March 04 2016

Nickel Belt News

Volume 56 Number 9

Friday, March 4, 2016

Thompson, Manitoba

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Lynn Lake Winter Carnival

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of James Lindsay Myran Cook competes in the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival fire building competition. See related story and photos on Page 6.

Police shooting death inquest that made no recommendation condones ‘killing an Indian,’ says God’s Lake chief

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The judge presiding over a Fatality Inquiries Act inquest into the death of Paul Duck of God’s Lake Narrows, who was shot

by RCMP in March 2011, made no recommendations to help prevent such deaths in the future, a decision that doesn’t sit well with Duck’s family or the chief and council of the remote Northern Manitoba First Nation.

God’s Lake First Nation Chief Gilbert Andrews said March 1 that the judge’s decision condoned the killing of “Indians.”

Duck was shot in the arm and the leg

by RCMP Const. Shawn Steele on March 15, 2011. Steele and fellow RCMP Const.

Adam Harmes were guarding the scene of a house fire that had killed 73-yearold Demus James, three-year-old Kayleigh Okemow and two-year-old Throne Kirkness the previous day.

The shot that hit Duck’s arm – one of three fired by Steele after Duck did not obey a command to drop the shotgun he was carrying – severed his brachial artery, which is the main blood vessel supplying blood to the arm and is similar in size to the carotid artery on the neck. Although the nurse on duty at the God’s Lake Narrows nursing station had experience dealing with gunshot wounds as a nurse in Los Angeles, the doctor who conducted the autopsy concluded that, given the distance from a hospital with surgeons and resuscitative equipment, it was extremely unlikely that Duck could have survived his injury.

Duck was not impaired by alcohol or drugs at the time of the shooting, but had been chasing a group of youth who had been vandalizing his sister’s home and had fired three shots from his shotgun in the air prior to approaching police. His gun was not loaded when he was shot.

An independent investigation was conducted by a Saskatoon police officer, whose report was reviewed by an Ontario Crown prosecutor, who recommended that no charges be laid against Steele.

“There is nothing, in my view, that can be recommended to prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future,” wrote Judge Murray Thompson in his inquest report, which was released Feb. 23.

“Our members still question if this tragedy was motivated by racism; not valuing the life of an Indian or is it that officers who come to our communities are genuinely scared of our people and are too quick to use excessive force?” said Andrews in a press release. “When the judiciary said, ‘there is nothing, in my view, that can be recommended to prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future,’ it leaves us with apprehension that this kind of behaviour [to kill an Indian] is condoned

by the justice system and for us to fear the actions of the RCMP in the future.”

Tom Duck, the brother of the man killed by police, said in the same press release that the inquest and the way information was released make it difficult for Paul Duck’s family to move on.

“The family is not pleased the inquiry report was released without any notice to the family,” said Tom Duck. “We found out through media the judge had no recommendations. Our family is still looking for closure, we still have a lot of unanswered questions and we can’t stress enough that this travesty could have been avoided if the officer had not been so fearful during the line of duty and too quick to use his revolver. To believe my brother died needlessly because the value of life did not take precedence by the officers involved is beyond my understanding. His wife and children are still grieving.”

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Page 2

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

News

Northern fishers frustrated with Service Canada investigation

BY KACPER ANTOSZEWSKI KACPER@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Members of the Norway House Fisherman’s Co-operative are feeling unjustly incriminated after a Service Canada investigation found several instances of erroneous Employment Insurance (EI) claims stemming back over a decade.

The co-operative, which includes 52 members and roughly 100 helpers, has been under investigation since August 2015.

Since then, Norway House Fishing Co-operative president Langford Saunders reports that several helpers have been cut off from

their EI benefits, and fishers have been ordered to repay anywhere between $5,000 and $30,000 for previous benefits received. The benefits, he noted, were critical for attracting staff throughout the fishing months: “It’s the only way we can get our guys to come out, is if they have something to fall back on at the end of the season. We have a short season, but we work hard. These are people who didn’t go to the welfare department for assistance. Now they have to.”

Service Canada reserves a specific EI program for seasonal fishermen who cannot find work during the summer months. The

fishers must be self-employed, and receive benefits based on the season’s earnings, rather than time worked. Earnings must be divided by a sharing arrangement among crew, while fishing employees on a payroll are not eligible for fishing EI benefits.

Saunders admits that mistakes in the claims were made, and notes that he has already begun making changes to his claims. But he was disturbed by what he described as an over-aggressive investigation, during which he says his helpers were accused of lying to and defrauding the ministry. “They say that we’re doing that, but

we’re not knowingly doing that.

If there’s a concern, something we can change, we’re willing to co-operate. All we’re requesting is a meeting with the minister to give our side of the story. We don’t need to be treated the way we’re being treated right now.”

Saunders says that clamping down hard on fishers denied the department’s role in allowing the claims to be filed for so long.

“Why didn’t someone raise a red flag when this had first started?

There’s something wrong here, and the department needs to take responsibility for its mistakes.”

Churchill-Keewatinook Aski

NDP MP Niki Ashton stood for the fishers in the House of Commons Feb. 17, demanding answers from Liberal Employment Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk: “People are being cut off from their benefits without even having the chance to plead their case. We are talking about some of the poorest people in Canada. Will the government work with Norway House fishers to resolve this situation immediately?”

Mihychuk responded curtly: “This is a very sensitive case. Individuals are going through an investigation. It is ongoing, and I cannot comment.”

Poll-by-poll election results show who won where in last October’s federal election

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Poll-by-poll results from the Oct. 19, 2015 federal election released by Elections Canada Feb. 29 show that several remote Northern Manitoba First Nations in the Churchill –Keewatinook Aski riding voted heavily in favour of the Liberal party candidate Rebecca Chartrand, though the NDP’s Niki Ashton ultimately prevailed by about 900 votes overall.

Chartrand outpolled Ashton 775 to 236 in St. Theresa Point, 513 to 50 in Garden Hill, 559 to 528 in Norway

House and 118 to 27 in Red Sucker Lake while also getting 210 votes to Ashton’s 69 in Waasagomach, 119 to Ashton’s 113 in Oxford House and 10 to Ashton’s four in Island Lake. Pikwitonei voters favoured the Liberals 15-12 and in Nelson House ballots were 420 to 186 in favour of Chartrand. The Liberals edged the NDP 18-17 in Sherridon.

Ballots cast under special voting rules, which include those cast by Canadian citizens temporarily living abroad, Canadian Forces members, incarcerated people and those who submitted by

special ballot within or outside of voters’ electoral districts went Chartrand’s way 446 to 396.

The NDP incumbent’s support was strong in Cross Lake, where Ashton received 1,108 votes compared to 447 for the Liberal candidate. Other communities tilting Ashton’s way included Lac Brochet (157-138), Tadoule Lake (98-22), Churchill (250-152), South Indian Lake (134-68), Brochet (9754), Lynn Lake (107-106), Leaf Rapids (65-39), Split Lake (295-184), Gillam (259-157), Bird (28-4), Shamattawa

(83-48), God’s River (140-46), Ilford (32-7), York Landing (72-31), Thicket Portage (37-2), Wabowden (122-52), Pukatawagan (233-65), Cranberry Portage (125-120), Cormorant (84-10), Moose Lake (200-81), Grand Rapids (281-161) and Easterville (328-101).

A joint Lynn Lake-Leaf Rapids advance poll went 54-21 for the NDP’s Ashton.

