February 3 2023

Nickel Belt News

Winter weather testing body signs agreements with federal government and a college

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

SubZero North, the organization that facilitates and promotes winter weather testing in and around Thompson, signed memorandums of understanding with the federal government and an Ontario college at the cold weather campus by the airport on Jan. 24.

was initially a one-off collaboration, the memorandum began when the Innovation Centre came to Thompson in 2022.

forward thinking, and Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton.

“The first seeds of this were really planted in February last year,” Robbins says. “We came out here for what we thought might have been a one-and-done collaboration, but just found it was an excellent environment to work in so we just kept on coming.”

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Though she’s now written a book about her experiences growing up in Churchill, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles said writing wasn’t something she always thought she would do.

Established by the Thompson Community Development Corporation with support from other economic development organizations like Communities Economic Development Fund and Community Futures North Central Development, SubZero entered into MOUs with Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre and with Mohawk College, which had an instructor in Thompson over the past two weeks training northerners to become certified drone operators.

“It solidifies and establishes what we've been doing a little bit more ad hoc over the last year or so,” said Mark Robbins, manager of venture projects at the Innovation Centre — “basically the research and development branch.”

Springing from what

“In my youth I never felt good at writing,” she said. “But when I moved to Thompson to get into the school of social work, at that point I had to write for university and realized, ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, right?’ I certainly developed a lot of skill in university and came out of there with a very strong skill in my writing and confidence in my writing. I write very clear and that’s it. It’s there. Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend

to write things that you have to figure out. It’s pretty clear when I get through.”

DeMeulles said she wrote her book, titled Whispers in the Wind: Stories from the North - Life in Churchill for a couple of reasons.

Establishing a formal understanding should help ensure continuity should the faces of the Innovation Centre and SubZero north change, Robbins say, creating a structure that will outlast any one individual in the two organizations.

Curtis Ross, Thompson Regional Airport Authority CEO and long-time partner in Thompson cold weather testing with Honda, said establishing more partnerships bodes well for the future of the Thompson winter weather testing campus adjacent to the airport terminal, which was purchased from Ford and local Ford dealership owners the Kelleher family at the tail end of last year, with the airport authority taking possession of the facilities in December.

‘Oh, I’m just as bad, right?’ I have all these stories and I need to capture them for my grandchildren really because they will be lost if I don’t.”

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written a book about her experiences growing up, mostly in Churchill.

She also has a reputation as a storyteller herself.

“The federal government is a key partner when it comes to pushing forward opportunities for our work relating to our climate,” she said, noting that Northern Manitoba has the infrastructure and human resources to support the industry and is also close to the front lines of climate change, which affects northern regions in various ways that present challenge and opportunities.

was not a very safe thing to do but I jumped at it. I thought that was exciting until the plane landed and they started throwing the fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy cats, I was probably sitting on a bomb.’”

swallow when people say that Churchill residents should just find somewhere easier to live.

The other memorandum is with Mohawk College and was signed by professor Richard Borger, who was in town training two Thompsonites as certified drone operators.

“This is actually a really big growth opportunity for us at the college to be extending to the northern testing world,” said Borger. “Thank you very much for entertaining this and working with us on this relationship together and we’re looking forward to working together.”

“I just sort of thought, you know what, this history, this stuff that’s in my head, it’s going to be gone if I don’t write it down,” she said. “My kids are not going to get it if I don’t do it and it’s something I’ve always wanted my mom to do. My mom’s an elder and she’s an artist, she’s got so many wonderful stories because she always tells her stories at Parks Canada in Churchill and I’ve always hounded her, ‘Please, just put it on tape, I will write it for you because your story is going to be lost,’ and she’s never done it and I thought,

“I've been in this business for a long time,” said Ross. “I continue to watch and be amazed to see it grow, to see things, partnerships being created. We believe in SubZero, the brand has a big brand in the city of Thompson. We hope to build on that brand. Congratulations to all of you because none of this gets done in isolation. This is a team effort. So congratulations and we look forward to the continued cooperation from all from all entities.”

“I had such a varied history and I would tell people stories and they would go, ‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’d go, ‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, ‘You didn’t do all that, did you? You’ve got to be really old.’ I was like, ‘No, actually I did all that before I was 27,’ and they went ‘What?’”

Looking back, some of those experiences are things she might not do again.

Developing the MOUs was also praised by Thompson elected representatives including Mayor Colleen Smook, who lauded the parties’

“I did some pretty bizarre stuff like fuel hauls into the high Arctic at -35,” said deMeulles. “It didn’t dawn on me until after. That was a very dangerous thing to do. Being on a plane full of fuel

Another thing that spurred her on was the hard times facing Churchill since the Hudson Bay Railway suspended operations north of Gillam last spring.

“It used to be a really thriving large community and it’s just dwindled down to such a small population now,” deMeulles says.

Laura Finlay of Community Futures North Central Development says that although the winter weather testing industry in Thompson is long-established when it comes to vehicles, whether it’s snowmobiles, cars and trucks, or jet engines like those that are tested at GLACIER’s facility south of town, new technologies present new opportunities and further opportunities for expanding the local winter testing industry.

Though she’s not there any longer, her parents and her sister and other family members still are.

“To say, ‘Those people choose to live there. They should just leave,’ is quite

For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would have moved back to Churchill in a heartbeat.

“I miss the shoreline, I miss the rock, I miss the polar bears even though they’re very dangerous and I really miss the Hudson Bay,” she says. “When I go back home, standing on the Hudson Bay looking out on the bay, it just gives you an incredible sense. You feel so

Now that she’s got one book under her belt, deMeulles says she may try

“The main focus for SubZero really is the real world testing,” she said. “There's a whole world out there — new tech — that needs testing.”

“My cousin owns the hardware store there,” she says.

Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to

said, ‘I’m sorry, you have to leave your home community and we’re going to displace you somewhere else and all your loved ones and your history is gone?’”

“I have another book in me,” she says. “It’s a darker story, more about personal growth and struggles. Maybe in the next five years it’s something I’ll focus on doing.”

Friday, February 3, 2023

Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960 Volume 63 • Issue 4

Richard Borger of Mohawk College speaks after signing a memorandum of understanding with Thompson winter weather testing organization SubZero North on Jan. 24.

Mark Robbins of Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre says a memorandum of understanding signed with Thompson winter weather testing organization SubZero North on Jan. 24 solidifies a relationship that began with a one-time collaboration.

Thompson Citizen photos by Ian Graham

Representatives of government, the airport and other organizations pose for a group photo at Thompson’s winter weather testing campus on Jan. 24 after SubZero North signed memorandums of understanding with Mohawk College and Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre.

Thompson and Winnipeg humane societies team up on spay-and-neuter clinic

BY THOMPSON HUMANE SOCIETY

From Jan. 27-29, the Thompson Humane Society provided, in partnership with the Winnipeg Humane Society, its first spay-and-neuter clinic at its animal shelter on Nelson Road. The WHS sent six people — Dr. Melanie Young, Dr. Peter Iskander, Cassidy Murray, Samantha Yewchuk, Shannon Dyck and Dana Williams — to conduct the operations.

"I am very happy to say that the clinic was a huge success, with 104 operations conducted over the weekend, a WHS record from what I understand,” said Thompson Human Society board chair Oswald Sawh.

The WHS’s One Health Program is dedicated to providing veterin -

ary care to underserviced areas in Northern Manitoba that do not have access to regular access to vet care or any other communities in need that reach out, according to Young.

The THS has reached out to WHS over the years to provide regular spay-and-neuter clinics in Northern Manitoba, including Thompson, on a regular basis.

"We are very happy that the WHS continues to support the THS and Thompson and the north,” said Sawh.

“They are well aware of the needs and have been as supportive as they can be based on their resources.”

The THS also wants to recognize the many volunteers and employees that worked long days over the

weekend alongside the WHS team to ensure that all that applied for the clinic were accommodated, along with animals from the THS and other rescues. Now that the THS has completed this clinic, we will be working on announcing shortly the next steps that we can take to help address the overall needs in Thompson and our region.

"I want to once again thank the community for all of the the support they have provided the THS for the past 20 years,” said Sawh. “During this time we have helped over 6,000 lost, abandoned and abused animals — those that can not speak for themselves. We look forward to the next phase of our operations.”

