December 20 2024

Nickel Belt News

Volume 58 Number 11

Friday, March 16, 2018

Thompson, Manitoba

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Friday, December 20, 2024

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Volume 64 • Issue 47

Since 1960, it has been our privilege and honour to serve the residents of Thompson. Over the decades, we haven’t just reported the news—we’ve celebrated your birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. We’ve shared in your joy and marked your sorrows, offering condolences during times of loss. Through it all, we’ve strived to chronicle not just the events that shaped this community, but the stories that defined its people.

Thompson has seen many changes over the years, and now, we face one of our own. With heavy hearts, we announce that this will be the final issue of the Thompson Citizen. We know this news is sudden, and for many, it will be hard to imagine Thompson without its newspaper. Please know that we share that sadness deeply.

Book a way to preserve and pass on memories of growing up in Churchill We will miss the connections we’ve built with our readers, advertisers, and community partners—relationships that have meant so much to us. It has truly been an honour to be a part of your lives and your stories. Thank you, Thompson, for letting us serve you. You will always be in our hearts.

Canada Post Resumes Operations After Month-Long Strike, Faces Backlog and Delivery Challenges able conditions they had fought against.

According to Odour, the On December 16, 2024, expected delivery times for Canada Post made an offiinter-city packages are procial announcement that they jected to take about three would be resuming their days under normal operpostal operations beginning ations, whereas deliveries on Tuesday, December 17, to and from more rural 2024. This decision comes areas could take up to four after a prolonged strike that days, contingent on whether lasted nearly a month, durweekends fall within that ing which time postal servitimeframe. Odour highces were significantly dislighted the challenges the rupted. The circumstances postal service will face as surrounding this strike have they strive to deliver mail highlighted critical issues efficiently before or imwithin the organization, mediately after the holiday leading Canada Post to season, especially given enter negotiations with the the office closures that are union. In an effort to adcommon during that perdress the concerns raised by iod. “You’re looking at the the workers, Canada Post 17th when we went in and has agreed to implement a then the weekend and then wage increase of five per we only have two days of cent, which will be applied delivery before Christmas. retroactively from the day So that is where it could be after the collective agreechallenging for this month,” ments expired.

Odour noted, underscoring The situation attracted the potential complications the attention of the federal posed by the timing of the government, which became strike’s conclusion. involved in the negotiation In conclusion, the reprocess. There are plans in sumption of Canada Post’s place for the government to operations marks a sigappeal the administration’s nificant step byforward in Nickel Belt News photo Ian Graham ruling later on in the comaddressing the challenges Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written a book Photo aboutby herNathalie experiences growing up, mostly Initiative in Churchill.

Sturgeon, Local Journalism Reporter posed by the recent strike. ing year, suggesting that the are far from any new commercial vol- members valid for asafe generous has when prioritized workreturn toright?’ work main theharsh agreement BY resolutions IAN GRAHAM For all the weather to write things that you have ‘Oh, I’m just as bad, was not a very thing Post swallow people say While final.

The strike involved umes into network 22, 2025. of Iup to 45 atdays, the significant the Canadian EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET I haveMay all these storiesThis and period to figure out.their It’s pretty clear until to do but jumped it. I ing thatthrough Churchill residents reached and the with dangers of polar over 55,000 workers who until December extension aims tothem provide customers some backlog offind international of Postal Workers Though she’s now written whenThursday, I get through.”

I need to capture for allowing thought that was exciting should just somewhere Union bears, deMeulles said if it were This means that, for the both parties with additional leeway as operational conmail and parcels that had aims to some of a bookactively about herpicketing experien- 19.DeMeulles said she wrote my grandchildren really until the plane landed and easier to live. had beenalleviate viable she would and the return was first to negotiate normalize.

Notably, during the strike, as the 48 hours following concerns of ces growing upto in work Churchill, her book, titled Whispersthe in time because they willa favorable be lost if ditions they started throwing the built “Toupsay, ‘Those people havepressing moved back to Churchmandated part of a backof operations, Post will also re- they seek restore service the road to AddictionsasFoundation of resumption the Wind: Stories from the outcome fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy choose totolive there.

They the ill inworkforce, a heartbeat.

I don’t.” without further Canada to-work order issued by the the organization will not disrupting postal services. start the clock on all items continuity. recovery will be complexI Manitoba northern director North - Life in Churchill for She also has a reputation cats, I was probably sitting should just leave,’ is quite “I miss the shoreline, Canada Industrial said Relations collecting or accepting Customers, however, should currently held for custom- simplistic.

WycliffeIt’sOdour, the and withI obstacles.

Gisele deMeulles writ- be a couple of reasons. as a storyteller herself. on a bomb.’” quite disremissfraught the rock, miss the Board (CIRB), directedshe by any parcels at their brace themselves for potenpickup at post thewere Canadian thebears company to ing wasn’t something “I mail just or sort of thought, thingoffices, that president spectful. Ifofwe in the As polar evenworks though “I had such a varied his- er Another federal Labour Minister depots.

These delays only independent of was whether of Postal Workers backlog and and realways thought she would facilities spurred her on the Union torydelivery and I would tellnot people you knoworwhat, this his- tial same boat in another area clear they’rethe very dangerous Steven MacKinnon. This two initial days will be throughout remainder of these locations were open Local expressed the store normal service levdo. tory, this stuff that’s in my hard times facing Churchill I think710, we would scream I really miss the Hudson stories andthe they would go, order upon crucial forgoing safelytorestarting but also extending closed during the of emotions feltthey by els, customers remain “In was my contingent youth I never head, it’s be gone 2024 ‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’dinto go, or since the Hudson Baystrike.

Rail- range about that so why don’t Bay,” she says.must “When I go the afteritan extended servion December light of patient as delays persist. felt CIRB’s good at determination writing,” she operations if I don’t write down,” she January ‘Yeah it’s2025, true.’when They’d go, Beginning haveworkforce the option in to do that? back home, standing on the way suspended operations the that workable of inactivity, as they expected to fully customers have a these developments.

“There The ongoing negotiations said.a “But whenagreement I moved period ‘Youare didn’t do all that, did 17, north of Gillam will last spring. said. “My kids are not go- ces I think right now they’re Hudson Bay looking out on could not be reached before to work window to aretrieve mixed he and the involvement of the to Thompson to get into prepare you? You’ve got to be really 15-day “It used to be really are feeling like emotions,” they’re pawns the bay, it just gives you an ing to get it if I through don’t dothe it stabilize. the of the year. significant backlog of items Furthermore, parcels before they are stated, acknowledging the federal government the end school ofcalendar social work, and it’s something I’ve al- old.’

I was like, ‘No,Canada actually their thriving large community in a political game and that’s incredible sense. Youindicate feel so the resumption of that accumulated announced that returned to the sender.down sacrifices made bybecause employ-I that at Upon that point I had to write ways wanted myduring momthe to Post I did has all that before I was and it’s just dwindled really sad for them smallthe andsituation you feel remains great.” operations, Post strike. terms of population passport ees. workers faced dynamic, pickups will to In and allshe’s stakeholdfor universityCanada and realized, do. My mom’s an elder and on-demand 27,’ and they went ‘What?’” such a small thinkMany the people of ChurchNow that got stated, “We by she’s Thean CIRB’s unavailable until approximatefinancial while ers to navigate ‘Holy, I’m notwill badstart at this, artist,involvement she’s got so remain now,” deMeulles says. one will bookneed under her belt, Looking back, some of processing, ill really hardships want to thrive. working throughdeveloped the mail was precipitated by the bede- Monday, December 23, ly Though 215,000 she’s passports have being outbuilt for their four worlds weeks the post-strike landscape right?’ I certainly many wonderful stories those experiences are things not there They’ve deMeulles says she may try and in the termination that thetells negotiadding the in- been processed, printed, pay,would losingwe beneUltimately, a lotparcels of skilltrapped in university cause she always her thereby she might not doto again. any longer, her parents and without there. How feel thoughtfully. to produce another. system Post experienced are ready for mailing; and enduring of the“Ifocus be onbook ensurand camesince out ofthe therestrike with ations storiesbetween at ParksCanada Canada in convenience “I did some pretty bizarre and her sister and other family fits, if someone came tothreats you and have will another in began November the Canadian of by many during these from their both “It’s employees a very on strong skill in15.” my and Churchill and I’veUnion always stuff like consumers fuel hauls into the however, said, ‘I’m sorry, youemployhave to ing me,”that she says. a darker members still are.passports layoffs The logistics of this return With resumption of and Workers (CUPW) Importbeing securely heldthe by er. alike can writing and confi dence in Postal hounded her, ‘Please, just this highchaotic Arcticperiod. at -35,” said are“My cousin owns leave yourthe home community story,customers more about personto complex, the concern impasse. all return labelsdawn that Service Canada will she not work, a level and of stability and mynormalcy writing. are I write very had put itreached on tape, an I will write it antly, deMeulles.

“It didn’t hardware store and there,” and we’re going to remains displace find al growth struggles. as Canada Postit. announced they are being orwas aftera be dispatched until the reso- that in Canada clear and that’s It’s there. Consequently, for you because the yourboard story were says. on megenerated until after.on That you somewhere elsebrought and all reliability Maybe in the next fivePost’s years they beit’s accepting the ones same and unfavorthat alland CUPW 15, 2024, will re- lution of the strike. going I’ll forward.

Somewould peoplenot say kind of mandated is going to be lost,’ she’s October very dangerous thing to do.

Because of Canada that, back your to loved your services it’s something focus on

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

blunt or direct. I don’t tend

never done it and I thought,

Being on a plane full of fuel

deMeulles finds it hard to

history is gone?’”

doing.”

Page A2 •

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Manitoba Wildlife Federation Collaborates with Saskatchewan NGOs to Address Hunting Regulation Concerns

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

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The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) has received a formal invitation to collaborate from various non-governmental organizations situated in Saskatchewan. This outreach reflects a growing recognition of MWF’s expertise and success in managing wildlife regulations, signaling an important opportunity for dialogue and strategy development concerning hunting practices and wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

Throughout the past year, numerous resident hunters and licensed outfitters have expressed their deep frustrations regarding the ongoing issue of unregulated outfitting practices that involve foreign hunters. Additionally, there has been significant concern surrounding the recent Moose Tag Reduction, which has further intensified the debate. These voices reveal a critical need for regulations that are fair and that adequately represent the interests and ex-

periences of all stakeholders involved in the hunting community.

