the nice weather where we can walk outside without even thinking about putting on a jacket, when we can step outside with or without putting on shoes. Feeling the grass between our toes is one of the greatest feelings of the new season. Hold strong everyone, warm spring will arrive in due time.

As the weather does warm up I feel the spring time urging to go outside more. The outside calls to me. Without the bitter cold wind snapping at my exposed skin and the height of the snow making walking extra difficult, it is becoming more and more pleasant to be out and about. With a nice section of forest on my property, a walk in the woods is becoming more and more attractive. Once the snow drops another foot I might even be able to talk my wife and children into coming with me. Thankfully, the dogs are always up for an adventure where they can run and sniff all kinds of new and interesting smells.

One thing that I enjoy about walking in the forest are the peaceful sounds. While it is easy to think that the forest is quiet, I do not want anyone to confuse quiet with peaceful. There are a great many sounds in the woods if a person only takes the time to stand still, or sit if you want, and listen. The creaking of the trees as they move in the wind is a favourite sound of mine with the very occasional sound of a branch falling to the forest floor on the extra windy days. Depending on the time of day and the season, a multitude of bird calls can be heard as they flitter about from branch to branch and some soar far overhead.

I can recall the time that I was walking through the woods when a bird, I think that it was a grouse, exploded out of the bush about a foot away from me. That was a wonderful surprise and I was very happy once my heart started to beat again after it’s’ departure. While the woods call to me with their alluring whispers of tranquillity and adventure, so to does my garage and yard call to me with shouts of tasks that need to be completed and machines to be readied for the season. Sigh. The yard work shall be a topic for another month. For now I must go, the woods call and I must answer. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Janine Gibson’s goals as the new leader are to work hard to improve on the structure in place to get their message out and to use her experiences from elections and activism to attract candidates and work with the media to be heard. Submitted photo

Provincial and Federal Budgets

There were many announcements made by both our provincial government and the federal government during the month of March. Here are a few items that will affect our personal income taxes and some benefits tied to taxable income.

MANITOBA

Carbon Tax Relief Fund

The provincial government has been issuing rebate cheques to individuals and families. The payments are $225 for individuals and $375 for couples, with the lower income earner receiving the payment. The cheques were sent to the address on file based on your 2021 taxes. Only those with family income under $175,000 in 2021 will receive the payments. The payments are taking several weeks to be mailed out so you may not have received yours yet.

If you have moved in the past year and did not have your mail forwarded, you may not have received the cheque and need to call MB Finance. If your marital status has changed and you are now separated, you may need to call

to find out more. If you have not received your cheque by now, you can call to inquire. Call the Manitoba Inquiry Line: 204.945.3744 or 1.866.626.4862.

If you did not file your 2021 tax return by December 31 2022, you are not eligible to receive the payment.

Hearing Aid Grant Program for Seniors

A new hearing aid grant of up to $2,000 will be available to all Manitobans who meet the following eligibility criteria: - age 65 or over - family income below $80,000 in the previous year - have documented hearing loss - have been prescribed hearing aids by an audiologist

The Manitoba government will begin accepting applications later this spring. We are waiting for more details on how to apply for the grant.

2023 Basic Exemption

The Manitoba basic exemption will increase from $10,145 to $15,000 for 2023. That means for everyone, the first $15,000 will not be taxed. This will save the

average Manitoban about 400+ per year.

Unfortunately, there are many low-income seniors and other lowincome taxpayers that will not see any tax savings since they already pay no provincial taxes.

I think there could have been better ways to help lower-income Manitobans by having this basic exemption on a sliding scale so higher income taxpayers would not see as much tax savings and it would not reduce the tax revenue the provincial government will receive in years to come.

2024 Increasing Tax Brackets

The changes to when you pay more in taxes will come into affect in 2024: the first tax bracket is currently $37,000 and will increase to $47,000 in 2024, the next tax bracket is $80,000 and will increase to $100,000. These new tax brackets are more in line with what the current federal tax brackets are already.

Education Property Tax Rebate

The Education Property Tax Re-

bate will increase from 37.5 percent to 50 percent for 2023 for residential and farm properties. The rebate for other properties will remain at 10 percent.

Those who have low property taxes will not see any tax savings since they already pay no school taxes with both available rebates. So only those with higher property tax bills will see savings.

CANADA

Federal “Grocery Rebate”

The Federal government announces another doubling of the GST credit for lower income Canadians, up to $467 for a family. Single taxpayers should receive up to $234 and for seniors up to $255. No date has been announced for these extra GST credit payments, but likely in May 2023.

Canada Dental Benefit

The Canada Dental Benefit will be expanding to include more children. The current benefit is for children under 12 with the first benefit period ending June 30 2023 (see our previous articles at DawsonTrail.ca or AnniMark-

mann.ca). No details yet, but the expanded program will include children under 18 and other lower income Canadians.

There are so many more programs and benefits to keep track of now and seniors and families may want to review their taxable income to see if there is any way to reduce the net income to qualify for upcoming benefits. Families can use RRSPs to reduce net income. Seniors can reduce income from their RRIFs. Get some professional help before making any decisions to reduce your net income.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact Ste Anne Tax Service at 204.422.6631 (phone or text!) or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Coop) or info@sataxes.ca.

Steinbach RCMP Warn Public After Seeing Pattern of Recent Online Fraud

After recent reports of fraud online, the RCMP are reaching out to the public and warning them to be wary of out of the blue financial requests from “friends and acquaintances” asking for financial help.

The frauds involved unknown suspects contacting victims online through social media. The suspects either befriend the victims, or claim to be representing their employer. In either case, the suspects create a sense of urgency. This is achieved either by requesting money for an emergency or to process a monetary award that is time sensitive. Suspects then request the victims to receive a cheque by mail, cash the cheque, and then send the funds to the suspects by cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Another fraud has the suspects requesting money to solve the emergency or to process a monetary award.

The public should be wary about who they are interacting with online especially anyone they do not know who promises money in exchange for their cooperation. Funds, when sent outside Canada or by cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, are often difficult to recover.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Southeast Manitoba Regional Transportation Initiative Crunching Data

Rural Municipalities throughout Manitoba have traditionally struggled with the challenge of meeting the transportation needs of their residents. The Southeast Manitoba Regional Transportation Initiative is an exciting new way to collaboratively work to discover the needs, access the funding, and provide creative solutions.

The launch of this transportation Initiative began in September 2022. An initial project update was held at the AMM convention in late November 2022, where an informational video was released, as well as on-line surveys, in both French and English.

Additional paper surveys were made available for those who felt more comfortable with that media or did not have on-line access.

Another meeting of supporting partners was recently held on February 8, 2023, hosted by the RM of La Broquerie. It was well attended by the RMs of La Broquerie, Piney, Taché, Reynolds, De Salaberry, Stuartburn, Ritchot, and Hanover. In addition, there was representation from the Town of Ste. Anne, the Village of St. Pierre, and Buffalo Point First Nation as well as Eco-West Canada and TONS (Transportation Options Network for Seniors. There were zoom observers and participation from Steinbach Chamber of Commerce and the City of Steinbach, Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce, Providence College, the Provincial Government (Climate and Green Plan Implementation Office, Province of Manitoba) and the Federal Government (Prairies Economic Development Canada).

At this early February meeting, preliminary data collection received from the early surveys was shared. At that time there had been 534 responses to the survey but that has now nearly doubled as more responses came in by the end of February deadline.

“We are excited to work with Piney and the collaborators. The survey will allow us to determine and understand resident needs,” said Jason Einarson, Councillor with the Town of Ste. Anne. “If we can take the burden off

friends and family in their transportation needs, we will provide a great benefit to residents.”

The RM of Piney has been taking the lead during the data collection and are now examining the data and comments received. Piney is now in the process of analyzing the data.

It appears from early data that most residents see transportation needs as a way to get to work, to shop, to attend medical appointments, and also to attend sports and other events. Most often residents were looking for transportation to Winnipeg, Steinbach, and Ste. Anne and back to their communities.

Although the same transportation solutions may not suit every municipality or region, project partners were presented with a variety of transportation solutions.

