December 9 2022

Northern MPs ask for tax break on home heating, food subsidy reforms

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Rising costs of fuel and food are putting further economic pressure on northern and Indigenous Canadians who already faced a higher cost of living before the current inflation crisis, NDP MPs said in Ottawa Nov. 30.

Niki Ashton, who represents the Churchill-Keewatinook Aski riding encompassing all of Northern Manitoba, and Lori Idlout, Nunavut MP, held a press conference to ask the federal government to reform its Nutrition North food subsidy program and to exempt home heating fuel from GST.

Virtually all of Nunavut’s communities rely on diesel to generate electricity, as do some of the 18 remote com-

munities in Ashton’s riding that don’t have year-round road access and may not be connected to Manitoba’s hydroelectricity grid.

Ashton shared prices of grocery items from some of the communities in her riding, including Shamattawa, where a frozen pizza is more than $12 snd a onelitre bottle of drinking water can be as much as $7.09.

“People cannot afford to live with these prices,” she said, noting that high fuel costs ranging from $2.35 to over $3 a litre may impact some remote community residents’ plans to stock up on supplies when winter roads open.

“People are increasingly concerned that with the costs of fuel they won’t be able to afford to get out to our major centres, whether

it’s Thompson or Winnipeg, to shop for cheaper and healthier food items.”

Reforms are also needed to ensure that Nutrition North food subsidies benefit the people buying groceries rather than the companies selling them, such as NorthMart, one of the few grocery stories in many northern communities across Canada, the MPs said.

“There needs to be a better way to ensure that NorthMart has been held accountable for the program that it’s delivering on behalf of our government of Canada,” Idlout said.

The cost of reforms and GST exemptions could easily be made up for with a windfall tax on big fuel, grocery and big box companies, the MPs said, noting that NorthMart’s net earnings last year were $157 million, up nearly 10 per cent from the previous year.

The MPs said the Parliamentary Budget Office estimates that the NDP’s windfall tax proposal could bring in more than $4 billion of revenue over five years.

Canada, the department that administers Nutrition North, told Nunatsiaq News in Nunavut that the federal government has increased its funding for the various programs under its wing.

He said the harvesters support grant was developed in partnership with northern communities and supported more than 5,500 harvesters.

The federal government also has programs outside of Nutrition North to help northerners with the increasing cost of living, such as reducing child-care fees and increasing the Canadian Workers Benefit.

“Many Canadians face real challenges with the increased cost of living,” he said.

“That is why we have a fiscally responsible and compassionate plan that is targeted to low-income families and individuals and support for the most vulnerable.”

Allen did not answer if the Liberals would commit to reviewing the Nutrition North program.

Thompson

Recreation Centre 274 Thompson Drive South

December 17, 2022 –9:00-1:00 pm

Fur Buyers, kids activities supported by Boreal Discovery Centre, Pelt contest, demonstrations, and Trade Show in partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

The Fur Tables are open to Registered Manitoba Trappers and their families. If you have any questions: 204-294-1512 mta@mymts.net www.manitobatrappers.com MTA thanks Calm Air for their support!

Kyle Allen, spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

- with files from David Venn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Nunatsiaq News

Thompson Fur Tables

Regional

CPAC screenshot

Northern Manitoba NDP MP Niki Ashton speaks at a Nov. 30 press conference in Ottawa where she and her colleague from Nunavut called on the federal government to help northern and Indigenous community residents cope with spiralling food and fuel costs.

Thompson Citizen photos courtesy of NDP Bottled water on a store shelf in Shamattawa.

A fuel receipt from Pukatawagan.

Aski

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The body responsible for adjusting federal electoral riding boundaries has rescinded most of its proposed changes for the electoral district that covers all of Northern Manitoba and 80 per cent of the province’s landmass.

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Manitoba released its report Dec. 6. The province will continue to have 14 ridings when the next federal election, scheduled for October 2025, is held.

The goal of the commission is to ensure that federal ridings within Manitoba are approximately equal in terms of the number of residents they contain, within a variance of about plus or minus fiver per cent from the average, determined by dividing Canada’s population by the number of ridings and adjusting for provincial population growth rates over the last 10 years.

In its initial proposal, the commission put forward a plan to bring the Churchill-Kee -

for next federal election

watinook Aski district, which extends from the southern tip of Lake Winnipeg in the south to the Nunavut boundary in the north and across to the Saskatchewan boundary south of The Pas in the west, closer to the average population by adding portions of the Dauphin-Swan River and Brandon-Souris riding to it. Doing so would have left the population about seven per cent below the average for Manitoba’s ridings. However, following written and oral submissions, including a presentation by Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton, the commission reversed itself and decided to keep the riding’s boundaries largely the same as they were during the last federal election, with the exception of moving the communities of Homebrook and Peonan Point back to the Interlake-Eastman riding.

Though basically remaining as is means the Churchill-Keewatinook Aski riding has a population about 15 per cent below the average, the commission said

other considerations had to be taken into account, including not only historical ties between areas but also practical matters.

“The MP for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski described how this vast expanse presents her with transportation and communications challenges for being in touch with citizens and communities in all parts of the constituency,” said the commission’s report. “There is also the added challenge of the extra time required to commute to Ottawa, with fewer flight options. While in our initial proposal we alluded to the ongoing communications revolution, involving the use of the Internet, satellites and cell phones, we acknowledge that such services are often not available in the north or are of poor quality.”

The commission’s report was tabled in the House of Commons Dec. 6. If no objections are filed with the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, it will be adopted as submitted and used to define Manitoba’s ridings for the next federal election.

CITY OF THOMPSON CAREERS

RECEIVABLES CLERK

The City of Thompson invites qualified applicants to submit a resume for consideration for the full-time position of Receivables Clerk:

The successful candidate will have Grade 12 or higher, have completed a recognized Business Administration or Accounting diploma program with a minimum of two years’ experience, or a minimum of 2 years training and experience. This position requires demonstrated working knowledge of computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and accounting software. The successful candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and excellent public relation skills, be able to work accurately under pressure and within tight deadlines and adapt to quickly changing situations.

The duties for this position include preparing and balancing interest recaps to General Ledger and posts interests, receives and enters tax payments, prepares surveyors, tax and planning scheme certificates, provides authorized information by telephone, letter and over the counter to the general public, banks, real estate and legal firms, balances tax rolls, enters current taxes to Tax Roll. This position also provides support for all aspects of the Accounts Receivable Clerk and Utility Clerk roles as required including move in and move outs.

The City of Thompson offers a comprehensive benefits program and competitive salary.

Detailed resumes outlining education, experience, qualifications and references will be accepted up to and including Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Those interested may apply in confidence to:

City of Thompson

226 Mystery Lake Road

Thompson, Manitoba R8N 1S6

FAX: (204) 677-7981

E-Mail: ecormier@thompson.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Those requiring assistance with the application process should call 204-6777924.

The City of Thompson is committed to providing a superior quality of life and unlimited opportunities. We are dedicated to supporting healthy growth and our northern urban lifestyle while providing our residents with high quality municipal services and facilities.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

EOI NO 90210: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR LEASE OF THE CONCESSION LOCATED IN THE THOMPSON REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER, THOMPSON, MANITOBA

The City of Thompson (CITY) is inviting interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest for the lease of the Concession located in the Thompson Regional Community Center (TRCC).

The proponents interested in leasing the space, for the use of a Concession, should consider the following criteria in their submission:

1) The Concession area is 410 sq. ft. on the main floor

2) The opening date on or before February 1, 2023

3) The proponent will be majorly responsible for the following:

a. Kitchen design and finishes including all kitchen equipment (supply and maintenance/replacement)

b. Janitorial supplies and services for the Concession area c. Cleaning of the tables in the lobby area d. Supply of furnishings, decorative accents, dishes/cutlery e. All licenses including Liquor license, if interested f. Water Utilities

4) The CITY will be responsible for the following but any consideration is subject to the lease payment suggested by the proponent:

a. Janitorial cleaning of the lobby area, floors, and garbages

b. Cleaning of washrooms

c. Snow clearing of TRCC parking lot d. Property taxes

e. Hydro

5) The proponent must include the following in their submission:

a. Proposed lease details, including term, gross lease payment per square foot/ per month/ per annum

b. Business plan including marketing concept, description of business, the vision of design/décor, sample of menu selections, pricing, and hours of business.

c. Related experience, location of other establishments, owned or operated, providing a similar service d. Letters of Reference verifying experience in food service

CITY OF THOMPSON

226 Mystery Lake Road

Thompson, MB R8N 1S6

Phone: 204-677-7910 communications@thompson.ca

6) The proponent shall be aware of the following items: a. the proponent must maintain consistent hours of operation seven days per week.

b. the use of deep fryers is not permitted in the concession. Only exception is a fully enclosed, self-contained deep fryer. c. at any time the City may enter into exclusive rights agreement with beverage and food suppliers. If and when this occurs, the proponent will be given notice and be required to market and supply beverages and food supplied by the designated supplier.

The space may be viewed. Please contact Sonya Wiseman, Director of Recreation and Community Services by email at swiseman@thompson.ca to make an appointment to view.

