January 27 2023

Numerous hunters fined in Thompson district in September and October

Natural Resources and Northern Development provided an update on conservation officer enforcement activities Jan. 20, highlighting several Thompson district incidents that led to fines in September and October.

A conservation officer and park patrol officer on patrol Sept. 5 saw four people walking down a bush trail. When the group emerged from the bush, one hunter was carrying two firearms. Two other members of the group told the officers they were not hunting. Following

the encounter, the officers conducted surveillance and witnessed the fourth member carrying a loaded shotgun. The Thompson resident was ticketed and fined for hunting a game bird without a licence and received a one-year-suspension of his big game and game bird hunting licences.

During a patrol near Lynn Lake on Sept. 23, a park patrol officer and a conservation officer found a hunting camp on Laurie Lake. When a boat returned to the camp, the officers conducted a compliance

inspection, discovering a loaded firearm in the boat. The gun’s owner, a Steep Rock resident, was ticketed and fined $486 for having a loaded gun in a vehicle and the gun was seized. His big game and game bird hunting licences were also suspended for one year.

A Gillam resident was fined $203 for not wearing the required hunter orange while hunting near Gillam on Sept. 29.

A Thompson resident travelling by boat on Fish Lake near Wabowden was subjected to a compliance inspection on Oct. 8 and

found not to be carrying the associated game tag portion of their moose hunting licence, resulting in a $486 fine. Hunters are required to carry a licence, including its game tag portion, which must be notched immediately when an animal is harvested.

A conservation officer and park patrol officer conducting a patrol near Paint Lake Oct. 10 saw a truck followed by a car driving along a decommissioned rail bed. A gun with one live round in the chamber was found under the spare tire in the truck bed. A

passenger in the truck, a Mitchell resident, received a $486 ticket for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle and had his big game and game bird hunting licences suspended for a year. The officers also seized the gun.

A Thompson resident observed to be carrying a gun on a forestry road near Thompson Oct. 30 told a conservation officer he was not hunting but carrying a second gun for the other hunter he was with. Then he said he was hunting grouse and had purchased his licence the night before but did not have it with

him. The officer checked the e-licensing database and determined the licence had been purchased 15 minutes after the officer first made contact with the man, who was given a ticket for hunting a game bird without a licence. If convicted, he faces a $298 fine and a one-year suspension of big game and game bird hunting licences.

Anyone with information on illegal hunting or fishing activity is asked to call a local Natural Resources and Northern Development office or the Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-782-0076.

Council discusses snow-clearing policy, suggests possible changes

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson councillors discussed the city’s snow-clearing policy for 25 minutes at their Jan. 16 committee of the whole meeting, tasking administration with investigating the feasibility and expense of hypothetical changes to help inform their decisions on any revisions.

Among the items council would like to see examined to determine whether they are possible or make economic sense are simultaneous snow clearing and hauling, scheduling clearing of major thoroughfares to overnight hours when possible and changes to ensure lowest priority streets get cleared more frequently.

Coun. Duncan Wong said he’d like to see Princeton Drive and Westwood Drive removed from the list of priority one streets because they are primarily residential. He also wants to know if the other top priority streets like Thompson Drive and Cree Road can be cleared overnight to avoid traffic congestion, improve safety and maximize efficiency.

“I would strongly suggest those kind of areas should be done during the night from 10 [p.m.] to 6 [a.m.] so we have no other traffic,

like minimum traffic. It’s more efficient.”

Councillors Earl Colbourne and Sandra Oberdorfer questioned whether it would be possible to clear

and haul snow at the same time or in quick succession, rather than clearing an area and leaving snow piled up then coming back to haul it away days later.

Public works director Neil MacLaine said that’s difficult due to staffing and that it isn’t usually until they start clearing priority three streets that they can begin removing snow from previously cleared areas. City manager Anthony McInis said, if council wishes, the city could cost out that scenario and consider changes like bringing in casual staff to assist with and speed up snow clearing and removal.

With more snow often coming before all the snow from a previous snowfall is removed, priority three streets, which are mainly residential, often go weeks between clearings, said Colbourne.