The valuable feedback garnered from these consultations prompted decision-makers to make several thoughtful adjustments to the proposed regulations.

These changes were made to ensure that the regulations would effectively address the specific concerns raised by all parties involved, indicating that a collaborative approach can yield fruitful results in policy formulation and regulatory frameworks.

In response to these developments, the province took a proactive step by circulating a comprehensive draft regulation, complete with an explanatory note designed to clarify the intent and implications of the changes. This public consultation period is set to last an impressive 45 days, allowing ample time for stakeholders to review and provide their input on the proposed changes.

The reforms implemented in Manitoba have proven to be not just beneficial but remarkably successful, to

the extent that neighboring Alberta has witnessed the positive effects and decided to implement similar regulatory changes. Moreover, Saskatchewan is now contemplating following suit, illustrating the impactful ripple effect of Manitoba’s initiatives and the importance of setting a precedent in wildlife governance.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has also been extended an invitation by several NGOs representing both outfitters and residents within Saskatchewan. They are seeking to engage MWF to share insights about the successful strategies employed in Manitoba.

Furthermore, these organizations are looking for assistance in drafting the necessary regulatory changes to improve their own hunting framework, showcasing a desire for collaboration and shared learning.

As the challenges within the hunting landscape continued to escalate and as more comprehensive data became available, stakeholders came together to propose a series of reforms

to the provincial government. In 2021, in response to this growing concern and the persistent call for change, the province took initiative by releasing a concept proposal, intended solely for discussion purposes. This demonstrates a commitment to transparency and an openness to explore new regulatory frameworks.

The policy that emerged from these discussions was meticulously negotiated and designed with the intention of providing fair access and ensuring high-quality hunting experiences for all users. A critical goal was also established: to prevent the near-absolute commercialization of waterfowl hunting that has regrettably taken hold in virtually all other jurisdictions across North America. Our belief then, which remains steadfast today, is that we acted at precisely the right moment in Manitoba to implement these changes, safeguarding the future of our wildlife resources and the integrity of the hunting experience for generations to come.

Friday, December 20, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A3

CAA Travel Insurance Launches ENJOY 1 MONTH Essential Checklist for Canadians with Pre-Existing Conditions

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

CAA Travel Insurance is taking the initiative to release a highly practical and comprehensive checklist designed specifically to enhance awareness among Canadians who have pre-existing medical conditions.

This checklist aims to equip travelers with essential information that can make a significant difference in their travel experience, ensuring they are well-informed before embarking on their journey.

To assist individuals in navigating this increasingly complex and often confusing aspect of travel insurance, CAA has meticulously developed the following checklist. This resource serves as a vital tool for understanding the intricacies involved, especially for those with unique health considerations that might come into play during their travels.

First and foremost, it is crucial to thoroughly understand any recent changes in your treatment or medications. Any updates to your health could potentially affect your insurance coverage, so staying informed about these factors is im-

perative for your peace of mind while traveling.

Next, take the time to carefully review your current insurance policy. This includes examining it for any changes in coverage compared to the last time you purchased it. Policies can vary significantly over time, so being aware of what is covered now versus in the past is essential for ensuring adequate protection during your trip.

Additionally, it’s important to confirm that there are no pending tests or upcoming specialist appointments related to any of your pre-existing conditions. Having unresolved medical issues might complicate your travel insurance claims, so addressing these matters in advance will help streamline your travel experience.

Another vital step is to compare stability periods with your travel companions. This is important to ensure that everyone involved has consistent coverage. Disparities in policy terms could lead to complications, so aligning your coverage will help mitigate any potential risks.

Moreover, make sure to fully understand what is specifically covered by your

insurance provider under the pre-existing conditions clause. Gaining clarity on these details will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid surprises during your travels.

Lastly, if you find that your pre-existing condition is not included in your current policy, it is crucial to engage in a conversation with your insurer regarding additional coverage options.

Taking the initiative to seek out extra coverage could provide you with the necessary protection you need while away from home, ensuring that you can travel with confidence.

In conclusion, being proactive and well-informed about your travel insurance, especially when you have pre-existing conditions, can significantly enhance your travel experience. By following CAA Travel Insurance’s essential checklist, you equip yourself with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage. This preparation not only provides peace of mind but also allows you to focus on enjoying your journey. Remember, a little diligence can go a long way in ensuring that your travels are both safe and enjoyable.

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Improving hospital wait times, gas tax pause, new stat holiday among promises in throne speech

A ‘new vision’ and a financial warning DANIELLE DA SILVA

P

REMIER Wab Kinew issued a hopeful message that Manitoba’s health-care, affordability and societal woes can be overcome, while warning the province’s purse strings will be tightened in pursuit of a balanced budget, as his government unveiled its first throne speech.

Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville delivered the opening address of the 43rd legislature on Tuesday, outlining the broad strokes of the Kinew government’s legislative agenda.

“There is optimism in our province, for it is a new day in Manitoba,” Neville said, reading the speech to a packed chamber.

“Manitobans elected our government to bring people together to solve the challenges we face as a province: from record wait times for health care, to rising costs for families and a homelessness crisis that is visible across the province.”

As with past ceremonies hosted by the NDP government, events surrounding the throne speech included Indigenous traditions and performances, featuring the Whitehorse Drum Group and Métis fiddlers Morgan Grace and Keith Ginther.

“Our team is really focused on bringing people together from different walks of life here in Manitoba to live together as one province, as one people and as one Manitoba,” Kinew told reporters during a news conference ahead of the speech.

The throne speech also confirmed the government’s intention to pass legislation to pause the 14-cents-per-litre provincial gas tax; to make Sept. 30 a statutory holiday recognizing Orange Shirt Day — the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; and to recognize Louis Riel as the first premier of Manitoba.

Kinew said he wants to see the legislation pass before the house rises for the winter break on Dec. 7.

The speech also placed heavy emphasis on the government’s plan to deliver a “new vision” for health care that includes improved emergency-room wait times, increased surgical slates and robust seniors and long-term care.

“Instead of more agency nurses, we will give nurses more agency,” Neville read from the speech. “Instead of closing emergency rooms, we will bring emergency rooms closer.”

Grace Hospital launches review after ER patient dies in hallway TYLER SEARLE THE death of a patient who was being treated in a Grace Hospital emergency department hallway has sparked an internal safety review, as health officials work to determine whether the case should be classified as a critical incident.

The patient, who died early Saturday, had been triaged, assessed and was receiving care while waiting to be transferred to an in-patient bed. The patient had been in the emergency department for 33 hours, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said.

Health officials confirmed the death Monday, but provided little information about what led to the death, citing privacy legislation and a developing investigation.

“Our patient safety teams are looking into the matter and an initial review of the circumstances surrounding this event is underway over the next number of days to determine if this meets the criteria for a critical incident,” the WRHA said in an email.

Under provincial legislation, a critical incident describes any “unintended event that occurs when health services are provided to an individual and results in a consequence to him or her that is serious and undesired.”

It includes injuries, disabilities or deaths that do not result from an underlying health condition.

The health authority stressed that “anybody can report a potential patient safety event if they see something of concern within the health care system,” including staff, patients and family members. Reviewing such reports is standard procedure, and does not inherently mean the incident was critical, it said.

The review will include interviews with staff who were on shift over the weekend, to develop a clear picture of what may have led to the death, WRHA said.

Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, said she was aware a patient had died Saturday, but did not have details about the circumstances.

“What I did hear is that the situation at the Grace this weekend was absolutely terrible. That there was just no way that the staff could possibly keep up with the number of patients,” she said by phone. “I think this is a terrible, terrible consequence of our critical nursing shortage and the workloads that nurses are working under.”

Enjoy full digital access to all our on-line content and e-edition!

● GRACE, CONTINUED ON A5

SCAN FOR IMMEDIATE ACCESS

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Premier Wab Kinew follows Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville into the legislature chamber for the reading of the new government’s throne speech.

● THRONE, CONTINUED ON A5 ● MORE COVERAGE ON A2-5

Israel approves temporary ceasefire, hostage deal with Hamas JOSEF FEDERMAN AND JACK JEFFERY JERUSALEM — Israel’s cabinet approved a temporary ceasefire today with the Hamas militant group that is expected to bring the first halt in fighting in a devastating six-week war and win freedom for dozens of hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip.

The deal calls for a four-day ceasefire, during which Israel will halt its military offensive in Gaza while Hamas frees “at least” 50 of the roughly 240 hostages it and other

militants are holding, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.

The first hostages to be released are women and children.

“The government of Israel is committed to bringing all of the hostages home. Tonight, the government approved the outline for the first stage of achieving this goal,” the office said in a statement.

Media reports ahead of the vote said Israel would free some 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow additional humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of the deal, but the Israeli statement

TODAY’S WEATHER PARTLY SUNNY. HIGH 0 — LOW -13

made no mention of either of these elements. It was not clear when the truce, brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, would go into effect. The government of Qatar confirmed the agreement early this morning, saying the start time would be announced in the next 24 hours.

Hostage releases will begin roughly 24 hours after the deal is approved by all parties, said a senior White House official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matters. Ahead of the cabinet vote,

which came after a six-hour meeting stretching into the early morning, Netanyahu said the war against Hamas would resume after the truce expires.

“We are at war, and we will continue the war,” he said. “We will continue until we achieve all our goals.”

Despite his tough words, the government statement said the truce would be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages released by Hamas.

● CEASEFIRE, CONTINUED ON A2

CITY SAFETY ISSUES CLOSE ARLINGTON BRIDGE / B1

LINDSEY

TOM

MLA FOR FLIN FLON CONSTITUENCY REPRESENTING: Black Sturgeon Falls, Brochet, Cold Lake/Sherridon, Cranberry Portage, Cross lake, Flin Flon, Herb Lake Landing, Lac Brochet, Leaf Rapids, Lynn Lake, Norway House, Pukatawagan, Snow Lake, South Indian Lake, Tadoule Lake

Constituency Office: 93 Main Street, Flin Flon, MB. HOURS: Mon–Fri, 9 am – 4 pm PHONE: 204-687-3246 FAX: 204-687-5649 EMAIL: tom.lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca

City of Thompson Council has held its last meeting of 2024. 2025 meetings will begin with the Committee of the Whole in City Hall on Monday, January 6. This meeting will take place in the Committee Room next to Council Chambers and is open to the public.