Interested parties must submit their responses in sealed envelopes/ fax/email to the CITY by 3:00 PM (CST) on Thursday, December 20, 2022 at the below-given address: City of Thompson, 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB R8N 1S6 Ph: (204) 778-7974 Fax: 204-677-7980

Email: swiseman@thompson.ca

The envelopes must state “EOI# 90210 FOR THE LEASE OF THE CONCESSION AT THE TRCC”.

All submissions received by the CITY before the deadline will be opened publically at that time.

Information provided by the CITY to a proponent, or by a proponent to the CITY, or acquired by any party through further inquiries or investigation, is strictly confidential. Such information shall not be used or disclosed in any way without the prior written authorization of the CITY, or of the Proponent. This is only an inquiry as to interest in the potential lease of the Concession at TRCC. The CITY will not necessarily invite any of those submitting an Expression of Interest to lease the above-noted space.

The CITY shall have the right to disqualify any proponents from the process should they have failed to complete their obligations under any prior engagement or been involved in vexatious litigation with the City of Thompson. The CITY shall have the right to evaluate all submissions as per its criteria, whether or not such criteria has been expressly related to the Proponents.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

AMBULANCE / FIRE (204) 677-7911

R.C.M.P. (204) 677-6911

COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICERS (204) 677-7916

HOSPITAL (204) 677-2381

The federal electoral district of Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, which covers about 80 per cent of Manitoba’s landmass, will remain largely the same for the next federal election if no objections to the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Manitoba report are filed with a Parliamentary committee.

Map courtesy of Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Manitoba

Manitoba leaders call for measures to end violence against Indigenous women

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

As Winnipeg residents come to grips with the horrifying news of four murdered Indigenous women at the hands of an alleged serial killer, mourners gathered Dec. 1 to remember the victims.

Many are also expressing their anger and frustration, as Indigenous women and girls in Winnipeg continue to fall victim to abuse, violence and murder.

“It’s sad that time and time again we have to keep coming back to gather for these sad circumstances,” an emotional Cambria Harris said at the sombre vigil in north Winnipeg.

“It shouldn’t have to be like this.”

The vigil was held to honour her mother, 39-year-old Morgan Harris, one of four alleged victims of a Winnipeg man police are now alleging is a serial killer.

“There were four women and those women had families, they were mothers, they were cousins, sisters, and they didn’t deserve that,” she said.

Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki, 35, of Winnipeg, was charged with first-degree murder in May in the slaying of 24-year-old Rebecca Contois, and at the time of the arrest, police said there was the possibility of there being further victims.

On Dec. 1, police made the grim announcement that Skibicki has now been charged with three more counts of first-degree mur-

der, in connection to the deaths of two more Indigenous women and another thought to be Indigenous.

Harris and another victim — 26-year-old Marcedes Myran, both lived in Winnipeg — were members of the Long Plain First Nation and police believe there is another victim, but one they are still trying to identify.

During the vigil, NDP MLA Bernadette Smith, whose own sister Claudette Osborne has been missing since 2008, told the mourners that the continued violence against Indigenous women and girls in this city and province has to stop because she said if it does not, more women will die.

She also questioned why acts of violence and murder against Indigenous women have become “normalized.”

“I feel so angry, angry and lost, this has become so normalized,” Smith said. “Their families loved them, they were someone.”

She called on governments, but also society as a whole, to start taking the issue far more seriously because she said the harm it is causing goes well beyond women and girls and Indigenous communities.

“This affects all of us,” Smith said. “I keep saying that it’s not an Indigenous issue, it’s a human issue and we’re all human, and we all need to take care of one another and not turn a blind eye.

“We need to stand up for one another, and stand up against the injustices.”

And according to Smith, it is difficult for Indigenous

women and girls in Winnipeg to feel any sense of safety or security recently, as they wonder who is behind the killing of Indigenous women.

“I don’t feel safe,” Smith said. “So many of our women are missing, so are there more serial killers out there, or are there lots of people getting away with murder? We have to solve this, and it’s going to take all of us.”

News of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is sadly not new in the city of Winnipeg recently, as police also confirmed back in the spring that three Indigenous women, including Contois, had all been killed in the span of just three weeks.

At the Manitoba legislature, after news of the murder charges was announced, NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine made an emotional plea for more services and resources for Indigenous people to prevent more from being abused or killed.

But like her NDP colleague Smith, Fontaine also called on society to take the issue far more seriously, because she said continued inaction will continue to have “deadly consequences.”

“There is not one day that our women do not get up to demand from governments and from every level of society to protect Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited,” Fontaine said during a Dec. 1 press conference.

“There are deadly consequences when we don’t prioritize the protection

of Indigenous women and girls.”

— 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.

Thompson Citizen photo by Dave Baxter, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Winnipeg Sun Pictures of Morgan Harris were displayed at a vigil in Winnipeg Dec. 1 held to mourn the woman who is one of four victims alleged to have been murdered by Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki.

Canada expected to become a soccer nation as its fan base grows

BY BRIAN WONG AND MOHANA HOLLOWAY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, NEW CANADIAN MEDIA

The 2022 World Cup of Soccer in Qatar is halfway done, and although Team Canada was the second team to be out of the match following a 4-1 loss against Croatia, the event was a golden opportunity for Canada Soccer to grow their franchise, particularly their immigrant fan base.

Soccer is growing in Canadian popularity and is carrying a bigger influence and responsibilities that come with it.

According to Canada Soccer, there were nearly one million registrants across 13 provincial/territorial member associations, surpassing that of Hockey Canada (600,000 active participants). At the elite level, the Canadian Premier League was launched in 2019 and it continues to expand from coast to coast. Toronto FC in Major League Soccer won their first-ever MLS Cup in 2017, and Canada’s women’s soccer team became the darlings of the nation by capturing gold in the Tokyo Olympic Games. That final game versus Sweden drew a record-breaking 4.4 million Canadians to watch the match live, setting a new record on Canadian television.

Soccer’s global fan base

As the immigrant population grows in Canada, especially from countries that already have a strong sense of allegiance to soccer, the possibility for Canada to capture the hearts of new fans is strong. Statistics Canada reported in March 2022 that nearly 80 per cent of the 1.8 million population increase in Canada — from 2016 to 2021 — was due to immigrants. The report said that India and China took top spots as the home countries of new immigrants. Soccer in these countries is highly popular, in terms of both player participation and viewership.

Both India and China have held the FIFA U-17 World Cup and hold the first and second-place records for highest attendance.

Canada Soccer’s participation in the World Cup also has the potential to attract immigrant followers who were not previously soccer fans. The opening ceremony of the match was headlined by South Korean singer Jungkook alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

The ceremony also featured many aspects of Qatari culture and embraced multiculturalism by displaying flags from all over the world. All of this could resonate with immigrants from diverse backgrounds, even if they aren’t soccer fans. According

to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the 2022 World Cup is expected to pull in five billion viewers from around the world; few events can even come close to that viewership and potential influence.

Canada Soccer’s participation in the World Cup looks highly promising for the future of the franchise’s fan base. Many fans were expecting the franchise to influence Qatar to make transformational changes following concerns about the nation’s human rights issues that continue to spark controversies

The

human rights to shield Canada Soccer from controversies.

“There are consequences, you talk and you get punished by FIFA. The federal government needs to be the entity to make a statement right now,” Camacho said.

Following the 2022 World Cup, Camacho said Canada will soon become a soccer nation because it is a country of immigrants.

for labourers and their families. In response to a CTV exclusive interview just a day before the opening ceremony of the World Cup, Canada Soccer’s Secretary Earl Cochrane stated he disagreed with Canada Soccer being accused of a “deafening silence” on Qatar’s human rights issues.

political side of the sport

According to the Guardian’s report in 2021, more than 6,500 foreign workers have died in Qatar since the nation won the rights in 2010 to host the World Cup. In addition, Qatar has been criticized over the lack of LGBTQ+ rights, as fans were asked to remove their rainbow-coloured clothing while attending the World Cup matches.

“It is a foreign affairs issue, not Canada Soccer’s,” said Germán Camacho, technical director at Calgary City FC, who came from Colombia nearly two decades ago.

He said Canada Soccer has done a good job developing new talent, and that the federal government needs to advocate for

“It is just night and day — these young kids I coach these days know soccer, know the players, the tactics, everything, and even the parents have huge knowledge.”

Ingo Ionescu, a second-generation Canadian of Romanian descent, said: “We all know what is going on. I always tell my friends, ‘I cheer for only good football.’ In the ideal world, sports should stay away from politics but it is a business now so it’s impossible.”

Ionescu believes soccer players need to focus on the game.

“Look at how much money Cristiano Ronaldo makes, but what can he do?” he said. “Having said that, I think Canada Soccer needed to take the stance and should be a leader to fight for human rights.”

In October, many major soccer associations advocated for a Workers Compensation Fund

Cochrane also stood by a statement released on Oct 28 in which Canada Soccer “encouraged all partners to continue the efforts to implement labour reforms.” That statement drew criticism from human rights watchdogs, such as Amnesty International.

