December 22 2017

Nickel Belt News

Volume 57 Number 51

Friday, December 22, 2017

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Thompson fur table draws in over 140 trappers

BY KYLE DARBYSON KYLE@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

While the atmosphere surrounding the 38th annual Thompson fur table was shrouded in uncertainty about the viability of the industry, the trappers who showed up still managed to get paid.

Taking place at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Dec. 15-16, this year’s event attracted 141 trappers who collectively received $380,000 for their furs.

While this amount is more than double last year’s take, it still pales in comparison to the $683,559 that was pocketed back in 2012.

The floor was still buzzing with activity on Friday morning, as trappers from all over Northern Manitoba—including Lac Brochet, Lynn Lake and South Indian Lake—attempted to find the highest bidder for their furs.

Friday’s festivities also featured conservation officers, equipment salesmen and retired trappers like Phillip Bighetty, who received a lifetime achievement award from the event’s organizers, the Manitoba Trappers Association.

Additionally, this crowd included Thompson deputy mayor Colleen Smook, who told the Nickel Belt News that this annual tradition serves a broader economic purpose, since a lot of the money pocketed by these trappers goes right back into the local community.

“When they come into town they sell their furs, then they buy their Christmas presents, their grocer-

ies,” she said. “It definitely has a very big economic impact, especially right here in Thompson.”

Having attended the Thompson fur table for around 25 years, Smook did admit that the fur trapping industry isn’t what it used to be, and has mostly been relegated to a profitable side project as opposed to a full-time job.

“This crowd today, compared to what it would have been five years ago, it’s about half the people,” she said. “Even the interest in trapping, it’s more of hobby now. There’s not too many people that can afford it just for their own income and their business, because it’s so expensive.”

While there are plenty of reasons why this change has taken hold—including fluctuating fur prices, increased cost of living and competition from overseas markets—former trapper Ivan Cook pointed to the fact that the weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable and is making the job much harder.

“You don’t know what the seasons are going to be like,” said Cook, who is from Lac Brochet and started trapping when he was 14 years old. “This year, the cold weather didn’t move in as anticipated to freeze the muskegs and the lakes. The snow just came in and everybody had to deal with slush.”

Even though Cook stepped away from fulltime trapping in 1996, he’s still involved in the industry through selling hunting equipment and continues to share a fondness for the lifestyle.

Nickel Belt News photos by Kyle Darbyson The Thompson fur table is the only event of its kind left in North America, where trappers have access to multiple buyers in the same location.

After witnessing a bunch of young faces at this year’s fur table event, Cook maintains the hope that fur prices will go up in the future so that this tradition can continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

“As long as the fur market is open we will continue to see these trappers here every year.”

Retired trapper Phillip Bighetty (left) poses for a photo with Manitoba Trappers Association president Rob Andrushuk (right). During the opening ceremonies of this year’s fur table, Bighetty accepted a lifetime achievement award for his years of service to this organization.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

News

Friday, December 22, 2017

Niki Ashton reflects on NDP leadership race and looks ahead to 2018

BY KYLE DARBYSON KYLE@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

For Niki Ashton, 2017 didn’t go exactly as planned.

Despite launching a vigorous, progressive campaign to become the next leader of the federal NDP, the Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP ended up finishing third in the race behind Charlie Angus and Jagmeet Singh.

However, Ashton maintains that this campaign still produced a bunch of positive developments, since it gave her a platform to discuss northern issues in the national spotlight.

“I was able to speak out on Churchill, on jobs here in Thompson, in Flin Flon, on the challenges that our First Nations face,” she said. “We saw a tremendous amount of engagement and mobilization, even though our campaigns tended to be underreported and underestimated by the national media.”

Now, with the race long over and 2018 on the horizon, Ashton told the Nickel Belt News she is fully committed to bringing these issues off the campaign trail and back into Parliament, especially when it comes to the challenges facing municipalities like Thompson and Churchill.

In Churchill’s case, Ashton mentioned how the citizens are still stuck in the middle of a dispute between the federal government and OmniTrax,

a Denver-based company that owns the rail line that connects this isolated northern town to the rest of the province.

Ever since the rail line was flooded back in May, OmniTrax has been dragging its feet to make the necessary repairs and has even become the subject of a government lawsuit for failing to meet their obligations to maintain this key piece of infrastructure.

Ashton has been a vocal critic of OmniTrax throughout this whole affair, and recently called on the University of Manitoba to strip company owner Pat Broe of his honorary doctorate.

Needless to say, Ashton believes that the best way to resolve this situation is to remove OmniTrax from the equation, which is something she’ll be pushing for in 2018.

“I’ve been working with folks in Churchill and across our north, including the mayor and council here in Thompson, to push the federal government to take a much more urgent approach to the situation in Churchill,” she said.

“Hopefully, OmniTrax will choose to leave willingly.”

Since she’ll be returning to her role as the federal NDP’s jobs, employment and workforce development critic in 2018, Ashton feels that she will be in a good position to effectively lobby for these causes, while also holding the Liberal government to account.

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Niki Ashton Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton and her partner Bruce Moncur pose for a photo with their children Leonidas and Stephanos.

“We’ve seen in the last few weeks the way in which the Trudeau Liberals have pushed policy that benefits the one per cent in terms of taxation,” she said, referencing finance minister Bill Morneau, who’s been subject to a lot of public scrutiny after it was revealed that his personal business interests

conflict with the government’s new tax reforms.

“We need a good government that’s going to put Canadians first, that’s going to support the working class, middle class Canadians, those struggling in poverty, rather than their rich friends.”

Ashton will also have to contend with a different

kind of balancing act in the new year, since she gave birth to a pair of twins, Leonidas and Stephanos, on Oct. 31.

While the MP admits that travelling to Parliament and throughout Northern Manitoba while maintaining a healthy home life will be a challenge, she said this dynamic will help

ground her as a politician.

“Politics is about life and part of life is raising a family,” she said. “And for me it’s very important that I can carry on with my work and advocate for the key issues that we face and also the key issues that the next generation is set to face, including my kids and kids all across our north.”