“These streets get forgotten,” he said, recalling

a winter while he was operating the Northern Inn when Public Lane seemed to never get cleared. “The street was higher than the sidewalk because we weren't in the right priority.”

Other concerns councillors said they might like to see addressed in a revised policy include having less snow piled at street corners for safety purposes and having streets like Campbell Drive and the portion of Weir Road in front of La Voie du Nord school added to the list of priority two streets.

Mayor Colleen Smook asked if there were still the same number of operators and pieces of equipment that there were back in 2020 when the policy was last revised, while Wong

said it would be helpful if council could sit down with employees to gain a better understanding of practical concerns that policy changes could affect.

“We should have a private meeting with the operators and have that input because none of us sitting here except myself can move snow,” Wong said. “I like to have those conversations with operators rather than just make a policy, probably something that is not practical.”

According to Environment Canada, there were 50 centimetres of snow on the ground in Thompson as of Jan. 18, about the same as a year ago but considerably less than the 79 cm in 2021, which was a record high for that date.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of City of Thompson Snow is cleared along Public Lane in Thompson in March of last year.

Thompson RCMP officer found not guilty of assault for 2019 incident

A Thompson RCMP officer who punched a 50-year-old man two times in June 2019 was found not guilty of assault causing bodily harm on Jan. 19.

The decision by Court of Queen’s Bench Justice David Kroft, which was released on Thursdayhas now been posted on the Manitoba courts website, found that there was reasonable doubt about whether Const. Jeremiah Dumont-Fontaine’s use of force against Brian Halcrow on June 6, 2019 was unjustified.

"Overall, I am left with reasonable doubt about whether Const. Dumont-Fontaine's perception of risk was objectively unreasonable," Kroft wrote in his decision, CBC reported.

Halcrow, who was treated at Thompson General Hospital for injuries he sustained when hit by Dumont-Fontaine and the spent the night in an RCMP detachment cell, died by suicide in January 2020, just two days after the assault charge against the officer was sworn, though Halcrow did not know that at the time he died.

Halcrow’s friends and family said he was depressed about not being able to work after having suffered multiple strokes

over the course of a few years and because he was facing three charges of assaulting a police officer and one charge of causing a disturbance as a result of the incident. The Tataskweyak Cree Nation member had been to jail twice before, they said, and did not want to go back there a third time.

Halcrow did not have any memory of the incident, according to friends and family, who said he sometimes experienced memory loss when he had experienced a stroke. Because of the strokes he had suffered, Halcrow was sometimes mistaken for being intoxicated because he was unsteady on his feet and his speech was slow and slurred.

RCMP were called to the North Star Saloon at the Thompson Inn on the evening of June 5, 2019 after the bartender refused to serve Halcrow any more drinks after his first one, as he appeared intoxicated and at one point shoved her.

The bartender, Nicole Moorehead, testified during Dumont-Fontaine’s trial in September that the constable arrived agitated about how often police were called to the bar.

Dumont-Fontaine said “‘Why is there no … sec-

urity here?’” when he arrived, Moorehead testified. “He said, ‘You guys are always calling us.’ He had an attitude.”

She also testified that Dumont-Fontaine aggressively hauled Halcrow outside, a memory disputed by the officer’s lawyer, Lionel Chartrand, who played surveillance video showing that Dumont-Fontaine did not touch Halcrow while escorting him outside. The bartender said the video, which did not have sound, gave a different impression of the officer’s behaviour than one got from actually being there and hearing him talk.

Outside, according to Dumont-Fontaine’s police partner Const. Mark Sterdan, Halcrow appeared to pull his arm back and launch forward in the direction of the other officer. Surveillance video shows that Halcrow threw a hat at Dumont-Fontaine, though in his notes on the night of arrest Sterdan had said that Halcrow punched his partner.

An internal RCMP report cleared Dumont-Fontaine of any wrongdoing, saying it was a justifiable use of force.