One presentation was made by Kyle White from Co-operatives First and focused on Car Share Co-operatives with several municipalities expressing their interest in learning more about it as a possible viable solution to their transportation needs. White gave examples of the success of car share cooperatives in other areas and detailed the upfront costs of membership, usage, opportunities for partnerships and fundraising opportunities.

“We applaud the initiative and the thinking outside the box to find other solutions to transportation needs,” said Denise Parent, CAO, RM of De Salaberry. “We are currently exploring options on car sharing and co-operative carpooling.”

Ryan Faucher, representing the RM of Ritchot, delivered a thorough presentation on the use of car sharing using municipal vehicles. This RM sees a version of car sharing, especially using EVs, as a viable possible solution to meet their transportation needs. Ryan explained the practicality of this concept and the RM is enthusiastic about pursuing possible funding for the project and welcoming other partners to join in with them.

“The RM of Ritchot is always open to lessening the environmental footprint.

We have EV stations that are already installed,” explained Joel Lemoine, a Councillor with the RM of Ritchot. “The transit surveys will shed light on what residents see as our needs. We are also open to listening and partaking in the initiative as best we can.”

“We are encouraged to see Rural Municipalities are all on the same page,” he added. “Funding and shared practices make sense to provide solutions to residents.”

Winnipeg Transit shared their Transit plans to transition to zero-emission buses, and how they could create mobility hubs that would connect to rural transportation, such as shuttle buses, into primary Winnipeg networks. Their plan has a date of 2025 for implementation. Their presentation included a comparison of conventional, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell systems. It also included the necessity of further charging stations for their EVs.

Eco-West Canada is taking the lead on finding solutions for the transportation needs of the supporting partners.

They are a national not-for-profit organization based in Winnipeg whose mandate is to promote the sustainable economic development of Canada’s rural municipalities through the planning and implementation of a green economy infrastructure.

Currently Eco-West Canada is examining funding solutions that could be used to address the needs of the southeast while pursuing grants that include EVs. They plan to contact the various partners to discuss funding options for electric vehicles/chargers.

Steinbach Economic Development Corp. (SED) recently joined the initiative as a new funding partner.

“Steinbach Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to be a part of the Southeast Transportation Initiative stakeholder group,” said Michelle Bezditny, Director of Economic Development Steinbach. “Engagement at this level will provide insight from a business perspective, highlighting the economic impact transportation has on the business community.”

New Angling Regulations Take Effect 1 April

Manitobans and visitors will be able to enjoy year-round fishing opportunities for certain species across the province starting April 1.

“As new regulations come into effect, anglers will be able to experience a whole new fishing adventure,” said Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt. “It’s exciting to be able to catch species such as northern pike and smallmouth bass during a time that has traditionally been closed. The Manitoba government encourages everyone to explore the province’s world-class fisheries.”

Walleye fishing will be closed starting April 3 this season. The walleye fishing season opens in the southern fishing division on May 13, except

on Lake Winnipeg, which opens one week later on May 20, and in the Northwest and North Central fishing divisions, which will also open May 20. Anglers must not target species during closed times.

Some areas will be closed to all fishing this spring to protect spawning stocks including the Red River between Lockport Dam and Lake Winnipeg, Dauphin Lake and its tributaries, excluding the Vermilion Reservoir, and the Assiniboine River downstream of the Portage Diversion to Provincial Road 240.

New angling licences can be purchased online and at participating vendors starting April 1. Annual licences will be valid starting May 1 and new one-day angling licences will be valid

for chosen dates. Fee changes will align with new licence types.

Anglers will now be able to carry angling licences on an electronic device or as a printed copy and must be able to show proof of licensing upon request. All anglers are required to obtain a Manitoba angling licence to fish in the province, unless exempt or fishing within a federal park.

Manitoba seniors, active military members and veterans who reside in Manitoba do not require an angling licence to fish, but must show proof of age, residency and identification.

For more information on fishing regulations refer to the 2023 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide, available online at manitobafisheries.com or in stores where angling licences are sold.

April 2023

Falcon Beach

Bingo – Wednesdays at 7: 30 pm, early bird games at 7 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club 20 301 Pr, Falcon Beach. Contact 204-349-2293.

Friedensfeld

Steinbach Arts Council Annual Fundraising Gala – Friday, May 5 at the Community Hall. Take part in all your favourites like the online auction, Fine Art Auction, Jewelry raffle, and enjoy an evening of entertainment, fine dining, and exquisite wine. Tickets available at steinbacharts.ca. Celebrate over 4 decades of arts and culture in our community by reserving your table today. Individual Ticket: $125, Table of 8: $925.

Let’s Get Social! - Save the date for our annual fundraising social on Saturday, April 15, 8 pm to 1 am. Come on out and support the Community Centre’s “Bringing the community together for over 50 years!” Night Lunch provided. Contact us for your tickets today at Friedensfeldcc.com.

Gardenton

Easter Spring Craft & Bake Sale - Saturday, April 8 at 10 am, at the Park, Hwy 209. Easter craft and bake sale, paska, baba, potatoe, hamburger or sauerkraut perishky, prune it poppy seed buns, homemade donuts and more. Also serving perogy and homemade cream sauce lunch and two types of homemade soup. Come out and check out the vendors.

Grunthal

Coffee Connections - All adults ages 55+ are welcome to join us at the New Horizon Centre for a time of visiting, while enjoying coffee, tea and refreshments. Join us and bring your friends. There is no cost. Contact Anita Funk 204-371-9134.

Hadashville

Mini Seed-Exchange Reynolds Garden Club – Saturday, April 15, from 10 am - 12 noon, at Reynolds Civic Center (Hwy 11. Features guest speaker Meredith Stoesz from Wild Birds Unlimited (Winnipeg), presenting “Creating a Habitat” including how to get your habitat certified. Additional topic by club member on “Beginner Vegetables”. Admission is one seed packet per person for the exchange table, take as many packets home as you bring!

Ile des Chenes

Yoga - Thursdays at 9 am and Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Gentle yet invigorating yoga for adults 55+. $5 per class. Contact yogaforyoumanitoba@outlook.com to register.

La Broquerie

R3 Horse Fest - Friday, April 28 at 12 pm to Sunday, April 30; 38117 Rd 28N, 39042, south off of PR 303, at the Rocky Ridge Ranch Equine Centre. Grand opening events with a 3-Day Ladies trainer challenge with Registered American Quarter Horses, Clinicians Rob Dreidger and Elaine Banfield, presentations, lectures, demonstrations, vendors and Jason Kirkness in concert. All Inclusive Weekend Pass from $25 to $75 per adult. Contact Myra Angermann, 204- 346-9801, or rockyridge.mbca@ gmail.com.

Farmers’ Market –From June 20 until September 26. Weekly market Tuesdays 3 -7 pm and monthly market, last Sunday, 11 am -3 pm. We invite vendors to apply through our online form available at facebook.com/labroqueriefarmersmarket. Deadline for submission is Saturday, April 15, or until spots are filled. Location is the La Broquerie Hotel parking lot.

Lorette

Tache Library - Hosting various events throughout the month including Family Library Night and, the Book Club. Everyone welcome!

Mitchell

Toast & Coffee – On Tuesdays, drop-in for toast and coffee for $2 and a menu is available with prices according to what you order at the Mitchell and Area Community Centre, 130 Ash St. Contact Jane Penner 204-346-2469, jpenner@jantre.com.

Ritchot Senior Services Events

Group Outing The Leaf at Assiniboine Park - Friday April 14, 10 am – 2 pm. Join us for a fun filled day at The Leaf. We’ve arranged for handi transit transportation to pick us up. Spend your time strolling through the gardens. There are many benches set up along the pathways for you to sit and enjoy.

Cost: $15 per person, limited number of seats. You must pre register for this event.