Thompson Citizen photos courtesy of Thompson Humane Society Winnipeg Humane Society veterinarians and their assistants performed more than 100 spay and neuter operations over the course of a weekend clinic in Thompson Jan. 27-29.

Province will flow half the funds for a Thompson water treatment plant generator

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson city council agreed at their Jan. 23 meeting to request money and other aid from the Manitoba Water Services Board to equip the water treatment plant with a backup electrical generator.

In a 7-2 vote, council approved seeking technical and financial assistance from the board, which approved a capital funding request from the city that was submitted in 2022, agreeing to pay up to half of the $700,000 cost for the purchase and installation of a diesel-powered generator to continue providing the plant with electricity in the case of a power outage.

Currently, the plant only has diesel-powered pumps to distribute already-treated water to the city when the power is out. There is no ability to treat any further water until power is restored.

Deputy mayor Kathy Valentino said the need for backup electricity has been known for years, having been identified as something that would be beneficial to have back in 2016 when the city signed an agreement to take over responsibility for the water treatment plant at the beginning of 2018.

Councillors Duncan Wong and Chiew Chong voted against entering an agreement with the water services board for the funding and technical assistance to pursue this project. Chong was concerned about what would happen if the project cost rose beyond $700,000 and ongoing costs for maintenance that the generators would require.

City manager Anthony Mcinnis said cost overruns would be the city’s responsibility and would have to be approved by council.

“At that time we could ask the province for additional [money] but there’s no guar-

antee that we will receive that,” he said, adding that having another generator would increase the cost of a testing contract that the city already has for its other generators and add to preventative maintenance tasks that city staff perform. “With any new piece of infrastructure there’s always a new maintenance cost allowance that has to be made for it.”

For Wong, it seems pointless to install a generator at the water treatment plant when there isn’t one at the pumphouse, owned by Vale, that supplies raw river water both to its mining operations and to the city-operated plant. Once untreated water in the wells at the plant when the power goes out is treated and pumped out, backup power would not make the plant capable of producing more drinkable water.

Environment, Climate and Parks welcomes comment on the following proposal:

FOX LAKE CREE NATION –– WASTEWATER

TREATMENT LAGOON CONSTRUCTION– FILE: 6168.00

“The money is not well spent, in my opinion,” Wong said, noting that Manitoba Hydro has a good track record of restoring power quickly in Thompson when outages do occur.

McInnis said it would be ideal for every part of the Thompson water system — Vale’s pumphouse, the water treatment plant and

the sewage treatment plant — to have backup power but that getting this generator installed would bring them one step closer.

“If power did go down for extended periods, instead of the city asking Manitoba Hydro to provide two emergency generators — one to pump, one to run a water treatment plant — we could

rely on our one at the water treatment plant. You’re only asking Manitoba Hydro in a disaster situation to provide one.”

Talks can still be held with Vale to see if they would install backup power to the pumphouse, McInnis added.

The previous council approved budgeting $400,000

for this project under the utility fund, said the city’s development and technical services director Lyle Safronetz.

“I’m pretty confident that if we have this part of the puzzle that it will definitely be supported by water coming from the river one way or another,” said Mayor Colleen Smook.

Manitoba’s 2023 Budget

Manitoba Sustainable Development has received a proposal pursuant to The Environment Act regarding the following operation and invites public participation in the review process:

THOMPSON REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY –WATER TREATMENT PLANT – FILE: 5964.00

Fox Lake Cree Nation seeks to create a new aerated wastewater treatment lagoon with a submerged attached growth reactor system and forcemain on 35-86-21 EPM and 1-87-21 EPM. The development is proposed for Provincial Crown Land near Gillam. The treated effluent will discharge at an outfall structure then flow down a natural slope into the Limestone River.

Anyone potentially affected by this proposal may contact Barsha Sagan, Acting Senior Environmental Engineer, in writing or by email at Barsha.Sagan@gov.mb.ca no later than March 6, 2023. Further information is available from the Public Registry: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/eal/registries

Information submitted in response to this proposal will be available to the proponent and placed on the public registry per Section 17 of The Environment Act.

Environmental Approvals Branch

Manitoba Environment, Climate and Parks 1007 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0W4

Toll Free: 1-800-282-8069

Fax: 204-945-5229

Website: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/eal/registries

To the Editor:

A little past 5 pm on Tuesday of this week, as my wife and I approached a drive-thru, I heard her say loudly, “My God.” She was referring to a man lying still, facedown on the snow right next to the drive-thru. We did not see any other vehicle or person stop to give aid, even though there were lots of vehicles in the drive-thru, so we stopped and climbed out of our vehicle. Our first thought was, “How long has he been lying out here and is he breathing?” It was close to -30 Celsius outside and it was reported that with the windchill factor it felt closer to -35. We observed an RCMP vehicle across the parking lot, so we first tried to flag the officer down and then drove over to the vehicle when we did not get any response. My wife, Michele, advised the officer of what we saw, assuming that the officer had seen him as well. When Michele got back into our vehicle, after the officer said she would call it in, we drove back to

the individual still lying on the ground with vehicles still moving through the drive-thru. We assumed that the officer was going to come over to lend aid. Instead, we saw the RCMP truck drive off.

Thankfully, after the tenth or twelfth time asking, “Are you able to get up?” or saying “Buddy, you need to get up,” he moved, giving us as sign that he was in fact alive. Parts of his face had already turned black from frostbite, which told us he had to be moved. By that time — and about 10 minutes had now passed by — we had one car stop by to say they had called the RCMP and then a young man walked by to lend us aid and had the guy rest his head on his shoes just to get his head off the frozen ground. By this time, we had all come to the same conclusion: the man seemed to be too intoxicated to stand up.

Finally, after 15 minutes or so a community safety officer car drove up to the scene just as we were trying

to get an ambulance. The CSOs reluctantly allowed the young man and me to put the guy into their car to stop further frostbite until an ambulance showed up about five minutes after the arrival of the CSO.

After we left, after the ambulance arrived, I had some general thoughts. First, thank you to the young man that assisted us. He was not just an onlooker, he got engaged with the situation. Second, for the RCMP officer that drove off, I wish you would have driven by to at least assess the condition of the individual until the CSOs came. Or the ambulance. Maybe it is not protocol, maybe you were in a rush to get somewhere else, but it would have shown a certain level of engagement and interest in the well-being of this individual. To the individuals in vehicles that just looked on before we got out of our vehicle, I hope that you were not just onlookers and were calling on your cell phones to the RCMP or CSO to come over to

Willingness to help Band is missing a friend

assist as you were placing your orders. Finally, to the individual who is now probably walking around with frostbite on his face, my hope is that you never do something this idiotic again. I know that, not just in Thompson but in many other places, there is, for some, a general feeling of exhaustion when you witness public intoxication. My hope is that, even if you feel uncomfortable or annoyed, that this does not take from you your humanity and the willingness to help someone who may be clearly in need of assistance. Many, if not most of us, me included, have or have had individuals close to us that have been in difficult situations. Quite often, someone came to their rescue and helped them. My hope is that we all find it in our hearts to go beyond our area of comfort to help when we see people in need of it, even if it is not convenient at the time.

Oswald Sawh Thompson

‘More Than Ever’

BY CRYSTAL ST.PIERRE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINDSPEAKER.COM

Richie Cudmore, 58, passed away from cancer in the summer of 2022, but before the drummer of the three-piece band Low Budget Rock Star left this world, he co-wrote the song “More Than Ever”.

“‘More Than Ever’ is a pop-rock ballad. It speaks to longing for people who have gone on into the spirit world, missing them and needing them. I think it’s a deeper side of our catalogue and I’m really proud of it, actually,” said Kenneth Henderson, lead singer of Low Budget Rock Star, and co-writer of the tribute to his bandmate, Cudmore. It was released last December.

“Ritchie was a principal song writer for the band, and I guess we wanted to honour him with this release,” Henderson explained.

“More than Ever” was written following Cudmore’s diagnoses. It was crafted as the band, which includes Harley Whitehead on bass, struggled with how they would carry on if Cudmore didn’t win his battle with cancer and how they would deal with such a tragic loss.

“It took a while to get off the ground with this third release, just due to the fact we were overcoming his loss and we were trying to get our feet back under us,” Henderson said. “We managed to get some shows done and did some more writing and found the inspiration to release this new

track.”