Snow Lake bucked the trend of the NDP or Liberals finishing on top. Vote totals there were 167 for the Conservative candidate Kyle Mirecki, compared to 129 for Chartrand and 114 for Ashton.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 3

News

Trial for 2005 slaying of Thompson youth concludes

BY KACPER ANTOSZEWSKI KACPER@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The trial for the 2005 murder of a Thompson teenager concluded March, with the judge rendering a decision on the admissibility of voir dire evidence, and Crown and defence counsel presenting their closing arguments. Court will reconvene April 11 to set a date for the judge’s verdict.

The first order of business was for Justice Sheldon Lanchbery to pass judgment on the admissibility of the voire dire evidence presented on Monday and Tuesday; the hearsay testimony of the parents and friends regarding the relationship between the accused – who cannot be named under the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act since he was under 18 at the time of the crime with which he is charged – and the deceased, based on information the deceased had told them, as well as evidence depicting “disreputable conduct” on the part of the accused not directly related to the crime at hand, is admissible only under strict conditions, those where the value of the evidence outweighs the prejudicial nature of the information.

Lanchbery ruled that all hearsay testimony regarding the victim’s relationship with the accused was to be excluded. “The testimony of these witnesses is uncertain as to the time, location, and background of the conversations,” he stated. “The absence of a time frame, whether these conversations took place two years before the crime, or in the days leading up to it, is significant: there is no nexus between these statements and the February events, as set forth in the testimony of these witnesses.

Without this nexus, there is little probative value to the conversations.” Lanchbery noted that all witnesses had readily admitted that 11 years had passed since the events under scrutiny, and the uncertainty surrounding the testimony meant that the potential for prejudice far outweighed any value in determining a motive or state of mind for the defendant.

Nonetheless, Lanchbery admitted testimony from Jesse Gornick, that the accused had held a homemade machete to the victim’s throat, and from Michelle Beaver’s, who gave an account of her consolation of the accused, during which he allegedly told her that he was jealous of the victim’s new boyfriend and that, “If I can’t have her, no one can,” and said he wanted to break her legs, kill her and burn her house down.

With regards to the Gornick’s testimony, Lanchbery

stated, “The timing of this event had not been nailed sufficiently, however, the issue can clearly be descried as an unexpected act of violence inflected by the accuse on [the victim].”

With respect to Beaver, he stated, “Though there is discrepancy as to whether this statement was made two weeks or two months prior to the events, the elapsed remains close in proximity, and is relevant.”

Lanchbery noted that between the two extremes of the timeline, the circumstances of jealousy would have remained constant.

He also noted that Beaver’s testimony was reinforced

by Coty Ducharme’s, who reported a similar remark which the defendant had made to him: “I can’t live without her.”

The trial concluded with closing statements. Crown attorney Brian Wilford noted that the fire had been first reported shortly after the defendant had returned home, prior to which his location could not be accounted for; Not only this, but that the defendant had reportedly attempted to conceal his location that day through a false alibi, as attested to by witnesses Darwin and Ricardo Michelle and Ramsey Thomas. Wilford also noted that all witnesses from the group home had described the same unusual enthusiasm for laundry upon the defendant’s return to the home reinforced just how notable and unusual the behaviour was, and that despite their failure to mention the laundry in 2005, their insistence under cross-examination testified to the credibility of their statements.

Wilford emphasized the Alternate Light Source (ALS) fluorescence testimony of Paul Brisson, by adding that not only was the fluorescence consistent between lamp oil at the group home where the defendant lived and the crime scene, but that the depth of the fluorescence found on the defendant’s shoes was consistent with what one would expect from a shag carpet drenched in fire accelerant. Fire investigators on the scene had estimated that at least four litres had been used to stoke the fire.

None of the evidence, Wilford conceded, demonstrated guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on its own. Together, however, he asserted that the pieces of the story came together to create “a structure to trap and ensnare” the defendant. In quoting from Supreme Court Justice Emmett Hall’s dissent regarding the potential validity of circumstantial evidence, Wilford asserted: “There are cases where the circumstances point inexorably towards guilt, where the final events

restructured completely entraps the prisoner in a situation from which he cannot escape. There may be pieces of this structure missing here or there, and certain imperfections may be discernable. But the entrapping mesh, taken as a whole, must be continuous and consistent.”

Motive for the crime remains murky, but Wilford dismissed this as irrelevant: “The only thing, in my respectful submission, that the Crown need prove beyond a reasonable doubt is the identity of the killer, and as I said at the outset and I say again now, the Crown has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused is the killer.”

DNA evidence presented to the judge Feb. 26, consisting of semen samples taken form the body of the victim – whose identity is protected by a courtordered publication ban – stressed by Wilford. One sample had been positively identified as a boyfriend of the victim at the time; the other had never been conclusively determined.

With consensual possibilities ruled out (individuals who had been suspected of relations with the victim had been interviewed and eliminated as matches), Wilford suggested that the unidentified sample indicated a sexual assault, along with the “suggestive” position the victim’s body had been found in. The DNA report said it “could not be ruled out” that the sample had belonged to the defendant.

Wilford also brought forward what he described as “human biological material.”

The sample was “not enough to tell that it was blood, not enough to say that it was saliva, but it was human biological material with the victim’s DNA.” The sample had been extracted from the defendant’s shoes, seized the day of the crime. Wilford posited that the sample was likely the spatter of blood or vomit that resulted from the “brutal” hammer attack that killed the victim.

In the defence’s closing argument, Gerri Wiebe suggested that such fluids, if they were as copious as was described by investigators, would have been present in far greater amounts than a sample so small that its nature could not be conclusively identified. Nor did the Crown present any evidence suggesting when the DNA may have ended up on the defendant’s shoes: neither any particular event, nor any expert suggestion regarding the length of time which DNA may remain intact.

Wiebe’s closing statement put particular pressure on Beaver’s testimony, reiterating that for over nine years, across several hearings, Beaver had failed to mention the threats the

accused had made shortly before the murder, and in fact had outright insisted to police that she had no other details to provide.

Wiebe dismissed the witness’s fears as inconsistent in their application, but also noted that a hesitance to speak up was contrary to Beaver’s behaviour throughout her testimony in the trial, where she had “no problem providing information she was not asked for.”

As to the testimony at the group home surrounding the defendant’s laundry activities, Wiebe stressed quality over quantity. No mention of laundry was made in the statements provided to police in 2005, despite specific questions being asked regarding the condition of his clothes or his shoes when he arrived at the home around noon. “It’s imperative to note that no one had seen the defendant do laundry.

We have one person who says they recognized a load of laundry in the washer which she recognized as his, but she admitted that the load could have been anyone’s, as the kids frequently traded clothes, and they were similar to those worn by other residents at the time.”

In discussing the defendant’s alibi, Wiebe’s case law included specific instructions which are to be administered to juries in trials where they are utilized, with explicit purpose to overcome the layman’s tendency to associate concealment with guilt: “People sometimes flee or lie for entirely innocent reasons, and even if the accused was motivated by guilt, that feeling may be attributable to some culpable act for which the accused is not being tried for.” She also reiterated that witnesses Michelle and Ramsey had trouble recalling the exact day that the defendant visited them.

Wiebe also reiterated her previous objections to the ALS evidence, noting that the light can only indicate the general presence of a substance, but not make any specific indications as to what that substance might be. “Mr. Brisson had said he had never seen a light fluoresce at that wavelength in his career. But that’s like me saying, ‘I’ve never seen a case with such circumstantial evidence.’

You don’t know what my case history has been, you don’t know if I’ve had the opportunity to try many cases where there’s circumstantial evidence was involved. We don’t know what Mr. Brisson has done, what crime scenes he’s examined. The reality is, he couldn’t say how many substances could fluoresce at 570nm. He said there could be hundreds.”