Annual General Meeting – In May 2023. Date to be confirmed. Ritchot Senior Services will be accepting nominations for: Board President, Vice President, Treasurer and Members at large. We meet quarterly unless a meeting is called regarding a specific project. All board members are expected to represent

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities! Dawson Trail Dispatch

C ommunity E v E nts

Niverville Manitoba Makers Market - Saturday, May 13, 10 am to 3 pm at the Heritage Centre, entrance 100C Heritage Trail. Admission- monetary donaiton. An Exclusive show for handmade items. Contact Chelsea Gauthier 204-388-500, events@ heritagecentre.ca.

Otterburne

Toddler Shenanigans – Join us for free coffee, tea and snacks on Wednesdays, April Cinema Station and April 12 Curling Club. Registration encourage. Visit ratriverrecreation.com.

Piney Meet Your Neighbours Pot Luck Dinner – Thursday, April 27, 5:15 pm, at the Community Hall To our neighbours in Piney and neighbouring towns and seniors join us, bring a dish, meet fellow seniors in you area, and invite your friends. Contact Barb 204-423-2089.

Richer Dinner & Dance - Saturday, April 15, doors open at 4:30 pm, dinner at 6 pm and dancing until 11 pm at the Young at Hearts Club. Live music with “By Request”. Tickets $25 each. Call Ron at 431-275-0874 for tickets.

Growing Mushrooms & Making Maple Syrup – April 6, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Young at Hearts Club. Come learn and have fun with Ken Fosty certified aborist on how to grow, harvest mushrooms and process maple syrup in your own back yard. Kits for starting mushrooms and taps for harvesting sap will be available for purchase. Contact Jerry Carrier richermetis@ gmail.com.

Ste. Anne Lions Club - Coffee, Dessert, Entertainment Evening – Friday, May 5 at the Young at Hearts Club. Featuring Daylin James as Elvis/Tom Jones, silent auction, 50/50. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets $20 available at AJ Fiola Insurance, Pam’s Hair Boutique, Ste. Anne Variety or from any Lions member.

Richer Recovery AA Group - Meets every Monday from 7:308:30 pm at LUD Hall. If you would like more information, call Jeff at 204-371-5518 or Albert at 204-380-3058.

Chase the Ace - every Saturday night at the Richer Hotel. Tickets on sale from 5 pm to 7:45 pm. Organized by the Richer Community Club, see Facebook page for more info.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. Limited seats please reserve. Doors Opent 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca.

Roseau River Woodmore Women’s Institute Composting Workshop and Plant Exchange – Tuesday, April 18 at 7 pm at the Roseau River Park. Hear from Master Composter Mick Manfield on the basics of back yard composting. Also, bring a plant/take a plant for our plant exchange. Pre-registration requested at meloskydebbie@ gmail.com, with a $10 fee to be paid at the door.

RM of Stuartburn

Services to Seniors - Free Shuttle for residents of the RM the first Friday of each month. Call to book a ride and do your banking and shopping locally or book your doctor’s appointment and we will get you to your appointment. Call 204-425-3701.

Services to Seniors Steinbach Shuttle - Subsidized cost $15/ person. Minimum of 8 participants required for the trip to take place. Departure from Shady Oaks at 9:30 am. Call 204-4253701 to book a seat.

South Junction Southeast Farmer’s Market - Indoor Market Days at the Pine Grove Seniors:

Saturday April 1 - Easter Market - 10 am – 2 pm

and promote RSS in community and public relations. If you would like any information regarding any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Janice 204-883-2880 or email ritchotseniors@mymts.net.

Quilting & Knitting – Wednesday, April 19 from 9:30 – 11; 30 am at 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.

Touch Quilts - are being created that will be donated to the Manitoba Alzheimer Society. Touch Quilts provide individuals in the late stages of dementia with an opportunity for sensory stimulation which is important for someone affected by dementia because it can provide feelings of comfort and relaxation.

Knitting - A variety of knitwear is being created such as mittens, hats and scarves. These items are donated throughout the year to different groups to help provide comfort to those less fortunate. If you are interested in participating, come on

Saturday May 13 – Mother’s Day Market – 10 am -2 pm

Saturday, June 10 – 10 am - 2 pm

Southeast Farmer’s Market - Summer Outdoor Market held every Friday starting Friday, July 7 - Friday, September 1 form 3 to 8 pm at the Pine Grove Seniors.

Sprague

Sprague Service to Seniors Seeking Volunteers - Seeking individuals to assist and to provide a few services to seniors within our community such as snow removal, transportation and home cleaning services for a fee, and volunteers in the congregate Meals Programs. A criminal record check is required for cleaning services and transportation. Email lgdseniors@gmail.com with your rates and for info or call 204-437-2604.

St. Malo

Paint Party- Saturday, April 15, 11 am – 1 pm at Epic Smile. For ages 14 and over. Cost $15 each. Join the creative farmhouse and design your own sign. Supplies to assemble board included. Choose between Grey, Ebony, and Coffee for stain, and between the images posted on our website or social medias for your design. All stains and designs choices need to be in by April 3. Choices can be emailed to info@ratriverrecreation.com, or text to 204-712-7773.

Kids in the Kitchen - Dessert Decorating Edition – Tuesdays, May 2–May 23, 6-7:30pm at Epic Smile. Ages 8-14. Cost $65. Bake and decorate cookies, cupcakes & cakes with Martha!

St. Pierre-Jolys

Charcuterie Board Workshop - Wednesday, April 12, 6:308:30 pm at The House That Love Built. Cost $65. Prepare and enjoy a charcuterie board containing meats, cheeses, fruits, etc. Take home the board with your display, or enjoy your creation during the workshop. If you’d like to take home a second board, please contact info@ratriverrecreation.com.

Steinbach The Great Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 8, doors open at 10 am, event from11 am – 1 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Free admission. Grab an Easter egg basket and bring your kids to what will be an unforgettable morning of romping around the grounds to search for Easter Eggs! With over 30,000 eggs to be found, we need the help of the whole community to collect every last one. Children’s activities available inside.

Friends of Ukraine Canada Bake Sale Fundraiser – Saturday, April 18, 9 am – 1 pm at the Clearsping Centre. Sale of Baked Goods, pies, paska, babkas, cabbage rolls, perogies, nalysknyky, soups, studenetz, beet relish and more! Silent Auction prizes, 50/50 draw, Gospel & Folk Music (10 am - Noon) and prayers and blessings. All proceeds to aid Ukraine Refugees in Southeast Manitoba and Garden of Eden (Garden Veggies for food banks). Join us for Coffee! Income Tax receipts will be issued.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – Monday, April 10, 7 – 9 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village, Hwy 12. Dorinda Penner from Sunshine Greenhouse will be presenting “What’s new in the Greenhouse for 2023”. Annual Membership- Individual $20; Family $30. Contact sagcnewsletter@gmail.com.

MHV Volunteer Orientation - Thursday, April 2, 7 pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Ever wonder what it takes to run a printing press? Have you ever churned butter or baked bread in a brick oven? Whether serving ice cream in the short order booth, face painting, or blacksmithing, we have plenty of unique volunteer opportunities for you to explore. This is your chance to try something new! Bring a friend, and learn a new skill. All experience levels welcome. Contact 204-326-9661.

Craft Night - Wednesdays at 7 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Ages 16 years and up join us for a free event, with coffee and crafting. Our craft for the evening will be a beaded spring wreath. There is limited space available. To sign up, email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com.

Book Club - Meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 pm Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Books are available at the circ desk as well as on our Libby App (free with your library card). Please sign up by email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com. Limited space available.

Steinbach & Area Lions Club - Meets second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm, South East Helping Hands. Contact 204-326-2313.

Tolstoi

Spring Spaghetti Supper - Sunday, April 30 from 4 – 7 pm at the Seniors’ Centre. All-you-can-eat spaghetti and meat sauce, caesar salad, garlic bread, dessert and beverage. Please call ahead for vegetarian, gluten-free, and take-out options. Cost Adults - $15, Children from 2 to 9 years - $5. Contact Sandra Drewniak, 204-425-3556, Sjdrewniak@hotmail.com.

Vassar

Vassar and Area Minor Baseball – Registration open until Tuesday, April 4. Register at vassarbaseball@hotmail.com. There is a level for everyone from ages 4 - 18! It is very important that players register by this date to confirm the number of players and teams we have. 9U - 18U Players/Coaches/Managers will have to register through RAMP once teams are confirmed.