“International sport, as much as it tries to distance itself from politics, will always be tied to it,” says David Legg, a professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

Legg said professional sports organizations have the right and duty, because of their stature in the public, to voice opinions and concerns about issues important to society. By refraining from making an adequate statement, some may say Canada Soccer is not showing the integrity that is expected of a major sports organization, particularly one that has not yet established itself on the world stage.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Fauzan Saari/Unsplash/Local Journalism Initiative

When the World Cup comes to an end, Canadians’ interest in soccer may not.

Cabin Radio asks federal parties to tell northerners how they’d help them

BY CAITRIN PILKINGTON LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CABIN RADIO

What would each of Canada's four main political parties do to ease the impact of inflation on the cost of living in northern communities?

At a Wednesday press conference in Ottawa, New Democratic Party leaders challenged the Liberal government to better tackle the rising cost of living for northerners.

During the meeting, Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton and Nunavut MP Lori Idlout held up photos from grocery stores and gas stations to highlight prices and contrast them with costs in Ottawa.

They also discussed a report from non-profit Canadians for Tax Fairness that declared top companies had avoided paying $30 billion in taxes in 2021.

"Canada doesn't just have an inflation crisis, it has an inequality crisis, and nowhere is that more obvious than in northern and Indigenous communities," said Ashton.

Ashton argued that working people across Canada, but especially in the North, are paying more than ever while corporations announce record third-quarter profits.

"We know that Loblaws, one of the biggest supermarket chains in our country, has announced their profits are up by 30 per cent. The reality is that those profits are on the backs of working people on fixed incomes," she said.

Nunavut MP Idlout called on the Liberals to review and improve the Nutrition North program to ensure savings are being passed on to consumers.

"Northmart took in over $157 million in net earnings in 2021, an increase of 9.7 percent from the previous year. The CEO alone received over $5 million," said Idlout, referring to a chain of northern stores operated by The North West Company.

"Nutrition North's budget is $131.3 million. To me, it is a subsidy that only benefits Northmart and other for-profit companies."

The two MPs suggested reforming Nutrition North so funds go directly to consumers, removing GST on private home heating, adding subsidies to reduce the cost of gas, and implementing a windfall tax on fuel and grocery corporations.

But not every leader believes this is the best strategy.

Following the NDP press conference, we also asked to speak with Liberal, Conservative and Green representatives to hear how their parties believe northerners should be helped to weather the impacts of inflation.

These interviews, recorded last week, have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Liberal MP Michael McLeod

Cabin Radio: Do you think the NDP's ideas for lessening the burden on northerners around inflation – lowering taxes and increasing subsidies around food and fuel – make sense?

Michael McLeod: I've been in politics for some time now, and my position has always been that we should not be looking to increase subsidies. We should find solutions to the high cost of living in the Northwest Territories. We should be focusing on building roads to our communities, building bridges across some of the rivers that are causing higher freight costs. We should be looking at larger airports, bigger runways.

When I was a minister with the Northwest Territories, the [Nutrition North] subsidy was at $70 million a year. We're now at $131 million and that number grows every year. I'm happy that we were able to start programs like the harvester support program, the local food infrastructure fund, programs that are designed to ensure Indigenous governments and organizations can best decide how to support their own communities. But I don't think food security can be solved by one government alone. It's going to take lots of investments in different areas, including infrastructure, working with all partners, to address food insecurity in the North – that's really what would make life more affordable.

Cabin Radio: Are you saying that your party's Nutrition North program should be discontinued?

Michael McLeod: Well, I think there's always room for improvement. I would be very interested in hearing what some of the other governments, including the GNWT and community governments, are suggesting. I think it's a large undertaking to administer this program but, at the same time, there are some Indigenous governments

that feel they should be running any program that deals with their membership, and some have indicated that they would be interested in looking at it.

I think we also could be directing that support at hunters, because there's potential for them to be doing more than they're doing now. Almost every small community in the Northwest Territories has been established because it's a good harvesting area, a good trapping area or fishing area. We saw during the pandemic that so many people were out fishing and hunting, so many people were going to old hunting areas, their grandparents' cabins, providing for their communities... there was so much sharing going on. How do we help move that forward?

Cabin Radio: How is the Liberal government planning to address the high cost of fuel in northern communities?

Michael McLeod: Inflation is a global phenomenon. It's driven by factors that no single country is responsible for, and no single country can totally insulate everyone from it or solve it on its own. Seventy percent of what Canadians are paying at the pump is determined by crude oil prices going up worldwide – the invasion of Ukraine – and another 25 percent of that price is a result of everything from provincial tax to refining margins. And of course, some of that price is actually the Price on Pollution, but the rebate right now more than covers what consumers are spending on fuel. So I expect there is going to be some belt-tightening this year.

Canada is trying to soften the blow by introducing measures that will offer real and tangible support, like the $8.9 billion affordability plan, a 10-percent increase to old age security for seniors... we cut childcare fees by an average of 50 percent, the Canada child benefit, the Canada pension plan, dental benefits for children under 12, rental support for low income renters, we doubled the GST credit... so we've done a significant amount. And we'll be monitoring how northerners are faring as time goes on.

Conservative MP

Bob Zimmer Cabin Radio: How would a Conservative government plan to address the rising costs of living?

Bob Zimmer: Well, I think we'll start off first

by really tackling inflation, which really does stem from this government overspending. By our records, they've spent $205 billion above and beyond the Covid response. And that just increases the price of everything across the board. I was up in Inuvik in June and I saw how high food prices were then, and it's just continuing to rise.

That's why we've been asking the prime minister to, at the very least, cut the carbon tax on home heating. And he just refuses to move at all. You know, it's one thing to have that in Vancouver, where you can possibly turn down your thermostat and be OK, but when you're in a place like Inuvik or in my hometown of Fort St John in northern BC, staying warm isn't a luxury.

Cabin Radio: What would you suggest implementing on a short-term, emergency level to deal with the cost of groceries?

Bob Zimmer: We would immediately freeze the carbon tax on home heating. That would be an automatic. We hear stories where families are deciding between heating their homes or buying food for their kids, they're skipping meals, they're watering down soup to keep the thermostat at a tolerable level. So the effects of that would be immediate, and northerners would experience more money in their pocket.

Cabin Radio: One of the Liberal government's methods of addressing this issue directly has been Nutrition North. The NDP is saying those subsidies are all ending up in the pockets of grocery store owners and aren't being seen by customers. Do you agree with them?

Bob Zimmer: Yes, absolutely. This was brought up in the Indigenous Northern Affairs Committee a few weeks ago by Ms. Idlout, and my response was that I'm concerned as well. It seems evident to me that prices are still extremely high even with the subsidy. I think we need to look into these complaints and see if there are some things that we can fix there to make sure that money goes more directly to the people that need it.

Cabin Radio: Let's talk about fuel costs. During the NDP press conference, we saw photos of high prices at the pumps right now. How would you propose helping northerners deal with those costs, aside from getting rid

of the carbon tax?

Bob Zimmer: Well, it all comes back to fuel, right? So if you reduce the carbon tax or eliminate the carbon tax, whether you're shipping groceries or heating your home, everything's more affordable. That's just the reality. In a Cabin Radio article I read that the Northwest Territories announced particularly severe price hikes, an overnight increase of 34 percent, and those prices are holding. And to me, again... I'll bring it back to the carbon tax. Because if you were simply to eliminate that, you would see those costs drop dramatically. And in times like this, where there are excessive costs for fuel and energy, you just need to be willing to adjust as a government.

Green Party MP

Elizabeth May

Cabin Radio: What is the Green Party plan for reducing the burden around daily necessities for northerners?

Elizabeth May: The Green approach is to eliminate poverty right across Canada. A guaranteed livable income for all people across Canada would substantially improve, particularly at lower income levels, the ability to withstand impacts of the climate crisis. It's fair to say that we're going to see increasing food prices for a considerable time to come, as increasing drought and climate events around the world have an impact on food prices in Canada, but they're particularly acute for Canada's north where food prices were already off the charts. So a guaranteed livable income is the first step for all Canadians but particularly important where the issues are acute.

Strengthening of self-government [for Indigenous communities] and all the modern treaties need to be implemented fully and appropriately. Making sure that people aren't completely dependent on food shipped from California. Funding and developing local food production, whether in hydroponics or vertical food production, using renewable sources of energy. This may sound futuristic, but it wouldn't take long for some population centres to get local food, whether it's through greenhouses using solar and wind and geothermal, or green hydrogen... there are many options that we need to look at.

But we need to make sure we're looking long-term.

Stopgap approaches are just not going to be enough to confront what's going to be – in the words of a book written a number of years ago – the Long Emergency. That's probably what we're facing in terms of food prices, climate and energy prices.

Cabin Radio: I get what you're saying, in the sense that we need to accept and plan for all of these costs to keep rising, but in a place like the Northwest Territories that's so reliant on fuel, what would you say to families who are really struggling to afford heating their homes right now?