MALL HOURS: Monday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Tuesday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Wednesday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Thursday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Friday 9:30 - 9:00 pm Saturday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm *Some store hours may vary Mall Office Tel: (204) 677-2113 Fax: (204) 677-4611 www.shopcitycentremall.com

School District of Mystery Lake Change in Location for Regular Board Meeting on March 8, 2016 The Board of Trustees of the School District of Mystery Lake will be holding the March 8, 2016 board meeting in the library at Wapanohk Community School Meeting time is 7:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.

Success for All

Winter Bussing for Students Continues up to March 24, 2016 The School District of Mystery Lake is continuing the winter bussing for students up to and including March 24, 2016.

Students attending any one of the six elementary schools or R.D. Parker Collegiate will be able to take the bus to school in the morning and back home at the end of the day at no charge to the student. This will be the final month of bussing for the 2015/2016 school year.

Success for All

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Re: Kindergarten Registration for the 2016/2017 School Year Registration for September 2016 kindergarten is now being accepted at all our elementary schools, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please register your child at your catchment school. Welcome to kindergarten events are planned for the month of June at each school.

The person registering the child must be a parent or legal guardian. A birth certificate is necessary for registration. You will also need your Manitoba Health card as well as proof of residence (valid Manitoba driver’s licence, Manitoba medical card, lease agreement, house title or any other official document indicating your current address.) If not a Canadian citizen, please provide Landed Immigrant documents, visa, etc. Students entering kindergarten must be five years old by December 31, 2016.

Success for All

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING 2016 GENERAL BORROWING BY-LAW TO PAY FOR THE KELSEY BLVD SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to subsection 169(6) of The Municipal Act, that the Council of The Town of Churchill has scheduled a public hearing in the Council Chambers at 180 LaVerendrye Avenue on March 29, 2016 at 5:00 pm. Council will consider the following proposal to borrow $1,580,000.00, which represents 1/3 of the total cost (general borrowing by-law 775/16) for the Kelsey Boulevard sewer line replacement.

The total estimated cost of the project is $4,700,000.00. The project is to be funded as follows: $3,160,000.00 by the Canada-Manitoba New Building Canada Fund-Small Communities Fund and $1,580,000.00 by borrowing. The borrowing will be repaid over 20 years at an estimated interest rate of 6%. The annual repayment amount is estimated to be $137,752.00 to be levied annually as part of the general municipal levy.

Council will hear any person who wishes to make a presentation, ask questions, or register an objection to the by-law, as provided.

Copies of the by-law will be available for review on March 22, 2016 and may be examined by any person during the regular office hours of the Administration Office at 180 LaVerendrye Avenue.

Gail Hodkin, CPA, CGA, CA, CMMA Director of Finance

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

Columnists

God helps us make bad experiences powerless Did you ever think about how your life is an echo of those who came before?

Much of what we know about life is learned from our family, friends and random people all around.

There is the rare time when we reinvent the wheel to meet a specific need or notice something fresh with limited apparent outside influence. This makes me wonder sometimes if much of who we are by default is an echo of people we have interacted with.

Now this would not be an issue if everything that our family and peers did was good and to both our and the general benefit in life. To break from some

of the bad echoes requires something special, something unique, something powerful. To narrow this down, let us just consider our relationships. Relationships amount to much of our difficulties and joys in life. Unfortunately we have all experienced much bad in our life full of relationships even if most of them have been good.

What do we do about those echoes? Do we just hope, without action, that we will somehow miss the bad and work out the good? Do we try different strategies learned from others, who also have their echoes of brokenness?

As you may have al-

Lucky Time

Spiritual Thoughts generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com Morgan Serger ready guessed, this is not going nowhere. Relationships are built on commitment and the purest and truest form of commitment is love. This is not a love of pizza or hockey but rather a love that transcends feelings, gifts and kisses. To drown out the echoes of broken love that we all have bouncing around our

past we need a loud and unwavering call. God demonstrated this kind of love when – while we were still choosing to not respond to His love with love – He died for us (Bible Romans 5:8.) On top of that is the fact that He even thought to make us, knowing what we would do and contribute to. He knew we would

create echoes of brokenness for others by choosing selfishness multiple times and yet because He is love (Bible 1 John 4:8,) He made us anyways, setting us up to choose to commit to Him and experience real love.

From a spiritual perspective, life is full of these battles where the echo needs to be drowned out, covered up and utterly destroyed.

It is not possible to have multiple imperfect gods or forces or spirits that somehow, despite their own echoes of brokenness, come together and bring perfect good. It is only with One perfectly good, perfectly powerful and

perfectly knowledgeable God working all things together that we can make the echoes powerless. I, for one, want to set aside the brokenness from the past and strive for excellence and perfection in my relationships. I am guessing that you do, too. So what are we going to do about it? Are we going to keep trying to use limited strategies or are we going to go looking for the source of true good? I believe that God through Christ Jesus is the only way to stop the echoes.

Morgan Serger is the general director of MidWay Christian Leadership on Cree Road in Thompson.

March 17, 2016

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• Keep the pets in mind as you decorate and prepare for Easter. Flowers and candy can be tempting and toxic to our furry friends. Cats especially take to plastic grass, which can obstruct their digestive system. And, as the ASPCA reminds us: “While live bunnies, chicks and other festive animals are adorable, resist the urge to buy them -- these cute babies grow up fast and often require specialized care!”

• Sewing Tip: Run your thread through a sheet of fabric softener to prevent tangling.

• Are you in the process of pulling flower pots out of the shed? You can remove salt deposits from clay pots by mixing together equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray down the pot inside and out, and scrub with a plastic scrubbie. Rinse and let dry before using.

• It’s spring at the farmer’s market: Look for great deals on in-season mangoes, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli and cauliflower, as well as spring onions and lettuces. Also, get ready to stock the freezer, as March is National Frozen Food Month.

• * DIY rust removal: Try soaking the item in vinegar for an hour. Use baking soda as a mild abrasive. Or cut a potato in half, sprinkle the cut side with salt, and use it to rub off rust.

Nickel Belt News

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 5

Sports

Islanders stay alive in KJHL playoffs with comeback win

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The Cross Lake Islanders scored twice in the third period March 1 to come from one goal down to win the third game of their Keystone Junior Hockey League playoff series against the OCN Storm 4-3.

Braedan Boschman got the winner for the Islanders with just under six minutes left in the game. Kenley Monias had tied the game 3-3 about seven minutes earlier.

Tanner Poker had the only goal of the second period to draw Cross Lake within one after the Storm scored three in a row in the first period to take a two-goal lead. Drew Morin, Devon Tobacco and Mitchell Tilley scored for OCN after Dennis Scatch opened scoring in the game for the Islanders less than two minutes after the opening faceoff.

Kris Wood-Ross allowed all three goals

and was replaced by Tory Monias to start the second period. Monias made 41 saves to get the win as his team outshot the Storm 62-59.

The win kept the Islanders alive after the Storm took a two games to none lead with a 10-7 victory Feb. 27 in OCN. The Storm got three goals in the last 8:20 of the second game from Morin, Tilley and Camacho Lathlin after Boschman scored a power play goal early in the third period to tie the game 7-7.

The teams had traded seven goals in the second period – three for OCN and four for Cross Lake after the Storm outscored the Islanders 4-2 in the opening 20 minutes.