Vita

Canadian

Red Cross Babysitters Course - Saturday, April 29, 9 am – 4 pm at 466 Sabourin. Cost $55. Basic first aid and childcare skills for youth ages 11-15. Participants learn how to care for children of different age groups and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also provides youth with the skills necessary to promote themselves as babysitters to potential families. Register online or contact info@ratriverrecreation.com.

Train your Dog Life Skills Level 1 – 5 week session, Wednesdays from May 1- 31, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Learn eye contact, sit, down and stand and stay, leave it, impulse control. Cost $135 at the Community Hall. Please email info@ratriverrecreation.com with your dogs name, age, and breed. All dogs are required to be friendly with people and dogs in a group class. This is a basic life skills training class and not ideal for a reactive training class from dog to human.

3234 Manitoba Horse Cadets – Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 pm at the Community Hall from September to June. Cost is Free. Meet new friends, fun, adventures, leadership, citizenship, community service, drill band, orienteering, and more. Contact Captain Phil Atkinson 3234Army@cadets.gc.ca or phillip.atkinson@ cadets.gc.ca. Website 3234manitobahorse.ca.

Community Gardens – Available for Spring. 10 x 20 plots west of the Village of St. Pierre-Jolys. Cost $50 per plot for the season. Contact info@ratriverrecreation.com

Ste. Anne Comité culturel de Sainte-Anne Inc. Annual General Meeting - at Club Jovial, Monday, April 24 at 7 pm. Featuring an Artists showcase, Bingo for fun, Snacks and glass of wine. All are welcome; the evening will be conducted in French.

Ste Genevieve Mini Library - Every second Tuesday of each month, Taché library holds a “mini-library” at the Community Centre from 6:307:30 pm. Come check out some books, exchange and request items from the library.

by. Everything you need to help is supplied.

Foot Care Clinics - By appointment only. For more information, please contact Janice at 204-883-2880.

Upcoming clinic dates:

Ste Agathe – Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25.

St. Adolphe – Monday, April 3, Tuesday April 4 and Wednesday, April 5.

Ile des Chenes – Tuesday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 3.

Heart to Home Meals -To place your order please call 1-204816-8659 or 1-888-216-1067. Call for a menu or one up at Ritchot Senior Services. We ask you to please call or email Ritchot Senior Services after placing your orders and let us know you have placed an order. This will assist us in organizing volunteers for delivery of meals to you.

Order your meals by: Wednesdays April 12 and April 26. Meals ready for pick up or delivery the following day.

MHV Spring Gala- Friday, May 12, doors open to our newest exhibit at 5:30 pm fooled by dinner at 6 pm, at the Mennonite Heritage Centre. Cost $75/ticket. You will be treated to a lovely dinner and live entertainment while supporting the preservation and restoration of our Printery.

Chase the Ace Fundraiser - Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue

– On Mondays at Smitty’s Restaurant. Tickets on sale 6 – 8 pm, draw at 8:15 pm. 2 tickets for $5.Come out and try to win cash. The jackpot goes up weekly until the Ace is drawn! Winning ticket receives 10% of ticket sales or 50% of sales if Ace is drawn.

Royal Canadian Legion Steinbach Branch - Meets first Tuesday of the month via Zoom at 7:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary meets first Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Steinbach Legion, 227 Main St – Unit 5. Email steinbach190rcl@outlook.com.

Al-Anon - Monday 7:30 pm Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. For information call Lloyd 204-326-4365.

Creative Writers Club - Second Wednesday every month at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. This is not a class but rather a writing share group where we hope to foster and encourage our participants’ love of writing. Feel free to bring 5 pages of writing (single sided, double spaced) to share with the group. Our evening will begin with an ice breaker and then move into share time. Coffee and tea will be served. Contact Madison Redekopp email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com.

Steinbach Professional Development Toastmasters Club – On Thursdays at 9:46 am, Eastman Education Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd. How can a person get the message across well, keep meeting participants engaged, and fully use the capabilities of videoconferencing platforms? What works? What doesn’t? What is the etiquette expected? Join us in person or by zoom on 12 pm every Wednesday. All guests are welcome! Contact Mark Hiebert 204-371-5197, email mhiebert@barkmanconcrete.com.

Knit-Wits Fibre Craft Club- First Tuesdays of the month at 6 – 8 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and other types of fibre crafting? Join other adults for informal knitting, crochet, etc. circle. All skill levels welcome. Please bring your own project/supplies.

This service is available to all areas of the Ritchot Community including St. Adolphe, Ste Agathe, Ile des Chenes, Grande Pointe, Howden and Glenlea. There are no contracts, no minimum orders.

Coffee with Friends – Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10 - 11:30 am. Open to everyone. $2 for bottomless coffee and a treat. Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.

Bingo – Tuesday, April 25 from 1:30 – 3 pm at 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe. Play for fun prizes. $2 admission, extra card 50 cents. You must pre register for this event.

Guest Speaker & Lunch – Tuesday, April 11 at10 am, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe. Special guest Carefree Concierge offering tips on downsizing, then carefully pack and move your belongings. They can help confirm appointments with cable, internet, and phone companies to ensure services are transferred to your

Grad Bingo 2023 – Fundraiser Schevchenko School Grad, Friday, April 21 (storm date Friday, May 5) at the Community Hall, 224 Main St. N. Doors open 5 pm, Bingo at 7 pm. Perogy supper $12. Early Bird Raffles 5:30 pm, 6 pm and 6:30 pm, 50/50 and Silent Auction. Bring your dabbers, come support our Grads.

Kindergarten Orientation and Registration Day – Monday, May 8, 9:45 – 11 am at the Schevchenko School. Prior to May 8, complete the registration package on-line or by paper by contacting school office before attending. Meet and greet for parents and fun activity stations for students. Please bring only children registering for Kindergarten. Stop by the office before or after to complete additional forms, bring birth certificate and health card so that we can take copy.

Vita & Area Minor Ball – Registration until Wednesday, April 5. For ages 4 – 18. Volunteers also needed. Register at vitaminorball@gmail.com, contact Kelcie Neufeld 204-392-5846.

Community Library Night - Thursdays, April 6, and May 4, 4 pm at the Shevchenko School. All community residents are invited to sign up for a library card and check out books from 4 -6:30 pm. Books can be returned anytime during the day or at the school front office.

Retro 90’s Social – Saturday, April 29, 8 – 1 am at the Hall. Cost $15/person includes perogy meal, DJ Music by Universals. Tickets available from hall members or at Sumthing Special. Woodridge Senior Day Conference – Wednesday, May 10 at the Hall. To register contact Kim 204-437-2604.

Car Show on the Ridge Fundraiser – Saturday May 27, (rain date Sunday, May 28) 11 am – 4 pm. Public admission is free, car registration $5 includes a souvenir dash plaque and opens at 9:30 am, at the M. A. Querel Community Park. Trophies, tale gate swap meet (bring your own table), BBQ, beer garden, music blow the engine 50/50 draw, silent auction and 50/50 draw. Fundraising net proceeds go towards thermal imager for the fire department and capital project for the community club.

Please email events to editor@dawsontrail.ca

new home. They can also arrange to have your previous home cleaned and ready for resale. Stay after for bowl of soup and chat with friends. You must pre register for this event.

Forever Young Old Time Spring Dance – Sunday, April 23, 1 – 5 pm, at the Pioneer Hall (upstairs of the rink), 345 St. Adolphe Rd. Live music entertainment provided by Country Plus, 50-50 draw and door prizes. Show your support and help us to plan for food by reserving your ticket early. Tickets $16 including lunch and you will be entered to win a door prize. Cash bar will be available. Call Jules at 204-883-2440.

Men’s Shed Ritchot/Howden - Wednesday April 12, 1-3 pm, Howden Community Centre 1078 Red River Dr. Welcoming, place for friendship, camaraderie and fun. For men to socialize, take part in activities and learn something new. Learn through doing stuff together. Come have a coffee, tea. Contact howdencc@gmail.com.