For the recording, Terry Constant, 48, filled in on the drums.

“As a friend of the guys, I’m honoured they asked me to fill in for Ritchie,” said Constant. “Ritchie was one of the first from our small town to really go after the dream of writing, recording and trying to really chase the dream.”

Constant praised the two writers for their collaboration on the original lyrics and believes it is one of Henderson’s best work.

“I’ve watched him grow as a song writer and I can say, lyrically and musically, this is one of his best songs I’ve heard,” said Constant. “The song being about Richie and his passing and how it made him feel pours out in the song and sometimes life and art is a painful thing.”

Constant and the other members of the band have all known each other for

many years. They grew up in Opaskwayak Cree Nation at The Pas, which is located about 600 km north of Winnipeg.

“We’ve always been driven by music. Since I was a young guy at 13, I have always used it to help myself through the social issues we face here in the North,” Henderson explained.

The musicians often played in different bands and filled in for each other during their youth.

The original trio had played together for many years before changing their name to the current Low Budget Rock Star.

The band name is another part of Cudmore’s legacy.

“It was his sheer talent and sheer giftedness in song writing and ideas,” said Henderson. “I mean, he was the guy that helped found the name Low Budget Rock Star ... It’s an anthem for musicians today, artists to-

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day. I have used music not to fully overcome poverty, but to find a way out of the poverty that exists on the reserve today. How hard it is to find wealth in it, in the music industry.

“We know there are so many other artists who struggle financially when taking up a career in the music industry. It’s probably one of the hardest things to do, the hardest gigs out there. But if you love it enough, I feel it could treat you well,” said Henderson.

Their first two singles landed them the number six spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown and they recently travelled to Nashville to perform in a show.

“More Than Ever” can be found on YouTube at https:// youtu.be/Kr1o8ZhVc-w

Spotify or through the Low Budget Rock Star’s Facebook page at Low Budget Rock Star | The Pas MB | Facebook.

RCMP seeking Easterville

HELP WANTED

TRUCKS

Four men from Easterville are wanted by police in connection with an assault that left another man with serious injuries.

Chemawawin RCMP were alerted around 11 a.m. March 11 that a 24-year-old man was being taken to the Easterville nursing station for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Investigation determined that four men entered the victim’s home earlier that morning, assaulting him and causing extensive damage before leaving.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding 29-year-old Mitchell Howard Ledoux, 27-year-old Steven Shane Klyne, 26-year-old Shawn Eric Umpherville and 20-year-old Nathan Walter Umpherville, all from Easterville, who are believed to have fled to Winnipeg. The four face numerous charges including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and breaking and entering.

Anyone with information on any of the suspects’ whereabouts is asked to call Chemawawin

RCMP at Crime ously at

Schools embrace ‘progressive assessment’

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

High-stakes exams, once a rite of passage in high school, are becoming increasingly uncommon as teachers redefine what the end-of-semester looks like in classrooms across Manitoba.

Grade 11 student Angelina Morris is wrapping up the first semester of 202223 with a creative writing project, open-book history test, and applied arithmetic evaluation.

No matter the outcome of the high schooler’s final math test, she has been assured her overall numeracy scores can only go up at this point in the term.

“I don’t think I’m missing out at all,” said Angelina,

who praised Glenlawn Collegiate’s emphasis on smaller tests and project-based learning spread throughout the academic year.

“These less stressful ways to have our final assessments make it a lot easier for me to actually do well and demonstrate the skills that I do have.”

Glenlawn is among those embracing “progressive assessment” — a starkly different approach to traditional testing that often involves nervous learners sitting at desks equipped with partitions to complete timed, hours-long exams worth a hefty percentage of their final grades.

“We’ve been working here for many years at finding forms of assessment and grading — those

Notice of Abandoned Personal Property

To: Dr. Jennifer Joy Brenley Nyhof

Last known City is Thompson, Manitoba, Canada

January 23, 2023

Upon your last mobile vet clinic at The Flin Flon Creighton & Area SPCA, 1 Cliff Lake Road, Flin Flon, MB; The following personal property remained: 2007 Forest River Surveyor Trailer, it’s contents and a Vetsonics dental machine. Unless you pay the reasonable costs of storage and advertising, if any, for all the above described property and take possession of the property which you claim, not later than February 11, 2023, this property may be disposed.

Flin Flon Creighton & Area SPCA

1 Cliff Lake Road, Flin Flon, MB R8A 1J7

Chase the Ace

The centre will be holding a Chase the Ace fundraiser once a week on Saturdays.

• Starts February 25, 2023

• Tickets will go on sale from 1:00 - 3:30 PM

• Draw will take place at 4:15 PM

Boreal Discovery Centre

110 UCN Drive Thompson, MB Lottery Licence LGCA-8201-RF-3948

110 UCN Dr., PO Box 52 Thompson, MB R8N 1M9

T 204.677.5919 borealdc@gmail.com

Do you enjoy working with people and are genuinely concerned for their wellbeing? Do you have a natural ability to listen to people without judgement or ridicule in order to help them overcome their difficulties? If so, have you considered a career in Social Work?

The University of Manitoba, Northern Social Work Program in Thompson, is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and welcomes applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

The Northern Social Work Program is a four-year fulltime Bachelor of Social Work Degree program. Part time studies are also available. Individuals can apply either under ACCESS or EXTERNAL categories. The ACCESS category is for mature students, 21 years or over, who have under 30 credit hours of university level courses. The EXTERNAL category is for students who have 30 credit hours or more of university level courses.

If you are a Northern resident for six months or longer and are committed to social justice, change and to a professional helping role, Social Work may be the career for you! The program is especially suitable to those who have been denied a university opportunity due to financial, social, and cultural reasons, lack of formal education or residence in remote areas; we strongly encourage you to apply.

Deadline for applications is March 1, 2023. For information, contact the Faculty of Social Work at 204-677-1450 or christy.watkinson@umanitoba.ca.

are two different things — to help in student success and in mental wellness; they are very much tied because high-stakes exams equal anxiety in children,” said principal Dionne Potapinski, who oversees the education of roughly 900 high schoolers in the Louis Riel School Division.

In recent years, Winnipeg’s Louis Riel and St. James-Assiniboia school divisions have asked their staff members not to assign end-of-term exams valued at more than 10 per cent of a student’s course grade.

A shift away from makeor-break assessments started long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but recent learning disruptions forced all teachers to rethink their methods and measure student success within public health parameters.

Serious concerns about teenager wellbeing suddenly silenced the longstanding debate over the value of anxiety-inducing tests and in 2020, under pressure from parents, students and educators, Manitoba Education called off Grade 12 provincial exams.

The province has since terminated the tests that counted for between 20 to 30 per cent of a senior’s final grade in English, French and mathematics. A new Grade 10 exam is being developed in its place, in line with the K to 12 commission’s 2020 recommendations, and it remains unclear how much it will be weighted and when it will roll out.

“The pandemic pause provided educators with an opportunity to re-evaluate past practices. Final assessments (including exams, performances, projects, portfolios, etc.) continue in some courses, but the high stakes value placed upon them are being balanced with other assessments,” said Jordana Buckwold, acting assistant

superintendent of education and administration in St. James-Assiniboia, in a statement.

As of the current term, the division — based on feedback collected from high school teams at the end of 2021-22 — has stopped suspending classes to hold exams. Pupils are now capping off semesters with inclass evaluations worth no more of their overall course mark than early-term projects and tests.

The Pembina Trails School Division has found the middle ground; its exam weeks have been rebranded as “strong endings,” among new titles that signal a shift has happened — and it has, but not to an extent where finals have been scrapped altogether.

Assistant superintendent Troy Scott described their approach coming out of the pandemic as one that allows teachers to decide what works best in their subject, while keeping in mind COVID-19 takeaways and best practices for evaluation.

“It’s not one or the other; it’s a balanced approach,” said the administrator who oversees divisionwide education services. “We want to have some alignment with universities.”

Tests that are bound to raise pulses are built into most postsecondary programs, including apprenticeships that culminate in Red Seal Exams.

The University of Manitoba’s Darja Barr, a senior instructor of mathematics and self-described “traditionalist,” recently met with a group of public school teachers worried about the move away from exams and instructional autonomy.