Committee of the Whole meetings are no longer being livestreamed or recorded.

Upcoming meeting agendas are available on the City of Thompson website the Friday before the meeting at https://thompson. ca/p/meetings-and-hearings. Minutes of previous meetings are also available there.

Stay informed on the go through Thompson Connect To get important notices about things like road closures, boil water advisories and water shutoffs sent directly to your phone, register for our direct communication system Thompson Connect.

Sign up for email and text message notifications at: www.thompson.ca/p/connect

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Opinion

Page A4• Opinion • Page 4

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www.thompsoncitizen.net www.thompsoncitizen.net Thompson Citizen 141 Commercial Place, Box 887 Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1T1 Phone: 677-4534 • Fax 677-3681 e-mail: generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

Thompson Citizen 117 Commercial Place, Box 887 Thompson, MB R8N 1T1 Phone 204-677-4534 Fax 204-677-3681 generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

OPINION

Page 4

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO THE EDITOR by their donating money to circulating the same when eign students to attend our The recent announcement good community causes - we are known as the Hub university, etc. of the Thompson Citizen golfing, skiing, arts festival, of the North and a Service And that is where Thompclosing down is a shock, but sport, art and cultural events, Centre to 55,000 people. son has done poorly. Some not a surprise. For more than the Humane Society, Herit- We cannot negate our may say we have failed.

60 years, it has been a main age North museum, etc. geography, so Thompson Time and again, opporstream of dependable local Those businesses had a self will always be a “service tunities have been lost or media. Along with the ori- interest to raise the quality centre”. That’s not much to passed us by. Our bucket ginal TV and radio stations, of life, so their employees brag about. Every region in of water keeps dripping out Thompson has always been and customers would stay Canada has a service centre of the holes in the bottom. well served by our locally here with their families to - i.e. Selkirk, Kenora, Prince So slowly, that it’s barely owned media that have been enjoy all that Thompson has Albert, Kelowna. A service noticeable except for those supported by businesses that to offer - urban amenities based economy also creates who have lived here for 30 purchase ad revenue. We surrounded by a four sea- many lower income jobs years or more. used to get the Citizen de- son playground. Now, we with less spending power Over 65 years living in livered to our door. lol The depend far too much gov- in the market place. These Thompson I have known incredible challenge will be ernment, in my mind. We small places all try to at- every mayor, City Manager, where will Thompson and should know that the City tract the same talent, skills, economic development ofregion get their news and and Province alone cannot investors, developers, etc. ficer who all have a job to community information in do it all for us.

Why would people come grow the economy and build the future? Surely, not the If you’ve only lived here to our city when there are a quality of life to enjoy for natterers posting on Face- for the past 5 -15 years, 25,000 other ones in North our families. And how has book every day, including you may not know about American the same size? that been working? The loss me. As long as Meta dis- all the services and benefits We must become different of the Thompson Citizen is allows anyone to post a we’ve lost that take away or better than the others. It’s primarily due to less busilegitimate news story from from that quality of life that a principle of good market- nesses advertising and fewelsewhere, we will suffer keeps people here. Think of ing. A skill that Thompson er capable staff to cover all in isolation and knowledge. key, unique, locally owned leaders lack. Just being a the local and regional news Who will fill the void? For businesses that have closed “service centre” will not at- to keep citizens informed decades we could read most or closing over the past tract or retain many. That’s and engaged. of what we needed to know few years - Doug’s Sports, why Thompson constantly More so, over the years in the Citizen & Nickel Belt Lambert’s Paint, PreCam- has skilled labour shortages. Thompson has missed News three times a week- brian Art Centre, WestA busy trade based econ- opportunities for growth local news, sports, com- ern Financial, Kicks and omy comes from attracting that could build tremenmunity events, editorials. Threads, Arctic Signs, and NEW money by… selling dous community prosperity opinions floating within the now Thompson Citizen, etc. nickel to the world, at- and pride and a diversified community, plus advertis- Yes, businesses come and tracting tourists from afar, economy away from mining ing from all major stores in go, but when you lose long attracting winter testing - such as Sven Talo airplane town. It was Thompson’s standing business owners companies who spend a lot manufacturing, Mystery hub of information. Yet, as and there is no replacement, locally to do their work, Mountain as a four seaThompson’s population & Thompson is worse off. selling unique products to son resort on the banks of jobs began to dwindle from Certainly, big box stores and distant buyers, enticing for- Mystery Lake, Spirit Way INCO’sofdownsizing, Calm workload online shopping have had for reducing members, the citizens of Thompmany the people around and Air’s movement a majorfor detrimental opposed to theto Winniplan allows greater effect di- whether they belong son elected more truly peg,the Burntwood on smalloftown stores. But to the school board independent-thinking are regular Regional critics versity viewpoints, Authority’s transfer though what are we doing grow or council, is that it candidates who aren’t ofHealth council who attend Ryan Landtowas to Flin Flon, the economy? meetings and etc askspending their mostly correct in say- will save money. The married to aligning power disappeared. ($80 ing Thompson’s population elected officials questhat, in terms of amount is not large themselves with any million a year was lost in has been around 13,700 tions week after week, class and ethnicity, thefor overall – about $20,000 particular side, because disposable income over 25 years, cities in councillors’ salar- right now, the number their opinions may when not trustees aren’twhile really Vale alone reduced their down south are growing be enough to dissuade a microcosm of the ies per year plus ap- of opinions on council workforce in 2018. That much faster. Yet, our city the majority from for- School District of Mys- proximately half that is generally two – for trickles down big time still has the same infraging ahead, especially Lake’s population through the local economy) tery structure when we were at amount, on average, and against. since the number of as a whole.

If Maybe the low turnRetail stores and services 23,000. Without you’ve business for annual travel and people who care about been to many school expenses.

For the city, out of people with became less, as did business growth and new jobs and this one way or another board meetings (and which has a budget of opinions on how owners’ funding support taxes that follow, do we doesn’t even non-profit reach apart from government members around $30 million, many councillors there for community keep asking double digits. groups. The offor thehelp media, well, & volunteer in areas of you infra- that represents prob- should be isn’t an exWhether Ski or Club not raised the haven’t), you wouldas ably less than a drop in pression of apathy but Thompson structure improvements number councillors that now?, they Must don’twe the proverbial bucket, of pragmatism. Experi$600,00 of in the mid 1980s know is happening to veryboard strong business constantly depend on many ordue school trust- often feature nearly as though it is about a ence has shown quite support. government services in the fifth of the overall cost often that this council ees should be reduced much debate or divAndthe therein thequescore of ision social,ashealth, is not sortisof city education, council of the mayor and coun- – and others before it – Thompson’s demise.

I’ve justice, policing fields?

All cil. tion for which there is meetings, at least not is going to do what the seen it coming.

Businesses these services are needed, a right or wrong an- over the past couple Critics of the pro- majority of its members of all On sizesthe create jobs, ofbutyears. they areBut not the primary posed reduction say think is right, regardswer. protheside they’ve and good for the made economic driversdecision for a pros- that it will prevent less of what the most oftaxes, keeping the will current their community the that itoption needs to and perous TRADEthere is! The “new blood” from being vocal taxpayers think. numbers, it city. appears survive and prosper. For a concept of trade is when our that all but one of the will be seven school elected and, theoretic- If that is the case, does long time, having locally City and region attract new school board members board trustees at least ally, reduce the divers- it really matter how minded, owner-operators money from afar that boosts opted is quality the argu2022. as opposed to ity of opinions, but that many of them there addedfor, to the of life until our economy,

oard opts for status quo, way will city council go?

ke ed cil eby ke me st es ut rs of s, pnon at ge fa ce d. cil he ke or be st mat

Friday,Friday, December 20, 2024 2024 May 31,

ment that it spreads the

One of the arguments

would only be true if

as a major tourist attraction partnering with Churchill, a unique Canadian Centre for Aboriginal Art, snowmobile testing and racing events, an international Wolf Centre of Excellence, a revitalized development on the dilapidated River Cabaret site facing the Burntwood River, Airship testing and research, Ready to Move housing fabrication, etc.

These are still opportunities that that have merit. All these developments could and should incorporate engagement with our Indigenous stakeholders. It would only make them better. But you have to go after these opportunities. They will not come here by accident. One major property management company a few years ago told me there was nothing of interest for them invest in Thompson. His public perception of Thompson was negative due to us being recognized as a “crime capital”, “declining mining town”, and just being a “service centre.”

Unfortunately, many of our local agencies continue to work in silos; various stakeholders are not collaborating enough; many protect their turf so results and improvements are fractured.

Often it is a lack of vision

and leadership at the highest level. Just being BUSY does not mean one is EFFECTIVE! Back room politics and pettiness interfere.

Which brings me to my letter to the Editor below written a full generation ago in the Thompson Citizen. I wrote it at the time in consultation with several other Chamber of Commerce business people who were also frustrated because the City’s economic development budget that year was a measly $5000!

Most of those friends have left Thompson and took their kids with them. Their Culture of Commerce then disappears.

Now, is the loss of a 60 year old media outlet the canary in the coal mine?

Should we ask the same questions today as I did some 24 years ago? Or will the day come that we say, “I”m glad I did” instead of “I wish we had”, as I am saying now?

Sincerely, Volker Beckmann 65 year resident of Thompson 52 years in business.

Order of Thompson & Senate of Canada volunteer recipient

are?

YOUR THOMPSON Thompson Citizen News Team CITIZEN NEWS TEAM Thompson Citizen Citizen & & Nickel Nickel Belt Belt News: News: Thompson 2024 Office Office Closures Closures and and Deadline Deadline Changes Changes 2024 CLOSED AFTER DECEMBER 20.

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• Page A5

Thompson Humane Society Launches THOMPSON CITIZEN Pioneering Lay Vaccination Program to CLASSIFIED SECTION 204-677-4534 FAX 204-677-3681 Enhance Animal Health Across the Region PH CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

In an exciting development for pet owners in our community, the Thompson Humane Society (THS), in collaboration with the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS), is formally unveiling the Lay Vaccination Program, set to make a significant impact in the City of Thompson. This initiative marks a vital partnership aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of animals across the Northern region.