Five impaired driving charges in Thompson in first two weeks of holiday check stop program

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson RCMP continue to apprehend impaired drivers as the holiday check stop season continues.

In the week leading up to Dec. 18, police responded to four impaired driving calls, which resulted in one 72-hour suspension and two charges of driving over the legal limit of blood alcohol content, with one of the driver’s breathalyzer results indicating a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit. RCMP also issued 15 Highway Traffic Act tickets for driving infractions.

The previous week, three impaired driving charges were laid and 40 tickets were given out, along with 15 warnings.

“The number of impairment-related injuries and deaths on our roadways is far too high,” said Thompson RCMP community

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of RCMP A Dec. 15 joint check stop by Headingley RCMP, the Winnipeg Police Service and CP Police at the Perimeter Highway and Portage Avenue in Winnipeg. relations officer Const.

Sandy Deibert in a Dec. 8 press release. “Please plan ahead and help make out community safer.”

Across the province, the second week of the RCMP holiday check stop

program saw 23 people charged with impaired driving, all but one of them alcohol-related.

There were also 10 alcohol-related roadside suspensions handed out along with 476 tickets,

mostly for speeding and seatbelt use, as well as 140 warnings. Four Criminal Code driving charges were laid and there were 15 Liquor & Gaming Control Act offences.

In the first week of the

program, there were 50 people charged with impaired driving, all related to alcohol use, 23 roadside suspensions, 882 traffic tickets and 200 warnings, 10 Liquor & Gaming Control Act offences, and 11

Criminal Code driving offences. The highest blood alcohol content of any impaired driver so far this check stop season is 0.34 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood - more than four times the legal limit.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 3

News

Sarah Harper of Oxford House, oldest Manitoban, dies at 111 Manitoba’s oldest Indigenous person and likely its oldest resident, Sarah Harper, died Dec. 16 at the age of 111.

Born on Aug. 24, 1906, Harper, who was believed to have been the third-oldest person in Canada, lived in the Island Lake area in what was known as the Old Post settlement, before moving to Bunibonibee Cree Nation at Oxford House and was married to John Harper, who died in 1972. She had six children - two girls and four boys and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some of whom she met for the first time in 2012 when a celebration of her 108th birthday was held.

“It is with much sadness and great respect that I hear the elder Sarah Harper has gone on her final journey,” said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson, who is from Oxford House and knew Harp-

Sarah Harper of Oxford House, Manitoba’s oldest person, died Dec. 16 at the age of 111. er from an early age.

“She was a lady full of compassion and was devoted to her family and the community. My heart goes out to her family, friends and the Bunibonibee Cree Nation. She was a gift to the generations of her family that were able to know her. It was an honour to celebrate her long life with Sarah, her family and her

community on her last birthday. I will forever cherish the prayer she blessed me with and her guidance to always love and honour our family.

The ripples from losing an elder with the knowledge collected over such a long life will be felt throughout the north.

Manitoba has just lost a great woman who was a bridge to her traditional way of life and lan-

Nickel Belt News file photos MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson, Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas were among the attendees of Sarah Harper’s 111th birthday in Oxford House this past summer. guage. For a time, she may have been known as the most elderly person in the province, but for many, many years longer, she was a pillar within Bunibonibee and Oxford House.”

Premier Brian Pallister tweeted that he was saddened to hear of Harper’s death.

“Our sincere condol-

ences to her family, friends and the community,” he said.

North Wilson, Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas were among the attendees of Sarah Harper’s 111th birthday in Oxford House this past summer.

Harper was born before the signing of Treaty 5 in 1909, about a decade before some Manitoba women got the right to vote and only a year after Alberta and Saskatchewan were created out of what was then part of the Northwest Territories and joined Canada as provinces.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 22, 2017

Columnists

A camp is still just a camp Over the past month a single workers’ camp has brought about extensive discussion within Snow Lake after an open letter to the company appeared in the community’s local newspaper. The letter, signed by me (Marc Jackson), stated that Hudbay’s camp, which is situated on the northern edge of the community, was sucking the very life out of Snow Lake.

There were two points the letter attempted to get across: 1) the Town of Snow Lake has perhaps been “sold a bill of goods” in respect to the purpose of the Hudbay camp and the life of the Lalor Mine; 2) now that the town appears to be saddled with the camp, the writer wondered why it couldn’t be operated in a way that would benefit both the company and the town? For example: issuing rooms to workers for the duration of their employment with the company, rather than prior to each shift rotation.

Some background on the camp was noted and I pointed out that back in December 2010, when explaining the proposed camp, then senior vicepresident and chief operating officer Tom Goodman said it was temporary … for construction only. In a story I did at that time he said, “The camp is meant for construction workers and not for employees.

When Lalor goes into full production in 2015, our intent is to be in a position to shut down the camp. We want to have our employees residing in the Town of Snow Lake, in normal housing. Our preference is very much not to operate a camp long-term.”

As well, during an April 2011 presentation to the

community, Hudbay’s Lalor project manager Kim Proctor reassured people that the camp on the outskirts of Snow Lake was not permanent. “When construction starts winding down, you will see the camp also wind down,” she said assuredly. “We are not providing permanent accommodations for Hudbay people; this is not our intention.”

Then the company line changed a little during a community meeting in July 2014, when Hudbay’s VP Manitoba Business Unit, Brad Lantz stressed the need to extend the life of the camp until the mine and (proposed) mill were fully populated with workers and the workforce was stabilized. He also noted that the Lalor deposit had a 25- to 30-year life and that the company didn’t plan to run a camp for the duration.

However, at the end of May 2016, Manitoba Business Unit vice-president Rob Winton was quoted not in Snow Lake, but in Flin Flon of all places, stating, “A camp is probably going to be [in place for] the life of Snow Lake [operations] for the foreseeable and long-term future. And it’s then fi nding that ability to incent people to want to move to town, because everybody gets sick of travelling after some period of time.” Mr. Winton also continually pegged the Lalor life of mine as 15 years, not the 25 to 30 that Lantz stated.