Dumont-Fontaine told investigators from the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, which

examines all serious allegations involving on- and off-duty police officers in the province, that Halcrow threw a hat that hit him in the “facial area,” which led to him punching Halcrow twice. An IIU use-of-force expert said the hat didn’t even hit Dumont-Fontaine and that his response was excessive.

The IIU’s investigation of the matter resulted from Halcrow’s sister filing an excessive force complaint with the RCMP’s civilian review and complaints commission.

The IIU and RCMP also wound up in court in 2021 over whether police should have to turn over two reports created as a result of the incident to the police watchdog. A judge ruled that one report did have to be turned over but another did not.

At trial, Sterdan testified that he didn’t think punching was the best option for dealing with Halcrow. An IIU use-of-force expert found Dumont-Fontaine’s reaction to having a hat thrown at him unreasonable, but two RCMP useof-force experts testified that they felt his actions were justified.

Testifying in his own defence, Dumont-Fontaine said his experience taught him that there was a

threat that Halcrow would escalate, which justified his response.

Despite doubts about the testimony of all three use-of-force experts, Kroft acquitted the officer of the charge.

"When I consider the

overall circumstances, the nature of the force used, and the characteristics of Const. Dumont-Fontaine, reasonable doubt remains as to whether [his] response was objectively unreasonable," Kroft said in his decision.

Woman arrested for stealing cab, striking Thompson RCMP vehicle

A woman faces multiple charges after a police vehicle was struck by a stolen taxi she was driving as she tried to evade arrest in Thompson Jan. 24.

An RCMP officer on patrol was flagged down just before 11 p.m. Tuesday by a cab driver whose vehicle had been stolen from outside a business on Thompson Drive South. Officers saw the vehicle on Thompson Drive and initiated a traffic stop but the driver refused to stop and drove away. Police then located the vehicle on Red River Drive, where it stuck their vehicle twice before fleeing once again. No police were injured when the stolen car hit the RCMP vehicle.

A video showing the police car getting hit was posted on social media.

The vehicle was found on Stanford Bay and the suspected driver located in a nearby residence and arrested. The woman showed evidence of alcohol impairment and was taken to the Thompson RCMP detachment where she provided breath samples that were more than double the legal amount of blood alcohol content while driving.

A 24-year-old woman from Bunibonibee Cree Nation is charged with fleeing from police, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, vehicle theft, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, impaired driving and mischief. Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

Northern Manitoba needs healthcare closer to home, not farther away

Instead of working to clear Manitoba’s surgical and diagnostic backlog by investing in Manitoba’s public healthcare system, the Progressive Conservative government has instead doubled down on their privatization agenda by sending millions of dollars to out-of-province private health care clinics. This private, out-ofprovince approach forces Manitobans to travel long distances away from friends and family to get the hip, spinal and knee surgeries they need.

Since the government announced their plan to send Manitobans out of province for surgery, we’ve raised concerns regarding the higher cost, potential complications and the efficacy of this approach. As of Dec. 20, only 25 Manitobans underwent hip and

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Flin Flon MLA Report

Tom.Lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca

PH 204-677-4534 FAX 204-677-3681

CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Tom Lindsey

knee surgery and 86 Manitobans received spinal surgeries outside of Manitoba.

After the PCs announced an agreement with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio in August, only one person had received surgery by December. At the same time, over 100,000 Manitobans are waiting for surgery or diagnostic procedures. This raises the question of how effective the PCs’ private approach really is.

Unfortunately, travelling far distances for healthcare is nothing new for Northern

Manitobans. The PCs have closed emergency rooms, failed to properly staff healthcare facilities, and cut funding for the Northern Health Region, which has resulted in people having to travel further away from their home communities for care. Many northerners have to travel regularly to Winnipeg for healthcare, which can be burdensome financially and for their mental health. It’s clear that the PCs did not consult with Northern Manitobans before forging ahead

with their private out-ofprovince surgery plan, as they would have heard that travelling far distances for healthcare is not an efficient solution.

Northern Manitobans deserve quality and accessible healthcare. The Manitoba NDP will continue to advocate for and is committed to proper investments in Manitoba’s public healthcare system by bolstering our ability to deliver surgical and diagnostic procedures here at home so that Manitobans can get the care they need, when they need it.