Importantly, this program is not limited to just the residents of Thompson; it extends its compassionate reach to animals from surrounding communities as well. The aim is to create a comprehensive network of care that encompasses all animals in the area, ensuring that every pet has the chance to receive essential vaccinations, regardless of their location.

The official launch of the program is scheduled to take place in January of 2025, providing a reliable and accessible resource for basic vaccinations against prevalent and dangerous diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies for both dogs and cats. This initiative is crucial for our region, where these illnesses can be particularly severe, and access to veterinary services is often limited.

Reflecting on the recent distressing events within Thompson, THS recalls the devastating distemper outbreak that tragically affected numerous dogs, resulting in unnecessary fatalities. This heartbreaking scenario highlights the urgent need for a program that can effectively prevent such outbreaks in the future. With broader access to vaccinations, THS hope to safeguard pets from illnesses that could otherwise be prevented.

Endorsed by the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), which approved the implementation of the Lay Vaccination program in January of 2024, this initiative is specifically designed to deliver essential basic vaccination services to underserved areas. The THS’ focus is primarily on communities located north of the 53rd parallel, such as Thompson, which often struggles with limited access to veterinary care.

Through this program, THS are empowering non-veterinarians to provide vital vaccination and deworming services to pets in need. This expanded service framework ensures that even in areas that lack ample veterinary resources, animals can still receive the preventive care necessary to keep them healthy.

By facilitating access to these important vaccinations, THS will sig-

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nificantly enhance ability to control and prevent the spread of serious diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. These diseases pose a considerable health risk in communities that are underserved in terms of veterinary access, and this program aims to mitigate that risk.

To guarantee the highest standards of safety and efficacy in service delivery, all Designated Vaccinators are scheduled to receive extensive training and will operate under the close supervision of their Sponsoring Veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Regehr. This ensures that all vaccination processes adhere to the best practices and protocols, reinforcing our commitment to animal health and welfare.

“I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sarah Regehr for her role as our sponsoring veterinarian. It is with her support and expertise that we can successfully launch the Lay Vaccination Program in 2025. This is a historic moment, as the THS will be the first Humane Society in the province to implement this progressive initiative,” stated Co-founder Oswald Sawh, underlining the sig-

Photo submitted by Oswald Sawh nificance of this program Moreover, THS has exfor the community. pressed how thrilled they The THS will assemble are to formally announce a dedicated team of desig- the 2025 clinic dates, made nated individuals, including possible through continued board members and staff, partnership with the Winniwho will undergo special- peg Humane Society. The ized training from a veter- clinics are scheduled for inarian affiliated with the February 6-10, April 10WHS. This collaborative 14, July 5-8, and November effort is designed to ensure 28-December 2. that volunteers and staff are The launch of the Lay well-prepared to deliver Vaccination Program by these essential services ef- the Thompson Humane fectively and safely.

Society represents a pivotAs a precautionary meas- al step toward improving ure to safeguard the health animal health and welfare of Designated Vaccinators, in the North. By extending all individuals involved in vital vaccination services to the vaccination process underserved communities, must first receive rabies THS is taking proactive vaccinations themselves. measures to prevent serThis step is crucial to pro- ious diseases and protect tect them in the unlikely the well-being of pets. The event of a bite from an ani- collaboration with the Winmal that may carry rabies. nipeg Humane Society and Following this, they will the expertise of Dr. Sarah undergo thorough training Regehr as the sponsoring on the proper adminis- veterinarian showcase a tration of vaccinations to commitment to excellence ensure a safe and effective in animal care. With the process. program anticipated to The Lay Vaccination Pro- begin in early 2025, pet gram is set to be available owners can look forward on a monthly basis, with to accessible and reliable specific dates to be an- vaccination services that nounced soon on the THS will ultimately enhance the Facebook page. This regu- quality of life for animals lar availability ensures that across the North. Together, pet owners can easily access we can ensure that every pet vital vaccination services has the opportunity to live for their beloved animals. a healthy, happy life.

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Page A6 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 20, 2024

Gypsumville RCMP make significant weapons seizure

Thank you for your many years of excellent service, Brenda.

Enjoy your retirement!

We’re celebrating Brenda Laycock, Thompson branch manager!

Brenda joined ACU in 2010 and has been a committed team leader to the Thompson branch with 18 years of previous credit union experience and management.

Join us.

1.877.958.8588 acu.ca

RCMP photo On December 2, 2024, Gypsumville RCMP received a report of a weapons complaint in the community of Dauphin River.

After a lengthy investigation, a search warrant was obtained by RCMP after consultation with the National Weapons Support Enforcement Team (NWEST), Manitoba East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (MED CREST), and Manitoba’s Emergency Response Team (ERT).

On December 13, 2024, a search of a residence in Lake St. Martin in the RM of Grahamdale was completed where officers seized a significant number of various firearms plus ammunition.

Cocaine, suppressors, and hard body armour were located within the residence as well.

Keeni Ross, 19, of Lake St. Martin has been charged with the following: • Uttering Threats Against a Person • Possession of a Prohibited Weapon When Knowing Possession Unauthorized x4 • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous

Purpose • Fail to Comply with Release Orderx2 • Using Firearm in the Commission of an Offence While Committing Offence • Possession of Restricted Firearm/Prohibited Weapon with Ammo without Licence x8 • Possession of Firearm When Knowing Possession Unauthorized x3 • Unsafe Storage of Firearms x3 • Possession of Firearm with Tampered Serial Number • Weapons Possession Contrary to Order and Fail to Surrender Authorization x3 • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Less Than of Equal to $5000 • Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Robert Sinclair, 27, and Gerald Sinclair, 28, both of Lake St. Martin were also arrested and charged with Uttering Threats Against a Person.

Gerald has been remanded and remains in custody along with Ross. Robert was released on an Undertaking.

The investigation continues.

Friday, December 20, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A7

SAVE LIVES: DRIVE SOBER Be safe this holiday season (and year-round too) by drinking responsibly and calling for a ride when you’ve had any amount of alcohol or other intoxicants.

Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

Let’s all do our part to ensure a joyful and tragedy-free season.

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www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 20, 2024

CARM to lobby for phased-in DCC hikes

BY CONNOR MCDOWELL LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Local developers and contractors working in the region met on Monday to discuss the proposed changes in the City of Brandon’s Development Cost Charges (DCCs) bylaw, which would result in them paying higher fees for developing in the city.

The meeting of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM) saw 30 members weigh in on the proposed hikes.

CARM executive director Shawn Wood told the Sun on Tuesday that he will make it known that higher DCCs would mean more expensive housing in Brandon. He reiterated that the proposed increases to be levied on developers are too high, adding that he still hopes to convince the city to taper the proposed increases.

“When you want to talk about affordable housing, increasing the development cost charges is not going to help that,” Wood said during a phone call on Tuesday morning. “It’s going to im-

pact the existing houses, the existing multi-units that are out there.”

Wood added that pricier housing will further boost market rates in Brandon.

The proposed increases in the DCC fees — paid to the city by builders who want to develop a property in Brandon — have been in the works for several years and are set to go to a public hearing on Monday, Dec. 16. Wood said he is preparing for the hearing as another chance to argue that Brandon will see housing prices rise as a result of a “large increase” in fees for developers.

As reported by the Brandon Sun earlier, the city is proposing new DCC rates that include charges in emerging areas of $21,193 per unit for low-density residential projects, up from $8,184 per unit. For high-density projects, the city aims to ramp up rates to $15,660 per unit from $5,294 per unit. It has also proposed the rate per square foot for non-residential projects to be increased from $4.70 per square foot to $8.62 per square foot.

The hikes proposed in established areas are currently pegged at $12,805 per unit for low-density residential projects, a sharp increase from $911 per unit.

High-density projects are set to see a similar steep appreciation from $589 per unit to $9,462 per unit.

Per -square-foot rates for non-residential projects will also be raised from $0.53 per square foot to $5.21 per square foot.

Wood argued that these costs will eventually result in higher rental and purchase prices for consumers.

More expensive builds, he said, will become more expensive rentals or purchase prices for residents.

Looking ahead at the public hearing next Monday, he said his hope is to have the fees lowered or the increases phased-in over time.

“The discussion now comes to council and the impacts to Brandon and the economy.”

City council has been in discussions with the association, and Wood said the mayor and councillors have been open to conversations along the way.

thompsoncitizen.net Check us out online

Happy Holidays The board and staff at TNRC extends our warmest wishes for a festive holiday season and a happy new year.

We look forward to continuing to serve and support our community in 2025.

Friday, December 20, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A9

Book documents residential school experiences

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The University of Manitoba Press has printed a first-of-its-kind book that documents the in-depth experiences of children from Northern Canada, many of whom had to travel great distances and spent months — in some cases, years — away from their families in residential schools.

Crystal Fraser, who is Gwichyà Gwich’in and grew up in Inuvik, N.W.T., began her PhD research on the subject in 2010.

“There was this lived experience of seeing things in my community, of wondering about family dynamics, about watching people suffer with addiction and trauma and just never really knowing the story behind that,” she recalled.

“I was curious to get answers about my own life.”

Fraser’s findings are compiled in 384 pages that draw on her experience as an intergenerational survivor, extensive archival work and about 75 interviews she conducted with former students, teachers and administrators over the last 15 years.

By Strength, We Are Still Here: Indigenous Peoples and Indian Residential Schooling in Inuvik, Northwest Territories was officially released Friday.

It is a record of the fallout of government and churchrun institutions created to assimilate Indigenous people into mainstream Canadian society in the often-overlooked North and parent pushback to their operations, the author said.

The first chapter opens with a story about a grieving father named Julius Salu, then chief of Teetl’it Gwich’in Band Council in Fort McPherson, N.W.T., in the 1920s.

Salu is said to have declared “No more,” as Anglican missionaries rounded up children aged two and older and loaded them onto boats that travelled more than 2,000 kilometres south to St. Peter’s Residential School in Lesser Slave Lake, Alta., where the chief’s daughter had died.

“Nobody is to send their children away again, not to Hay River, nowhere. If anybody is threatened that they are going to go to court over their children, I’m going to be there. I’m the one who is going to stand there in place of whoever is going to be there. If anybody is going to go to jail for this, I’m taking it,” Salu said.

He then mobilized community members to rebel, gather the children and petition the Department of Indian Affairs to construct a site nearby to keep families intact and ensure youth could access their traditional lands and cultural teachings.