Barr indicated her frustration is that changes are being ushered in without meaningful and widespread consultations with teachers at secondary and postsec-

ondary levels.

“These reforms keep happening — ‘let’s do outcomes-based assessments,’ ‘let’s do project-based learning, inquiry-based learning,’ ‘let’s talk about different styles of learners’ — but there’s no solid rigorous experimentation and data-collection to see whether these things are actually doing better for the students,” she said.

Robbie Scott, who teaches math and physics at Dakota Collegiate, is among those concerned that graduates who do not have exam experience will be at a disadvantage later in life when facing driver’s tests and other nerve-racking situations.

“There’s other ways to assess. I get that. Not every student should have to write an exam in every course,” Scott said. But as far as the veteran teacher is concerned, the end of all mandatory exams simply answers short-term problems related to student stress and parent complaints.

It makes more sense to teach students stress management strategies than “throw the baby out with the bathwater,” he said, while noting schools have historically made accommodations to assist students who need extra time or support to succeed on assessments.

One teacher’s attempt to turn high-stakes exams into a healthy competition has resulted in a legendary artifact at Maples Collegiate: Dariusz Piatek’s wall of perfect Grade 12 precalculus tests.

Piatek is convinced the culture in his classroom is why students performed well on the standardized provincial exam over the years; the school’s average mark was typically between 75 and 80 per cent before the province put the tests on hiatus in 2020.

When reached on a recent school day, Piatek said he

continues to treat tests like a “a kind of celebration” of knowledge. The career teacher added he is intentional about calling his new 30 per cent evaluation a “test” rather than “exam” because the latter term immediately overwhelms learners.

The lifting of similar tests at Glenlawn has prompted Jared Suderman to run mock math exams so Angelina and his other students can hone their study skills and go through the motions of preparing for and taking traditional tests without “relatively arbitrary stress.”

Suderman sees the change as one that gives him and his colleagues the ability to cater assessment to their students and subject areas.

“You don’t do your best learning when you’re stressed out and anxious about something. Recent brain science has proven that beyond the shadow of a doubt,” he said, adding COVID-19 has opened teachers’ eyes up to the mental health struggles students face and they cannot be ignored.

In lieu of a formal exam, students in his Grade 11 and 12 applied math test are meeting with him one-onone to go over their assignments throughout the term, writing self-reflections and coming up with future numeracy goals.

Learning is more rigorous because the modern approach requires students to understand their mistakes and revisit them instead of abandoning concepts they have yet to grasp after a one-and-done test, according to the Elm Park-area school’s principal.

Potapinski said bonuses include students no longer skipping class if they are not ready for a big test and the freeing up of instructional time overall because teachers do not have to spend hours doing exam preparation and review.

MPs to vote on a new carbon-pricing exemption for farmers

“Fossil fuels are some of the most volatile fuel prices on the planet and farmers are going to, naturally, I think, try and find a way to get off of them,” said

MacGregor.

Conservative MP John Barlow and Bloc Québécois MP Yves Perron did not respond to requests for comment by the deadline.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF AMY LANETTE MELISSA DELARONDE, late of the City of Winnipeg, in the Province of Manitoba, deceased: All claims against the above estate, duly verified by Statutory Declaration, must be filed with the Undersigned at Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro, 101 – 83 Churchill Drive, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 0L6, on or before, March 8, 2023.

Dated at the City of Thompson, in the Province of Manitoba, this 1st day of February, A.D. 2023.

Mayer Dearman & Pellizzaro

Solicitors for the Executrix

Attention: ROBERT G. PELLIZZARO

NOTICE TO:

TELENA JEAN-MAY NEUFELD, BY ORDER OF THE COURT OF KING’S

BENCH pronounced January 24, 2023:

TAKE NOTICE THAT a Statement of Claim has been filed against you by the Plaintiff, CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE, on November 29, 2022, in Court of King’s Bench Winnipeg Centre File No. CI 22-0138608. THIS NOTICE is published pursuant to the terms of an order for substitutional service granted by the Court.

AND TAKE NOTICE THAT should you not file a Statement of Defence within twenty (20) days after service of the Statement of Claim is effected, default of pleadings may be noted against you.

LEVENE TADMAN GOLUB LAW CORPORATION

Barristers and Solicitors

700–330 St. Mary Avenue

Winnipeg, MB R3C 3Z5 (204) 957-6404

PHILLIP M.G. CHAMBERS

File No. 122589

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

A private member’s bill that would exempt certain agricultural activities from the federal carbon price is heading back to the House of Commons with a few changes.

The bill would amend the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act to add natural gas and propane used to dry grain and heat livestock barns to the list of farm fuels — including gasoline and diesel — already exempt from the federal price on pollution.

The Standing Committee on Agriculture and AgriFood finished its study of Bill C-234 in November, and it is expected to pass a vote in the House despite the Liberal Party’s opposition.

“I know that I'm going to vote in support of it … I think the Bloc Québécois probably will,” NDP MP Alistair MacGregor told Canada’s National Observer in an interview. MacGregor sits on the committee and is the NDP’s agriculture and food critic.

Over five committee meetings, MacGregor and Conservative MPs made the case for the fuel exemption because farmers don’t have other commercially viable fuel options, particularly for grain dryers.

Ontario Conservative MP Ben Lobb tabled C-234, which is similar to a previous private member’s bill that died on the order paper when the last federal

election was called. That bill was conceived after the 2019 “harvest from hell” on the Prairies when farmers had to use more energy than expected to deal with a wet grain harvest.

Liberal MP and committee member Ryan Turnbull says the bill will disincentivize investment in developing alternative technology because it removes the carbon price from the equation. Instead of passing a bill that erodes the strength of the carbon price, the solution should be to increase access to financing for farmers to move to renewable energy, he told Canada’s National Observer in an interview.

Compared to heating livestock buildings and greenhouses, grain-drying technology is trickier because while climate-friendlier options exist, they are not widely available in Canada, Turnbull said.

“But we could solve that problem in another way rather than just exempting farmers … basically just saying, ‘OK, well go ahead and burn fossil fuels for the next eight years.’”

Biomass-fuelled grain-drying technology looks promising, Turnbull and MacGregor both noted.

“What I heard very loudly and clearly at committee and from my meetings with various stakeholders is that it's just not feasible at this moment in time and that they would appreciate a little bit of a break, especially when they are having some of those extreme weather events that are leading to very wet har-

vests for their grain,” said MacGregor, referencing the biomass technology, which he “would love to see us develop” in the coming years.

The committee amended the bill to include a sunset clause that will end the exemption eight years after it comes into force, though there will be the option to extend the exemption if viable technologies are not available. Several witnesses who spoke to the committee recommended they add a clause like this, including National Farmers Union representative Glenn Wright.

The problem is an eightyear exemption leaves no incentive to change or invest in new technology, said Turnbull. “That's the power of the price signal, and that's why the price on pollution is often revered and talked about as the most effective market-based mechanism for moving to a zero-carbon economy.”

MacGregor agrees the price signal from the carbon price is “absolutely crucial” to encourage people to change their operations but said without options available to switch to, there won’t be results.

“C-234 is an important measure only for this interim period … the industry will understand that this is only for a set amount of time,” said MacGregor. The sunset clause means the industry will get “a little break right now, but it's not going to last forever.”

The NDP’s decision to support the bill surprised Turnbull.

“I'm really shocked that a party that has been calling for the end to all fossil fuel subsidies is essentially supporting a fossil fuel subsidy,” he said.

He cautioned that eroding the price signal in one industry also runs the risk of setting a precedent where any industry can ask for an exemption when there are no commercially viable alternatives.

“I think that that's the wrong move to make. It's precisely at that moment that we have to say, ‘OK, how do we advance and assist as a government and how do we work together with industry partners … advance and scale up and ensure that commercially viable solutions and alternatives are available in all those industries?’”

Since the 2019 harvest from hell, the federal government has made some changes to help farmers. In December 2021, the federal government introduced a tax credit to return fuel charge proceeds to farming businesses in provinces that use the federal carbon pollution pricing system because they don’t have their own equivalent system in place. These provinces are Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

A $50-million funding stream for the purchase and research of more efficient grain dryers was announced in 2021. The soonto-be-launched $15-billion Canada Growth Fund will also be able to help mobilize resources to tackle problems like this, said Turnbull.