Dawson Trail Dispatch April 2023

In Your Community Pat Porter Active Living Centre (Serving Seniors Inc.) is a nonprofit organization that provides programs, activities and services for seniors and members of the community.

Seniors are the foundation of our community and our goal is to keep them a part of it for as long as possible. Read on to find out about everything we offer and how we can help you. Check out our Website for Programs & Events patporteralc.com.

Our Centre offers a great variety of events and programming weekly. Ranging from Fitness Programs to Recreational and Social Programs. There is something for everyone!

Current Programs:

Cost is $2 for members and $4 for non-members. * Programs are subject to change*

Morning Walking: Monday - Friday 8:30 – 9 am.

Coffee Corner: Monday - Friday 10 am – 12 pm.

Pickleball: Monday - Friday 910:30 am.

Beginner Pickleball: Monday - Friday 10:30 am – 12 pm, Tuesday 2 - 3:30 pm, Wednesday 1 – 3 pm (1 court) & 4 – 6 pm, Thursday 1- 3:30 pm, Friday 1 - 3:30 pm.

Evening Pickleball: Mondays 7:30 - 9:30 pm.

Badminton: Monday - Friday 12 – 1 pm.

Cards: Played Monday to Friday from 1 - 4 pm.

Fitness Classes:

Laughter Yoga: Monday 1 – 2 pm.

Fitness Drumming: Tuesday 11:45 pm.

Pace: Wednesday 1 - 1:45 pm.

Floor Curling: Wednesday 1:303:30 pm.

Yoga with Carrie: Friday 9 am – 10:30am.

Old Time Country Jam: Wednesday 7 – 9 pm.

Craft Corner: Friday 1 – 3 pm.

Choir: Wednesday 10 - 11:30 am.

Square Dancing: Tuesday 7 – 9 pm.

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Métis Youth from St. PierreJolys to Lead Provincial Youth Advisory Council on Environment

Steinbach Rockin’ Rollers: Sunday, 5 – 7 pm. A fun new rollerskating program is now being offered at the Centre. All skill levels and ages welcome. Cost $5 ($3 for Pat Porter members). Please bring your own roller skates. Preregister at patporteralc.com.

Special Events:

Lunch & Learn: Make sure your medication is helping you. Deprescribing Medication

Speaker: Audrey Harder, Thursday, April 6, 12 -1 pm. Learn how to start a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Learn what questions to ask and where to start. Bring your lunch or order from our kitchen when registering. Kitchen orders must be placed in advance with a cost of $8.Menu: coleslaw, rolled pork loin, potatoes, vegetables and dessert.

MPI Free Mature Driver

Refresher Course:

Thursday, April 13, 1 – 4 pm. Register in advance by calling 204320-4600 or stop by reception in person. Brush up on defensive driving techniques; learn about updated traffic laws and road safety rules.

Spring Lunch: Join us Tuesday, April 18 at 11:30 am for a delicious spring lunch of perogies, farmer sausage, seasonal vegetable and Carrot Cake. Pre-purchase your meal in advance by calling reception 204-320-4600 to reserve your spot before Friday, April 14. Cost $12.

Painting Workshop:

Tuesday, April 18, 1:30 – 4 pm. Cost $20 members/ $30 non members Led by local artist Doug Enns. All supplies included. This months painting features a Birch Tree-scape. RSVP by calling 204320-4600.

Dinner & Dance:

Featuring “Ukie Fusion”, Friday, April 28. Doors open at 5 pm, Dinner served at 5:30 pm and dance at 7 to 11 pm. Dinner/ Dance tickets - $25 Members and $30 Non-members. Dance Only tickets - $20 flat rate. Fried Chicken Dinner with Salads. Wine

available to purchase with dinner.

Cooking Demo with Southern Health: Tuesday, April 25 at 1 pm. Contact the Pat Porter Active Living Centre at 204-320-4600 to register. Led by a dietitian(s) and is open to anyone in the community. Register with your friends and family! The session will include: a short presentation on quick meal ideas, 5 or so recipes prepared right in front of you by a dietitian, opportunity to sample all of the meals. Cost $6. Handouts on quick and healthy meals and a copy of the recipes will be provided.

Pancake Breakfast:

Thursday, April 27, 9:30 – 11 am. $8/person. Enjoy a stack of pancakes and 2 sausages. All proceeds going to the Steinbach Meals on Wheels Program.

Rentals:

We have rooms of a variety of sizes and prices. For pricing and room, availability visit patporteralc.com, email rentals@patporteralc.com or call 204-320-4600.

Meals on Wheels:

A healthy, warm and delicious meal cooked fresh daily and delivered to your door. We have two Meals on Wheels programs running out of Steinbach and Grunthal. Meals may be purchased for $8 for delivery (residents of Steinbach & Grunthal) or pickup. A meal includes soup, a main dish, sides and dessert. Please call 204-3204600 with any questions or to order a meal. To receive a same day meal, you must call before 9 am.

Steinbach Accessible

Transit:

Need a ride to an appointment or other errand? Steinbach Accessible transit can get you there! This service is available to residents of Steinbach. Please visit our website patporteralc.com for a full price list. Services available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm and every other weekend. To book a ride, call 204-326-4055. If your call is not answered, leave a message with the answering service. Appointments must be booked in advance to ensure availability.

Tache Library “Springs” Forward with Busy April

The Tache Library has planned for a Family Library Night in Lorette for Wednesday, April 12 to run from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

Additionally, they are planning to be in Ste. Genevieve at the community centre on Satur -

day, April 15 also from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.

About a week later, on Thursday, April 20 they are hosting a Book Club featuring “Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a

By Dan Guetre

When a classmate shared that the Province of Manitoba was looking for youth representatives on an advisory council, one young woman from St. Pierre-Jolys sent in an application and not only was appointed a seat at the council but was also named its chair.

Annie Martel, a 23 year-old Red River Métis woman from St-PierreJolys will take the reins of the Manitoba Youth Advisory Council for the next year with hopes of catching the ear of the government and help direct policy.

“I was excited and honoured that, as a Red River Métis woman, I am given the opportunity to represent other Métis youth and Indigenous youth in our province and make sure that our voices, knowledge and worldviews are understood and respected,” said Martel. “Youth around the world have already been taking action on climate change, whether locally, nationally, or internationally, and I am looking forward to seeing the youth on this council harnessing this spirit of climate action.”

The Manitoba government was among the first jurisdictions in Canada to appoint a Youth Advisory Council. The inaugural council was established in January 2020.

The year’s council is comprised of Martel from St. Pierre-Jolys and 10 other members, ages 16 to 28, from six additional communities across the province.

Martel is almost a perfect fit for the advisory council. She is currently completing a Master of Arts at the University of Winnipeg in the Master of Environmental and Social Change program, focusing her research on Métis knowledge and climate change adaptation.

Martel explained what the next 12 months will entail with this new responsibility.

“We will meet approximately 68 times a year,” said Martel. “We are provided with a mandate from the Expert Advisory Council, which we will receive shortly, [it] will outline what we will be working on throughout the year.”

“The Manitoba Youth Advisory Council reports to the Expert Advisory Council, in which their mandate is to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister on the Government of Manitoba’s Climate and Green Plan” she added.

This independent group of experts has a mandate to provide advice and recommendations to the minister of environment and climate on implementing the Made-in Manitoba Climate and Green Plan in such areas as climate mitigation and adaptation, low-carbon economy, transportation and energy.

As chair, Martel will set the tone for the term. She believes one of

her important duties will be to ensure all voices on the council are heard, and that their recommendations make their way up to the minister.

“I am looking forward to making sure the voices of Indigenous peoples across Manitoba are heard in our provincial environmental affairs,” she added. “Indigenous peoples are often the first impacted by climate change, and I think it is of utmost importance that Indigenous communities and their knowledges are brought forth and equitably included in environmental and climate change policies.”

Martel encourages other youth to be part of the decision making process.

“I think it can be scary at times and intimidating to get involved, but it is so important that youth voices are heard when discussing our environment and climate change,” she explained. “Our generation will be extremely impacted by climate change, and so youth voices must be included in the dialogue.”