Boschman finished with four goals for Cross Lake, with Scatch adding a pair and Kenley Monias the other. OCN got two goals each from Tilley, Morin and Camacho Lathlin with singles by Aavory Wilkie, Sam McKay

Jr., Bryson Constant and Lodie Ipeelie.

Shots in the game were 57-48 for the Storm. Luke Penner was the winning goaltender in OCN’s net while Wood-Ross made 46 saves in the loss.

The series opened with 9-3 OCN win Feb. 23. The Storm scored six straight goals in the game – four in the second period and two in the third – to break open what had been a 3-2 game for the Storm through the first 21:32.

Camacho Lathlin had four goals for the Storm and Tilley scored two with Drake Lathlin, Ipeelie and Tyrel Buechert adding singles. Boschman, Scatch and Clinton Armstrong were the goal scorers for the Islanders, who were outshot 64-40 and got 40 saves from Wood-Ross in the first 40 minutes and 15 from Tory Monias in the final period.

The Norway House North Stars lost the first two games of their playoff series against the Peguis Juniors on the road Feb. 26-27, dropping the opener 12-4 and the following day’s game 15-1. Henry Muminawatum, Antoni Grieves, Conley Spence and Mitchell Muskego had the goals for the North Stars Feb. 26 while Jarred Gore made 44 saves in net. The North Stars had only 10 skaters dressed for the contests and Muskego had the only goal for Norway House in game two, which saw them outshot 67-27, with Gore making 52 saves in net.

Game four of the Cross Lake-OCN series was scheduled for last night with the fifth game, if necessary, March 5 in OCN. Peguis and Norway House play tonight in Norway House with the fourth game, if necessary, on March 5. The fifth game, if needed, will be played March 7 in Peguis.

Correction In the March 2, 2016 edition of the Thompson Citizen, we published an advertisement thanking the sponsors of the Munn Cup tournament. The ad was attributed to the City of Thompson in error. The corrected version of the ad is printed below.

2016 MUNN CUP COMMITTEE & TMHA would like to thank the following for their support:

• Atlas Copco • Arctic Beverages • Best Western Hotel and Suites • Burntwood Curling Club • Canadian Tire • can-do Plumbing • City of Thompson • CM Engrave • NC Cross Road Lanes • Days Inn • Design Trail • Domino’s • Doug’s Source for Sports • ET Blades • Family Foods • Gardewine • Grade 6 English class at École Riverside School • JMH First Aid & CPR Training Services • Lambert’s Paint & Carpet Centre • Les Mulholland Annual Road Hockey Tournament • McDonald’s • Mckay Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. • McMunn & Yates • Midget AA Parents • Northland Tire • Norman Northstars • Pub 55 • Quality Inn & Suites • RA Distributing • Rachelle Ladyka • Rapid Cleaners • Riverview TRCC Concession • Robin’s Donuts • TMHA Referees • Safeway • Speedy Glass • TD Bank • Thompson Home Hardware • Tim Hortons • University College of the North • USW Local 6166 • Walmart • Welder’s Supply • Western Financial • Vale

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

News

Cold temperatures no deterrent to participants at Lynn Lake Winter Carnival

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of James Lindsay Lynn Lake Friendship Centre staff at the arena canteen during the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival.

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of James Lindsay Volleyball was another one of the sports competitions at the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival.

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of James Lindsay The Thompson Hawks were the champions of the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival hockey tournament.

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Taryn Merasty A young spectator observes competitors preparing for the dog sled races at the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival.

fill wide-ranging needs within the community through their various activities. Lynn Lake Friendship Centre executive director Marilyn Hunt commented, “It was the most action-packed, fun-filled, winter carnival that Lynn Lake has experienced in a long time!. There seemed to be something for everyone! “As always, I want to send a special shout out and thank you to all the [LLFC] staff and volunteers who helped make [our events] such a huge success!”

Thanks also to the Lynn Lake Arena Board and the numerous community volunteers and users who have also made the continued operation of this cornerstone facility possible.

The full list of events and their organizers includes: • NCI Scavenger Hunt - Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc. • Men’s Hockey Tournament - Lynn Lake Renegades and Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc. • Co-ed Volleyball Tournament - Jake Bighetty • Dog Sled Race - Chamber of Commerce • Winter Carnival Social - Chamber of Commerce • Kids’ Movie Night - Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc. • Mushers’ Feast - Chamber of Commerce • Pool Tournament - Lynn Inn • Outdoor Winter Games - West Lynn Heights Community Schools and Manitoba Conversation • Winter Carnival Queen Competition - Route 391 Bar & Grill The carnival kicked off on Thursday with a Just for Fun Trivia Contest. NCI-FM Listeners had scheduled interruptions in the local broadcast to listen to clues related to Lynn Lake locations and trivia questions. Responses were reported back, in person, to the local Northwest Community Futures Development Corporation Office within 15 minutes of the question or task being announced.

While hockey may have been the largest draw for crowds, the four teams competing in mixed volleyball had an equally busy weekend, as did the dog sled racers.

Other outdoor events included log sawing, nail driving, snowshoeing and fire building.

As always, the Carnival Social on Saturday night was

well attended with jigging, moose-calling, baby-crying and laughing contests, culminating with the crowning of the Carnival Queen, Miss Kaylee Halkett. Full results will be available on-line – facebook.com/Town.of.Lynn.Lake While there was plenty of activity at numerous venues, several community members are looking towards further expanding the schedule of events for next year to possibly include snowmobile drag racing, an ice-fishing derby and cross-country skiing with the possibility of an air-rifle biathlon.

The Chamber of Commerce would be remiss without providing a huge thank you to the event sponsors, as well, according to chamber member Eugene Shin. “We very much appreciate the support of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (Exclusive Volunteer Sponsor), Manitoba Hydro, Northern Store, Northwest CFDC, Penner Oil, Timberwolf Trucking, Calm Air, Northland Funeral Services, Clarke’s Pharmacy, West Lynn Heights School, Lynn Lake Friendship Centre, Manitoba Conversation, Marcel Colomb First Nation, Pete and Cheryl Campbell, Route 391 Bar & Grill, Corner Pocket Pool Hall, Lynn Inn, Town of Lynn Lake, Lynn Lake Arena Board, and the Literacy Club of Lynn Lake. Without their support, we would not have seen the success we did again this year. There are also far too many of our most senior residents who have always worked to make this event and others such a resounding success.” A number of the organizers of this event have been volunteering for events like this since before some of the chamber members were in diapers.

The Town of Lynn Lake has been more than happy to welcome so many of our neighbours from across Northern Manitoba and is looking forward to welcoming even more visitors next year. The next major event the chamber has planned is the annual Burge Lake Pike Derby, which will once again be this summer on the Canada Day weekend. While The Town of Lynn Lake cannot promise clear skies and sunshine, we are fairly certain that our “warmest little cold part” of Manitoba will be much warmer in July. We look forward to seeing you here in the #SportfishingCapitalOfManitoba.

BY JAMES LINDSAY SPECIAL TO THE NICKEL BELT NEWS

The weekend of Feb. 26-28 was once again a great time to be in Northwest Manitoba, despite the frigid temperatures. The Lynn Lake Chamber of Commerce had again hosted the Lynn Lake Winter Carnival as it has for at least the past 12 years. This annual event brings together a number of local community organizations such as the Lynn Lake Friendship Centre Inc., West Lynn Heights School, and Marcel Colomb First Nation and many more.

Prior to the involvement of the chamber, the winter carnival was organized by the local Kinsmen Club.

The winter carnival is a much-anticipated event for the Town of Lynn Lake as well as people from many locations throughout Northern Manitoba. This year the carnival drew visitors from as far away as Grand Rapids.