Elizabeth May: Well that's where a guaranteed livable income comes in. That income would be set differently in downtown Vancouver than in Yellowknife, but the goal would be that every Canadian is out of the poverty line, without question, without application for special help. Not any kind of shame-based program where you have to prove you need the money... no, a program where every Canadian has enough money every month.

Now in terms of energy prices, we have to face the reality that fossil fuels are on the way out, which is good, because there are cheaper alternatives. Getting a grid, for instance, that joins us north, south, east, west – a 100-percent renewable electricity grid – is hugely required and needed. This will essentially be a giant battery so that wherever solar, wind or geothermal energy is being generated, it goes into the grid. I've met with investors and experts and it is totally feasible to see an electricity grid expansion into the Territories.

This is one of the faster ways to ensure that we have affordable energy for all Canadians – to ensure that our electricity grid is truly national. Right now, it's not. When you get to southern Canada, you'll find provincial boundaries between every province.

The electricity utilities aren't interested in... like, Manitoba Hydro isn't interested in selling into Ontario, they want to sell south. We need the interties to create a national electricity grid that will not only allow us to wheel our renewable energy into other countries but, most importantly, that we have a robust electricity grid to serve the energy needs of Canadians wherever we live.

Thompson ceremony remembers 1989 Montreal massacre victims, other female victims of violence

The memories of 14 women killed at a university in Montreal in 1989 were honoured at an event in Thompson Dec. 6, the 33rd anniversary of the misogynist attack.

Hosted by YWCA Thompson and the Thompson Crisis Centre at the Thompson Regional Community Centre, the event included brief biographies of each of the 14 victims, only one of whom was not a student.

Candles and roses were also placed on a table next to the names of the 14 women killed — – Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, AnneMarie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.

Another display included photos of four women — at least three of them Indigenous, while the fourth has yet to be identified — who Winnipeg police believe were killed by the same man.

“Today we’re here to honour these 14 women with a vigil but the other thing we like to do in the Thompson Crisis Centre and the YWCA is … to remember murdered and missing Indigenous women … girls that are facing violence,” said YWCA Thompson executive director Kim Hickes.

Those attending the event, including several Thompson councillors, were invited to write the name of a woman affected by violence on a red paper dress or write an action they could take to reduce violence against women on a white paper rose.

A moment of silence was also observed for the women killed in Montreal and the Manitoba women believed to be the victims of a serial killer.

Linda Neckoway, a University College of the North student advisor, also spoke to the gathering about

her sister Mildred Flett, who went missing in Winnipeg in 2010.

“Any time there’s river searches and they find a body, you always think it’s going to be her,” she said. “It’s been a really hard journey missing my sister because we don’t know where she’s at and you can’t have a funeral because they haven’t found her body.”

“We recognize gender-based violence is a reality here in Manitoba, in Canada and around the world,” said Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Families Minister Rochelle Squires in a joint statement recognizing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. “Manitoba has some of the highest rates of gender-based violence across Canada. The recent murders of three Indigenous women and another unidentified woman are important reminders that there is so much work that needs to be done to address gender-based violence in our province. These women are not just statistics; they are mothers, daughters, beloved family members and friends and deserve to live a life free of violence.”

The Manitoba homicide victims were also mentioned in a statement by the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

“We are thinking about four First Nations women in Winnipeg who died last spring at the hands of a killer,” said the NWAC statement. “Women everywhere in Canada must be vigilant about their safety. First Nations, Inuit and Métis women must guard against becoming part of the ongoing genocide. We mourn our lost sisters. We embrace the friends and family members left behind. And we demand that governments and others in authority start taking concrete action to end these killings. Women, including Indigenous women, are not expendable.”

Displays at a Thompson event for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6 remember 14 women killed at their university in Montreal in 1989 as well as four Manitoba women believed to have been the victims of a serial killer in Winnipeg.

Thompson Citizen photos by Ian Graham

Linda Neckoway speaks about her sister Millie Flett, missing since 2010, during a Thompson event marking the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Dec. 6.

Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites earns chain’s highest award for cleanliness and maintenance

The Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites has once again earned the hotel chain’s top award for cleanliness and maintenance scores.

Built in 2012, the 80room hotel has won the Best Western Hotels &

Resorts Chairman’s Award for the third time, having previously been recognized in 2016 and 2013.

The Chairman’s Award is presented to hotels with cleanliness and maintenance inspection scores among the top five per cent

of the Best Western hotel chain’s 2,400 North American properties. To qualify for the award, hotels must also meet Best Western’s design requirements and have high customer service scores.

“We all know the effort

required to achieve and maintain excellence,” said a letter to the hotel from John Kelly, Best Western International’s board chairman. “It is not by accident that you ad your staff have earned this award. It recognizes your commitment to your guests and to the other members of Best Western.”

“The Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites is thrilled to be receiving Best Western’s Chairman’s Award this year, as it is a highly regarded recognition within the brand and reflects our dedication to excellence,” said general manager Ethel Timbang.

“With this year’s un -

precedented challenges, we recognize that providing today’s travellers with a high quality, trusted lodging experience is of utmost importance. Our team of hotel staff goes the extra mile every day to do just that, and we’re proud to provide our guests with superior customer care.”

A Thunder Bay-based mineral exploration and development company is getting a $275,000 grant to support exploration of its property containing deposits of nickel and other metals in the Island Lake area.

Wolfden Resources Corporation said Dec. 5 that it is receiving a grant from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund to help its exploration of the property, which was electromagnetically surveyed from the air in 2016.

“We appreciate the generous grant, it’s a strong endorsement for Wolfden and the potential to expand the deposit,” said Wolfden CEO Ron Little.

“In addition, it demonstrates the Manitoba government’s continued forward-looking commitment in supporting critical and strategic-metal mineral exploration and the importance of the mineral extraction industry in creating jobs and other associated economic benefits, for the Island Lake communities. Wolfden will more than match the funds of the grant in the coming exploration program.”

Wolfden said in a press release that it recently received its work permit to begin winter exploration from the province and that it intends to hold further community consultations with First Nations in the region before drill testing

areas believed to have significant deposits of nickel as well as other metals like copper, cobalt, gold, palladium and platinum.

The company also has plans to work with nearby First Nations to set up a jointly owned mining services company to help support exploration and further mineral resource development in the region.

A successor program to the Mining Community Reserve Fund, which was intended to provide assistance to mining communities affected by shutdowns due to ore depletion as well as support mineral exploration in Manitoba, the MMDF is funded by a $20 million initial contribution from the provincial government as well as up to six per cent of of annual revenues under the Mining Tax Act. Communities, businesses and organizations including Indigenous groups, municipalities and not-for-profit entities can apply for funding and assistance can include one-time grants for activities to advance new mining opportunities and outreach to First Nations for collaborative resource development. The fund is administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and aligns with the priorities of the provincial government’s Look North task force and action plan

for the Northern Manitoba economy, which identified mineral development as important to the longterm economic prosperity of the province and highlighted the importance of building stronger partnerships in the north to advance economic growth and development.

“The MMDF is pleased to be able to assist in a project like Nickel Island that is known to contain critical metals of nickel, copper, and cobalt in a very prospective mineral belt,” stated MMDF chair Chuck Davidson, who is also the CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “The project is consistent with the MMDF’s priority and objective to jump-start mineral exploration initiatives in Manitoba that could capitalize on existing mineral assets and infrastructure, in an effort to strengthen and diversify economic opportunities, particularly in the northern part of the province.”

Wolfden previously received a $230,000 MMDF grant in 2021 to support diamond drilling of its Rice Island property near Snow Lake.

The company says its two Manitoba properties with nickel sulphide deposits could be significant development projects with potential to support the growing battery and electric vehicle markets.

Thompson Citizen photo by Ian Graham

Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites staff pose in the lobby with the Chairman’s Award the hotel received for being among the top five per cent in the chain for cleanliness and maintenance.

More northern girls in science

BY DR. JEFFRAY STEPANIUK

In conjunction with November being Career and Workforce Development Month, University College of the North’s Industry Engagement Night provided an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to connect with local employers and industry representatives. Delegates, too, were provided the opportunity to promote their larger industry, sharing career prospects and personal insight. The event’s primary purpose, however, was to strategically target student self-promotion and expand their comfort with asking questions. According to Krystle Paskaruk, UCN co-ordinator of work-integrated learning, “Many of our students have limited work experience and aren’t sure where to start when it comes to the job search process.”

UCN’s Industry Engagement Night presented an opportunity to reach students in new ways and to adapt at an accelerated pace (particularly following COVID) to concerns forwarded by faculty, employers and Manitoba’s Education Commission, who are reflecting a sense of urgency in improving student achievement. Specifically, Manitoba’s commission recommendations include relevant curriculum, rigorous student assessment, and issues of equity, including “more girls in science.”