Now, people in Snow Lake are told the life of Lalor (which is still open at depth) is 10 years and it’s a given the camp isn’t going anywhere! So in seven years, we’ve gone from a temporary camp for construction workers to pretty much “life of

My Take on Snow Lake marc.jackson@post.com Marc Jackson mine” living accommodations for employees, and we’ve gone from a 30-year mine life to 10. Rumour currently has a gym being built for workers on camp property … giving them even less reason to amble out into the community.

From the ‘40s up until recently, camps were a way of integrating people into Snow Lake. Having them acclimatize before becoming full contributing members of the community. Employees got their room, and it was “their” room until they moved into a home, apartment or back whence they came.

Now, they move in when they start their shift rotation and move out when they fi nish it. New employees have no chance of integrating into the community on days off … because they have nowhere to live.

I noted that it almost seems like Hudbay doesn’t want the community to survive or prosper. They just move as many workers as they can into the camp and get to work at mining the Lalor orebody out as quickly as possible.

If a worker quits, they hire another.

Well, Snow Lake has got a lot more orebodies in the ground … and Hudbay can mine ‘em out as quick as they want, but they’re just gonna keep finding more. Sooner or later, the company of today is going to figure out

what their hierarchy of yesteryear knew all along … having a stable, skilled workforce who are content in their surroundings will in turn become content in their job. It is a lot better for Hudbay’s bottom line spending a bit of cash to get the right people, than it is filling empty positions with more workers who will eventually get tired of looking at four walls after a long shift, deciding instead to quit and head home.

I’m not one to criticize without offering solutions, so I offered Hudbay a few tips … like trying to incorporate or partner with the community in their advertising. Promoting some of the many benefits of living in Snow Lake; using testimonials of the people who work for them and love it here. Targeting people who like small towns and enjoy outdoor living. Perhaps having ambassadors on staff, or hiring someone, who will help get people involved in the community and some of the activities it offers.

I stated that they had to work at getting the people living in “their” camp engaged with the community and integrated into Snow Lake, and not just think about getting people here … think instead about keeping them here!

The letter was shared by numerous people on Facebook and there was discussion on many of these

posts. I scratched my head at some of it … particularly one conversation where a person asked, “I don’t understand, there is only the camp (in Snow Lake), isn’t there?” The answer from another was that the camp was the only accommodations in the community. That statement shows a complete lack of understanding and proves that one or two entities are not getting their message out … those being Hudbay and the Town of Snow Lake.

Another highlighted the fact that there was an abundance of accommodations in the community, but that it was priced ridiculously high, and this was a major reason people chose to live in the camp, rather than the community. There is some merit in this; however, that argument doesn’t explain the fact that there have been houses reduced to the price that lots go for in many other communities and they remained unsold. Add to this, there are several homes, below the $100K mark, currently for sale in Snow Lake and as far as I know … they’re still for sale.

There was also a comment that the sq. ft. price of homes was lower in Snow Lake than in Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon. This was countered with the argument that there is no comparison between the communities because all three of the latter have more amenities than Snow Lake. True, but then Snow Lake also has many important and desirable amenities that those three communities don’t have. Including the lowest per capita crime rate in Northern Manitoba (and one of the

lowest in Manitoba and in Canada), wilderness adventure and a beach just a short walk outside anyone’s front door, and that it is a place where kids can easily walk from anywhere in town to their school … safely.

Still on that argument, it was pointed out that the price of housing in Snow Lake was overpriced in comparison to communities of the same size elsewhere. Perhaps, but how many of those communities have a major industry within their municipal boundaries and are home to some of the highest per capita wage earners in the province?

Most small towns have no industry at all, and if there are high wage earners that reside there, they make their living outside the community.

No one should begrudge a person trying to sell their home for what the going rate is. Try, building a new one for the price most are asking. You’ll find out pretty quick that this is one area where Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon do hold an advantage over Snow Lake.

If people think the price someone is asking is too high, they can always ask for an appraisal.

Same thing, if people feel they’d sooner be in a community where they have all the shopping and conveniences they desire and they are willing to trade Snow Lake’s advantages to have them, well … I guess that’s their decision to make.

However, I feel there is one fact that remains.

Snow Lake would be a better, stronger, more harmonious community if there was a compromise on Hudbay’s camp. Just my thoughts.

Woman waiting for flight at Thompson airport busted for dope and pills A 43-year-old woman attempting to board a flight to Tadoule Lake at the Thompson airport Dec. 19 was arrested by RCMP, who found half a pound of prescription drugs and a pound of marijuana in her luggage.

Sheila Thorassie of Sayisi Dene First Nation was arrested by

RCMP while waiting to go through security after investigation determined she was attempting to transport drugs to Tadoule Lake.

Thorassie is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. She was released pending a court appearance.

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Friday, December 22, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 5

Columnists

OmniTrax not solely to blame for derailing Port of Churchill

BY IAN ROBSON For over 100 years, the Port of Churchill on Hudson Bay was the gateway to Northern Manitoba and communities in Nunavut territory. Served by 820 kilometres of railway line from The Pas, Manitoba, it shipped western grain to European markets until the port was stranded, then closed and the hundreds of remote northern communities along the railway line were left isolated as the port and railway’s private owner, OmniTrax, failed to repair the tracks after flooding in early 2017.

Despite the strategic importance of Churchill, North America’s only Arctic deep water port, the rail line from The Pas was never easy to operate.

However, the severe problems of today are predictable results stemming from two catastrophic blunders made by the Canadian government. While opinions vary on railway privatization, it is unforgivable that Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s government allowed CN, a Class 1 Railway, to sell the Churchill line to OmniTrax in 1997 without requiring the new owner to uphold the statutory common carrier obli-

gation to move duly loaded cars to their destination in a timely fashion. At the same time, the federal government upgraded Churchill’s port facilities, and then gave them to OmniTrax.

The second catastrophic blow to Churchill occurred when Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper dismantled the farmerelected board of Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) in 2011, ended its single desk selling authority and later gave its assets to G3, a partnership of US-based Bunge and the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company.