In addition to the annual hockey tournament, dog sled races, Carnival Queen competition, and scavenger hunt, the volleyball and pool tournaments were also popular events for competitors and spectators alike in their second year of operation. New to the carnival this year were a number of outdoor events organized by West Lynn Heights School and Manitoba Conservation.

The size and scope of the carnival continues to be a testament to the ability of the community to come together in the spirit of cooperation and pride. With five teams participating in the hockey tournament, the recently reopened (see Dec. 10, 2014 Nickel Belt News) Jim McLellan Arena was the busiest venue of the event.

Teams from Grand Rapids, South Indian Lake, Brochet, and Thompson managed to unseat last years’ tournament champions, the Lynn Lake Renegades. The hockey tournament first-place winners were the Thompson Hawks, followed by the second-place OPCN Team (South Indian Lake), and third-place Grand Rapids.

The success of the hockey tournament and other yearround arena activities would not be possible without the continued ongoing support and assistance of the Lynn Lake Friendship Centre, their staff and community programming. The friendship centre continues to

Friday, March 4, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Sports

Page 7

Norway House teams runners-up at Zone 11 junior basketball championships

Nickel Belt News photos by Ian Graham Junior varsity basketball teams from Norway House (below) and Cross Lake (above) were in Thompson for the Zone 11 championships Feb. 26-27. Both Norway House teams lost to Thompson in the finals while Cross Lake’s boys’ and girls’ teams were winless.

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre (HBO) Huskies from Norway House fell one win short of a trip to the junior varsity basketball provincials last weekend, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams making it to the finals of the Zone 11 champion-

ships only to fall to the host R.D. Parker Collegiate Trojans from Thompson.

The girls’ team outscored the Trojans 14-8 in the third quarter of the final to take a 28-27 lead into the final 10-minute period after having trailed 19-14 at halftime. The Huskies led until Thompson tied the game on a free throw with about four

minutes left to play and then went up two points on a layup. HBO cut the Trojans’ lead to on one a free throw with just under two minutes left but RDPC scored the last five points on three free throws and one layup to take the title 38-32.

HBO’s girls had finished second overall in the round robin by beat-

ing Hapnot Collegiate Institute of Flin Flon 54-36, Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute (MBCI) of The Pas 73-33 and the Otter Nelson River School (ONR) Nikiks from Cross Lake 48-15. Their only round-robin loss was a 44-34 defeat by the Trojans.

The Huskies boys fell 49-26 to RDPC in the fi-

nal. They too were 3-1 in the round robin, beating Hapnot 47-18, MBCI 4639 and ONR 58-32.

The Nikiks boys and girls were both 0-4 in the round robin.

ONR’s senior boys’ team was also in action Feb. 26-27, taking part in the Kinsmen Tip-Off tournament in Swan River. They lost their first game 74-

34 to the Neelin Spartans, the third-ranked AAA boys’ basketball team in the province, but went on to win their next two games to win the consolation title. ONR beat the Springs Christian Eagles 68-43 in their first B-side game and then edged the Goose Lake High Raiders 66-65 in the consolation final.

Page 8

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

Columnists

Watch the money before it’s gone

BY TODD MACKAY It’s kind of like a happy ending in a Dickens novel: some tenants got behind on their rent; the landlord made threats; but then landlord relented, forgave the debt and the tenants went on their merry way.

Except this story has a twist. The landlord was a child-welfare agency and the tenant was a large government organization facing multiple financial investigations.

The Winnipeg Free Press recently reported Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) — an organization representing 30 Manitoba First Nations — owed $129,000 in unpaid rent to the Awasis child and family services agency in Thompson. Awasis agreed to forgive the debt. MKO found new offices.

Think about that for a moment. The $129,000 wasn’t owed to some slum landlord smoking cigars while counting stacks of cash. It was owed to an agency that was no doubt

supposed to use the money to care for children. And these kids aren’t the progeny of privilege who are coddled by omnipresent helicopter parents, but rather children from some of the poorest communities in the province.

The story actually gets worse.

In 2013, MKO commissioned accounting firm Lazer Grant to investigate internal financial issues.

The reports raised significant concerns about contracts MKO awarded. It also concluded that “electronic equipment [cellphones and laptops] had been deliberately tampered with.”

Then the federal government informed MKO in 2014 it would be investigating allegations of funding failing to go towards its intended purpose.

The Free Press cites sources saying nearly twothirds of former grand chief David Harper’s $450,000 in expenses claimed since 2010 are raising eyebrows.

About $77,000 of Harper’s

Todd MacKay is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. travel claims were filed for trips that don’t line up with cellphone records, according to the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

New MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson says she wants to be transparent. There’s no reason to doubt she’s sincerely try-

ing to lift the thick cloud of suspicion she inherited.

But even now, the truth is struggling to find the light. While North Wilson has seen a draft of Ottawa’s audit, MKO member God’s Lake First Nation Chief Gilbert Andrews says he’s still “in the dark.”

And despite North Wil-

son’s best intentions, it’s not clear that darkness will be broken. When the Free Press asked North Wilson if she would release the audits or attempt to recover misspent cash, she said she would consult with other chiefs.

Consult? About what?

How can there be a question as to whether this information should come out?

Either the allegations are false and the accused deserve to have their names cleared or the allegations are true and those responsible need to be held accountable.

However, proactive accountability would be vastly superior to assigning blame after the fact.

The First Nations Financial Transparency Act requires bands to publish salaries and expenses for chiefs and councils, as well as the community’s basic financial documents. It shows some chiefs are paid more than the prime minister and others serve their

communities for little or no pay. The legislation gives grassroots First Nations the information they need to hold leaders accountable.

Unfortunately, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett is no longer enforcing the legislation.

Rather than relegating the First Nations Financial Transparency Act to irrelevance, the legislation needs to be strengthened.

Right now, it only provides transparency for individual bands. It doesn’t apply to umbrella groups such as MKO or even the Assembly of First Nations. That needs to change. All Canadians, including the First Nations, deserve to know what their leaders are doing with their money.

Audits are cold comfort when money meant to help children goes missing. We need to proactively protect those kids and their funding.

The best way to provide that protection is through transparency.

Thompson Scouts Group’s annual Beaver Buggy and KubKar race The Thompson Scouts Group’s annual Beaver Buggy and KubKar race was held recently at Burntwood School.

Beavers and Cubs show off their skills by designing, producing, and racing Beaver Buggies and KubKars.

With the help from parents, the Beavers and Cubs spent several weeks constructing their Beaver Buggies and KubKars, all of which were designed and decorated any which way the kids desired.

There were around 22 Beaver Buggies and 25 KubKars registered to compete in speed and in design. The race was fun, exciting, suspenseful and most importantly, very encouraging. Beavers and Cubs cheered and supported each other as the cars

raced down the track.

Although there were no distinct winners for Beaver Buggies races, awards were given in each division for the top three cars for design.

“When the kids arrived, they had to register their unique vehicle and themselves. Cars were weighed and measured before they went onto the track. They did six races,” explained Scouter Humaid Razool. “Then they went into the finals.”

The cars were created to

certain specifications, noted Razool. “When they get it it is basically a block of wood,” he said, adding the youth carve it and then make it their own.

“They build, sand, paint, decorate and then zoom their cars along the track.

A lot of hard work has been put into this moment and they enjoyed every second”.

“Our senior scouts helped us organize and run the race smoothly,” said Razool.

Nickel Belt News photos courtesy of Humaid Razool Scouts Aeron, Bryce and Danica are setting KubKars in place at the starting line during the rally.