Solicitors for the Plaintiff

MORTGAGE SALE

The building and land known as 86 Juniper Drive, Thompson, Manitoba, as described in Certificate of Title No. 1920788/3 will be sold at auction on Tuesday, the 7th day of March, 2023, at 10:15 a.m. by teleconference. There will be no in-person attendees at the auction. In order to participate you must pre-register at least 24 hours prior to the auction by contacting Jasmine Pascual at jpascual@darcydeacon. com or 204-318-2236.

The Vendor under Power of Sale is informed that on the property there situate a single storey family home with frontage area of approximately 62.5 feet. The Vendor is advised that the property consists of a kitchen, living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms, and a full bathroom. The Vendor is also advised that the property has forced air heating and a detached single garage.

REALTY TAXES: The realty taxes with respect to the said land are paid in full to December 31, 2021. The property is sold subject to taxes and penalties accruing after that date. Any outstanding water, sewer and utility account(s) for the current and prior years, whether or not added to the tax account at any time, are the responsibility of the purchaser.

PRIOR CHARGES: Caveat No’s. 33795N/3, 33796N/3 and 34471N/3

TERMS: Deposit in the amount of $16,800.00 by way of bank draft, certified cheque or cash (to a maximum amount of $7,500.00) and the balance according to auction sale conditions.

The building and land are to be sold subject to a RESERVE BID to be announced prior to the sale.

The auction sale will be conducted pursuant to an Order for Sale issued by the District Registrar. Certain parties may be prohibited from purchasing the property, including but not limited to, parties who by virtue of their employment or relation to a person involved in the sale process would have special knowledge of the circumstances pertaining to the sale. For more information and a list of prohibited purchasers please visit: www.teranetmanitoba.ca.

All persons wishing to attend the auction are required to pre-register with the mortgagee’s agent, noted below, at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled auction.

For further information, a copy of the Auction Sale Conditions or to pre-register for the auction, please contact:

J. WEBBER

TRAVIS

D’Arcy & Deacon LLP

Barristers and Solicitors

2200 – One Lombard Place

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0X7

Telephone No. 204-925-5392

E-mail: twebber@darcydeacon.com

Do you have plans in place for community based activities such as ...

Where doIf

Student arrested after RDPC bomb threat prompts school evacuation

A student was arrested by Thompson RCMP on the morning of Jan. 26 for making a bomb threat at R.D. Parker Collegiate the previous day.

Police were called to the school around 12:15 p.m. Jan. 25 after a note containing a bomb threat was located at the school. Students and staff were evacuated and not allowed back into the building, resulting in the cancellation of afternoon classes on the last day of school before end-of-semester exams.

Small Grants Fund Small Grants Fund

RCMP officers consulted with the RCMP

Explosives Disposal Unit and searched the school alongside Thompson Fire & Emergency Services for suspicious packages. Nothing was found and

the school was cleared for staff and students to return around 3:15 p.m. Investigation enabled police to identify a suspect, who attends the high

school. He was arrested at home on the morning of Jan. 26 and is facing charges of uttering threats and public mischief.

Snowmobiler dies after hitting tree on trail north of Nelson House

A 27-year-old Nelson House man died when he hit a tree while snowmobiling at high speed, police say.

Nelson House RCMP learned on Jan 30 that the body of a missing man had been found on the trail to a

camp north of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Earlier that day, a report had been filed with police that a man who had gone out on a snowmobile the previous day was missing.

Officers attended the scene

of the collision on snowmobiles and determined that the man was travelling fast along the shore of Footprint Lake when he hit the tree. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene.

MATTHEW READER BROWN

April 5, 1985 - January 10, 2023

In the early hours of the morning of January 10 Matthew Reader Brown left us to seek the peace that eluded him during his time here on earth.

Born in Corner Brook, NL to Sandra (Nee. Ellsworth) Moorehead on April 5, 1985. Matt, as he was known to friends and family by, was adopted by loving parents Winston Brown and Judy Reader when he was an infant in St. John’s and raised in Clarenville, NL. Matt had many fun adventures in his life; camping in Salmon Arm with friends and family, Summers at Mint Brook Camp, Time at his grandparents in Bloomfield playing Sherlock Holmes, and visits with his Uncle Ed and Aunt Daphne and Uncle Harvey and Aunt Rosalind and cousins, including a trip to Disney.

He found his birth family at the age of 19 with the aid of the book Am I The Other Man By Freeman Cull, which was a story about the death of his maternal grandfather. He moved to Thompson, MB to spend time getting to know his family there. Discovering siblings, and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins anxiously awaiting his arrival. From Thompson, he attended Vanguard College in Edmonton, AB where he met his wife Priscilla Brown (Nee. Parsons). They married in August 2006.

They moved to Kitchener, ON where they lived from 2007–2022. In October 2022 Matt returned to Thompson, MB to be with his family. Matthew was active in local churches, a volunteer with the Kitchener Titans Basketball, and a member of the Lions Club. As well as an avid Blue Jays and Raptors fan. Matt also had an extensive knowledge and love of music and comedy.

Forever missing him are his wife of 16 years Priscilla (Nee. Parsons) Brown. Parents; Sandra (Steve) Moorehead, Winston Brown, Judy Reader and in-laws Daniel and Josie Parsons. Siblings; Trevor (Cherish), Joshua, Steven (Kristy), Nicole (friend Nicole). Sister and Brother in law: Wendy (Jeremy) Compton and Winston Parson. Nieces and Nephews; Morgan (Aiden) Sachs, Tyson Compton, Isabella, Adam, Trevvyn, Kirsten, Caleb, Ava, Adonis, Rogue, Avery, Kendrix, and Payton. Numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Matt was predeceased by his infant brother Anthony Ellsworth, Grandparents; Charlie and Gwendolyn Brown, Leander and Elizabeth (Big Nan) Ellsworth, and Roland and Evelyn Reader and Uncle Harvey (Dogg) Brown.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Robert (Bob) Stevens at Grand River Regional Cancer Center for 16 years of exceptional care and friendship to Matt and Priscilla throughout his journey.

Funeral Arrangements in Thompson, MB will be through Northland Funeral Services. Viewing held at Thompson Pentecostal Assembly on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Funeral Service held at Thompson Pentecostal Assembly on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm.

Officiated by Fred Ntwari. In Kitchener a Celebration of life is TBA as well as a Memorial in the summer for family and friends in Newfoundland. In lieu of flowers Matt had a few things he was passionate about. Donations can be made to: The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, Every Child Matters and The Brain Injury Association of Waterloo Wellington.

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye 1905-2004

must be placed along your curb no later than 8 am on the day of scheduled pickup AT LEAST one metre apart from other cart/objects. No Parking on residential streets between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm during Garbage/Recycle days for that area. Example: if it is Westwood’s Garbage/Recycle day there is to be no parking on the residential streets in the Westwood Area. This is to aid in the safety for both the residents of Thompson as well as City crews. Vehicles found parked on the streets will be ticketed.

Book Review: ‘Brave’ by Svetlana Chmakova

BY HANNAH HUANG GRADE 3

Editor’s Note: In honour of February being I Love to Read Month, the Thompson Public Library is submitting reviews by young patrons of books available on their shelves.

What is the book about?

The book is about a boy named Jensen Graham who wants to be a NASA astronaut and prevent sun spots. Jensen wants to save the world someday. His goal is to first become a NASA astronaut.

What did I like?

I liked the part when they set up a petition for Felicity because of her dress code at the costume contest.

What did I dislike?

I didn’t like the part where Yanic broke Jensen’s glasses.

Would you recommend?

I think I would recommend for Gurshagon, Lexi and Quinn.

The Thompson Crisis Centre is looking for Board members that are energetic, passionate people who:

Value women & children and their rights, working towards to eradicating violence against women in society by providing support to enhance growth, and promoting healthier tomorrows. Be part of a team in policy decisions that impact and meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Build community networks

Please submit your application to the Board of Directors: Thompson Crisis Centre Box 1226 R8N 1P1 Thompson, MB

Whether

When your heart needs to race.

.

Sikh Society of Thompson held two-day kids’ Gurmat Camp

BY KANWALJIT SINGH

A two-day kids' Gurmat Camp dedicated to the martyrdom and bravery of Char Sahibzadas (four princes) of the 10th Sikh guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji was held recently at Gurdwara Sahib-Sikh Society of Thompson on Goldeye Crescent.