Parallel with the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, the Programme for International Student Assessment unfortunately revealed Manitoba students had precipitously dropped 38 points in science (in two decades), placing the province last in the country. Noting a decline of 30 points is equivalent to a full year of formal education, Manitoba has the greatest percentage of secondary students performing below Level 2 (the baseline level required to participate fully in modern society). Unsuitably, Manitoba now has the lowest level of post-secondary education attainment in Canada for the 25 to 44 age group. PISA findings also indicate Canadian students in these “lower quartiles” are less likely to complete a year of post-secondary education. (In contrast, students in higher PISA levels are 20 times more likely to go to university.) Desperately needed are “employer-informed” strategies that pilot new initiatives – exactly what UCN’s industry evening was about.

Emerging from provincial-wide workshops is the fact Manitoba’s Commissioners see “the environment” as a “key theme.” More than ever, careers in resource-related disciplines require skills blended with an understanding of environmental sustainability. New andragogical (i.e. adult learning) approaches must therefore be visionary and geared towards higher-order thinking and interpersonal competencies, balancing foundational knowledge, while keeping pace with globalization. For these reasons, UCN’s NRMT programs method utilizes conservation projects to teach the knowledge, skills and disposition.

Accordingly, exponential advances working “with and alongside” local industry agents (i.e., conservation and environmental officers) helps to create solid foundations in learning trajectories ensuring students learn in a world where information and misinformation can be difficult to discern.

According to Ramsey Cook (Ducks Unlimited technician and UCN NRMT program graduate), “student recipients must become literate on varying levels, with an adaptability to apply their knowledge in different contexts. UCN professors and regional representatives must provide learners the adaptability to navigate, adopt, interpret and build upon prior knowledge. Simply, there is a need to engage students repetitively in the learning process if they are to be motivated to succeed”.

Leveraging such expertise, the UCN NRMT program, and disciplinary-related employer organizations, are working together to create seamless paths to workplace and university expanding vital Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) skillsets – notably with women, proven successful through programs like Women in Trades.

The rationale is simple. Sustainability challenges related to monitoring freshwater and wildlife in all segments of Manitoba centre on place-based awareness and technical aptitude. Repeatedly, these challenges are uncelebrated where students (and particularly women) struggle to participate in programs due to gaps in underlying credit and experience required to participate in scientific findings, rather than contribute their generations’ geocultural nuance and abilities to help produce essential and ethical data.

Dr. Jeffray Stepaniuk of the NRMT program believes UCN’s program is aligned with Manitoba’s priorities, values and realities. Disrupting beliefs about who is mathematically capable, our place-responsive “project-based” outdoor learning activities and industry partnerships are making every effort to strive for what is acceptable as “only a small proportion of Manitoba’s population (less than 1.5 per cent) is watchfully examining wildlife and freshwater-related topics.”

Industry partnerships are critical to these foundational developments. As outcomes in rural settings fall behind those celebrated in urban locations, UCN is doing everything it can to address disparities in collaboration and the lack of women in science. In line with Manitoba’s Education Commission recommendations number 49 and 58, there is a special and local interest regarding “the lack of girls moving on into STEAM”-related employment … but the stellar role models in UCN’s NRMT program are solid proof of more “northern girls in science!”

Dr. Jeffray Stepaniuk is an instructor in University College of the North’s Natural Resources Management Technology program in The Pas.

Thompson Citizen photos courtesy of University College of the North Natural Resources Management Technology program Some of the female students from the University College of the north’s Natural Resources Management Technology program in The Pas.

Canada reports on state of wild species ahead of UN biodiversity conference in Montreal

BY NATASHA BULOWSKI LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

At least 2,253 species are at risk of being wiped out, according to a comprehensive new report on the status of wild plants, animals, insects and fungi in Canada. Among those in greatest danger are North Atlantic and North Pacific right whales, the blue whale, the Sei whale, the common grey fox and the Vancouver Island marmot, which were listed as critically imperilled.

“The first step in preventing species loss is to identify which species exist, where they are found and their status. That's why a national assessment every five years is so, so essential,” said Terry Duguid, parliamentary secretary to Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, at a Nov. 29 press conference on Parliament Hill.

The Wild Species 2020 report, released Nov. 29, catalogued over 20,000 more species than any previous edition. Duguid described the report, published every

five years and produced by researchers working for the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as “one of the most comprehensive national species inventories in the world.”

If you exclude viruses and bacteria, Canada is home to about 80,000 species. Of these, 50,534 — including plants, animals, moths, butterflies, beetles and fungi — are accounted for in the latest report. The first report, published in 2000, catalogued only 1,670 species.

In the newest report, researchers had enough information to rank 24,483 of the species studied based on the level of risk and what percentage of their habitat is in Canada. Nearly 22,000 species were unrankable due to insufficient data or weren’t assigned a ranking because they were introduced by human activities and considered “exotic.”

The report found 873 species are critically imperilled, 1,245 are imperilled, 2,765 are vulnerable, 9,562 are apparently secure and 10,038 are secure. A total of 105 species identified

as at risk are only found in Canada — in other words, their fate rests with us.

The northern fur seal, barn owl and Atlantic cod are examples of species the report identified as imperilled. Vascular plants, moths and butterflies, and beetles are the taxonomic groups that have the most endemic species ranked as having likely disappeared from Canada, being critically imperilled and being imperilled at the national level in Canada, the report says.

Canada has pledged to protect 30 per cent of its land and waters by 2030 to protect biodiversity. “You can't do that without a solid baseline of science because, as we know, knowledge is power,” said Duguid.

This also isn’t possible without the provinces and territories rising to the occasion, said Duguid. The federal government is getting co-operation from cities “in spades,” and “we wish we were getting this kind of co-operation from provinces,” he added. “But provinces absolutely need to step up. We are, with money

Native women’s association calls out Canada for doing little to stop genocide following killing of four women in Winnipeg

BY MATTEO CIMELLARO LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA’S NATIONAL OBSERVER

The Native Women’s Association of Canada is not mincing words following the killing of four Indigenous women in Winnipeg. allegedly at the hands of one man.

“Let’s be clear, these crimes are part of the genocide that was declared in 2019 by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” the NWAC press release said.

NWAC, a national organization which represents Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people, has been highly critical of the federal government. It has published report cards holding the federal government to account for failing on many of the 231 calls to

justice in the national action plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and two-spirited people (MMIWG2S).

The latest report card was released in June and gave the government a failing grade.

The provinces and municipalities need to start taking their share of responsibility as well, Carol McBride, president of NWAC, said. She called on the provinces and municipalities to create their own action plans to address MMIWG2S.

Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited peoples live all over the country, and “it’s getting pretty scary to just walk the streets or go to a store,” she said.

“This is outrageous.”

The homicide rate for Indigenous Peoples remains

seven times higher than that of non-Indigenous peoples, which amounts to a “Canadian human rights failure,” the press release said.

The deaths are a reminder that serious action must be taken to stop the violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people. The government can’t hold an inquiry and think their job is finished — “the inquiry was just the first step,” NWAC said.

McBride is a mother and aunt and understands how difficult it is for the families of those who were lost. She wants the families to know that they are in her thoughts and prayers.

“We have to work together to stop this genocide … enough is enough, we need to pull up our socks and start working together for the protection of our families,” she said.

and with effort, and we're challenging them to work with us to preserve this natural heritage for our kids and our grandkids.”

In Budget 2021, the government of Canada invested $2.3 billion over five years to support work with other governments, Indigenous groups and non-profit organizations that furthers the 30 by 30 goal and improves the country’s natural environment.

Next week, Canada is hosting the landmark global United Nations biodiversity conference in Montreal, commonly known as COP15, where nations will come together to negotiate a global framework to address the biodiversity crisis.

“At the recent G20 Leaders Summit, leaders called for the same ambition for this nature COP as we saw on climate with the Paris Agreement … the stakes are high to work with our partners around the world to develop a common global framework to restore and protect biodiversity,” said Duguid.

Reports like the Wild Species report are an important part of the evidence environmental organizations will bring to COP15 to bolster calls for a strong global biodiversity framework, said Emily Giles, senior specialist in species conservation for the World Wildlife Fund Canada.

While B.C. has the great-

est biological diversity of any province or territory, it is also home to the greatest number of species at risk.

“The new Wild Species Report shows Canada is facing a biodiversity crisis and our species and wildlife are going extinct. This will have devastating impacts on people’s well-being, food supplies and livelihoods,” NDP environment critic Laurel Collins said in an emailed statement to Canada’s National Observer. She said at COP15, New Democrats are calling for “a real climate plan that prioritizes ending biodiversity loss and stops all fossil fuel subsidies — while protecting workers and Indigenous communities.”

Radio Operator Clerk Term, Full time (Recallable)

Natural Resources and Northern Development, Thompson, MB

Advertisement Number: 40061

Closing Date: December 19, 2022

Salary Range: $1,373.88 - $1,566.00 bi-weekly

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation.

The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Women, Indigenous People, Persons with disabilities and Visible Minorities.

An eligibility list may be established for similar positions for up to 12 months.

This is a full-time position during the fire season to start as soon as possible and will end in 42 weeks. If staffing plans are approved (each year) then the candidate is recalled to this term position to work another 42 weeks. The position will be located in Thompson in Northern Manitoba approximately 760 kilometers from Winnipeg, MB.