She is optimistic that youth involvement is moving in the right direction.

“…we have so many youths in Manitoba, in Canada, and across the world that are advocating for a more sustainable future, and I think it is important that these voices and actions are highlighted,” she said. “Overall, I am extremely excited to see the impacts that the youth council will have this year, and I encourage all youth to apply for the council in the following years!”

Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein noted the two past council cohorts provided critical input into several key strategies and recommendations on youthfocused communications on climate change, as well as providing input on Manitoba’s new Water Management Strategy, released in November 2022, and helping shape the 2023 to 2027 Carbon Savings Account goal announced recently.

Anni Martel. Submitted photo

Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside

His Own Body”. The book is a memoir written by Martin Pistorius with Megan Lloyd Davies.

The Tache Library is also reminding those who are in the colouring draw need to get their entries in by April 29.

April 2023

Hope is Faith in the “Eternal”

To what do you look forward to in this world? Some would like to graduate from school or university and finally get their degree. Some look forward to marriage and starting a home together with their partner. Others look forward to a prosperous, successful business. Still others anticipate retirement and the chance to do many of the things they had no time for while working. But have you ever considered what lies ahead of you after this life?

The Apostle Paul gives us a greater perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal (lasts only a short time); but the things which are not seen are eternal (lasts forever).”

When a person has trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour now their sins are forgiven and they have Someone to walk with them through life and help and encourage them. These people can enjoy all the good things listed above but the Christian’s main focus is on heaven (eternal). The Bible tells the Christian that when he dies, he is immediately in the presence of the Lord. That is the Christian’s hope. Hope is only as good as the One you put your hope in. When God is your hope, your hope is secure because He is all powerful and faithful and He has never failed on any promises He has made.

So the person who has put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can look forward with confidence to an eternity in heaven which far exceeds any expectation of this world. Have you made your preparations yet for eternity? While you are still living, you still have time, but don’t procrastinate too long. None of us know when this life will end!

SCU Announces a $10 Million Cash Back Member Bonus

Steinbach Credit Union (SCU) members will once again benefit from being part of one of Manitoba’s largest credit unions.

Board Chair, Maria Reimer, announced at its Annual General Meeting recently that, thanks to continued growth in assets and membership, a Member Bonus of $10 million in cash will be shared with their members.

“Our focus on strong performance and organizational efficiency has allowed us to remain financially strong in the Manitoba market,” said Reimer.

The bonus will be shared with members who hold both deposit and lending accounts. The breakdown of this allocation will be 55% to deposit holders and 45% to credit holders.

“Our strength, stability and drive to continually evolve as an organization is essential to our success,” added CEO Glenn Friesen. “Members know what they can expect from us – great rates and sound advice – and they choose us because they know we will guide them on their journey of saving and spending wisely.”

In 2022, SCU’s growth continued with 7,708 new members. In addition, SCU’s assets grew by 9.35 per cent, with an increase in deposit accounts of 6.61 per cent and 8.75 per cent in loan accounts.

SCU operates three branches, one in Steinbach and two in Winnipeg, and serves over 106,000 members, with over 500 employees.

SAC’s Fundraising Gala to Celebrate Over Four Decades of Arts and Culture

The Steinbach Arts Council Fundraising Gala will take place in person on May 5, celebrating over four decades of arts and culture in the community.

Attendees will enjoy entertainment, local food, a curated wine list, and participate in an online auction featuring unique experiences, products, and local artwork. Online bids begin on April 24 until May 5.

“I’m optimistic about the future of the Steinbach Arts Council,” says David Klassen, Executive Director of the Steinbach Arts Council. “We are already doing great things, and in 2023 and beyond we want to do even more.”

This year’s event will honour supporters and raise $50,000 to help SAC programs thrive and be accessible to people in the southeast region.

New this year are “live action” appetizers by Country Meat Deli, a photo booth, and professional entertainment collaborating with local talent and guests. Through the online auction, there will also be interactive ways to donate and opportunities to contribute to the kid’s bursary fund.

With a goal of raising over $50,000, this event is the most important for Steinbach Arts Council programming.

“We are a hub for the southeast region of Manitoba,” says Klassen. “This is a space where everyone belongs, where learning happens, and self-expression is encouraged.”

For many, costs can be a barrier to entry and access programming. The Steinbach Arts Council’s bursary program allows more

people to access their classes. In addition, a series of free classes for youth (After School Arts Program) breaks barriers including cost and lack of transportation, giving everyone the same opportunity to come together and learn together.

For many, the Steinbach Arts Council is a barrier-free space to discover something they love, a community of people that are passionate about arts, and an opportunity to develop their skills. Individual tickets are $125, or a table of 8 can be reserved for $925. If you can’t attend this year’s fundraiser, consider donating to support the event.

Visit steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077 to purchase tickets. Visit steinbacharts.ca to bid in the online auction.

Niverville Singer Releases First Single

By Angelique Forest

Niverville’s own Catie St. Germaine has been a professional singer for over 15 years. She grew up around music, watching her family perform and wanting to be a part of the show. She wasn’t allowed to participate until she was an adult, but on her 18th birthday the unexpected suddenly happened.

“I was offered a job by my uncle to front a bar band and then signed to the talent agency Morris entertainment, they have thrown me a lot of work

Catie explained that her journey started as a young girl of 7, at her home with family.

“My childhood home had a fireplace with a mantle in front of it that I would use as a stage and perform all of Shania Twain’s songs from her album,” she explained.

Now, the young mom of 3 boys is inspired by her sons, especially the eldest who has downs syndrome.

This past fall, she was nominated for the Manitoba Country Music awards for cover artist of the year, and while she didn’t take home the win, she was so inspired seeing all the Manitoba talent in the original categories. That moment gave her the nudge she needed to start writing and recording her own material.

St. Germaine is excited to see her hard work finally come to fruition.

“For the single we just released specifically, I have been playing in a duo with guitarist/vocalist Réal Comeault and we call ourselves ‘The Whiskey Saints’,” she said.

“I had wrote the melody and lyrics and Real helped me bring my vision to life. Then I met a friend in Niverville, Trevor Lux, who has an original rock project called ‘Plain As Ghosts” as well as a cover band called ‘The Department of Human

Resources’.”

As for her expectations for this release, she says she doesn’t have any! She believes that if even one person enjoys her music, it’s a bonus because the music genuinely comes from her newfound love of writing songs and creating something she can be proud of.

“It’s this weird balance of feeling like if something comes of it that is amazing and I would love that, but I’m also okay if I just have a song I’m proud of and can play for my family if I’m lucky enough to get old and grey,” she explained.

The young performer says one of the challenges she’s facing is the transition from the cover world to the original music scene and continue writing and recording!

“Right now I’m so excited to be given a 90 minute set at County Fest on the hilltop stage and they’ve given me permission to perform both covers and more originals coming soon!” she raved.

As a mother and performer, Catie feels the right balance can be found. “I’m ultimately here to prove to myself, and hopefully a ton of other women out there, that with the right support, we can have both,” she said.

Maria Reimer, SCU Board Chair (left) with Glenn Friesen, SCU CEO.

Photo courtesy of Catie St. Germaine

Catie St. Germaine.

Students Honoured for Active Role in Defining and Shaping Their Education

By Dan Guetre

A group of Seine River School Division (SRSD) grade 9-12 students were awarded a 2023 Student Citizenship Award recognizing their proactive efforts towards their education.

Students from St. Norbert, Lorette and Ste. Anne Collegiates created an ever-expanding Student Trustee Board that would serve as a conduit for student issues, affording students a meaningful platform to voice their perspectives on various issues about the division’s governance.

According to the MSBA, the Student Trustee Board is a testament to students’ potential and innate leadership qualities when provided with the opportunity to participate actively in the governance of their education.

The student-led grassroots idea started in January 2022 with an idea created by students within St. Norbert Collegiate, who were able to expand and organize students in the other two high schools within the division. Taking the idea on the road, the St. Norbert students hosted presentations on the neighbouring campuses. An outpouring of enthusiasm and support, leading to the formation of student committees at each high school and the eventual formation of a division¬al committee with representatives from each school.