Door to Door Campaign - Volunteers Needed The Society needs volunteer canvassers to ŬŶŽĐŬ ŽŶ ĚŽŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ ĚŽŶĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŚŝƐ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ͘

Canvassers are needed. Register online today.

Visit alzheimer.mb.ca or call 204-943-6622 or 1-800-378-6699 ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͘

Friday, March 4, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET 201 • SERVICES

Tire Sales & Service Passenger - Light Truck - ATV Trailer - RV - Golf Carts - Forestry - Retreads - Section Repairs - Tubes Wheel Balancing - Repairs

501 • HOUSES FOR RENT EXECUTIVE HOUSE in the Burntwood area. Fully furnished, 3400 square feet, 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, $2750 +hydro and utilities per month. Please call 204679-0888. 6nb-gcd-11-d

508 • INCOME PROPERTIES RENTAL PROPERTIES in Birch River, MB, all rented out. Call if interested.

204-236-4837. 9nb-gcd-14 -d

52nb-tfnb

90 Hayes Rd. Thompson, MB Phone 677-3925 or Toll Free 1-877-677-9955

301 • HELP WANTED

510 • RETAIL/ OFFICE SPACE

Auto Body Technician Preference will be given to I-Car certified Technicians and/or 5 years experience. Thompson Ford offers competitive salaries; complete health care benefits and a workplace that supports growth and development in your profession.

Please drop off resumes at Thompson Ford Sales 15 Station Road attn: Dean Fillion Only applicants considered for the position will be contacted.

THUMPER AUTO SERVICE is looking for a mechanic/mechanic’s helper.

Must have experience. Drop resume off to Derek at 3-33 Severn Cres.

43nb-tfn-nb

302 • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

GREAT CANADIAN DOLLAR STORE franchise opportunities are available in your area. Explore your future with a dollar store leader.

Call today 1-877-388-0123 ext. 229. www.dollarstores.com LICENSED FAMILY RESTAURANT and lounge. Established in 1985. Restaurant seats 92, lounge seats 40. Presently has 22 VLTs. Call 204-307-0119 8nb-gcd-13- d COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY & DRY cleaners. Coverall & mat rental business. 5000 sq ft building (new roof 2013) 145 Hayes Road. Satellite store at Thompson Plaza. 9nb-tfn-nb

401 • VEHICLES 1997 DODGE RAM Great shape, many extras. Asking $4000 OBO Call 204778-7842. 9nb-1-d 2010 FORD F150 XLT Supercab 4x4, automatic, red, new safety, 8 cyl, gasoline, 175,000 kms, remote starter, new windshield, power windows & door locks, boxer liner. $17,900 Call 204803-9447. 9nb-GCD-14-d

409 • MISC. FOR FREE AN OLDER STYLE upright piano, in very good condition to give away. call 204-677-3063. 9nb-2-d

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2016: On March 4 Christians in more than 170 countries and in 2,000 communities across Canada will gather to learn about, pray for, and celebrate Cuba in solidarity with the women of Cuba through the World Day of Prayer. A local service will be held at St. James the Apostle Anglican Church, 10 Caribou Road. For more info contact Grace Bindle, 204-677-2935 or St. James the Apostle Anglican Church, 204-677-4652.

WHITEWATER KAYAKING PROGRAM: Introduction to whitewater kayaking at the Norplex Pool, taught by certified kayak instructors. Kayak rolling clinics are also offered. Introduction courses cover paddling strokes, upside down exit techniques, rescue skills and the kayak roll. Courses begin in October 2015, but you can join at any time. All equipment is provided. Ages 8 and up. Contact Ben at (204) 778-9940

THE NRHA PROVIDES FREE EVENING PRENATAL CLASSES throughout the year. Please do not miss FOR RENT

mrplumb@mts.net.

204-677-2013.

37nb-TFN-nb

out on this opportunity to learn about Labor, Breastfeeding, Newborn Care and tour our Hospital. Classes are facilitated by a Public Health Nurse. All pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy and a support person are welcome to attend. Please telephone Michelle at (204) 677-5382 or PHN Angela at (204) 778-1550 to register or for more information.

ARE YOU PREGNANT? STRUGGLING WITH USE OF EITHER ALCOHOL OR DRUGS? InSight Mentoring can help. This is a free service available to women that are pregnant or may have given birth in the past year. InSight Mentoring can help you identify your goals and help you achieve them. Please call 204-677-5372 or 204-778-1521 between 8:30-4:30 pm for more information.

THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY is promoting Radon testing in your home. Radon is an invisible,

FOR RENT 1400 square foot bay.

Overhead 10’ x 10’ door.

Electric heat.

Contact 204-677-2013 1nb-TFN-nb

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 500-5000 sq ft. available. Cameron/Hoe building 81 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto. 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306-477-5668. 19nb-tfn-nb 2 COMMERCIAL SPACES for rent. One - 1,300 sq ft with storefront location, retail or office Two - 1,600 sq ft, ideal for light industrial or commercial use, easy load & unload & parking access, very reasonable rates. Call 204-6772957 or 250-491-3946. 19nb-tfn-nb

606 • GENERAL NOTICES Be Your Own Boss & Join a Winning Team

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THOMPSON?

to sign up.

2000 square foot store front space for rent. Comes with garage bay with 10’ x 10’ overhead door. Electric forced air/AC. We have an immediate opening for an

Page 9

HAVE YOU BEEN unlawfully beaten and assaulted with your rights taken away?

If so, send us your story. To: unlawfullybeatenandassaulted@gmail.com.5nbgcd-10-d

odourless and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down.

Your local Canadian Cancer Society rep is available to give presentations on radon. For more information contact her at 204-677-3464 or visit the Cancer Society website at www.cancer.ca/radon.

IF YOUR LOVED ONE or friend has a problem with alcohol, and you need help, join the Alanon group meeting at 1079 Cree Rd at the Nickel Group trailer, across from Co-op Gas, Wed at 8 pm. Call Barb at 204-778-6494 for information.

SUFFER FROM ANXIETY/DEPRESSION? A support group will be starting again, can you give an hour or two of your time to get some help? Learning and helping each other does work. Let’s join together and get back our health. Phone Barbara at 204-778-6306 at Anxiety Disorders of Manitoba.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 1079 Cree Road (Nickel Group) across from Co-op Gas bar. If you drink that’s your business. If you want to quit that’ our business. We can help. For more info call 204-677-4696 or 204-778-7986.

Submit your own community events to events@thompsoncitizen.net or visit thompsoncitizen.net/events-calendar

Church Services CHRISTIAN COUNCIL DIRECTORY

ST. JAMES ANGLICAN Rev. Jean Arthurson-Ouskan 10 Caribou 677-4652 11 am Sundays also 7 pm 1st & 3rd Sundays ST. JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC 340 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC Fr Subhash Joseph and Fr Guna Sekhar 114 Cree R. 677-0160 Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy Youth Pastor Lawrence Stratton Children’s Pastor Karen O’Gilvie 126 Goldeye 677-3435 Sunday Service at 11:00 am Sunday School 9:45 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 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 Dave Cook 159 Cree Rd 204-679-9000 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. Worship services every Sunday at 11 am 204-677-3658 APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH 111 Goldeye Crescent Sunday 11:00 am Worship Service 3:00 pm Sunday School 7:00 pm Evening service Wednesday: 7:00 pm Bible study followed by prayer time. Contact us at 204-679-2693 or 204-677-5003

Page 10

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

Careers

University College of the North (UCN) is committed to building a workforce that is representative of the populations we serve. Applications are invited from individuals who have a demonstrated interest and ability to work with Aboriginal learners and mature students. Preference will be given to Aboriginal candidates.

LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES SUPERVISOR Classification: Educational Assistant 3 Full-Time Regular Position The Pas, Manitoba Competition No. 16-022 Closing Date: March 8, 2016

Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

Thompson (866) 677.6450

Infrastructure funding for Thompson and the north There has been a lot of investment in infrastructure in here in Northern Manitoba in recent years These investments are important not only to the economy but to ensuring that needed community projects can proceed.

They also have the added benefit of helping local communities and ratepayers in terms of the cost of these investments.

The Thompson wastewater treatment plant is a case in point. The new plant has a significant

cost. ost.

ernment identified the

MLA Report ashton@mts.net Steve Ashton

In May 2013 we costshared a study on the wastewater plant in Thompson.

In April 2014 our gov-

need to provide support to Thompson as part of our five-year water and wastewater plan.

In May 2015 we an-

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA LOCATION: THOMPSON SERVICE DELIVERY OFFICE (TSDO) 100-701 THOMPSON DRIVE, THOMPSON, MB Position:

BRANCH MANAGER & OUTSIDE SALES Moffatt Supply & Specialties Thompson, Manitoba Moffatt Supply & Specialties has an opening for the position of Branch Manager/Outside Sales at our Thompson, Manitoba location.

Moffatt Supply & Specialties is a mining supply company with 9 branches across Canada catering to the various needs of local mine sites and contractor needs in the geographical location of the branch. Moffatt Supply & Specialties specializes in ground engaging components, wear materials, valves, piping products, and value added services.

Reporting to the Regional Manager, the Branch Manager/Outside Sales responsibilities include: •

• • • •

Focussing on and managing all sales functions including achieving growth and profit targets while maintaining current business Managing the overall operations of the branch Cultivating and managing key business accounts Providing direction, training, and leadership to branch employees Creating and maintaining strategic alliances with vendors

Qualifications: • • • • • •

Demonstrated ability to achieve sales and profit objectives within a competitive market Highly motivated with excellent communication skills Exceptional customer service skills Demonstrated ability to lead and build a successful team Knowledge of the mining industry is preferred Computer skills in Office and Accpac an asset

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious, career-oriented individual desiring to be part of a successful and evolving organization with the ability to greatly impact the future success of the business. Our competitive compensation package includes base salary, commission, benefits, and a bonus structure. Pay package is commensurate on qualifications and experience.

Please forward resume and cover letter to bhaight@moffattsupply. com While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those candidates chosen to be interviewed will be contacted.

Moffatt Supply & Specialties is an equal opportunity employer.

WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER Glacier Media Group is growing.

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

nounced $12,166,666 in provincial funding to be matched by the federal government. This represents fully two-thirds of the cost of the project.

As MLA for Thompson I have worked hard to bring infrastructure funding to Thompson and the north.

It supports investments in priority community projects and at the same time helping local ratepayers.

I will continue to work to bring infrastructure funding to Thompson and the north in the future.

HELP WANTED!

Foster Care Resource Worker Position: RECREATIONAL HEAD COACH

One (1) Permanent Full-Time Position Under the direction of the Unit Supervisor the Foster Care Worker will perform a full range of foster care activities for Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba, Thompson Service Delivery Office; this includes recruitment, home assessments, orientation, training, foster home licensing, places of safety and support services to foster homes and foster parents. The Foster Care Worker provides temporary and long term placements for children as directed by the Child and Family Services Act and the Program Standards. The Foster Care Worker will also ensure that services are being delivered in accordance with the policies, procedures and specific directives of Awasis Agency.

Requirements: Level 1 Certification Applicant must be 18 years or older Child Abuse Registry Check Respect in Sport Salary: negotiable based on experience and training Seasonal Part-time: Wednesdays: 6-9pm (Hours for preparation to be determined and salary for this prep time to be determined) Complete job description: Will be made available to all interested applicants

Qualifications: • • • • • • • • • • • •

BSW Degree preferred with experience in child welfare or Combination of education and experience in a related field with the completion of 2 years in the BSW program may be considered Knowledge of CFS legislation, issues and standards Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills Excellent written and oral communication 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 the Cree and/or Dene language would be considered an asset

The applicant must be responsible, organized, punctual, have leadership skills, be innovative, be motivated, and maintain and implement coach’s code of conduct.

Deadline for applications is April 3, 2016 For more information, please contact Eloria Gaudet at 204-677-8221 or email tumble4u2@live.ca

HELP WANTED window & door installer/service technician Full time permanent position

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 and Criminal Record Check Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle

Starting Salary ranges: education and experience Closing Date:

Salary will commensurate with

Friday, March 18, 2016

A cover letter indicating the position applying for, an updated resume and three references can be sent to: Human Resources Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba 100-701 Thompson Drive Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca

• • • • • •

Basic tools & driver’s license required Physically Àt – heavy lifting required Carpentry/glazing/building maintenance are deÀnite assets Employer assisted medical beneÀts available Employee assisted pension plan for long time employee available Competitive wages – based on experience

Drop resumes off to Rick – 64 Hayes Road

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

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

Check us out online!

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 11

Careers

FAMILY SERVICE WORKERS

DIRECTOR OF SERVICE

One Permanent – Full time Position One Term ȋ ͺ Ȍ - Full time Position SP3/SP4, $24.81 - $31.96 / $27.37 - $37.96 per hour ǡ ǣ Permanent Position: 2016007-SOC-T Term Position: 20160013-SOC-T ǡ ǡ

ǡ

ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǣ ǡ ǣ Director of Human Resources ǣ ̷ Ǥ Applications will be accepted until: Wednesday, March 9, 2016 ǡ ǡ Ǥ Please refer to http://www.michifcfs.com/careers.php for complete job ad.

Applicants are encouraged to self-declare in the cover letter.

Preference will be given to Métis, Inuit and Non-Status applicants.

$67,709 - $86,452 Location of position to be negotiated ͓ʹͲͳ͸ͲͳͳǦ

ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ

± ǡ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ

CASUAL PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY We are looking for a part time person to work in our downtown office/service business. You will receive on-site training.

Days of work are: Mondays, Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays, for a total of 20 hours per week.

Hours of work are: 9 am - 5:30 pm on Mondays, 1 pm - 5:30 pm on Wednesdays, and 10 am - 5 pm on Saturdays.

We offer a starting wage of $14.00 per hour.

Please fax or drop off your resume to A1 Financing & Loans, 73B Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB, phone 204-778-7571, fax 204-778-7578 or email your resume to thompson@a1-financing.com

ǯ ǡ

ǡ ϐ ǡ ǡ ± Ǥ

ǡ Ǣ ȋ ϐ Ȍ ǣ Michif Child and Family Services, Attention: Director of Human Resources 611 Main St N. Dauphin, Manitoba R7N 1E2

Email: hr@michifcfs.com Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm, Monday, March 14, 2016. ǡ ǡ Ǥ Applicants are encouraged to self-declare in the cover letter.

Preference will be given to Métis, Inuit and Non-Status applicants.

YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONER POSITION Competition # YCP 16-19 Marymound North Receiving Home Permanent, Full-time 80 hours bi-weekly, Shift Work This position is responsible for supervision and safety of residents in the unit, accomplished through daily interaction, care and supervision. This position reports directly to the Program Coordinator.

Primary responsibilities of the position include: • • • •

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Participating in the planning, assessing and implementation of treatment strategies Carrying out day to day tasks and routines Intervening with clients in times of emergency or crisis situations To receive and interact with the families of our residents (and others) in a warm, welcoming, accepting, respectful manner.