Qualifications:

Please see Competition No. 40061 at gov.mb.ca/Govjobs for further information on Conditions of Employment and Qualifications.

Duties:

The incumbent will be responsible for operating a two-way radio network to track and record aircraft and personnel movement within the region as well as providing clerical support for the Regional Wildfire Centre. During the wildfire season this position will work in a fast paced and dynamic environment and be expected to contribute as a team member.

Apply to: Advertisement No. 40061 Service Centre 4 Human Resource Services

600-259 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3B 2A9

Phone: 204-945-7518

Fax: 204-945-0601

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

When applying to this position, please indicate the advertisement number and position title in the subject line and/or body of your email. Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

Please be advised that job competitions may be grieved and appealed. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor’s representative or the grievor, if unrepresented. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted.

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

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

People. Purpose. Progress.

manitoba.ca/govjobs

Any personal information provided including employment equity declarations will be used for employment and/or statistical purposes and is protected by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Alternate formats available upon request

Call for more education after kids eat cannabis gummies

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Members of a tightknit school community in Shilo are concerned after a handful of elementary students were hospitalized last week following what police concluded was the “inadvertent” consumption of cannabis gummies on a morning bus ride.

The initial investigation by Manitoba RCMP determined several children between the ages of five and nine — all of whom were on the same route to École La Source on Nov. 23 — became ill shortly upon their arrival to the K-12 building. It is believed a student

took edibles onto the school bus and shared them, thinking it was regular candy, police said.

Sources told the Winnipeg Free Press the initial pupil who became ill and was transported to the hospital directly from the school had a fever, began vomiting and showed other flu and poisoning-like symptoms.

“It’s scary. You can’t control everything with your kids — but it just feels like this was something that we didn’t have to worry about 10 years ago,” said Suzanne Chiupka, a mother of two at the rural school in the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine.

Chiupka said more public

The Northern Social Work Program in Thompson is hiring a casual in-person tutor for UM Social Work students with a Jan 16, 2023 start date. Prior teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or homeschooling experience preferred. Effective writing and grammar skills are essential. Training and support are provided. If interested, please submit resume to posting #24324 in UM Careers on the University of Manitoba website or contact 204-677-1453 for more information.

Citizen photo by viennetta/Getty Images

education about identifying edibles and safe storage is necessary.

The recent events at the francophone school, located about 30 kilometres east of Brandon, prompted her to do research and discuss the subject with her Grade 1 and 2 students — who had no shortage of questions.

“The work isn’t over to make it safe for kids,” she said, calling the timing of a provincial proposal to remove a social responsibility fee paid by locally licensed cannabis retailers “awkward.”

On Nov. 27, the province announced plans to end a

tax meant to ensure vendors contributed to the social costs associated with legal cannabis consumption, “including public education, safety and health care,” as of Jan. 1.

New Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority legislation introduced would remove the six per cent fee. The province has indicated its intention to sign onto the federal excise tax, while Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corp. will continue to make contributions recognizing the social impacts of its products.

The proposal was tabled days after the bus incident

Frontier School Division is seeking applicants to join the “Frontier Family” for the following position:

Grade 3-4 Teacher

Philomene Chartrand School

Starting January 5, 2023

Philomene Chartrand School is a Kindergarten to Grade 8 school with approximately 130 students, 9 teaching staff members and several support staff located in Camperville, Manitoba, 1 hour north of Dauphin.

The Division provides a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, transportation and moving expense reimbursement, subsidized housing or housing allowance and isolation allowance in qualifying communities, annual travel reimbursement, reimbursement for approved courses and more!

To apply for this position please visit our website at www.fsdnet.ca and select “Careers”.

vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

Frontier School Division is seeking applicants to join the “Frontier Family” for the following position:

Grade 6-8 Teacher

Gypsumville School

Full-Time Permanent Position

Starting January 5, 2023

Gypsumville School is a Nursery to Grade 8 School with approximately 41 students located in the community of Gypsumville, a three-hour drive north of Winnipeg. The community is in the Interlake region of Manitoba on the north bank of Lake St. Martin and offers access to a wide variety of outdoor activities.

The Division provides a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, transportation and moving expense reimbursement, subsidized housing or housing allowance and isolation allowance in qualifying communities, annual travel reimbursement, reimbursement for approved courses and more!

To apply for this position please visit our website at www.fsdnet.ca and select “Careers”.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Careers

and a month after Winnipeg parents found illegal THC edibles in Halloween trick-or-treat bags. The latter incident resulted in two adults being arrested and each charged with 13 separate offences related to criminal negligence and distributing cannabis to youth.

It remains unclear whether charges will be laid in connection to the Shilo incident; an RCMP investigation is ongoing.

As far as cannabis chef Allan Pineda is concerned, all edibles and cannabis products should be treated like medication and stored as such.

theory.

The division confirmed a driver’s search of the vehicle did not yield any evidence, but internal video footage was sent to police.

It was later determined that only three students had ingested cannabis edibles, and the other student was ill for an unrelated reason.

Louisiana PacificSwan Valley General Labourers

Superintendent Alain Laberge said families were reminded about the ban on sharing food, a rule primarily in place to prevent allergic reactions.

Louisiana-Pacific, Employer of Choice, a leader in the forest products industry known for the development of innovative, affordable, environmentally friendly building products and for excellence in Safety and Quality is currently seeking Labourers at our Swan Valley SmartSide®, Swan Valley, Minitonas operation.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must possess the following qualifications;

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Physically fit to perform all duties

• Ability to multitask and problem solve

• Ability to operate equipment as required

All of the affected students are feeling better, Laberge said. “We just want to tell them that we’re behind them, that we wish their children (a speedy recovery), to recuperate as quickly as possible, and if they need help at school, we have people who can help.”

• Computer literacy will be considered an asset

• Valid driver’s license

• Shiftwork

“Would you leave your meds just lying around anywhere for the kid to grab them? You should store them out of kids’ reach or use locks,” Pineda said, noting he is in favour of reducing fees on local cannabis retailers so large companies don’t run them out of business.

In a memo to families, École La Source principal Geneviève Nadeau said a student developed “worrisome symptoms that led us to believe that their health was in danger,” last week.

The successful candidates will join a dynamic team in providing support to the facility located in the beautiful Swan River Valley as it embarks on a new and exciting journey of producing siding for a growing market.

Louisiana-Pacific offers a competitive wage and benefit package in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. LouisianaPacific is an equal opportunity employer.

Aside from the letter sent home one day after the incident, one parent — whose son was in the same classroom as the girl who started complaining about feeling ill — was unaware of any other open discussion of the incident.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates will be subject to successful completion of comprehensive background screening and health checks.

“The health of our students and staff being a priority, the (first) student was transported by ambulance to determine the cause of the symptoms,” the school leader wrote in the Nov. 24 letter, adding three more pupils became ill, so their caregivers were called and each urged to visit the hospital as a precautionary measure.

Please forward your cover letter and resume to: Lorraine Schneider Human Resource Generalist I Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. P.O. Box 189, Minitonas, MB R0L 1G0

“The kids were left with more questions than answers, and I’m not sure that’s a good thing,” said the parent, who agreed to an interview on the condition of anonymity to protect their child’s identity. “Something traumatic happened to these kids and it happened at school.”

Phone: (204) 525-2479 Ext. 2104 Fax: (866) 678-5969 e-mail : lorraine.schneider@lpcorp.com Home

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Teachers do not wait for these kinds of events to have discussions about drugs and consent, Laberge said, although he indicated they may revisit lessons after a troubling situation.

Dental Assistant

>

Since the four pupils took the same bus, administrators’ initial hypothesis was a leak had caused fumes and heightened carbon dioxide levels — in turn, making the children ill. A mechanic’s inspection ruled out that

The superintendent said schools also rely on parents to help educate their students on sensitive topics.

— with files from Danielle Da Silva

Under the direct supervision of the Patient Care Manager or designate, assists multi-disciplinary team personnel in performing a variety of patient care activities and related non-professional services necessary in caring for the personal needs and comfort of the patient. This is an integrated position that includes coordination and scheduling of dental procedures for the Operating Room (OR). This will require expertise in developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with a broad range of individuals and organizations. The OR Dental Assistant will function within the provisions of the Vision, Mission, Values, policies and procedures of the Northern Health Region (NHR) and will incorporate NHR core competencies into working practice (Customer/ Client Focused, Initiative & Pro-activity, Diversity Awareness, Teamwork, and Collaboration, Development of Self and Others, and Adaptability).

The incumbent

Thompson Crisis Centre is hiring

A forty (40) hour/week (1) CounselorLevel

One, Night Shift

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: 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 at tccprogrammanager@shaw.ca. Applications are due by December 16, 2022.

WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER

Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

Thompson

An incident in which elementary school students in Shilo became ill after eating cannabis gummies shows that more must be done to educate parents and children about the risks and safe storage of edible cannabis products.

National and global climate and biodiversity goals predicated on protection of peatlands, scientists say

BY NATASHA BULOWSKI LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

As the United Nations biodiversity conference draws near, dozens of scientists from 13 countries are calling for protection of the world’s waterlogged, carbon-rich peatlands, a quarter of which exist within Canada’s borders and are threatened by development.