The student-led initiative was then presented to the SRSD-elected Board of Trustees and received wholeheart¬ed support from the board. The students subsequently collaborated on crafting a constitution, which was in place by the end of the 2022 school year.

According to SRSD Trustee and Chairperson, Wendy Bloomfield, the Student Trustee Board working in close collaboration with the SRSD-elected Board of Trustees, resulting in the establish¬ment of a committee comprising of three trustees, repre¬senting each region of the division to meet regularly with the student trustee board to address issues impacting high school students and to solicit their input on matters affecting them.

Totally impressed with the students, the SRSD nominated them for the Citizenship Award.

“This project has been an unqualified success, exemplifying the re-envisioning of an authentic student voice in the school division and the direct involvement of elected school boards in educating their

A Remarkable Privilege

1 Corinthians 1:4-9…

4) I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5) For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge---6) God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.

7) Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

8) He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9) God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (NIV) Life is full of difficulties. Every person we know, and will ever know, has had to face tough issues. This is what the real world is like. Life is full of challenges. Positive ones, and difficult ones; even so, we never seem to adjust to it. And often, we act surprised when those challenges come our way.

I dare to say that even Christians have struggles. Sometimes we do not manage them very well. So many times, we deal with our problems just like people who do not have any faith in God. As Christians we need to focus on what makes us unique. What makes us different from people who do not know God is that Christ is masterfully reshaping the spiritual side of our lives? Jesus is living His life in us and through us. That is what sets us apart. I understand we need to learn to oversee our problems as those who have the Divine Son of God living within us.

That God fearing population – called Christians; whose habitation includes the whole wide world – both heaven and earth. Can you imagine what this world would be like if all of us would lift our eyes beyond our own little circle and thought of ourselves as a part of God which is as wide as this world? No person, no church, no chapel service has exclusive possession of Jesus Christ. True He is our Lord, but He is also the Lord of all humanity. It is remarkable that Christianity posses all the love of Jesus Christ and that; “God loves one of us as if there was only one of us to love.”

student stakeholders,” wrote the MSBA after choosing the students for the award.

The Seine River School Division’s Student Trustee Board initiative has already had a profound impact on the division’s governance.

“It has empowered students to take ownership of their education, enabling

them to directly impact the decisions that affect their schooling,” noted the MSBA. “This initiative has also led to a more collaborative and inclusive governance model within the division, where students’ voices and perspectives are given due consideration in decision-making processes.”

Eco-West Canada Targets Ritchot for Electric Vehicle Charging Station

By Dan Guetre

With the support of the Province of Manitoba, Eco-West Canada is receiving $150,000 to expand the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network across Manitoba. The project will partner with six municipalities to support the procurement and installation of seven new Level 3 chargers.

According to Dany Robidoux, executive director, Eco-West Canada, the RM

of Ritchot is one of the municipalities funding will be directed to.

“We are happy to partner with the Manitoba government to help our communities adopt greener modes of transportation,” said Dany Robidoux, executive director, Eco-West Canada. “There are many benefits to the electrification of transportation. Eco-West Canada is leading the way in Manitoba on the rollout of

electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which benefits our communities and our environment.”

Eco-West Canada is also a major proponent in the Southeast Manitoba Regional Transportation Initiative spearheaded by the RM of Piney. Currently, most of the southeast municipalities have now signed on to the transportation initiative study.

The Apostle Paul says that God has been faithful to give us all that we need. We know that we have received grace. That the Holy Spirit has enriched us. That we should not lack any spiritual gift. The Bible teaches that every one of us here has been given a spiritual gift. Our task is to discover that gift and use it in serving others, in serving Christ. Our spiritual gift is a Divine empowerment to serve, the only way we discover that gift is to begin to step out in faith in some area of service.

You and I have been witnesses of that type of service during our lifetime. God will use this process to lead you to that area of ministry in which you have been endowed. He has already placed a desire within your heart for some are of ministry. Now you must act on that desire and see what God does with your calling.

You and I, mere mortals, have been given the opportunity to come to Jesus Christ personally. We can interact with Him. We can communicate with Him through prayer; receive confirmation in our heart from Him that we truly belong to Him.

To know Christ and make Him known is our highest privilege as Christians. To share Him with someone else, so that they come to know Him is equally a remarkable privilege. We must remember: Our God is faithful. He has given us a divine calling – divine selfconfidence. He will keep us strong to the end. He will help us remember the Easter Season – Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins.

To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done. Would you pray this prayer with me…? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.

A group of Seine River School Division (SRSD) grade 9-12 students were awarded a 2023 Student Citizenship Award recognizing their proactive efforts towards their education. Submitted photos

RCMP FILES

If you have any information in regards to any item here you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Drugs and Cash Seized in Ste. Anne

With a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in-hand, Ste. Anne police executed a search at a residence in Town on March 29. As a result of the search, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, cash, drug paraphernalia, and drug trafficking materials were seized.

A male and a female from the community have been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking. They were both released on Appearance Notices with a future court date.

If anyone has further information regarding drug use or drug trafficking in the Town of Sainte-Anne, please call the Sainte-Anne Police Service at 204-422-8209. All tips will remain confidential and anonymous.

Multiple Thefts at Aquatic Centre

Steinbach RCMP are asking the public to help identify two unknown males wanted in connection to thefts at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre.

On January 2, Steinbach RCMP received a report of theft. At approximately 6:10 pm two unknown males stole several items from a locker at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre.

On January 15, Steinbach RCMP received a report of theft of vehicle from the Steinbach Aquatic Centre. At approximately 4:52 the same two males stole a set of car keys from a locker. A grey Hyundai Accent with License plate LCZ908 was stolen from the parking lot.

If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Accident Leads to Impaired Charges Hit and Run Info Sought by

At 9:44 PM on March 30 Steinbach RCMP, Steinbach Fire Department and EMS were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Mackenzie Avenue. Upon arrival it was determined that a vehicle traveling westbound had collided with two parked vehicles.

During the investigation, officers developed the suspicion that the driver was under the influence and utilized a roadside screening device. The driver blew a “fail” and was arrest for impaired operation of a conveyance. The driver was taken back to the Steinbach detachment for further breath samples.

A 35 year-old female from La Broquerie is facing impairment charges while operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

Tools Stolen from Internet Company Compound

On March 2 the Steinbach RCMP received reports of a theft and mischief that both occurred at the Swift Highspeed building located on Highway 52. The theft occurred on February 21 at approximately 3 am.

Unknown suspects drove a vehicle with possible Manitoba License Plates of HXE 397 or HXE 347 on a black Honda Civic and broke into an enclosed trailer and stole a Cadwell tool kit and an GME supply tower Technician kit. Then on February 27 at approximately 11 pm an unknown suspect in a white Ford ranger cut the lock to the gate to the property. It does not appear that anything was taken at that time.

The Steinbach RCMP is seeking the assistance from the public in obtaining further information in regards to the suspect vehicles. If you have information regarding this matter, please call Steinbach RCMP at 204-3264452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On March 15, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a hit and run that is believed to have occurred sometime between 8 am and 9:30 am on March 15. No information was left behind for the complainant. The complainant’s damaged vehicle was located in a back parking lot of a business located in the 200 block of Main Street in Steinbach.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Snowmobile Stolen from Rural Property in RM of La Broquerie

On March 14, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen snowmobile. It is believed that it was stolen sometime between March 10, and the morning of March 14 from a rural property located on Road 37 E in the RM of La Broquerie.

The snowmobile is described as a white and orange 2015 Arctic Cat FX 8000 with the Manitoba licence plate 1U437. The snowmobile was not on a trailer at the time of the theft.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Be

Keep Eyes Peeled for Stolen Toyota Cruiser Taken from La Broquerie

On March 25 at approximately 8 am, Steinbach RCMP received a theft report of a Black 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser bearing Manitoba plate KWH479. The vehicle was stolen from a driveway on rue Principale in La Broquerie between March 24, 10:30 pm and March 25, 7:30 am. If you have any information regarding the above incident or any other information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204- 326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch April 2023

RCMP Investigations into Property Crime Lead to Arrest in RM of Reynolds

Between March 5-8, Falcon Beach and Lac du Bonnet RCMP received several reports of property break-ins in the RM of Reynolds.