Under the CWB‘s single desk selling and aggregation advantage, all four western ports – Churchill, Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Thunder Bay – were utilized strategically. Grain grown in the Hudson Bay route catch basin was predominantly marketed at vessel volumes through the Port of Churchill by the CWB. This lowered handling and transportation costs to farmers and in years of bumper crops it alleviated congestion to the west coast. Anticipating Churchill would be in trouble without the CWB’s orderly marketing powers,

Ian Robson the Harper government threw private grain companies up to $25 million dollars with a five-year, $9.20 per tonne freight subsidy to help OmniTrax and camouflage the fall-out from destroying the CWB. It isn’t surprising that once the subsidy ended, the grain companies quit using Churchill, as private companies cannot be expected to act beyond their

own self-interest.

The single desk CWB served farmers with transparent higher net prices and lower transportation costs. At the same time, the CWB served all of Canada by strategically utilizing our geographical resources, which was possible as a result of being the marketing agency for the whole western wheat crop and having strong relationships with

international buyers. The dominoes have fallen: the tracks need two decades worth of proper maintenance, farmers are paying higher freight rates, other routes are more congested, there are more greenhouse gas emissions, Churchill is suffering economic losses, and northern communities are cut off from essential services. Dominoes will continue to fall as private grain companies avoid Thunder Bay, the nextmost-expensive shipping route, further congesting the over-utilized West Coast corridor. One can only guess at the nightmare scenario if an earthquake hits Vancouver.

Canada has lost a third of its railway track miles in the last three decades.

Abandonment has definitely increased profitability for CN and CP, but their gains should not be seen as an increase in overall efficiency of the transportation system. Farmers pick up the cost of trucking further to main line terminals, with triple the greenhouse gas emissions per mile compared with rail transport.

In the 1880s, the public gave private railway companies millions of acres of

land – including the mineral rights – in return for agreeing to move freight at regulated rates. CN and CP have become very profitable businesses as a result.

Thus abandonment of railway lines cannot be simply a rail company’s decision without the public being compensated somehow.

Governments have been far too lax in upholding the public interest in this matter. It is time they sharpened the pencil!

As for Churchill, the solution lies not in suing OmniTrax for its very predictable failures, but in working with Northern Manitoba First Nations and nationalizing both the line and the port facilities to restore the Port of Churchill as an essential fourth western grain shipping route. Climate change will likely make it an even more strategic and commercially attractive port and, and an active port will revitalize the town as a base for government services to support new tasks that will be needed in the north.

Ian Robson farms grain and cattle with his family at Deleau, Manitoba.

He is on the National Farmers Union board of directors.

What is it to be born again?

It is a common term in some religious circles, uncommon in others.

The term first arises with John the Baptist and his application of proselyte baptism to Jew and Gentile. Proselyte baptism was a ceremony “carried out in the presence of three witnesses, if possible members of the Sanhedrin. The nails and the hair of the candidate were cut; he was stripped naked; he was completely immersed in water, so that his whole body was totally covered; the essence of the law was read to him, and he was warned of the difficulties and dangers and the possible persecution which lay ahead; he confessed his sins to the men who were known as the fathers of baptism, and who correspond to godparents; then after blessings and exhortations he emerged a Jew. This process was held to have to affected in

him the most radical change. He was said to emerge as “a little child just born”, “a child of one day.” (William Barclay, The Mind of Jesus) Here is the first use of that term being “born again.” John and Jesus of Nazareth would redefine and develop it.

Both envisioned being “born again” as a two-fold process: a water baptism, a symbolic death and burial of the self, and a spirit baptism, an actual indwelling of the spirit of Almighty God effected through a personal encounter with and surrender to God. John was in charge of the first; Jesus, the second. It described a special kind of relationship between human beings and God, required of Jew and Gentile. None could claim special privilege or merit before God. A relationship with God was always a free gift of love on God’s part.

From the status of the

Spiritual Thoughts robsutherlandlaw@gmail.com Rob Sutherland

penitent, water baptism was akin to a person making a marriage proposal. Such a person never pleads their good works: “you must love me because I am so good, I have done so many good works” or “you are so completely loving that you must love me even though I may be unfit for meaningful relationship.”

None could presume or demand love, in terms of an ongoing relationship. Love is always a free gift or it’s not love. Each and every one person had to ask for that relationship, be indwelt by God and transformed by love from within to be become a child of God, born again, born from above. For some,

the second part would be short; for others, long. But the fruit that followed from that transforming personal account was never understood to be good works that established the relationship and maintained it. That was the work of God. The name for this is salvation by grace, through faith, not works, lest any should boast in their own works. It is a personal encounter with God, the gratitude, surrender and love involved therein.

Six months after his encounter with John, Jesus would chide Nicodemus for his ignorance of spirit baptism. (John 3:5-7) Ezekiel had spoken of it centuries earlier.

“I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from your uncleannesses, and your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you to follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances.” (Ezekiel 36:25-27) After three years of showing the disciples his divinity and what surrender and service meant, Jesus, at the last Supper, spoke of that spirit baptism. All the divine persons of the triune God of love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit would come, indwell believers, make their home in them and transform them from within through love.

(John 14:1-17:25; see also Matthew 28:18) Rob Sutherland is a

graduate of University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School He is a criminal defence lawyer with 30 years experience, a member of the bars of Ontario, Alberta, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Manitoba. He is a Senior Canadian Fellow at the Mortimer J. Adler Centre for the Studies of the Great Ideas, an American think-tank based in Chicago. He has published one book “Putting God on Trial: the biblical Book of Job,” a defence of God’s goodness in the face of his authorization of undeserved and unremitted evil in the life of Job and the world, which is taught at a number of Canadian, American and Indian universities and available through Amazon.

He is writing a second book “Putting Jesus on Trial: the biblical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,” a defence of Jesus’ divinity.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 22, 2017

Community

Holiday highlights

Nickel Belt News photo by Ashley Rust-McIvor Seasonal entertainment continued in the final week of school before Christmas in Thompson, including dancers and other performers at the Old-Fashioned Christmas Concert at the Letkemann Theatre Dec. 18 and English and Cree songs at the Wapanohk Community School Christmas concert Dec. 19.

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Friday, December 22, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

News

Page 7

Vale rep lays all the cards on the table during Thompson’s last chamber meeting of 2017

BY KYLE DARBYSON KYLE@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Throughout 2017, news about Vale’s cutbacks in Thompson has been on the minds of many local residents, especially after their Birchtree facility was put on care and maintenance back in October.