Canada’s peatlands store about 150 billion tonnes of carbon, the most common heat-trapping element in the atmosphere responsible for global warming. If we were to lose just one per cent of that stored carbon, global greenhouse gas emissions would increase by 11 per cent, said Lorna Harris, the lead author of the statement and a forests, peatlands and climate change scientist at Wildlife Conservation Society Canada. Canada’s peatlands span Northern Manitoba, Quebec, Alberta and Ontario as well as throughout the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

“That's what's at stake,” Harris told reporters at a Zoom press briefing on Dec.

1. For years, the peatlands of the Hudson Bay Lowlands in Ontario have been under threat of mining development. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to develop a 5,000-square-kilometre mineral deposit in the area called the Ring of Fire, which could impact an estimated 450 million tonnes of carbon and presents a “huge risk to Canada's climate targets,” said Harris. Most of Canada’s peatlands sit on the traditional territories of Indigenous nations, including the Hudson Bay Lowlands, which is one of the largest concentrations of peatlands in the world, second only to the West Siberian Lowland in Russia.

Peatlands make up only three per cent of the Earth’s land surface, but their soils contain more than 44 per cent of all soil carbon, making these landscapes a larger carbon sink than all the world’s forests combined, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The 40 scientists involved in the statement are raising the alarm about two massive threats to preserving these

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

LOCATION: TO BE DETERMINED (TBD)

Position: Human Resources Administrative Assistant One (1) Full Time Term position (ASAP to March 2024)

Summary of Position:

Supporting the work in the Human Resources department, the Human Resources (HR) Administrative Assistant plays an integral role in the department. The work requires knowledge of, and adherence to the Agency’s policies, procedures and practices, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people. The work environment is fast-paced and requires the incumbent to use superior organizational skills to meet the demands of the job. Additionally, the incumbent must strictly follow confidentiality requirements and have the ability to work with competing priorities.

Qualifications:

• A certificate or diploma in Office Administration or an Administrative Assistant Program preferred.

• 2-3 years of experience in an administrative role.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) including Office 365 and Share Point.

• Maintain a valid driver’s licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.

• Demonstrated understanding and respect for Indigenous culture.

• Ability to speak Cree and/or Dene is an asset.

• Knowledge of, or work experience in northern Manitoba communities is preferable.

Working Conditions:

• Large, fast-paced, child welfare agency.

• Professional office environment.

• Access to confidential information.

• Provide satisfactory Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry and Prior Contact checks prior to starting the position, and throughout employment as required.

• Occasional travel required.

Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.

Closing Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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 2022-099 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to:

Human Resources Department

Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2022-099

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

**Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

climate-crucial landscapes: development of the Ring of Fire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s decision to open up parts of the Congo Basin peatlands to bids from oil and gas companies.

Peatland ecosystems are emblematic of how climate change and biodiversity loss

are inextricably linked. In Southeast Asia, for instance, 45 per cent of mammals — like the critically endangered orangutan and Sumatran tiger — and 33 per cent of birds that live in tropical peat swamp forests are near threatened, vulnerable, or endangered, according to a 2011 study published in

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA

UNIT/OFFICE: THOMPSON CENTRAL OFFICE (TCO) LOCATION: THOMPSON, MB

Position: IT Support Technician

One (1) Full Time Permanent position

Summary of Position:

A key member of the IT department, the IT Technician is the primary point of contact for all end user Operating Systems and Microsoft Office related issues. The incumbent responds to, and resolves service tickets in a timely manner, supporting employees on technical issues and with problems relating to hardware and software. The IT Technician installs and configures computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers and scanners. The incumbent must effectively communicate with a wide variety of people within the Agency, some of whom may not have strong technical knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in a Computer Science program.

• ITIL, A+, MCSE certifications an asset.

• 3+ years in a similar role preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle.

• Demonstrated understanding and respect for Indigenous culture

• Ability to speak Cree and/or Dene languages an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced, community-based child welfare working environment.

• Independent work.

• Professional office environment.

• Access to sensitive information for which confidentiality must be maintained.

• Mentally challenging problems.

• Diverse culture.

• Provide satisfactory Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry and Prior Contact checks prior to starting the position, and throughout employment as required.

• Overnight and remote travel approximately 30% of the time.

Salary: Awasis Agency offers a competitive salary and employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.

Closing Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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 2022-097 on your resume/cover letter and in the subject line of your email in confidence to:

Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba

Competition #2022-097

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

**Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

BioScience.

“These remote landscapes are so big, they are some of the last places that we have migratory caribou, wolverine and migratory birds … so keeping these places intact, protecting them and valuing them is really, really important,” said Harris.

Harris said she will be at COP15, the UN biodiversity conference, advocating for peatlands to be included “very clearly” in the final text of the post-2030 global biodiversity framework, which will guide global action on conserving biodiversity.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Child & Family Service Worker–Permanent Position Regional Office – Unit B Opaskwayak, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor(s), the Child & Family Service Worker is responsible for providing and administering CFS Services in accordance with the Child & Family Services Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for gathering information and assessing family functioning problems

Develop and implement intervention plans within program guidelines for families within program guidelines and provide referrals, support, guidance and problem solving

Provides for the placement, case management and ongoing support for children in care

Responsible for all file documentation and ensuring services are applied

Case Monitoring, Risk Assessment & Follow up

QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred)

Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

assessment, intervention and writing skills

Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards

Ability to use a variety of computer applications including CFSIS and FACTS CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check

Cannot be active on a protection case

Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

Thompson Citizen file photo

Peatlands in Manitoba’s boreal forest.

Community programming key to keeping kids out of CFS: report

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

An Indigenous-led program is preventing kids from becoming involved with the Child and Family Services system and it is also working to reunite children with their families, according to a report released Dec. 5.

The Winnipeg-based Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre report shows a 98 per cent success rate which it says shows the program is working and that the answer to keeping Indigenous kids out of CFS care is community programming.

The centre currently runs the Family Group Conference program, an “Indigenous-led evidence-based model that

assists families involved with CFS-mandated agencies to become the decision-makers in reunifying their families.”

According to the organization, the program sees all members of a family meet to discuss what is needed to ensure their child or children will be cared for and safe and it looks to give power back to families who are looking to reunite with their children or keep them in the home.

“FGC acknowledges that families have the capacity and expertise to address family concerns and develop their own care plans with success and accountability, provided they have adequate resources and relevant information to

guide and support their decisions,” the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre said on their website.

The organization’s report shows just how successful the FGC program has been, as it shows it had an approximately 98 per cent success rate over a three-year period between 2017 and 2020 in returning kids to their homes or preventing them from being removed.

The study also noted that those numbers don’t paint the whole picture as some families hadn't completed the program when the statistics were gathered, but that, overall, FGC has an approximately 98 per cent success rate in both reuniting families and keeping kids out of CFS care.

The report shows that 655 children took part in

the FGC process during that period and 263 of those children are living with their families, while another 139 children were in the process of returning home. As well the report shows the program diverted 141 children from becoming involved in CFS and taken from their homes and their families.

According to the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, more Indigenous families will have the skills and abilities to keep children in their homes, if there are resources like the FGC program available, and statistics show that more needs to be done in this province to keep Indigenous kids out of CFS care as Indigenous children in Manitoba are believed to make up about 90 per cent of the

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Intake Worker – Permanent Position Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Pukatawagan, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, providing accurate and timely documentation, developing long/ short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Social Work Degree (BSW) with experience in child welfare preferred, or a combination of experience and training

• Commitment to community-based service delivery

• Working knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues

• Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) an asset

• Assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills

• A strong work ethic and reliable

• Proven ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, as well as part of a child protection unit team

• Sensitivity to, and an understanding of First Nations culture and values

• Ability to speak Cree and/or Dene an asset

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced environment

• Confidentiality environment with access to sensitive information

• Overnight and remote travel approximately 30% of the time

•

Salary:

Closing Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022

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 2022-098 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 #2022-098

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

**Note: Awasis Agency Vaccination policy mandate: fully vaccinated plus booster

Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor and as required under the Child and Family Services Act, the Intake Worker assesses requests for service with reference to risk of children, functioning of families and service needs of families, provides crisis intervention, initiates child protection investigations, apprehends children at risk and places them in appropriate and/or available placements, initiates referrals to other community collaterals as required, and completes written reports, file recordings, forms and correspondence.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Receive & Assess Requests For Service

§ On-Site Risk Assessment

§ Determine & Implement Service

§ Documentation, Practice & Relationship Building

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services

§ Work experience in Child & Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, child abuse, family-centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills

§ Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards

§ Understanding of child development and child abuse theory and practice

§ Knowledge of available resources within the community

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as CFSIS and FACTS

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check.

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Varied amounts of travel required within this position.

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license.

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work.

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: December 14, 2022 @ 4:00 PM

SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3) REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO: Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

approximately 12,000 youth currently in care.

“FGC has consistently high prevention and reunification rates, through access to Indigenous teachings and ceremony, and by using resources effectively,” the organization wrote on their website.