Fraser’s research revealed the request was denied, but she noted the tragic situation has stuck with her and proved formative while putting together her latest publication.

“On the one hand, we have this story of genocide

and destruction and colonialism, and we know that about residential schools,” said the associate professor in history and native studies at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“But also true, at the same time, is the strength of our people and how they responded.”

Among the activities that sought to dehumanize and assimilate children into Euro-Canadian culture, the book describes how residential schools assigned Inuk and other Indigenous students numbers, made them wear uniforms and forcibly cut their hair.

Inuk artist Angus Cockney was five when he stepped into Grollier Hall in Inuvik, a hostel built for residential school students that would be one of the last such institutions to close its doors, in 1996.

“I was given the number 248, showered, scrubbed, and cleansed. Others were already corralled through.

My hair was cut down to the scalp. I was shown my locker. Good thing I was beside my older brother. He was known as 249,” Cockney said in Fraser’s book.

Fraser noted both Grollier and nearby Stringer Hall were architecturally modelled after prisons, and staff members could be on loan from federal prisons.

Northern students’ experiences were unique in that many of them were especially far from home and the institutions built for them operated well into the latter half of the 20th century, she said.

The historian said that area residential schools were well-funded in comparison with southern institutions because they were tied to a national agenda to modernize the North.

That meant there was less of an emphasis on student labour and as a result, children and youth could find community via robust extracurriculars, she said.

Without orders to chop wood for fuel, haul water or take care of farm animals, they had the chance to join student councils, scout groups and ski programs, among other opportunities, Fraser said.

“Student-culture life was given a chance,” she added.

“And that’s how a lot of kids made it through.”

Photo by Brook Jones / Winnipeg Free Press Crystal Fraser, who is Gwichyà Gwich’in and grew up in Inuvik, N.W.T., now an associate professor in history and native studies at the University of Alberta, holds a copy of By Strength We Are Still Here, which she wrote and was published by the University of Manitoba Press.

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Ticket prices Series A—1 for $10 Series C—10 for $50 Series B—3 for $20 Series D—25 for $100 Must be 18+ to purchase Use the QR code above to purchase or go to: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/tscrc Draw date January 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. on 4 Nelson Rd, Thompson.

Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council will contact the winner to claim their prize. Every ticket holder has the right to witness the draw.

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Page A10 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 20, 2024

Manitoba Government Invests $171.9 Million in Daly Bridge Repairs and Infrastructure Upgrades

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor made a significant announcement today, revealing that the Manitoba government is investing a remarkable $171.9 million into the crucial repairs of the Daly Bridge located in Brandon. This substantial funding is a clear demonstration of the government’s

commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of transportation infrastructure in the province. The Daly Bridge, an essential transit point for many, will benefit greatly from these improvements, which aim to ensure safe passage for all users.

Additionally, the announcement highlighted ongoing projects at other key infrastructure points, including the Trans-Canada Highway interchange

GIBBS, ANN Peacefully at the Palace Long Term Care on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Ann Kathleen Gibbs of Alexandria; age 84 years.

Dear daughter of the late Edwin George Gibbs and the late Marie des Lourdes Taillefer. Loving mother of David Moore (Debbie) of Shawville, QC and Diane Moore-Ouellette of Apple Hill, ON. Cherished grandmother of late Samantha, Danielle (Mikael), Hayden (Marissa), John and late Daniel and great grandmother of Declan, Arthur, Shayla, Hudson, Charlee and William. Dear brother of Richard Gibbs (Denise), late Robert Gibbs, Raymond Gibbs (Lynn) and Jacqueline Levasseur (late Jacques).

Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 114 Main Street South,Alexandria, ON (613-5252772).As per Ann’s wishes cremation has taken place.A Memorial Mass will be held in St. Finnan’s Basilica in the Spring of 2025, followed by interment in the Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family. As a Memorial to Ann a tree will be planted in a Memory Woods. Condolences may be made online at www.munromorris.com

DENNIS MASON HEALD

situated on the outskirts of Portage la Prairie as well as the Burntwood River Bridge located in the vibrant city of Thompson. These projects are all part of a broader initiative to upgrade vital transport links within the province, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development.

Naylor emphasized the government’s awareness of the critical role that these bridges play, especially for rural Manitobans who depend on them to access essential services, including health care. She stated, “These new projects will not only improve safety but will fuel our economy and ensure businesses and industry have the infrastructure they need to create good jobs for Manitobans.” This acknowledgment underscores the interconnectedness of infrastructure, safety, and economic growth, illustrating how these projects are designed to foster a stronger, more resilient Manitoba.

In further developments, the Daly Overpass was reported to be substantially completed by the end of August, with a brand new highway facility now featuring multiple bridge crossings that include an innovative separated active

April 13, 1948–November 29, 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, Papa, Great-Papa, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, Dennis Mason Heald, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 29, 2024, at the Mossy River Personal Care Home, with his family by his side.

Dennis was born on April 15, 1948, in Lacombe,Alberta, to parents Evelyn and Ralph Heald. He was the oldest of four siblings. At the time Dennis was born, his family resided in Hay Lakes, Alberta. It wasn’t long until they moved to Ponoka,Alberta, due to his father’s employment. In 1960, the family once again relocated to Brooks, Alberta. In 1964, the family made their last and final move to the beautiful Creston Valley, B.C. In 1966, his father purchased a business and renamed it “Heald’s Building Materials.” Dennis graduated high school in Creston, B.C. in 1967, and then went on to attend the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. After four years, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. At this point, he was unsure of his future career path.

During breaks from university, he would return home to work in the family business. Upon the advice of his mother, he decided to do numerous ride-alongs with the Creston R.C.M.P.After this experience, he realized this was his chosen career. Dennis applied with the R.C.M.P. and was accepted. After his fourth year in university, he officially signed on April 5, 1972. He left Creston, B.C. for Regina, Saskatchewan, to attend Depot and completed his training in October 1972. His first posting was to Winnipegosis, Manitoba, in October 1972.

This is where he met the love of his life, Brenda Leah Clarkson, who he would later marry and spend many happy, loving years with.

Dennis was very much a family man. He loved his children, Lisa and Darrell, dearly and always maintained a positive and loving relationship with both, not only as a father but as their friend. Dennis’s availability was a priority when it came to his children. One of his proudest moments was becoming a Papa to his grandchildren, Brayden and Brooklyn. As time went on, his schedule became centered around work and grandkids, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments over the years.

They brought so much joy to his life as they grew older. Dennis had three great-grandchildren (Noah, Amelia, Cohen). Due to his illness, he was not given the time to share the same bond with them, but with all their visits, his actions showed his love for each of them.

Dennis started his career as a Constable, was promoted to Corporal, then to Sergeant. He then studied and wrote exams for almost a year, successfully achieving a promotion to Officer Rank. Therefore, Dennis was promoted to Inspector. He was also in charge of three Peace Keeping Missions in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Each mission was one year long.

Dennis’s career with the R.C.M.P. involved several moves beginning in Winnipegosis, MB (1972),Thompson, MB (1973), Churchill, MB (1973), Killarney, MB (1975), Brandon, MB (1981),Thompson, MB (1986),Wasagaming, MB (1991), Portage, MB (1993), Vancouver, B.C. (1993), Thompson, MB (1996), Bosnia (1999), Ottawa, ON (2001), Bosnia (2003), Kopp, MB (2004), and Bosnia (2005). Dennis retired from the R.C.M.P. on April 14, 2006, as an Inspector, with 34 years and 1 day of service. He thought he would enjoy retirement, but after three months decided to take employment with the provincial government in Winnipeg, MB, where he worked 1.5 years.

He then moved his family to Winnipegosis, MB, and later took employment with the provincial government in Dauphin, MB, where he worked for the next eight years until his illness started to control him.

Dennis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. In 2021, due to the severity of his illness, he had to be placed in the Mossy River Personal Care Home. Dennis’s family was so proud of him—his love for his family, his life’s accomplishments, and the wonderful person and friend he was to so many. He will forever be loved and missed by many.

Dennis is survived by his wife Brenda; daughter Lisa (Fur Baby Lily); son Darrell (Susan); grandchildren Brayden (Megan), Brooklyn (Paul); great-grandchildren Noah, Amelia, Cohen; sister Linda (Wilf); brothers Bud (Laurie), Larry (Joyce); sisters-in-law Loretta, Myrtle, Shelbie, Kathy; brothers-in-law Eddie (Diane), Arnie (Sharon), Doug, Scott (Valerie), Ernest (Linda), Robert (Vivian); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dennis is predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Ralph Heald; niece Anthea Heald; grandparents; parentsin-law Helen and Walter Clarkson; sisters-in-law Irene, Marcia, Helen; brothers-in-law Herb, Thomas, Robert, Raymond, Gordon; as well as many aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Dennis on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Elks Hall (333 3rd St) in Winnipegosis, Manitoba. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Mossy River Personal Care Home or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

transportation bridge and pathway. These enhancements are already open to traffic, marking a significant step forward for the region’s transportation network.

Moreover, the PTH 1 and 1A interchange near Portage la Prairie reached substantial completion in September, with the new interchange now fully operational. This upgrade is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow, thereby enhancing the commuting experience for all drivers in the area.

The construction of the Burntwood River Bridge on Provincial Road (PR) 391 in Thompson was also noted, with substantial completion achieved in October.

The bridge structure is now open to traffic, providing an important transit route for the local community and beyond.

While minor construction and clean-up efforts are still in progress on all these projects, they are anticipated to be completed by the spring of 2025, as noted by the minister.

This timeline ensures that the benefits of these infrastructure upgrades will soon be fully realized, providing lasting improvements to Manitoba’s transportation system.

Brandon City Mayor Jeff Fawcett expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The completion of the Daly Overpass is a significant milestone for Brandon.

This project enhances safety, improves traffic flow, and reduces congestion, benefiting both drivers and pedestrians.” His remarks highlight the positive outcomes these infrastructure improvements will have

Photo courtesy of Government of Manitoba on the daily lives of Brandon’s residents, signifying a collective excitement for the projected benefits that will extend well into the future. He concluded with optimism about how this much-needed infrastructure enhancement will serve not just Brandon but also the surrounding region for generations to come.