In an attempt to quell concerns about where the company is headed, Mark Scott, the vice-president of Vale’s Manitoba Operations, attended the Dec. 13 Thompson Chamber of Commerce meeting to provide an overview of the challenges the company will be facing in the new year.

Throughout his presentation, Scott made no bones about the continued work force reductions that will be coming to Vale at the end of 2017 and once the smelter and refinery closes down in the third quarter of 2018.

“We’re going to go from 1,300 [workers] right now to 1,180 on Jan. 1,” he said.

“And by the end of next year we’ll be at 807 with about a 30 person reclamation crew, so it will be 837, total, by the end of 2018.”

However, Scott was adamant about how the company is taking steps to cushion the blow as much as possible. Outside of adding a concrete loadout facility to the existing mill building, they also initiated a 20 per cent “breakthrough challenge” to help cut down on costs.

“We’ve laid down the gauntlet for ourselves for the next nine months or so and we’ve challenged ourselves to come up with another 20 per cent improvement in our unit costs,” he said. “So that can be a combination of spending reductions or productivity in production or total output improvements.”

Unfortunately, the Vale VP mentioned that this challenge comes with an urgent time limit attached to it, since they usually determine their budget for the following year during the summer.

“So by next July we definitely need to be showing positive momentum in this direction to put that best foot forward in next year’s annual planning process.”

While the people in charge of Vale are determined to take control of their own destiny, Scott maintains there are some factors they simply can’t control, such as less-thandesirable nickel prices, increased hydro rates, and what he describes as unfair taxation policies.

“Ontario and Saskatchewan have a flat 10 per cent mining tax, where Manitoba’s goes from 10 to 15 to 17 per cent and this is a real challenge when you’re looking at multi-generational financial models where those numbers add up,” said Scott. “So when

we’re competing for capital with even … our own cousins within our own organization, the playfield just isn’t level.”

In order to tweak these variables in their favour, Scott asked the chamber’s members in attendance to use their influence and connections in the local and provincial government to lobby on their behalf.

“We hope that local and regional provincial stakeholders will come together to help us in that effort to keep mining in Manitoba and keep mining in Thompson, more specifically.”

The Dec. 13 meeting wrapped up with some comments from various chamber members, some of whom talked extensively about Vale’s positive contributions to the community throughout the years.

Piggy-backing off Scott’s comments about how Vale has invested over $1.4 billion in Thompson in the last 10 years, Volker Beckmann recalls how the company provided him with a $20,000 donation to help get his local non-profit organization, Spirit Way, off the ground back in 2004.

Chamber president Rajinder Thethy officially closed out the meeting by telling Scott that they will

Nickel Belt News photo by Kyle Darbyson

Futures Food Products

Mark Scott, vice-president of Vale’s Manitoba Operations, took up residence at the Meridian Hotel on Dec. 13 for the final Chamber of Commerce meeting of 2017.

VISITING THOMPSON SOON!

try to lobby for these changes through their contacts in the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce.

“You are one of our members, so we will do whatever it means for us to

ORDER NOW AND BEAT THE RUSH!

move the issues forward,” said Thethy.

The first Thompson Chamber of Commerce meeting of 2018 is set to take place Jan. 10 at the Meridian Hotel.

Volunteers Needed!

The 2018 Manitoba Winter Games are coming to Thompson, and we need your help! Volunteer now to be a part of one of the biggest annual sporting event in Manitoba!

We have roles and opportunities for a variety of people, whether you’re an athlete, or if you just like to make things happen! Areas include sports, food, hospitality, awards and recognition, and many more!

Signing up online is easy!

1. Visit www.manitobagames.ca 2. Scroll down to “Become a Volunteer” and click “Register” button

Call, email or order online and have your tasty foods delivered right to your door.

Direct line (778) 363-0039 Toll Free 1-888-276-8609 email: js2@shaw.ca Order online at www.futuresfoodproducts.ca Email/call for pricing on specials.

Merry Christmas May the message of Christmas fill your life with joy and peace. Best wishes to you and your family during this holiday season and throughout the new year.

From Dwayne, Fred, Charlynn, Allison, Angela, Danica, Michelle, Kathy, Thomas & Kevin Assante Capital Management Ltd. 2-40 Moak Cres.

Thompson, MB R8N 2B7 204-778-1675 | www.assante.com

Friends of the Games: Law North

Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and is registered with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET 201 • SERVICES

SOUTHWOOD AREA Available ASAP. References required. Phone 204-7784000. 48nb-GCD-2-d

510 • RETAIL/ OFFICE SPACE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 500-5000 sq ft. available. Cameron/Hoe building 81 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto.

204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306477-5668. 19nb-tfn-nb COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AT SOUTHWOOD PLAZA. CALL 1-250491-3946 OR 204-677-2957. 06-tfn-d

Church Services in Thompson

ST. JAMES ANGLICAN 10 Caribou 677-4652 11 am Sundays ST. JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC 340 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC Fr Shantha Gandamalla and Fr Guna Sekhar 114 Cree R. 677-0160 Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy Youth Pastor Colton Murphy Children’s Pastor Karen O’Gilvie 126 Goldeye 677-3435 thompsonchurch.ca Sunday school 9:45 am, coffee time at 10:40 am Church Service at 11:00 am ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN 249 Thompson Drive 204-677-2799 Pastor Murat Kuntel Regular Hours: 11 am Church service CHRISTIAN CENTRE FELLOWSHIP 328 Thompson Dr. N. 677-4457 Sun. School 9:45 am • service 11 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 456 Westwood Dr. S. Ph. 778-8037 service @ 11 am LUTHERAN - UNITED CHURCH OF THOMPSON Congregations worship at 52 Caribou Rd. at 10:30 am Sundays.

Phone 204-677-4495

Red Nose donations continue to rise

ADVERTISE WITH US!

501 • HOUSES FOR RENT

CALL 204-677-4534 OR EMAIL- CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

DON’S ROOFING Contact us for roof top snow removal, and vent cleaning for both residential and commercial buildings. Fully insured. Call 204-679-6503.