“FGC is a highly successful way to maintain and reunify Indigenous families and strengthen Indigenous communities through relationships, support, guidance, challenge and advocacy.”

The Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre believes that the success of the program can also be attributed to FGC being Indigenous-led, and sensitive to the needs and the traditions of Indigenous people, families, and communities.

“The FGC model protects cultural integrity

and Indigenous knowledge to empower family reconciliation and restore the sacred bond within families,” the organization said.

“It is common practice in Indigenous communities for extended families and/or community members to share in the care and protection of children when their birth parents cannot, or need support to do so.

“FGC families are respected, honoured and cared for through Indigenous values, ceremonies, programming and approaches that support individual and family empowerment, healing and wellness.”

— 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.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Human Resource Generalist–Permanent Position

LOCATION: Regional Office OFFICE: The Pas, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Human Resource Generalist facilitates and provides a full range of HR services to CNCFCA and all employees in various locations. Provides guidance, support and direction regarding all Human Resources matters to all CNCFCA.

December 20, 2022 @ 4:00 PM

SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUME ALONG WITH THREE (3)

REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency

Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

Gravel truck driver dies near Grand Rapids after going into ditch

A 61-year-old Grand Rapids man died Dec. 1 when the gravel truck he was driving went into the ditch on Highway 6, ending up on its side.

Grand Rapids RCMP responded to the single-vehicle accident abut one kilometre south of Grand Rapids just before midnight Dec. 1.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

CIC Supervisor – Perm Position

OFFICE: Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Sub Office

Pukatawagan, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child in Care Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of the effective day to day supervision of agency social workers and others assigned to the unit as well as all aspects of related service and program delivery activities. The Child in Care Supervisor will ensure that services are delivered in accordance with the Child and Family Services Act, the Adoptions, Act, related Regulations and Standards, as well as CNCFCA policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES: § General Supervision § Supervision of Unit Service Delivery § Workplace Safety and Health § Human Resources § Training & Development § Unit Activity and Performance Reports § Financial and Operational Requirements § Other duties related to the position may be assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

§ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) § Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

§ 5 years supervisory/management experience within an aboriginal child welfare environment

§ Knowledge of AJI-CWI Devolution § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards § Understanding of child development theory and practice § Knowledge of available resources within the community (formal and informal) § Knowledge of Family Systems theory § Working knowledge of child abuse § Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and data base systems

§ CFSIS and FACTS information systems (preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check.

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements.

§ Varied amounts of travel required within this position

§ Must have a valid Manitoba’s driver’s license;

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work;

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: December 21, 2022 @ 4:00 pm

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked

“personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at www.https://creenation.ca” Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

The tandem gravel truck was heading north when it went into the ditch and the driver, who was the vehicle’s

only occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Grand Rapids RCMP continue to investigate.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Administrative Assistant–Term Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Regional Office –Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Service Manager, the Administrative Assistant/Case Aide provides administrative support and assist Child & Family Service Workers with a variety of tasks within a child welfare service unit. The Administrative Assistant/Case Aide maintains strict confidentiality in performing all duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Types, edits, formats and transcribes reports, forms, correspondence, files, recordings, minutes, case planning notes and other material as assigned by the Unit Supervisor. Composes routine correspondence and maintains templates.

§ Receives, screens, assesses, transfers telephone calls and takes messages.

§ Maintains daily attendance records, monitors, records, and relays information regarding staff whereabouts.

§ Assists with photocopying, faxing and other administrative duties as assigned.

§ Manages incoming and outgoing mail.

§ Provides information about administrative procedures for all unit staff.

§ Coordinates meetings and meeting spaces.

§ Enters information on CFSIS

§ Monitors and operates office equipment

§ Provides support to other administrative staff as needed.

§ Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the agency policy and procedures.

§ Direct case management support

§ Indirect case management support

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

§ Post Secondary Diploma or equivalent

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred)

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

§ Ability to use a variety of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and database systems

§ Ability to deal effectively with a variety of visitors and circumstances

§ Knowledge of customer service (preferred)

§ Good organizational skills and working knowledge of office and administrative procedures and related equipment (preferred)

§ Excellent oral and effective communication skills (preferred)

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse registry check and prior contact check.

§ Cannot be active on a protection case.

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements.

§ May be assigned to provide coverage or support for other office locations from time to time and as required.

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned.

Deadline: December 14, 2022 @ 4:00 pm

Submit cover letter & resume along with three (3) references marked “personal & confidential” to:

Human Resource Manager

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0

Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca

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

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

The Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council

is once again offering bus tours through Winter Wonderland for Seniors.

There will be two tours: Sunday, December 18 and Wednesday, December 28

The tours are free, but we pass the hat for donations to give to Winter Wonderland. The bus will pick you up at the Northern Inn at 6 p.m. and bring you back for a hot chocolate, courtesy of the Seniors Resource Council. Call 207-677-0987 for more information.

SOCIAL MEDIA / MARKETING COORDINATOR

FISHER HELPER 2 WEEK WINTER TRAINING PROGRAM

• ARE YOU A FISHER THAT NEEDS A TRAINEE ?

• WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRAIN TO BE A FISHER ?

WE OFFER EXPERIENCED INDIVIDUALS A $1,500.00 SUBSIDY TOWARD TRAINING A FISHER HELPER BETWEEN JANUARY 1ST & MARCH 31ST

Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF), lead entity for the delivery of the Look North Initiative is seeking a dynamic Social Media and Marketing Coordinator with the position based out of our Thompson office. If you are well experienced in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, this is a job for you. The position will require you to create content to build brand awareness, facilitate marketing and coordinate ads with multiple groups as well as other duties assigned by management. Successful candidate must have excellent time management, organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM ALL TRAINEES MUST BE 18 OR OLDER AND:

UNEMPLOYED, UNDER EMPLOYED OR RECEIVING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FISHER TRAINING PROGRAM CALL: CEDF THOMPSON MB. (204)778-4318 OR TOLL FREE: 1-800-561-4315

This position requires someone who has a creative communications diploma or an equivalence in experience in social media and marketing. You must have a high level of written and verbal communications, be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (outlook, word, excel, PowerPoint and publisher) or be familiar with other publisher type software. Experience with our northern communities in the area of economic development as well as being knowledgeable with “word press” websites would be considered an asset.

CEDF is a Manitoba Crown Corporation. Our legislative mandate is to encourage economic development across Northern Manitoba. CEDF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package with salary to be determined based on education and/or experience. Interested applicants can submit a cover letter with resume by email to admin@cedf. mb.ca or by mailing to:

CEDF

Attn: Chris Thevenot, CEO 15 Moak Cres.

Thompson, MB R8N 2B8

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Child & Family Services Worker/ Intake Worker –Permanent Position Lynn Lake Sub Office Lynn Lake, Manitoba

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Unit Supervisor(s), the Child & Family Services Worker/Intake Worker is responsible for providing and administering CFS Services in accordance with the Child & Family Services Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for gathering information and assessing child and family functioning problems

Responsible for the development of case plans for children and families within program guidelines and provide referrals, support, guidance and problem solving

Responsible for all file documentation, referrals, ensuring services are applied

Case Monitoring, Risk Assessment & Follow up

Provides case management and support for children in care and families

Receive & Assess Requests for Service

Documentation, Practice & Relationship Building

QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred)

Ability to converse fluently in Cree (is an asset)

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

“Please visit our website at https://creenation.ca”

Our office ensures that best practices in COVID-19 are observed. Under Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency’s COVID-19 vaccinations policy, all applicants are required to be fully vaccinated.

New Flin Flon council to meet on pool project for first time

BY ERIC WESTHAVER FLIN FLON REMINDER

The new Flin Flon city council plans to meet with the company contracted to plan and build a replacement to the Flin Flon Aqua Centre in hopes of moving the project ahead.

When asked about the replacement to the aqua centre and the status of the project, Mayor George Fontaine said there had not been any movement on the pool since the election earlier this year, but that there is still a desire from the group to see the project through to completion.

“Nothing recent. There’s lots of hope and no one’s given up,” said the mayor.

Coun. Alison Dallas-Funk said that the new council would

be meeting soon with Winnipeg-based Ernst Hansch Construction, the company awarded the project in 2020, to get up to speed with the current plans.

“We've requested a meeting with contractors, to have an overview and to see how the previous council had things. We don’t know,” she said.

The former Flin Flon Aqua Centre was closed to the public in January 2020 after staff noticed a pronounced bow in the roof over the pool area of the building. The complex was closed, first temporarily and then permanently later in 2020. The roof partially collapsed in November of that year and the building was then torn down in December.

Since then, the city has

aimed to build a replacement for the pool, first planning to build a new complex on the former site of the Willowvale Curling Club, then moving plans back to the former pool site. According to latest plans for the project, released to the public at a meeting in June, the pool project’s estimated cost is now around $11 million, more than the original cost estimate in the $9 million range — federal and provincial grants will cover most of the costs.

Construction on the new pool was originally slated to begin last summer, but changes in the site and in materials costs were cited by the previous city council as reasons for the increase in price and for the delays.