To guide and structure the child’s environment by participating in the planning, assessing and implementation of treatment strategies with the goal of meeting each child’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual, cultural, and intellectual needs as directed by the Unit To observe, evaluate, and record daily events in order to ensure continuity and consistency in treatment planning and implementation.

To maintain professional objectivity and self discipline so that each child’s needs remain the primary focus in the treatment process.

To participate fully and constructively in the staffing schedule, staff meetings and in-service training.

To acquire knowledge of youth care practices and to be open to changing trends. (Reading, workshops, in-services, Child and Youth Care Workers Association of Manitoba, etc.)

Qualifications: •

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Certificate or diploma in Child & Youth Care (other combinations of education and experience may be considered) Completed high school education - Manitoba standards required Two years experience working with at risk youth Knowledge of Crisis Intervention Theory and Skills Knowledge in the area of Mental Health Ability to actively contribute to and work effectively as part of a team Strong counseling skills and experience in behavior management Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Valid driver’s license and acceptable driver abstract Emergency First Aid Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, a clear Child Abuse Registry Check and acceptable Prior Contact checks ASIST Certificate (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), NCVI, Mental Health First Aid, Safe Talk, preferred Knowledge of Resilience preferred Knowledge of Indigenous customs, traditions, and beliefs will be considered an asset.

Deadline for applications: By 4:00 pm, March 10, 2016 Wage Range: Full-Time/Part-Time: F1 Scale $14.46 – $20.29 Internal Applicants: Submit ‘Internal Application Form’ with cover letter and resume.

External Applicants: Submit a cover letter and résumé quoting competition # to: Competition # YCP16-19 Human Resources 442 Scotia Street Winnipeg, MB R2V 1X4 Or e-mail: careers@marymound.com or online at www. marymound.com We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Employment opportunities are advertised on our website at www.marymound.com

Page 12

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, March 4, 2016

Columnists

Student and town councils come together

Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Town of Snow Lake Joseph H. Kerr School student council president Alexander Fisher and Snow Lake Mayor Kim Stephen sit at opposite ends of the table during a joint town/student council meeting Jan. 21.

On the afternoon of Jan. 21, members of the council of the Town of Snow Lake sat down to a meeting with their counterparts from the Joseph H. Kerr student council.

Present on behalf of the Town of Snow Lake were: Mayor K. Stephen, Deputy Mayor R. Jones, Coun. J. Wilson, and chief administrative officer J. Willner.

Representing the Joseph H. Kerr student council

were: president Alexander Fisher, vice-president Katie Spruyt, secretary Isabelle Lamontagne-Miller, Grade 11 class representative Angel Cann, treasurer Polina Gapotiy, Grade 10 class representative Taelor Kowalchuck, spirit representative Christian Fisher, Grade 9 class representative Katie Spruyt and Grade 7/8 class representative Shayanne Stephen.

The purpose of the

OBITUARY DERRICK STONEHAM October 25, 1957 – February 24, 2016

Peacefully, after a courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep regret that we announce the death of Derrick (Rick) Stoneham on February 24th, 2016 at Setting Lake, Manitoba at the age of 58 years.

Born in Ashern, Manitoba, Rick was full of life and loved to work outdoors.

His favourite moments were felling trees for either himself or neighbours, knowing wherever he threw his hat the tree would land on it.

Using his skills of woodworking, he was always in the garage having coffee or busy building projects.

He never tired of seeing the smiles on people’s faces that he gave his gifts to.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Julia Stoneham (Down), his son Boyd (Kristen), mother of his son, Sheri Stoneham (Ruchotski), his daughter Leah (Shannon), granddaughter MaciElla Stoneham Pierone, brothers Bernard (Alberta), Floyd (Carlee), sisters Priscilla (Rick Ebbers), Heather (Doug Tritthart), and parents Lawrence and June Stoneham (Monk), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and many loved foster children.

His wishes were not to have a funeral, but for a memorial service only at a later date.

Special thank you to: Cancer Care Winnipeg and Thompson, St. Boniface Hospital Staff, HSC Hospital Staff, TGH Hospital Staff, Seven Oaks Hospital Staff, Wabowden Nursing Station and Ambulance Staff, Wabowden and Thompson Homecare, Thompson and Hospital Pharmacy, Thompson Shopper’s, Shelly Watt, Shane McDonald, Sheri Franche, Dr. D. Haiart, Dr. O . Williams and other very caring doctors and staff from all medical ¿elds.

Since Rick was always giving to others, expecting nothing in return, in memory of him please consider acting in the same spirit.

Joshua 1:9 “I am strong, vigorous, and very courageous. I am not afraid, neither am I dismayed, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go”.

meeting was to discuss community issues facing the youth in Snow Lake.

After opening the meeting, student council president Alexander Fisher, who is also a town council youth member explained the results of survey questions that Grade 7 to Grade 12 students at Joseph H. Kerr School were polled on.

These brought to light that community issues facing youth were divided into three categories: safety and security, recreation and healthy living, and planning for the future.

In respect to safety and security - the community’s youth feel Snow Lake is a safe place to live and many enjoy the crime free nature of the town. They do; however, feel that one area for improvement would be increased and more consistent lighting on area walking trails.

In relation to recreation and healthy living – a majority of youth feel they are able to enjoy a healthy lifestyle within the year-

round activities of Snow Lake. Areas identified for improvement were within the footprint of the beach.

Youth who were polled felt that the basketball court could use some paint and the nets on both the volleyball and basketball courts should be replaced.

Additionally, they felt finer sand should be placed on both the beach and volleyball court, and that the beach house could stand to be cleaner. Also, students recognized the need for a central location for youth to hang out in the winter.

Locations discussed were the Senior’s Centre and Christian Centre.

In regard to planning for the future - the general consensus of students is that Snow Lake provides local youth an opportunity to work and have a career in Snow Lake post-graduation. However, there were several career ambitions that seemed unattainable for postgraduate students.

These were in the law and medical fields.

IN MEMORY

My Take on Snow Lake mjaxon@gillamnet.com

Marc Jackson In closing discussion, Mayor Stephen thanked youth member Fisher for organizing the joint meeting and gathering the valuable information that council will consider. She also thanked youth attendees for their attending and welcomed them all back for a May 2016 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

In other news … in an early February news release, the Progressive Conservative party of Manitoba announced that Snow Lake’s Angela Enright will be their candidate in the Flin Flon constituency for the April provincial election.

“Angela has many years of experience as a leader in business development and public administration in Northern Manitoba,” said

PC leader Brian Pallister.

“Her extensive knowledge and insight make her a very strong addition to the PC team. I look forward to working with her as we strive to bring a change for the better to the residents of the Flin Flon constituency, and to all Manitobans.”

Enright is a consultant on economic development, international trade and real estate. Her resume includes experience as general manager of Norman Regional Economic Development, town councillor, municipal chief administrator, as well as a provincial co-ordinator in assessment and taxation and a real estate broker.

As a volunteer, Enright was involved with sustainable resource management, community housing and thoroughbred horses.

Gary “Red” Watt July 6, 1958 - March 6, 2005 We can be sad because they are no longer with us or we can rejoice in the fact that they lived and be grateful that we had a chance to be part of their journey.

Remembered with love, Your wife, Shell

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Large 1-bedroom available Onsite security 7 days a week Large salt water pool Fully equipped fitness room Smart card onsite laundry All utilities included

Office Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Contact Edith @ 204-677-9880

suites.forestview@shaw.ca