49nb-4-d

Page 8

LIVING WATER CHURCH Pastor Archie McKay Ph: 677-2469 Sunday services @ 7:00pm.

LIGHT OF THE NORTH CHURCH 32 Nelson Road GATEWAY BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Chris Lowe 159 Cree Rd 204-677-3000 Sunday school 10:00 am AM Service at 11, PM Service at 7 Prayer meeting - Wednesday 7 pm THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS everyone welcome Sundays at 10 AM 83 Copper Rd For more information, church tours or home visits call the missionaries at 204-939-4382 or visit Mormon.org THE SALVATION ARMY Thompson Corps (Church) 305 Thompson Dr. - 204-677-3658 Worship services every Sunday at 11 am Burntwood baptist Church 39 Beaver Crescent Thompson MB R8N 1C5 204-778-4494 Pastor Lee Pickett Sunday morning service 11:15 a.m Sunday evening service 7:00 p.m Wednesday prayer meeting 7:00 p.m

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Operation Red Nose - Thompson Thompson’s Operation Red Nose gave more than 100 rides and received $2,500 in donations in their second-last weekend of service before Christmas Dec. 15-16.

Donors to Thompson’s Operation Red Nose designated driving service are taking the Christmas season to heart and becoming more giving as the month of December progresses.

The total donations on Dec. 15 were $1,187.05, the best to that point this year, but Saturday saw a new benchmark established with $1,366.10 given, the only time so far this year that one night’s take has surpassed

$1,200.

The number of rides was up to 100 and the total number of kilometres driven was more than 1,500.

This year to date, Operation Red Nose has given 281 rides and received $7,114.75 in donations while driving more than 3,000 kilometres.

Red Nose drivers will be available to give drivers who’ve been drinking rides home in their own

cars every Friday and Saturday night until Christmas but will not be on the road Dec. 29–30. The last night the service will be available is New Year’s Eve. The service is available from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and can be accessed by dialling 204-778-8111.

Money raised this Christmas season will go to Born to Dance, the peewee Thompson King Miners, Thompson Scouts,

Pathways and Wapanohk Community School.

Last year, Thompson’s Operation Red Nose program raised $6,771.70, placing fourth in the province for fundraising behind Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and The Pas. For more information on the program or to become a volunteer, visit the Operation Red NoseThompson page on Facebook.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 9

Columnists

Your search is over.

The Manitoba government offers you opportunity, diversity and a rewarding career.

Financial Clerk Regular/Full-Time Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations, Thompson, MB Advertisement Number: 33566 Closing Date: January 2, 2018 Salary Range: $40,398 - $46,337 per year plus remoteness allowance where applicable The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary civil service that is inclusive and reflective of the population it serves. We encourage applicants to voluntarily self-declare in the cover letter, resumé or application if they are from any of the following employment equity groups: women, Indigenous people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

Essential Qualifications Include: • Post-secondary education related to office/business administration or a recognized accounting course, with related admin/clerical experience, or an equivalent combination of education or training, and experience may be considered • Experience compiling, analyzing and preparing financial reports and statements, cost estimates, and records management • Experience working in Accounts Payable • Experience working with accounting software • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, with strong data entry skills for creating and maintaining complex spreadsheets, documents and reports • Excellent organizational skills with ability to handle conflicting priorities, deadlines and scheduling while working with minimal supervision • Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to use sound judgement when dealing with the public and colleagues • Effective written communication skills with the ability to prepare, edit and review correspondence • Strong verbal communication skills Conditions of Employment: • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the Province of Manitoba • Must willing and able to work overtime as required Duties: Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration, the Financial Clerk is responsible for senior clerical/administrative functions in the Finance and Administration Branch of the department. The incumbent is responsible for final payment authority of accounts payable through the SAP Accounting System; maintenance of up-to-date financial information; and report distribution. Coordinates common services to all areas of the department such as signing authority delegation, accountable advances, parking, credit card systems and requisitioning.

Apply to: Advertisement No. 33566 Manitoba Civil Service Commission Human Resource Services 608-330 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0C4 Phone: 204-945-4394 Fax: 204-948-2193 Email: govjobs@gov.mb.ca Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Find out about other current job opportunities — click on the Jobs button at manitoba.ca.

the Classifieds

You never know what you’ll find inside Call 204-677-4534 or email classifieds@thompsoncitizen.net to place your ad

Page 10

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 22, 2017

Careers

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

We are looking for someone to join our existing sales team! This is a full-time position.

Applicant should be highly motivated, well organized, and possess excellent people skills. He/she should be a selfstarter who is capable of working within and meeting deadlines. The successful candidate will be capable of offering professional sales service to his/her clients in order to develop and maintain business relationships.

Basic computer knowledge is required. A valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation are required. Prior sales experience of advertising or promotional materials would be an asset, but is not necessary. The Thompson Citizen is willing to train. We offer a competitive wage structure and health benefits are also included.

The closing date for applications is January 19, 2018.

The interest of all applicants is appreciated, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit your resume and references, along with a cover letter to: Lynn Taylor, Publisher, Thompson Citizen, P.O. Box 887, Thompson, MB R8N 1N8 Drop off: 141 Commercial Place, Thompson, MB Email: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net Fax 677-3681

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA REGIONAL CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES WORKER-SHAMATTAWA UNIT LOCATION: THOMPSON CENTRAL OFFICE, THOMPSON, MB Position:

Regional Child & Family Services Worker One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position

Reporting to a Unit Supervisor the Regional Child & Family Services Worker is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific directions/ directives of the Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in the field of child protection. The duties would include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, developing long/short term case plans, developing/ facilitating workshops, community education/networking with collateral resources/services.

The Pas, Manitoba

Millwright Canadian Kraft Paper offers a work environment that promotes diversity, embraces change, and encourages continuous growth and development for every team member.

We offer a workplace where everyone plays an essential role in the success of our Company and where individual efforts are acknowledged. If you thrive in a dynamic and challenging environment, we want you to be a part of our Team!