In an overarching commitment to improving the province’s transportation landscape, Budget 2024 allocates an impressive $500 million in capital

funding specifically aimed at repairing and rebuilding Manitoba’s highway infrastructure. This investment is designed not only to spur economic development but also to build climate resilience and improve connectivity across the province, thereby making it easier for residents and businesses to navigate and thrive. As noted by the minister, such extensive funding reflects a proactive and strategic approach to enhancing Manitoba’s infrastructure for the benefit of all.

The Thompson Public Library would like to thank the Thompson Community Foundation for their continuous support in the library- this year we were awarded $15,000 towards new furniture for our Teen section!

This purchase helps create a wonderful atmosphere for patrons, residents, and visitors in the library!

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Boxing Day Sale It’s time to save on what you want most.

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Friday, December 20, 2024

Rural Manitoba close to doubling average number of homicides in 2024

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A significant spike in rural Manitoba homicides is putting strain on RCMP resources and on the mental health of officers being forced to deal with increasingly disturbing and traumatic incidents in all corners of rural Manitoba.

On Thursday, the Winnipeg Sun spoke with RCMP superintendent Rob Lasson — the officer in charge of major crime services, as

RCMP recently reported the 56th homicide in their coverage area in 2024 — as we near the end of the calendar year.

“It’s a significant increase, so yes we are concerned as a police organization, and we are mobilizing our resources to meet this increased pressure,” Lasson said.

RCMP reported a total of 30 homicides and three suspicious deaths in 2023, while 38 homicides were reported in 2022.

“Typically our resources

are planned to address 30 to 35 homicides a year throughout rural Manitoba,” Lasson said. “So when we reach numbers encroaching on 60, that’s almost doubling the amount of workload for our membership.”

And with RCMP servicing a massive area across southern and northern Manitoba, Lasson said one of the biggest challenges is getting officers and resources to some of the communities where they are needed.

“In Manitoba, as you

can understand, our travel requirements into remote communities are very challenging,” Lasson said. “Just issues around that alone take up a lot of officer’s time and create a lot of stress. There are costs involved, and there’s a lot of planning around things like, where am I going to stay, and what am I going to eat?”

He added the work often requires investigators to be away from their homes and families for weeks at a time.

“With recent deployments several members have been

CALL FOR TENDER Accounting Services Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council (TSCRC) is calling for tenders to provide the following services: • Conduct year-end financial reviews as either audited statement or Notice to Reader, as required.

• Prepare annual financial reports required by major funder.

Please apply in writing by 4 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025 to Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council at 4 Nelson Rd, Thompson, MB R8N 0B4 or email thompsonseniors55@gmail.com.

CALL FOR TENDER Bookkeeping Services Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council (TSCRC) is calling for tenders to provide the following services: • Maintain general ledger with weekly entries.

• Maintain individual program ledgers with updates as required.

• Verification of Ceridian/Dayforce payroll transactions.

• Prepare monthly report for Board of Directors including balance sheet, month and year-to-date comparisons, cash flow, etc.

• Balance monthly bank statements.

• Submit reports required for Charitable Status and Revenue Canada.

Please apply in writing by 4 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025 to Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council at 4 Nelson Rd, Thompson, MB R8N 0B4 or email thompsonseniors55@gmail.com.

away from home and that creates stress,” Lasson said. “It’s hard on the officers, the officers have families and they have personal lives as well.”

Homicides in rural Manitoba have included several well-publicized and disturbing incidents this year, including a mass killing in Carman in February of a 30-year-old woman, a 17-year-old girl, a six-year-old girl, a four-yearold boy, and a 2½-month-old girl.

RCMP also reported in November they were investigating the death of a toddler whose remains were discovered in a rural Manitoba barn in the RM of Grahamdale in June. Police said the girl would have been between one and two years old when she died, and they were investigating her death as a homicide.

Lasson said they also keep a close eye on the mental health and well-being of officers dealing with scenes and situations that would be disturbing for most.

“That’s one of my main jobs in my current role, to make sure to monitor and address mental health issues among our officers,” he said.

According to Lasson, there are also concerns among local RCMP and police forces across western Canada about what many see as a growing trend in cases of violent crime and intimate partner violence.

“I can say the trend of

violent crime is increasing in Manitoba, and in talking to colleagues it’s on the rise across western Manitoba, especially post-pandemic,” Lasson said.

“With the current economic stress people are under, and numerous things post-pandemic, there is an increase in those types of files.”

He said they will now monitor to see if Manitoba’s unusually high homicide numbers in 2024 were an anomaly, or part of a growing trend.

“Police will now assess the stats at the end of the year and into 2025, and start assessing so that we’ll have more of an idea if it’s an anomaly or not.”

Should the increase in homicides continue, Lasson said that could force RCMP to reconsider how to use some of their resources.

“We can always use more police officers, the factor is how we use our police officers and how we deploy them, and coupled with that is, what do we prioritize?

Lasson said.

“We always prioritize the highest jeopardy investigations, and right now homicides are a priority.”

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

New art looks to the future

BY PATRICK HARNEY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE LEAF

After three years of planning and painting, a new mural covers the side of West End Resource Centre (WERC).

Painted by local artist Jen Mosienko with assistance from Emmit McGregor, it is a radiant portrayal of five individuals in eye-catching colours looking towards the future.

The mural is one of 600 put up around the city by Take Pride Winnipeg! as a part of the organization’s commitment to beautifying the city. WERC’s executive director, Hortense Coffi, spoke at the unveiling saying the mural is representative of the changes the organization has undertaken since it was renamed from the Daniel McIntyre St. Matthews Community Association.

“It represents our community and what we do here,” Coffi said.

Coffi said that the new piece means that WERC’s building showcases their work “inside and outside.”

During the unveiling on Nov 22nd, Coun. Cindy Gilroy, who was instrumental in the commissioning of the mural highlighted how much care the West End takes in these public art pieces.

“They don’t get touched, they don't get tagged,” Coun.

Gilroy said. “They emphasize our community.”

Mosienko echoed Gilroy’s sentiments highlighting the importance of representing diversity in the mural.

“Basically, [the mural] illustrates diversity and a range of individuals, different age groups, programs and basically everyone,” Mosienko said.

“We’re all different, but we’re all part of this same thing. We’re all part of human nature.”

A bright beginning on a grey day. Partners gathered at West End Resource Centre (WERC) to celebrate their new mural. Photo Patrick Harney Mosienko spoke further on how WERC’s organizing influenced the design of the piece, with elements representing WERC’s jobs, education and foods programs.

“West End Resource Centre is such an amazing and worthy organization,” Mosienko said.

“For the amount that they do for the community and the outreach and programs they have for all ages from children, after school programs to senior and work programs, it’s an honour to have worked on something here.”

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New resource aims to improve financial literacy

BY SAM LASKARIS

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

A free digital resource has been launched to help Indigenous youth across the country better understand financial situations they will encounter in their lives.

A press conference was held in Winnipeg on Dec. 10 to introduce the resource, titled Indigenous Peoples’ Money and Youth.

It can be viewed here: https://moneyandyouthin-

digenous.com/ The resource was created by the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) and IG Wealth Management (IG).

CFEE and IG had previously combined to create the Money and Youth financial resource, which is now part of the high school curriculum in four provinces.

The launch of the Indigenous resource was held at IG’s head office.

Vanessa Everett, a member

First Nation helps develop its own language learning app

BY CRYSTAL ST. PIERRE

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

York Factory First Nation (YFFN) in northern Manitoba has launched its own Cree language learning app called Inineemowin.

Developed by a committee of YFFN language experts, HFC Planning and Design, and Vincent Design Inc., the app provides users with an interactive platform to learn the Nation’s stories, words and teachings.

“It’s a wonderful resource for the young people,” said YFFN councillor Louisa Constant. “They are loving it at home. There have been so many downloads by the younger generations. It’s wonderful work.”

The project began about a year ago with funding from the Heritage Canada’s Indigenous Languages Program. A second phase later this year will expand the content available for users.

“York Factory came to Vincent Design in December last year and had this idea, a very loose idea, for an app they wanted for language learning,” said Jordan Dysart, software developer for Vincent Design Inc., an Indigenous-led Winnipeg design creative agency.

In the following months the groups met and gathered information and resources to be used in the platform.

“The intention with this language app is we really wanted to tie the app and experience to the community, and in this is their work,” said Dysart.

“We want to highlight them as a community. York Factory Language Committee is trying to inspire youth and language learners to continue on and provide tools so that it makes it more accessible to learn about history, culture, local stories, and landmarks.”

Dysart said each area throughout the western communities that speak Cree have “slight differences” in their dialect.

When users launch the app, they will be presented with an illustration of a map which represents the community.

Important landmarks and cultural gathering sites throughout the community are highlighted including an explanation or an image with a Cree title and a Cree word describing it. There is also an option for users to play an audio file of the words.

The app’s Learning Path takes users through eight modules of lessons that introduce basic grammar and phrases in the context of cultural traditions including spring goose camp, winter carnival and

sewing. “(Then) you can explore some of the other features that we’ve created,” Dysart said. “One where you can learn these curated progressions … in full on phrases of the Cree language. The next category of that learning chapter is something that goes and pulls translations directly from the dictionary that we have saved on the device and it pulls and shuffles a certain amount of words directly from the dictionary.”

These words can be chosen by selecting the user’s skill level. And then, if they want to use them again, they can choose to use the audio files to hear the words.

Dysart explained these options offer a more diverse learning experience aside from just reading the words.

“They can use the audio recognition as well (to test their progress),” he added.

The Syllabics section of the app provides users with audio, recorded by the committee, that explains each symbol’s meaning.

In addition, Inineemowin provides local Knowledge Keeper’s stories, children’s stories, community stories and historical photographs.

Dysart used his own Cree heritage and prior experience with language revitalization initiatives to provide a unique fusion of tradition and technology for the app.

His personal connection to the work made the development of the Indigenous language learning app a significant milestone for Vincent Design Inc. “This is an area that’s very important to me,” Dysart said.

“I’m a Cree man from northern Manitoba, very close to York Factory. It’s been such a wonderful process and we’re so excited to have this out.

There is so many lessons and memories that are drafted in the language and as language develops it develops around the environment that it’s spoken in. Inside jokes or comments around the campfire, if you’re in the Rockies it’s going to be different in the Prairies.”

Once the app had been developed, Dysart was able to have a ‘focus group’, which actually consisted of his grandparents, try it out.