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji's two younger sons (also known as the world’s youngest martyrs) Sahibzada Fateh Singh (six years old) and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh (nine years old) were bricked alive in a wall

at Sirhind, India by Nawab Wazir Khan on Dec. 26, 1704 for standing firm by their faith with courage and determination. There's no parallel martyrdom in the annals of human history.

The guru’s two other sons Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Singh, 14, and Sahibzada Ajit Singh, 18, fought bravely and laid down their lives (they requested their father to send them for fighting in the battlefield and he armed them with weapons and sent them) in the famous battle of Chamkaur, which took place on

Dec. 22-23, 1704 (one of the 10 unmatched battles of the world — 40 Sikhs versus an army of one million Mughals and Hindu hill chiefs) for justice and rights against injustice and cruelty, and attained martyrdom. There is no parallel in the world when a father had thanked God, instead of weeping, on the death of his sons witnessed in front of him.

The heroic deeds of these two elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh will keep inspiring the young Sikh generations to rise to the occasion

whenever called upon to fight for justice and rights against injustice and cruelty for all times to come. It is worth mentioning here that Guru Gobind Singh Ji's father, grandfather of Char Sahibzadas, also sacrificed his life at Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India for the sake of secularism. He sacrificed his life not for his own religion but to save another religion — Hinduism— which was in danger at that time as emperor Aurangzeb wanted to convert all of them to Islam.

Twenty-four kids partici-

pated in this first Gurmat Camp in Thompson.

On both days, camp started with the recitation of Jap ji Sahib (the first sacred text written by the first Sikh guru Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Sahib) followed by Ardas (Sikh prayer) and Hukamnama (order of the day from Sikhs' living guru Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji ). Other activities during the camp included discussion of Sikh history, Gurmat art, the practice of Gatka (a Sikh martial art), Gurbani learning, Gurmat movies, turban tying, learning the

deg recipe, good habits, moral values, Gurdwara etiquette and so on. Guru ka Langar (free food) was served to the participants and volunteers which was prepared by kids' parents themselves. Both children and their parents were very much satisfied with such a program as everyone learnt a lot about the Sikh religion and its rich heritage. The Sikh Society of Thompson is planning to organize a similar camp during school spring break at the end of March.

Thompson Citizen photos courtesy of Sikh Society of Thompson Cooking, temple etiquette, martial arts and turban-tying were some of the activities participants enjoyed during a recent two-day camp at the Sikh Society of Thompson’s temple on Goldeye Crescent.

First Nations leaders seek voice in health-care talks

BY MIRANDA LEYBOURNE LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN

Frustration with the provincial and federal government was palpable on Jan. 30 during a media conference the Southern Chiefs’ Organization held to discuss grave concerns over Indigenous health care and exclusion from health care-related talks with the federal government.

The Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which organized the media conference, represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in southern Manitoba. The SCO has been lobbying the federal government to include representation from First Nations in the upcoming health-care talks between Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but has heard nothing back from them.

“We haven’t heard any direct communication about including us in the discussion with the first ministers,” Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said.

Earlier in the meeting, Daniels said it was vital that First Nations leaders are included in the meeting, and that it’s important the prime minister and his team understand that there can be no meaningful reconciliation without representation. The meeting, set for Feb. 7, is part of Ottawa’s plan to finalize a deal on healthcare funding with the provinces and territories.

“It’s absolutely paramount for the prime minister … to prioritize First Nations, to include us,” he said.

Glaring issues concerning Indigenous health have been brought to the forefront in the media recently, the chiefs who were gathered at the meeting said, including the death of Brian Sinclair in September 2008.

Sinclair, a 45-year-old Indigenous man, arrived at a Winnipeg community health centre in pain and needing assistance with his catheter bag. After being examined by a doctor, he was told he needed to visit the Health Sciences Centre emergency department for treatment of a bladder infection. The doctor gave Sinclair a note to present to the front desk at the hospital and arranged transportation for him.

Thirty-four hours later, Sinclair was discovered dead. Workers at the Health Sciences Centre said during an inquest into his death that they thought Sinclair was drunk and sleeping off his intoxication, that he had already been discharged or that he was homeless and staying in the emergency room to keep out of the elements. The report from the inquest, which was completed in 2014, concluded that Sinclair’s death was preventable.

It’s incidents like

Sinclair’s death, said Chief Cornell McLean of Lake Manitoba First Nation, located 269 kilometres northeast of Brandon, that can often make Indigenous people hesitant to seek health-care treatment.

“It makes our people scared to go to the hospital because we’re not going to get the fair treatment,” he said. “People are dying in the hallways, and it shouldn’t be like that. We should be treated respectfully … and it’s been proven many times, over and over again, that the mistreatment is there.”

Indigenous people are always at the end of any list to be seen by health-care professionals, McLean said. The province told Cornell that his First Nation would have diagnostic services at the community’s healthcare clinic by December, but that hasn’t happened, he added.

“I was told at one point that Minister [Audrey] Gordon would be calling me back. I still haven’t heard from her, [and] that was six weeks ago. So, you know, she must have lengthy messages that she still isn’t getting back [to me],” McLean said.

McLean’s experience highlights the issue of accountability across the health-care system, on both a provincial and federal level, said Chief Glenn Hudson of Peguis First Nation, located 352 km northeast of Brandon.

“It’s not the first time that health care and First Nations are being brought up. We need to see change … we’ve been talking about it. Let’s have some action,” Hudson said.

The Brandon Sun contacted Gordon’s press secretary to arrange an interview, but did not hear back by press time. The Sun has also made multiple requests for an interview with federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

Duclos’ press secretary, Guillaume Bertrand, emailed a statement to the Sun acknowledging the unique challenges Indigen-

Assessment Officer 2

Regular/Full-time

Municipal Relations, Thompson, MB

Advertisement Number: 40245

Closing Date: February 10, 2023

Salary Range: AS2 $48,210.00 - $58,177.00 per year, AS1 $ 41,250-48,531 per year

Do you have a background or interest in real estate, agriculture, land survey systems, geographic information systems, building construction or municipal government and enjoy meeting and interacting with people? Are you looking for a position that provides excellent career advancement potential, on-the-job training and financial support for required educational programs? Manitoba Municipal Relations is looking for motivated individuals to join our Thompson Property Assessment Team! If you’re interested in a challenging career that combines office work, the outdoors and travel within the service region, a career as an Assessment Officer could be for you!

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. All applicants are encouraged to apply, however first consideration for this competition will be given to Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minorities.

Applicants are requested to self-declare at the time of application.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Possess and maintain a valid full stage Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s Licence

ous people face with regards to health care, though he would not state whether First Nations leaders would be included in the healthcare talks with the prime minister.

It’s not just the prime minister who needs to ensure First Nations are involved in discussing healthcare issues in Manitoba, but also Premier Heather Stefanson, Daniels said, especially in the era of reconciliation. The premier needs to understand that working with First Nations is the only truly democratic way forward for health care, Daniels said. But so far, the provincial and federal governments have not ever meaningfully included First Nations in health-care discussions, he added, which has led to a widening disparity of health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans.

A key finding in a study by the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba and the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, which compared health data collected from 2015 to 2017 with the results of a study published in 2002, showed that the inequities between First Nations people and other Manitobans have worsened.

In the 2002 report, a First Nation person’s life expectancy was found to be about seven years lower than that of the general Manitoba population. In the newer study, that disparity has grown to about 11 years. In 2002, First Nations people’s rate of premature mortality — death before age 75 — was double that of other Manitobans. The rate is now three times that of non-First Nations Manitobans.

“When we’re talking about servicing health, and creating better outcomes, you can’t do it without First Nations leading the charge on that because our citizens are the ones who are impacted the most,” Daniels said. “We’re the ones who are experiencing terrible health outcomes. It’s a crisis.”

• Satisfactory Driver’s Abstract

• Satisfactory Criminal Records check

• Must be willing and able to travel extensively throughout the assessment district with occasional overnight stays

• Must be willing to work overtime as required.

Qualifications:

• Experience in Property Valuation, Business/Economics, Accounting / Finance, Drafting Design, or Municipal Administration. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

• Experience providing superior client service in a professional environment.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills for prioritizing competing and multiple demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships with staff, clients, as well as internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills identify and explain complex issues and formulate appropriate responses.