On March 8, around 4:25 pm, RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving on Birch River Road south of Highway 507, in the RM of Reynolds. The vehicle was believed to be associated to the ongoing property crime investigations.

An officer stopped the vehicle however the driver got out and fled into a densely forested area.

RCMP contained the area and Police Dog Services (PDS) along with Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) assisted in the search. After several hours, RPAS working alongside PDS were able to pinpoint the suspect’s location, and Police Service Dog Hannie located the male suspect hiding approximately 2 km from the scene. Due to the extremely dense bush and rough terrain, it took approximately 1.5 hours to walk the suspect back to the road.

Michael John Shindruk, 41, of Winnipeg has been charged with seven counts of break and enter, possession of break-in instruments, mischief, possession of property obtained by crime, 3 counts of failure to comply with probation and resisting arrest.

He was remanded into custody.

The RCMP would like to thank the public for their assistance in this investigation.

Steinbach RCMP Search for Missing Female Youths

On March 10, at approximately 10:45 pm, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a missing 17-yearold female from Steinbach.

Morningstar Bear, also known as MJ, was last seen in the Steinbach area on March 10, around 2:00 pm.

She is 5’4”, 115 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. She has piercings in her ears, nose and lip.

She was last seen wearing a grey jacket with a fur hood, blue headphones and black shoes. She may be in the Winnipeg or Brandon area.

If you have information on her whereabouts please call Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Niverville Mother Creates Support Group for Families of Special Needs Children

By Angelique Forest

Mimi Hart is a younger mother of one who resides in Niverville. Her little one, Meadow, who is now 4 years old, has just been diagnosed with autism.

There were multiple signs and non-typical tendencies Mimi had noticed as Meadow was growing up.

“The main concern was her limited speech, and the fact that she would only speak to me and nobody else,” said Hart. “Shortly after Meadow turned four years old she completely stopped speaking, had new tendencies and struggles.”

This is what brought her to the conclusion that these are not personality things or just quirks, and there is something more going on. She wrote a huge list of all the things that were going on with her, and all the struggles they were having.

“My family physician then referred me to a pediatrician where she was fully assessed,” added Hart. “The pediatrician concluded that Meadow has autism.”

She was then referred to the children’s developmental center and went on the waiting list for multiple therapies, such as speech, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Now they are in an in-between stage. The last step to official diagnosis is through the Child Development Center, which they are currently waiting for. This referral can take approximately a year or more.

“When I found out, I was overwhelmed but also had a sense of relief. I was carrying a burden that a lot of our struggles were because I was falling short or because I am a single mother just not doing enough for her,” explained Hart. “That burden was lifted when we concluded that it was autism.”

She went on to explain that some of the hardest parts were when Meadow was no longer being verbal, as well as huge struggles with social interaction, new people, regulating emotions, fears of cars and the outdoors as well as problems with noises, among many other struggles.

“I felt like I was mourning a loss in a way,” she said.

Meadow recently has been too uncomfortable to eat in front of anyone, including her mother, so she covers herself with a blanket to eat. Sensory overloads can lead to meltdowns, which can be hard but they are both slowly discovering ways to cope together.

On February 18, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a missing 15-year-old female from the RM of Tache.

Tessa Bird was last seen on February 18 at 1:30 pm near Kildonan Place shopping mall in Winnipeg.

Family has been in contact with her over social media, however they have not heard from her since March 5.

Tessa is 5’1”, 120 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing glasses, a grey hoodie, white t-shirt, beige pants and white Nike runners. It is believed she is still in the Winnipeg area.

Police and family are concerned for her safety. If anyone has information on her whereabouts please call Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

“Outsiders can help when seeing a melt down by thinking first before making an assumption of the situation,” stressed Hart. “We’re all just doing our best and you have no idea what a parent could have potentially gone through that day. Understanding and being gracious makes all the difference.”

Hart is conscious that the experience with her daughter is not unique and has started “The Support Village” in order to bring parents together where they can lean on each other and share ideas. Mimi defines it as a community of others who just get it and understand.

“I truly believe it does take a village,” said Hart. The main goal of the support group is to bring people together who have children with unique needs so they can feel supported and not alone according to Hart.

Mimi Hart is a younger mother of one who resides in Niverville. Her little one, Meadow, who is now 4 years old, has just been diagnosed with autism. Submitted photo

Police Service Dog Hannie

Tessa Bird

Morningstar Bear (MJ)

Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

Introduction to Keeping Backyard Chickens Part Two - Starting Chicks

By Leah Bouchard

If you decided to raise backyard chickens this year, you may be starting with chicks. Starting chicks stands as the most challenging aspect of backyard chickens, and proper preparation is key to success. We have started thousands of chicks over the years and have had many good years and also a few disasters that perhaps could have been avoided. In this article, I’ll provide some key lessons and points so your experience with starting chicks can be as pain-free as possible.

Where to get chicks

If you order chicks from a hatchery or dealer, make sure to order well ahead of time. Fehrway feeds in Ridgeville and Horizon Livestock in Steinbach are two good local options. You will pick up the chicks when they are just hours old, the same day they hatch.

If you already have hens and a rooster, another option might be letting one of your laying hens sit on her own eggs. (It might happen naturally if they are free-range in the summer.) In this case, the hen will do most of the initial work of caring for the chicks herself. If you choose this option, there’s a risk that the hen will not brood for the entire 21 days or not brood exactly when you want her to. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll end up with the number of chickens you wanted. Some breeds are instinctively broodier than others, so this may not work with all chickens.

We’ve borrowed a neighbour’s incubator and hatched our own chicks, which was a cool experience for our family. You may be able to find fertilized eggs from a farmer neighbour or kijiji to incubate. The incubator simulates a mother sitting on her eggs by regulating humidity and temperature. It’s important to follow directions well; there are plenty of online resources and you-tube videos to help you out.

How to prepare for chicks

If chicks have a bad first few hours of life, it can weaken them, affecting them negatively throughout their life. Temperature is one of the most important factors. We usually use a cardboard ring to keep the chickens in a small area with a heat lamp. Additional heaters can help keep the temperature constant in the 32-to-35-degree

they get too active and/or smelly.) Heat lamps provide localized heat; however, it may be slightly too cool a few meters away from the heat lamp. Ensure all the chicks have enough room under the lamp - you may need more than one. You may also want a plan for a power outage which could include a propane heater or a generator.

Chicks need to be started on a specialized starter feed that is higher in protein and smaller granules than regular chicken feed. Clean water should be supplied at all times, and you may want to add electrolytes and vitamins for a boost on the first few days. You can buy chick starter and packets of electrolytes at any local feed store.

We’ve found that feeders and waterers should be placed in close proximity to the chicks, so they don’t have to search around for it.

What you need to know

the first few days

If you buy your chicks, taking them home on the first day is exciting (and they usually make quite the racket). Just remember not to let them get a chill on their ride home and provide them with food and water as soon as you possibly can. Check on the chicks every few hours for the first few days. We even recommend doing night checks for the first couple of nights. Ensure the temperature is very constant for the first week. We generally rely on observation more than the thermometer. If the chicks are spread out and not spending time under the heat lamp, it’s likely because it’s too hot. If they are huddling together, they may be trying to keep warm. Adjust the temperature accordingly. After a week, you can slowly reduce the temperature and by about three weeks, the chickens will be fine at a normal room temperature.

What happens next

At five or six weeks of age, when the chickens fully feather, they can start going outside if that’s what you planned for them. At this point, they can also switch to regular grower feed. Always make sure they inhabit a well-ventilated area, and check them several times a day, making sure they have feed and water and look comfortable.

Starting chicks is not complicated, but it does require dedicated care and attention – especially during the first three weeks. With these simple guidelines your backyard chicken venture will be off to a good start.

Starting chicks is the most challenging aspect of backyard chickens, and proper preparation is key to success. Submitted photo