“It was really cool to see my grandparents playing on the app,” said Dysart adding they were testing the various translations and showed a lot of interest with the differences to their own dialect.

The Inineemowin app is available on the App Store or Google Play.

of Berens Rivers First Nation in Manitoba, is the principal writer of the new resource.

“I have been privileged to visit Indigenous communities across the country and honoured to learn from diverse Nations, tribes, and communities,” she said. “As sovereign Nations working toward economic reconciliation, Indigenous communities need to encourage financial literacy among youth from an early age.”

Indigenous Peoples’ Money and Youth consists of 15 modules. Topics that are covered include borrowing money, saving and investing and establishing financial goals.

All of the modules are tailored to Indigenous youth.

Damon Johnston, the president and CEO of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, also had an instrumental role in the creation of the resource.

He served as a project lead.

“Being an advocate for, and within, the Indigenous community for over 45 years, I enjoyed the time and input spent in this important initiative with CFEE and IG,” he said. “I am pleased to have been part of the initial steps involved in bringing these partners together for Indigenous Peoples' Money

and Youth.”

A project overview stated the importance of this new resource.

“The world of money is one area where many people often feel they lack control,” it said. “They may even feel they are out of control. Many, if not most, Canadians never had much in the way of financial education – at school or from parents. We hope to change that for the next generation.

“Schools are now starting to include financial education in the curriculum. Equipped with knowledge, skills, and experience, young people will be able to plan for, and take more control over, their money and financial affairs.”

Both Everett and Johnston worked alongside various content reviewers who helped ensure the new resources aligned with the needs, interests and cultural factors that pertain to Indigenous youth.

The resource is aimed at Indigenous students who are in Grades 9 through 12, in both urban and rural settings, across Canada.

It can be read online, downloaded or printed.

The resource includes a Youth Guide, a Teacher’s Guide and a Caregiver’s

HELP WANTED Full Time Security Guard For the Thompson Regional Airport Authority

WELCOME TO THE NORTH

Are you looking for a new opportunity to build new relationships in a unique and growing industry? Do you have a passion for helping people? At the Thompson Regional Airport Authority, we value teamwork and a work environment where people come to work to help one another.

Our growing airport is now accepting applications for the position of Security Guard.

We offer a competitive wage and benefit package for the right person who demonstrates the required skills and shares the values that the Thompson Regional Airport Authority represents.

Duties: Reporting to the Airport Security Manager, the incumbent is the eyes and ears of the Thompson Airport and an integral part of the team by observing and reporting activities and incidents, providing for the security and safety of our property and our people.

The duties of the Security Guard include but aren’t limited to: • Enforcing regulations to maintain order, resolving conflicts and monitoring establishment activities • Investigating unlawful acts and recommending security protocol • Operate security control room equipment • Patrol assigned areas • Pick up and deliver cash and valuables Qualifications: Ideally, the right candidate will possess a High School degree or GED or a combination of education and direct work experience as a security guard. The right candidate will have experience working with technology and software including but not limited to Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word.

This position requires possession of a Security Guard License as well as a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

The right candidate must pass a Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal Record Check.

Working conditions and physical capabilities for this role include but aren’t limited to: • Attention to detail • Sitting, standing, walking • Fast-paced environment • Physically demanding • Standing for extended periods • Work under pressure The hours for this job are shift work and are subject to change frequently and will occasionally require working overtime.

Benefits: The Thompson Regional Airport Authority offers a flexible work environment and a competitive benefits package, including pension, health and dental benefits for full-time employees.

Wage is $21.00 per hour.

Apply to: Please submit your cover letter and resume to melissa.lounsbury@fly-yth.ca Only those being considered will be contacted.

Applications are being accepted until the job is filled.

Thompson Regional Airport Authority Box 112, Thompson MB R8N 1M9 Fax: 204-778-6477

Guides. All of them are designed to empower Indigenous youth.

Tracy Schmidt, the province’s acting minister of education and early childhood learning, is supportive of the new resource.

“Manitoba’s vision aligns with our partners, we all want to support children and youth to help them reach their full potential,” Schmidt said.

“Providing these resources for Indigenous learners helps remove systemic barriers to support student success in academics and beyond.”

CFEE and IG representatives also speak highly of the new initiative.

Gary Rabbior, CFEE’s president, has been rather proud of its existing Money and Youth resource.

“We have long wanted to adapt the program to enhance its appeal to, and use by, Indigenous youth across the country,” he said. “We extend our sincere thanks to IG Wealth Management and the incredible team of Indigenous writers, review-

ers, and educators who have brought our hope to reality.”

Damon Murchison, IG’s president and CEO, also praised the partners that joined forces to create the new resource.

“We’re so proud of our ongoing work with organizations like CFEE to build financial well-being among key underserved communities, including Indigenous peoples,” Murchison said.

“The launch of this new resource is another small step in helping empower Indigenous communities in general, and Indigenous youth in particular. I’d like to thank CFEE and our Indigenous community partners for helping bring this wonderful resource to life.”

The CFEE is a federal, non-profit, non-partisan organization that was launched in 1974. Its goals include improving economic and financial literacy.

IG, founded almost a century ago in 1926, is a national leader in delivering financial planning.

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA OFFICE: KEEWATINO/YATTHE GHE FAMILY ENHANCEMENT CENTRE LOCATION: THOMPSON, MANITOBA Position: Family Enhancement Supervisor (Communities to be assigned) One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position Reporting to the Director of Family Enhancement, as member of the supervisory team, the Family Enhancement Supervisor coordinates and implements the agency’s preventative child and family services for the assigned units. This includes providing guidance and support to Family Enhancement Workers in a variety of communities.

Partnering with the communities that we serve to promote and deliver education and awareness programming on behalf of the agency, in a manner which is culturally appropriate. The Family Enhancement Supervisor contributes to the development and improvement of the Family Enhancement department‘s activities.

Key Responsibilities: • Supervise and manage assigned Family Enhancement staff • Communicate program direction and provide guidance to Family Enhancement Workers from the assigned units • Promote best practices in preventative child and family services which advance the cultural and land-based ideals of the northern First Nations • Compile and deliver regular statistical reports • Deliver regular reports about the units’ activities to the Director of Family Enhancement • Liaise with external collaterals on behalf of the agency Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), or in progress in combination with relevant experience • Working knowledge of Child and Family Services Act, Standards, and Regulations • 2+ years of experience in the field of child welfare • Child welfare supervisory and training experience • Knowledge of or work experience in northern Manitoba communities preferred • Demonstrated understanding and respect for Indigenous culture • Ability to speak the Cree and/or Dene language is considered an asset Working Conditions: • Fast-paced environment • Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information • Overnight and remote travel approximately 25% of the time • Background checks must meet Agency minimal acceptable standards • Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Salary: Awasis Agency endeavors to be an employer of choice, and offers a competitive salary, generous paid time off, and an excellent employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.

Closing Date: Open until filled Awasis Agency provides service to Indigenous children and families, therefore preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2024-117 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email, in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2024-117 701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degrees, diploma, and certificate programs.

We commit to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We are one Manitoba’s Top Employers and offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, a great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth including tuition waivers.

PATHWAY TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR (PPSE) Mihcet Meskanawah Teaching and Learning Thompson, Manitoba Competition No: 24-180 Closing Date: January 2, 2025 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.

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

UCN is building better futures for a stronger North. UCN provides learning opportunities to northern communities and its people offering more than forty academic degrees, diploma, and certificate programs.

We commit to offering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We are one Manitoba’s Top Employers and offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, a great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth including tuition waivers.

BACHELOR OF NURSING INSTRUCTOR

Lateral Violence Prevention in the Workplace Transforms Northern Manitoba Communities

BY CINDY TAYLOR

INTEGRATIVE MINDFULNESS CENTER

In the heart of Manitoba, a groundbreaking initiative is making waves in workplaces, communities, and beyond. The "Lateral Violence Prevention in the Workplace" training program, developed by Dr. Fonseka, founder of the Integrative Mindfulness Center in Manitoba, is reshaping how professionals address and prevent lateral violence. Designed to focus on the Indigenous population, this accredited program has become a beacon of hope and learning for professionals working in remote, urban, and on-reserve organizations.

The program dives deep into the colonial impact on Indigenous communities, uncovering the layers of intergenerational trauma and its ongoing ripple effects. Through this lens, participants learn to identify, address, and prevent the insidious cycle of lateral violence, a destructive force that affects not only individuals but also families and communities.

A highlight of this initiative is its emphasis on cultural sensitivity and interpersonal values, providing

attendees with practical strategies to create healthier, more harmonious workplaces and communities.

The training, delivered four times in 2023-2024, incorporates group exercises, mindfulness practices, and

Faculty of Health Thompson, Manitoba Competition No: 24-176 Closing Date: December 24, 2024 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.

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

WE ARE HIRING! • Competitive Salaries • Relocation Assistance • Continuing Education • Remoteness Allowance • Excellent Benefits

> Uncertified Health Care Aides

JOB POSTING Part-Time Counselors Level 1 Sixteen (16) hours/week (1) (Days)

We are a 24/7 facility, so shifts include days, evenings and weekends The successful client will have a working understanding of Domestic and/or Family violence and related issues. Have one or more years of counseling experience, preferably in the area of crisis intervention or domestic/family violence, with some professional training i.e. Applied Counseling Certificate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have a current CPR and First Aide or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willing to obtain.

Must be able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language is an asset. Have an understanding and respect of LGBTQ1 issues and the vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work (days, afternoons, and nights) on weekends and stat holidays as required.

Be reliable, dependable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic.

If you are interested in applying for a position please submit an up to date resume to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or Executive Director Helen Trudeau. Applications are due by March 15/2024 by 4 pm.

Locations: Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson, Manitoba No previous experience required, we will train you!

Are you interested in working with the elderly to help improve their daily life?

Do you enjoy taking care of others?

Are you comfortable providing personal care (i.e. bathing, toileting, feeding assistance) to individuals?

Do you enjoy maintaining a home environment?

If YES, we want to meet with you to discuss this CAREER OPPORTUNITY! Contact us for more information: www.northernhealthregion.com/careers 1-866-758-7871 • • • •

Paid training opportunity full time, part time or casual work available Options available to bridge to Certified HCA Hourly wage $21.20 Benefits, Pension, Annual Retention Allowance, Remoteness Allowance

Northern RHA has a Representative Workforce Strategy, we encourage all applicants to self-declare. Criminal Record, Child Abuse, & Adult Abuse Registry Checks are required.