• Excellent verbal communication skills for effectively conveying information to clients and other stakeholders.

• Excellent written communication skills for communicating simple to complex information to all levels of audiences.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Experience working with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) or equivalent software.

Desired:

• Experience using mathematical concepts and calculations.

• Knowledge of real estate transactions to confirm sales verification.

• Knowledge of land legal descriptions; land survey system and geographical information systems or statistical analysis.

• Knowledge of building construction of various types of structures (residential, farm or commercial).

Duties:

Under the supervision of the Thompson District Supervisor and with the guidance of the Valuation Coordinators, the Assessment Officer 2 inspects properties for valuation, classification, and assignment of liability to taxation. This role is responsible for updating property ownership characteristics in the Manitoba Assessment Valuation and Administration System (MAVAS) and may defend assessments at the Board of Revision hearings. The incumbent is required to participate in education and training programs as needed by the profession and must be able to travel to various locations in Manitoba.

Apply to:

Advertisement No. 40245

Service Centre 2

Human Resource Services

360-1395 Ellice Avenue

Winnipeg, MB, R3G 3P2

Phone: 204-945-7182

Fax: 204-948-2841

Email: govjobs@gov.mb.ca

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 and résumé must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

This competition may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill current and future term or regular full-time similar positions. The eligibility list will remain in effect for 12 months. Candidates who do not meet all essential criteria may be considered on an underfill basis at a commensurate rate of pay.

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. manitoba.ca/govjobs

People. Purpose. Progress.

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

Thompson Citizen photo by Brandon Sun files After lobbying the federal government to be included in health-care talks with Canada’s premiers next month, Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization said he hasn’t heard back yet regarding whether Indigenous groups will be included.

PM, feds slammed for excluding First Nations from health care talks

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

First Nations leaders in Manitoba continued to slam the federal government and the prime minister on Jan. 31 for not inviting any First Nations leaders or representation to an upcoming meeting to discuss the state of health care in this country, and they are asking why the feds believe this country’s premiers should have the right to speak on behalf of First Nations people.

“We know the prime minister and the premiers from across Canada are meeting next week to discuss health care needs, and we know that we are not at the table, and that does

not sit well with me,” Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kathy Merrick said on Tuesday morning, while speaking publicly at a health care summit in Winnipeg hosted by AMC.

“We forwarded a letter to the prime minister asking and telling that we need to be at the table.

“Who gave the provinces the right to present on our behalf?”

Merrick was referring to a meeting scheduled to take place in Ottawa on Feb. 7, which will see Canada’s premiers meet face-to-face with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss health care, and specifically health care funding, as provinces and territories look to get a bigger cut of the annual

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Training Coordinator – Full Time Permanent Position OFFICE: Regional Office LOCATION: 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:

Under the supervision of the Human Resource Manager, the Training Coordinator will be responsible for designing, organizing, scheduling, and directing a wide range of training activities for the organization. The Training Coordinator will collaborate with the Unit Supervisors and Coordinators to identify training needs for all employees. The overall goal of the Training Coordinator is to provide and have confident and highly trained front line workers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Program Design

§ Program Implementation

§ Monitoring and Documentation

§ Reviews

QUALIFICATIONS

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

§ Must have a minimum of five years child welfare working directly with clients

§ Must have supervisory experience

§ Knowledge of Manitoba CFS Act and CFS Standards

§ Comprehensive knowledge of child welfare theory and practice and demonstrated experience in the development and provision of education and training within child welfare environments

§ Experience in providing and leading training or educational sessions, including being comfortable presenting to large groups

§ Computer skills is a definite asset: Microsoft (Teams, Powerpoint, Word, Excel)

§ Experience in curriculum development

§ CFSIS is an asset

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

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

§ Cannot be active on a protection case

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license

§ Must be willing to travel

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned

Deadline: February 9, 2023 @ 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.

Canada Health Transfer.

AMC represents 62 First Nations communities in all corners of Manitoba, and Merrick said she is concerned that those at the meeting next week won’t understand the true scope of the challenges and issues facing Indigenous communities when it comes to accessing adequate health care.

“They don’t know how we live in our First Nations communities,” she said. “We encourage them to come to our communities and see the poverty many live in.”

She said inadequate health care in many First Nations communities in Manitoba results in shorter life expectancies, chronic

illnesses, high cases of diabetes, and other health-related issues.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee also criticized the decision to have no First Nations representation at the Feb. 7 meeting, as he said the health care challenges for First Nations communities are often magnified further in the isolated northern Manitoba communities that MKO represents.

“It is a whole different scope of challenges when some of these communities don’t even have winter roads,” Settee said. “And it is only us who can determine what is best for our First Nations when it comes to health, and our

people have to be consulted and our leaders have to be consulted before we accept any legislation.

“For too long we have allowed the state to determine what happens in our First Nations communities.”

The decision not to invite First Nations representation to the meeting was also criticized publicly on Jan. 30 by Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels (see related story on Page 11).

On Jan. 30, a spokesperson for federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos defended federal efforts to support health care for Indigenous people and to include Indigenous leaders and organizations in health care discussions, but did

not say if there were any plans to invite any First Nations leaders to the Feb. 7 meeting in Ottawa.

“Our government continues to engage with Indigenous communities across the country regularly, whether through consultations on Indigenous data sovereignty, various FPTI meetings, anti-Indigenous racism in the health care system, and other initiatives to ensure we are working collaboratively and in partnership together,” the spokesperson said.

— 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

Family Enhancement Worker –Permanent Position Thompson Sub Office Thompson & Lynn Lake, MB

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 Family Enhancement 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.

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);

§ Excellent 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

§ Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check;

§ Cannot be active on a protection case;

§ Maintain absolute confidentiality;

§ Varied amounts of travel required;

§ Travel is required to work in Lynn Lake office one week per month;

§ 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: February 8, 2023 @ 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.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY QUALITY ASSURANCE COORDINATOR – PERMANENT REGIONAL OFFICE

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency is situated on Opaskwayak

Cree Nation and is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. Under a provincial mandate, the Agency services the Swampy Cree communities, as well as Flin Flon, Thompson, Swan River, Winnipeg and Lynn Lake/ Marcel Colomb First Nation.

Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention service. Our agency strives to maintain family unity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Service Manager, the Quality Assurance Coordinator is responsible for developing a framework that is based on the continual defining, measuring and improving of the quality of services. This framework focuses on services coordination, quality outcomes for children and families, effective and efficient systems and processes, relevant indicators and collaborative teamwork with First Nation Child and Family Services Agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Program design

§ Program implementation

§ Standards training

§ Monitoring

§ Compliance Reviews

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)

§ Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills

§ Knowledge of the CFS Act and provincial standards

§ Maintain strict confidentiality

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.

Deadline: February 8, 2023

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.

RCMP Drug Tip Line 204-677-6995

Doctor’s leadership through COVID-19 pandemic recognized by the AMC

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A local doctor and expert on Indigenous health care was recognized this week for the work she has done since the COVID-19 pandemic began to help keep Indigenous people and communities safe and keep them educated about the dangers of the COVID-19 virus.

During a ceremony on Jan. 31 in Winnipeg, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs presented an award to Dr. Marcia Anderson, the vicedean of Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Since COVID-19 first hit Manitoba in the spring of 2020, Anderson has worked in the role of public health lead for the First Nations pandemic response co -

ordination team, working to communicate timely and accurate information about COVID-19 to First Nations communities and people.

“We have to recognize our people that take the lead in being able to provide and get us together in times of hardship for our First Nations community,” AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick said on Tuesday as Anderson was being recognized.

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for doing the work that you were able to do.”

Anderson was also recognized earlier this year for her work as the lead of the First Nations pandemic response coordination team, as back in August she was named the recipient of the 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration.

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

§ On-Site Risk Assessment

§ Determine & Implement 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)

§ Excellent 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

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

§ Cannot be active on a protection case

§ Maintain absolute confidentiality

§ Varied amounts of travel required

§ Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license

§ Must be able to provide own vehicle for work

§ Required to provide on-call services on a rotating basis

§ Other duties related to the position may be assigned

Deadline: February 9, 2023 @ 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.