Our structure and culture encourages innovation, growth and change in an open environment, and we believe in and practice environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities: • Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, the Journeyman Millwright’s responsibilities will include: • Performing corrective and preventative maintenance on industrial equipment in a production environment • Maintaining pumps, conveyors, compressors, mechanical systems, rollers & chains, bearings and hydraulics involved in the manufacturing process of Kraft Paper • Working as part of a team to troubleshoot and repair equipment, including disassembling and reassembling machinery and overhauling gearboxes, etc.

• Maintaining a preventative maintenance program for plant equipment • Performing work in a manner consistent with plant safety, housekeeping standards and quality checks Qualifications: • Journeyman Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Certification required • Proven mechanical and trouble shooting skills • Prefer 3 years’ experience with hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical maintenance • Ability to read blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to assemble equipment and follow work procedures & processes • Ability to work independently and take initiatives • Strong work ethic and safety record • Strong interpersonal skills; both verbal and written communication required To apply: If you are interested in exploring this opportunity and being a part of our team, please submit your resume to Tammy Paddock, HR Team Lead at tammy.paddock@ckpi.com.

The Regional Child & Family Services Worker will be working with the Shamattawa Unit out of the Thompson Central Office and will be required to travel to the community at the request of the supervisor.

Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work Degree • Combination of experience in a related field along with the completion of 2 years in the BSW program may be considered • Previous Experience in child welfare is preferred • Knowledge of CFS legislation, Regulations and Provincial Standards • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) would be an asset • Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Demonstrated crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills • Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills • Demonstrated ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree language would be considered an asset Working Conditions: • Must be able to work in a fast paced environment • Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and be reliable • Must be able to travel • Must have satisfactory Prior Contact, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Salary: Salary will commensurate with education and experience Closing Date: Friday, January 5, 2018 Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resume if they are from any of the following groups: women, indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

A cover letter indicating the position applying for, an updated resume and three references can be sent to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba 701 Thompson Drive Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca Awasis Agency provides continuous training and a great benefits package to employees We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

FINANCE CLERK II (PERMANENT, FULL-TIME)

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration, the Finance Clerk II is responsible for performing data entry and related duties. The Finance Clerk II is responsible for providing financial and clerical services in order to ensure effective, efficient and accurate financial and administrative operations. The Finance Clerk II must comply with established policies and procedures.

Duties: The Finance Clerk II is responsible for accounts receivable, staff travel, bank reconciliations, visa statement processing, and other monthly financial processing activities as requested. Calculate, prepare and issue documents related to these activities using computerized and manual systems. Code, total, batch, enter, verify and reconcile related transactions in a subledger or computer system. Prepare period reports. Act as support for other finance positions when required. Perform other related duties as requested.

Qualifications: Diploma in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration and two years of finance experience, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be bondable.

Experience with SAGE 300 (ACCPAC) modules, Microsoft Office programs with emphasis in Excel spreadsheets. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must have a highly developed sense of discretion for handling confidential information and monetary transactions. Ability to work under sporadic stress and/or pressure. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

A written application with detailed resume, including minimum two (2) references with written permission to contact the references and your most recent immediate supervisors should be submitted to: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager Keewatin Tribal Council 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256 Closing Date: 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2018 Late applications will not be accepted

We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

1. Who wrote and released “Think of Laura” and why?

2. Which group released “Then Came You”?

3. Name the first group to record “Smiling Faces.”

4. Who recorded “PT 109”?

5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “I could stay awake just to hear you breathing, Watch you smile while you are sleeping, While you’re far away dreaming.”

Answers 1. Christopher Cross, in 1983, after the death of a college student who was hit by a bullet. But the song became popular when it was associated with a couple in the soap opera “General Hospital,” Luke and Laura, after she’d been missing for months.

2. Dionne Warwicke (temporarily adding the “e” to her last name) and the Spinners, in 1974. It was her first chart topper.

3. The Temptations, in 1971. The song about backstabbing friends became a hit later that year when it was re-recorded by co-writer Norman Whitfield’s trio the Undisputed Truth.

4. Jimmy Dean, in 1962. The song tells of John F. Kennedy and the crew of Patrol Torpedo boat 109 in 1943.

5. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,”

by Aerosmith in 1998, was the group’s first No. 1. It went global, topping the charts around the world, and was used in the film “Armageddon.” © 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

Friday, December 22, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 11 OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION JOB COMPETITION – EXTERNAL POSTING

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE MANAGER

JOB OPPORTUNITY – External Posting Marcel Colomb First Nation JP-CFI Case Manager (Full-Time Term Position) Cree Nation Tribal Health Center Inc. is seeking applications for a full-time term position of Case Manager (Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Social Work), funded under the Jordan’s Principle- Child First Initiative Project for Marcel Colomb First Nation The purpose of the newly funded Jordan’s Principle Child First Project is to implement a comprehensive and integrated approach of coordinated services to help Marcel Colomb First Nation Health to provide support and respond to children with complex and special needs and their families, in partnership with other health and social professionals and agencies. These services should significantly contribute to quality of life ensuring that children and their families are enabled to experience a life that is as full and as normal as possible.

Thumper Auto is looking for: • Secretary/Service Writer • Mechanic/Helper Must have experience and a valid driver’s licence.

Drop off resume to Derek in person at 33 Severn Cres.

Position Summary:

Home Care Nurse- External Posting Marcel Colomb First Nation Health Authority is seeking a qualified individual to fulfill the role of Home Care Nurse.

Job Summary Reporting to the Home Care Manager, the Home Care Nurse is responsible for promoting, protecting & preserving the health of Marcel Colomb community members through services directed to home care clients. The Home Care Nurse provides holistic care & practices nursing as defined by the Registered Nurses Act & in compliance with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Standards of Practice & Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics; cares for & directs the overall care of clients; is responsible for advocating, providing information, educating & supporting clients to ensure that the highest possible standard of service is provided; follows Marcel Colomb policies & procedures; works in a multidisciplinary team & may be called upon to assist with other duties within the scope of the department.