We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.

www.northernhealthregion.ca

Friday, December 20, 2024

JOB POSTING Counselor Level 1 Casual

The successful client will have a working understanding of Domestic and/or Family violence and related issues. Have one or more years of counseling experience, preferably in the area of crisis intervention or domestic/family violence, with some professional training i.e. Applied Counseling Certificate and/or relevant post-secondary education (Social work, Nursing or work-related experience).

Have a current CPR and First Aide or willing to obtain and recent Child abuse registry/Criminal record check. Valid Driver’s license or willing to obtain.

Must be able to work cross-culturally, the ability to speak a second language is an asset. Have an understanding and respect of LGBTQ1 issues and the vulnerable sectors.

Be willing to work shift work: including days, afternoons, nights, weekends and stat holidays as required.

Be reliable, dependable, flexible, and punctual and have a good work ethic.

If you are interested in applying for a position please submit an up to date resume to the Program Manager Christine Fenner/or Executive Director Helen Trudeau. Applications are due by March 15, 2023 by 4 pm.

loving-kindness techniques.

These tools empower participants to understand the stages of lateral violence, from initial conflict to systemic dysfunction , and build proactive solutions to prevent its escalation.

The program's impact is already evident. Two recent workshops held at the University College of the North board room brought together 25 professionals from diverse organizations in northern Manitoba. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants explored the transformative power of loving-kindness, mindfulness, and cultural practices. These strategies are not just theoretical but practical tools for fostering lateral kindness and emotional resilience, both individually and collectively.

Dr. Fonseka's work is further amplified by his book, Breaking the Circle: Unraveling the Complexity of Lateral Violence, which has become a valuable resource for those committed to addressing this pressing issue. The book is dedicat-

Photo submitted by Cindy Taylor ed to Kathy Jenson, MSW, RSW, a senior clinical therapist and social worker who devoted her career to supporting children and families affected by trauma and addiction in northern Manitoba. Her legacy inspires the mission of this program, reminding us of the profound impact that compassion and dedication can have on healing communities.

As northern Manitoba continues to benefit from this innovative program, the message is clear: through understanding, mindfulness, and collective action, the cycle of lateral violence can be broken. This training is not just a workshop but a movement toward building healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities.

The Integrative Mindfulness Center and Dr. Fonseka invite all professionals and organizations to join this transformative journey. Together, we can turn the tide on lateral violence, one workshop, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.

Friday, December 20, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A15

Expected influx of illegal border crossings yet to materialize, says Emerson reeve

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

Leaders in a Manitoba border community continue to wait and wonder if there will be a surge of illegal immigrants trying to get in as we near the second Trump presidency, but as of this week there has been no noticeable surge, the community’s reeve said Wednesday.

“It’s not happening to the degree we thought it would have by now,” Emerson-Franklin Reeve Dave Carlson said Wednesday.

“There’s been so much

attention on it that maybe the surge would have come if it stayed quieter than this, but right now on both sides of the border people are taking this seriously and wanting to secure the border.

“It’s really hard to say if it’s going to be as big as we had thought.”

Incoming American president Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the President of the United States for the second time on Jan. 20, continues to threaten 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico going into the U.S.,

unless both countries work to improve border security measures, and decrease the flow of illegal drugs into the United States at their respective borders.

Trump has also threatened mass deportations of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States and a far more hardline approach to immigration and border security in the U.S., leaving some, including Carlson, to worry that there could be a surge of illegal border crossings into Canada and into Emerson at the Pembina-Emerson Bor-

Brandon police chief warns of spike in dangerous drugs

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

Brandon’s chief of police is raising serious red flags about increased “toxicity” and possible “lethality” of drugs currently circulating in the area, and about an alarming number of overdoses this month in the western Manitoba city.

“There is a drug supply that is exceptionally dangerous right now,” Brandon Police Service (BPS) Chief Tyler Bates said while speaking at a Dec. 13 Brandon Police Board meeting in the western Manitoba city.

Bates spoke to the board last week, as part of what are regular updates on the police service’s operations, crime statistics and trends, and he said drug overdoses and highly toxic drugs continue to be at the top of the list of concerns for Brandon’s police.

“From a statistics standpoint, the one highlight I would like to make is the continuing crisis as it’s related to the use of methamphetamine in the city of Brandon,” Bates told the board.

“It’s an ongoing concern and I highlighted this the last time as well. I would say that certainly we have not seen an improvement with respect to the particular issue, so much so that yesterday I felt the need to put out an alert to the community and to the public with respect to what is a pattern of increasing toxicity and drug deaths in the last couple of years.”

According to Bates, the city of Brandon, which is home to approximately 51,000 people, saw three toxic drug deaths in 2022.

That number rose to five deaths in 2023, and Bates said there had, as of last Friday, been seven toxic drug deaths in Brandon so far this year.

“So that’s an alarming pattern,” Bates said. “It speaks to an increase in lethality.”

Currently of concern for Brandon police is also the fact that there have been a

total of six non-lethal drug overdoses in the city in December alone, with about two weeks still left to go in the month.

“To have six overdoses in this amount of time in the month of December, that’s something that is troubling and concerning to us,” Bates said.

BPS is also reaching out to Brandon residents directly to warn them about drugs circulating in the area, as last week the department put out a public alert stating, “This month, our community has seen an alarming rise in overdoses, and we want to remind everyone of the very serious risks associated with drug use and the elevated risk in overdoses this month. Please be cautious.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, we urge you to seek support. The danger of accidental overdose is very real, and we are genuinely concerned about the impact and wellbeing of our community.”

Bates warned the police board that if the drugs circulating now continue to get into people’s hands in Brandon, police worry that there will be more overdoses and

more deaths, and he said they are mobilizing police departments and resources as they try to get a handle on the situation.

This is now the second time since September that serious concerns have been raised about drugs making the rounds in Brandon, as on Sept. 13 the Brandon chapter of the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN) posted a notice on their social media that a substance sold in Brandon that the buyer believed was methamphetamine contained 21% fentanyl.

“That’s just the reality of the state we are in right now; we just have a toxic supply of drugs,” Brandon MHRN coordinator Solange Machado said in a September interview with the Winnipeg Sun. “There is a lot of stuff going around that is making people sick, and there are more and more potent drugs that people maybe aren’t used to.”

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

der Crossing leading up to and during Trump’s second presidency.

Adding to concerns is the fact that there was a significant surge in migrant crossings in Emerson in 2017 and 2018 after Trump was elected president for the first time in 2016, which Carlson said greatly stretched resources in the community and put emergency workers in harm’s way on multiple occasions.

“We don’t want to see a tragedy, and we don’t want to see a tragedy on top of a tragedy,” Carlson said.

Since Trump’s election victory, both the Manitoba government and the federal government have announced new border security plans, as they try to avoid tariffs, and a sudden surge of migrants at the border.

In their fall economic statement released on Monday, the federal government announced a new “five pillar” approach and strategy for border security that will include a total investment of $1.3 billion, and a renewed focus on “detecting and disrupting the fentanyl trade.”

New border plans have also been announced in Manitoba, as Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew told reporters last week that

plans will include the use of conservation officers at the border, as well as increased overtime for RCMP to assist with border surveillance and enforcement, and said the province would roll out more details soon.

Carlson said he wonders if the renewed focus on border security is one of the reasons they haven’t seen the expected surge yet, but added he wishes it didn’t take threats from south of the border to see border security become an issue, when it’s been a concern in Emerson for years.

“There is a lot of attention on the border, but it is something we’ve always wanted to see,” he said “I just wish we had looked at this a long time ago, because the border has always been somewhat porous and no one wants to see criminal activity in their communities, but when you have a porous border you will attract that kind of activity, so I think it’s something we should have looked at a long time ago.

“I just hope now that it’s not too late.”

Carlson added that residents in his community have told him that improved border security would improve feelings of safety and security for those who live

in Emerson-Franklin.

“We’re hoping that by tightening up the border, we’ll see things a lot safer, and our community can rest a little easier,” Carlson said.

The National Headquarters of the RCMP confirmed after Trump was elected back in November that RCMP across the country had been actively working on plans to deal with a second Trump presidency, and what it could mean for the southern border.

“In anticipation of the U.S. election, the RCMP worked through various scenarios in the event of a sudden increase in irregular migration between official ports of entry at the Canada-U.S. border,” a RCMP spokesperson said in a Nov. 7 email.

“Lessons learned from the migratory movement experienced by Canada between 2016 and 2023, which was in part related to the 2016 U.S. election, have provided us with the tools and insight necessary to address similar types of occurrences.”

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Exciting Job Opportunity with Manitoba Justice!

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding job?

Join us as a Court Clerk in Thompson, MB! Full and Part time positions available please indicate on your resume FULL or PART TIME Please drop your resume off at Thompson Court Office 59 Elizabeth Drive Thompson MB You can also send your resume by email to: MBCourtsjobs@gov.mb.ca Ensure your email and resume include: your full name and contact information Resumes will be accepted and kept on file for consideration for six months Candidates must have the ability to: ▪ legally work in Canada ▪ work overtime with little or no notice ▪ travel to other court centres and circuit court locations via car, small aircraft and other modes of transportation ▪ lift and transport related equipment weighing up to 30 lbs ▪ satisfy security screening ▪ provide a satisfactory Criminal Records Check, Adult Abuse Registry Check and Child Abuse Registry Check

Merry Christmas

▪ Position Description available upon request to MBCourtsjobs@gov.mb.ca

Page A16 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, December 20, 2024

Merry Christmas

Due to the postal strike, we are unable to send Christmas cards to Seniors/Elders in Thompson this year. We do wish all our Seniors/Elders and their caregivers a healthy, loving and joy-filled Christmas.

And we sincerely hope 2025 continues in that way for all.

We also take this time to thank all those people, business and organizations who have supported the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council in 2024. From students who collected items for our food security program, to people in their 80s who contributed their time or cash to programming, to businesses who supported our fund raising efforts in a very big way — we thank you all.

If you are not yet on our contact list for things like Christmas cards and newsletters and you wish to be, please phone or email us: 204-677-0987 or thompsonseniors55@gmail.com.

From the Board and staff of Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council

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