Anderson reflected on the work she and others have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The work that we were able to do in support of First Nation communities, urban Indigenous communities, and diverse Black and racialized communities required so many people to share leadership, vision, commitment and love,” Anderson said in a release.

“People brought the best of their knowledge, experience and skills to do the best we could to close gaps in access and outcomes.

“That approach to serving our communities was what made the biggest difference in our pandemic response.”

— 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

Intake Worker – Term Position

Mosakahiken Cree Nation Moose 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 MCN 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

QUALIFICATIONS

§ 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;

§ Must maintain absolute confidentiality in accordance with agency requirements;

§ 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: February 9, 2023 @ 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.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

Intake Worker –Permanent Position

Pukatawagan Sub Office

Mathias Colomb 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 DIA Service Manager 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 TRAINING

§ 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

EXPERIENCE

§ 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: February 7, 2023 @ 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.

Thompson Citizen file photo Dr. Marcia Anderson

‘Historical failures:’ Manitoba College of Physicians and Surgeons apologizes to Indigenous Peoples

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba has apologized for what it said was its long-standing role in contributing to anti-Indigenous racism in the local healthcare system and for how that racism affected generations of Indigenous people and communities.

“CPSM’s failure to regulate the medical profession’s current and past racist treatment of Indigenous peoples is a tragic part of CPSM’s 150year history,” the CPSM said Jan. 31.

“CPSM apologizes to First Nations, Métis and Inuit children, families, and Elders for the racism that has occurred in their medical care, whether it was in the care they received, or should have received but did not.”

According to the CPSM website, since being found-

ed in 1871, their mandate has been to “protect the public as consumers of medical care, and promote the safe and ethical delivery of quality medical care by physicians in Manitoba.”

In their apology, the organization said it has not properly addressed anti-Indigenous racism that has come both from medical professionals and from the health-care system.

“CPSM recognizes the historical failures of the medical profession to address the racist and consequently substandard medical care provided. CPSM recognizes the collective role of the medical profession in providing medical care to Indigenous peoples which is impacted by systemic colonial values, individual biases, and racist attitudes,” the organization said.

The organization also said that racism in the health-care system and among health-care professionals in Manitoba has

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA

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

Position: Child Maltreatment Prevention Worker

One (1) Full Time Permanent position

Summary of Position:

Under the Family Enhancement program, working within the Child Abuse Prevention and Investigation department, the Child Maltreatment Prevention Worker provides education and awareness surrounding abuse in all forms. Working in a confidential environment, the Child Maltreatment Prevention Worker demonstrates a high level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and logic to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts. The incumbent collaborates with the communities in which Awasis Agency provide service, individuals, families, advocates, and service providers.

Qualifications:

• Degree/Diploma in social work, education, community studies or a related field.

• Three (3) years’ related experience in Child and Family Services.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and a strong understanding of The Child and Family Services Act, Child Abuse Regulations, Provincial Program Standards, Agency Policies and Procedures.

• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances require.

• Average to above average skill in MS Word, Excel, Outlook PowerPoint and Teams required.

• Highly flexible, adaptable, resourceful, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment.

• Able to work successfully as part of a team, as well as independently.

• Demonstrated effective organizational, time management and prioritizing skills.

• Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to confidentiality and staff privacy.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to Northern First Nations Children, Families, and communities.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to speak Cree or Dene an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced child welfare environment.

• Manual dexterity required to use computer and peripherals.

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

• Overtime may be required.

• Overnight and remote travel approximately 50% of time.

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

Closing Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023

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 2023-012 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 #2023-012

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

historically led to, and continues to lead to poor health outcomes for Indigenous people in Manitoba, resulting in the “suffering and deaths of a disproportionate number of Indigenous patients.”

A University of Manitoba study released in 2019 said that the “health gap” between First Nations people and nonFirst Nations people in this province was growing, as it showed an 11-year age gap between life expectancy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, up from a seven-year gap that was recorded in 2002.

“Racism by medical professionals, like many social determinants of health, has a negative impact on health outcomes. We apologize for the intergenerational trauma, suffering, poor health out-

comes, and death that this has caused,” CPSM said.

CPSM said they now pledge to “take action” against Indigenous-specific racism and to “support and guide Manitoba physicians, residents, students, clinical assistants, and physician assistants to recognize and call out acts of racism against Indigenous persons.”

Cathy Merrick, grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said Indigenous leaders are now “cautiously optimistic” that CPSM will follow through on the improvements they have pledged to make.

She said that representatives with the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba recently met with CPSM officials to discuss ways to address anti-Indigen-

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY

CIC Supervisor – Perm Position

Winnipeg Sub Office Winnipeg, 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: February 14, 2023 @ 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.

ous racism in the local healthcare system.

“This formal apology is only a beginning to address those barriers of systemic racism in health care that affect patient safety,” Merrick said.

“It is incumbent on all of us to improve the treatment and care for First Nations people.”

Dr. Mary Jane McCallum, a history professor at the University of Winnipeg and an expert in Indigenous history, said in a 2022 interview with the Winnipeg Sun that she often hears from Indigenous people who say that when they enter health-care facilities in this country, they immediately assume they will be forced to

deal with racism and negative stereotypes.

“Many Indigenous people still anticipate racism when going to a hospital or healthcare facility,” McCallum said.

She added that systemic racism in this country’s healthcare system has led to a system that values Indigenous people less than non-Indigenous people.

“It produces an indifference to Indigenous suffering,” McCallum said.

— 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

Administrative Assistant –Permanent Position

Grand Rapids Sub Office

Misipawistik 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 serves as the first point of contact for Agency clients, guests, visitors or others. The Administrative Assistant serves to receive and direct people, correspondence and contact/calls to the appropriate Agency personnel or department. The Administrative Assistant provides a professional and pleasant point of entry for the Agency and will maintain 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. Takes minutes at meetings as required;

§ 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;

§ Petition documents;

§ Apprehension papers;

§ File court documents;

§ Attend court when required;

§ Order birth certificates.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

§ Post Secondary Diploma or equivalent;

§ Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred);

§ 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: February 8, 2023 @ 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.

UCN chancellor receives Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal

Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate Training Program

In Thompson

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS NOW!

WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

A unique training opportunity that offers the essential skills and job readiness skills employers are looking for in an applicant. Includes 160hrs of practical equipment training (equipment will vary), 80hrs of in-class Heavy Equipment Operator theory that includes safety training.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

If you love the outdoors, are physically fit, have a natural aptitude for operating machinery, good hand-eye coordination, good judgement, can follow instructions and are mobile to be where the jobs are then a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator could be right for you.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

→ Must be a least 18 years of age

→ Minimum Grade9. Those interviewed will be subject to an HEO assessment

→ Valid Class 5F Driver’s License

→ Must submit updated resume with application

→ Physically capable to work within a variety of environments

→ Accommodations, meals and transportation are the participant’s responsibility

→ Be unemployed, underemployed, in receipt of El Benefits, ElA, Band Assistance

HOW

TO APPLY?

MORE INFO: www.nmscouncil.ca

E-MAIL: heo@nmscouncil.ca for application

CONTACT: Karen Burrows/ Project Coordinator

CELL: 204.679.6741

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 17, 2023

Resume must be submitted with application

Delivery and project timelines to be determined.

Funding Provided by:

The Government of Canada

The Manitoba Government

Plant Operator, Thompson, MB

At Orica, it’s the power of our people that leads change and shapes our futures. Every day, all around the world, our people help mobilise vital resources essential to progress. Established in 1874, we have grown to become the world leader in mining and civil blasting with a diverse of team of more than 13,000 across the world. It’s an exciting time to join us – we are shaping the future of mining through digital and automated technologies, embracing new ways of thinking, pioneering innovation and reimagining the way we work.

All interested candidates can submit resume and cover letter through our link on www.indeed.com

University College of the North chancellor Edwin Jebb, second from left, received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at a ceremony in Winnipeg on Jan. 23. The medals celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ascension of the late queen to the throne and were presented at a ceremony hosted by Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville, seated, and Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, left. The Pas-Kameesak MLA Amanda Lathlin, right, was also in attendance.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medals are awarded to honour significant contributions and achievements throughout Manitoba with a strong focus on community-mindedness, service and reconciliation.

Bob’s Towing Services

778-5145

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of University College of the North