Position Requirements: • • • • • • • •

Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical CRNM or CLPN – Active Registration Valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License Daily access to a vehicle Criminal record & child abuse registry checks 2 years of related nursing experience Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook Immunization record up to date

The Case Manager position provides a comprehensive community health service in conjunction with its health care team. The Case Manager will provide supervision & peer support to the Child Development Workers, Assistant to the Case Manager and Respite Workers, in each SCTC community to provide a model of service delivery for children with complex needs and their families. Provide elements in which services have a particular responsibility to take the lead in securing effective development, delivery and review of services.

Recognize the deficits with service systems and the need to protect children through early intervention, sharing of information, effective co-ordination of services and appropriate training.

Qualifications: •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • •

RN or BN preference for someone with a nursing background in rehab care and must be in good standing with CRNM; or Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Social Work Supervisory and case management experience; Knowledge of Jordan’s Principle Child First Initiative; Child development background or equivalent Experience working in First Nation Communities; CPR and First Aide Certification; Excellent computer skills Knowledge of Cree language and culture; A highly-motivated individual who is innovative and has a proven ability to work with a very high degree of accuracy and attention to detail; Excellent time management and facilitation skills; Effective verbal and listening communications skills; Strong leadership, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills.

Valid Driver’s License, with ability to travel weekly.

The position is subject to satisfactory criminal and other checks, and is subject to terms and conditions in a proposed written agreement.

Closing Date: January 5, 2018 at 4pm. No late submissions will be accepted.

Please forward a resume with 3 references along with cover letter, in confidence, to:

Applications Must Include:

Email or drop off only Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth.ca OR Wilma Cook, TNO/Team Lead, wcook@tribalhealth.ca

• • • • • •

A cover letter that clearly indicates how you meet the position requirements Resume Copy of credentials (licenses, training, education) Three references (colleague, supervisor or manager) and contact information Criminal record check & child abuse registry checks (or indication that they have been applied for) Personal contact information (phone & email)

Your application will not proceed to interview without the above information. To obtain a complete job description, for additional information or to apply for this position please contact or submit your application to:

Only successful applications will be contacted for further interview.

w w w.thompsoncitizen.net

SALARY: Negotiable CLASSIFICATION: Full Time Permanent LOCATION: Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB JOB SUMMARY: The Facility Maintenance Manager is a Middle Management position responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of the OCN Government Buildings and grounds that are currently or may be in the future, operated and maintained by OCN Administration. The position is responsible for operation, maintenance and in some instances custodial services at these buildings.

Some duties include: •

Assist the CWO Manager in preparation of annual operating budgets

•

Involvement in Minor and Major Capital planning pertaining to OCN Government Buildings

•

Review and reporting on monthly financial statements

•

Develop, implement and maintain an effective maintenance program, including preventative maintenance for all facilities, buildings, building systems and grounds, while ensuring all OCN policies are adhered to

•

Coordinate with the OCN Property Manager to implement Hippo Computerized Maintenance Management System

•

Perform trade related duties

•

Schedule and allocate required work to contract trades and maintenance staff to meet priorities.

Recommends to the CWO Manager on the use of contracted services. Outline tasks and ensures contract compliance for contracted services.

QUALIFICATIONS: •

Diploma in Facility Maintenance or Journeyperson with Red Seal Certification in plumbing, carpentry or electrical.

•

Excellent knowledge of codes, standards, by-laws and engineering, architectural and construction practices related to building and grounds.

•

Minimum of 5 years related work experience.

•

Experience with the use of blue prints and O&M manuals

•

Valid Manitoba Driver’s License and daily access to a reliable vehicle

•

Criminal Records Check

For complete Job Description please contact Courtney Hester, Personnel Administrator Application Deadline: Open till Filled

Please submit resume/cover letter to: Courtney Hester, Personnel Administrator P.O. Box 10880 Opaskwayak, Manitoba R0B 2J0 Phone: 204-627-7100 Fax: 204-627-7063 E-Mail: courtney.hester@opaskwayak.ca

Please mark application “Personal and Confidential”.

We thank all who applied, however, only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER

Email or drop off only Cree Nation Tribal Health Centre 107 Edwards Avenue, The Pas Noreen Singh, Finance Manager, nsingh@tribalhealth. ca or Wilma Cook, TNO/Team Lead, wcook@tribalhealth.ca Please mark all correspondence “CONFIDENTIAL” Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Deadline to Apply: January 5 2018

DEPARTMENT: Community Works and Operations

Glacier Media Group is growing.

Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

Page 12

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 22, 2017

Thompson Citizen Xmas Passport 2017

Lucie Lambert presents a prize package to contest winner Molly Stapleton.

Contest winner Sandra Cameron accepts her prize with Santa looking on.

The results are in! We’d like to thank our generous sponsors and everyone who collected stickers for their passports. Our lucky winners are Molly Stapleton, Sandra Cameron, Emily Cameron and Tara Ritchie.

Our sponsors were Family Foods, ET Blades, Lone Wolf Café, Speedy Glass, Thompson Auto Wash, InSPAration, Lambert’s Home Décor & Gift, Futures Foods, Earl McKay and Crazy Pete. THANKS AGAIN!

nd Happy New a s a m t s i r h C Year Merry from all of us at the Thompson Citizen!

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES St Lawrence Roman Catholic – 114 Cree Rd December 24 Regular Mass – 10 am Family Mass with carols – 4:30 pm Night Mass – 10 pm December 25 Christmas Mass – 10 am December 31 Regular Mass – 10 am New year’s eve Mass – 5 pm January 1 Mass – 10 am

Thompson Pentecostal – 126 Goldeye Cres December 24 Sunday Service – 11 am Candle Light Service – 7 pm

The Salvation Army – 305 Thompson Dr December 24 Regular Service – 11 am Christmas Candle Light Service – 6 pm

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – 83 Copper Rd December 24 Christmas Eve Service – 10-11 am

Lutheran-United Church of Thompson – 52 Caribou Rd December 24 Regular worship – 10:30 am Candlelight Communion Service – 7 pm Please bring your own candle in a safe, stable holder.

Gateway Bible Baptist Church – 159 Cree Rd December 24 Sunday School – 10 am Morning Service – 11 am Evening Service – 7 pm

St. James Anglican Church – 10 Caribou Rd

December 24 Christmas Eve candlelight service, Holy Communion – 7:30 pm December 25 Christmas Day Service: 11 am