If you would like to contact me regarding the PCs surgery plan, their cuts to northern healthcare or any concern in your community, please feel free to get in touch by email at tom.lindsey@yourmanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-687-3246.

Federally mandated vaccinations violated constitution, charter and Nuremberg Code, writer says

To the Editor:

In response to the letter from Angus Campbell in the Jan. 13 Thompson Citizen entitled, "Why Trumpism would fail in Canada", I will comment:

1. Constitutional Democracy? Really? I have yet to see it in action. Any contempt by Stephen Harper or Donald Trump has been dwarfed by Trudeau's contempt, lies and ethics violations.

2. Anti-hate legislation? How many shootings has it prevented? Zero. The USA has more because they have 10 times the population.

3. There goes your hate for Trump again. Who is scripting Trudeau's freedom-bashing mandates? More below.

4. What does this mean?

5. Which hill do you speak of?

6. I am not concerned whether Trumpism would fail in Canada. We have something much worse.

I will try to be brief: In early 2020 when the first cases of COVID came to North America, President Trump quoted a doctor (Zelenko) who was having great success in treating COVID patients. Immediately, then-director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, the drug companies and the news media denigrated the doctor and the medications.

Fauci lied when he said there were no medications for COVID in order that they could push the dangerous experimental gene therapy instead of life-saving effective drugs.

Canada had a plan for epidemics: the The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector 2006.

They ignored it, even though they knew that lockdowns and masks do not work. Then Trudeau mandated injections, violating the constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Nuremberg Code. When a peaceful convoy drove to Ottawa, Trudeau

repeated the lies by the CBC, imposed something akin to the War Measures Act and stole bank accounts of innocent citizens.

Health Canada and the provincial colleges of physicians and surgeons essentially banned the safe and effective treatments (Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine combos) that would have saved over 80 per cent of the almost 50,000 deceased in Canada. Dr. George Fareed has almost a 100 per cent cure

rate for early treatment of about 20,000 patients in California. Canada has no good treatment and lets people die daily. See https://rumble.com/vkosd4dr-george-fareed-and-the-outpatienttreatment-of-c19.html Dr. Fareed gets to explain how he is so successful with early treatment at https://c19early.com/ Meanwhile, where is the governor-general?

Gerald Machnee Lockport

1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

9-35 Ashberry Place For

ph 204-677-5758

fax 204-677-5803

Ashberryplace.com

MISC FOR SALE

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

50,000 BATTERIES IN STOCK

*Auto *Farm *Marine

*Construction *ATV

*Motorcycle *Golf Carts

*Rechargeables *Tools

*Phones *Computers

*Solar Systems & design

* Everything Else!

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St. Winnipeg

TF 1-877-775-8271

www.batteryman.ca

What gets wetter the more it dries? Q:

A: A towel.

extensive leaving.

Material for weekly game

Q:

What did the pencil say to the other pencil? Q:

A: You’re looking sharp.

nipeg. erous aggravated sault with breaking

What do you get if you cross a cat with a dark horse?

A: Kitty Perry.

Anyone tion on pects’ asked to

Taxpayers should be mad at the government

BY FRANCO TERRAZZANO

Ottawa is wondering why the rubes are mad.

People are hurting. But the anger comes from a deeper sense of being ripped off.

Taxes and regulations are making it hard to put food on the table. Politicians and bureaucrats are misleading us. They’re wasting our money and not being honest about how it’s spent. And they’re showering themselves with bonuses and raises no matter how bad of a job they’re doing.

The federal government is raising five taxes this year. The Canada Pension Plan tax, Employment Insurance tax, the carbon tax and alcohol taxes are going up. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is imposing a second carbon tax through fuel regulations.

The government also spent $450,000 studying and promoting a home equity tax.

Trudeau promised that “we are not going to be saddling Canadians with extra costs … the last thing Canadians need is to see a rise in taxes right now.” This isn’t the only time the government misled taxpayers.

Trudeau’s former environment minister said the government had “no intention” to raise the carbon tax after 2022. The carbon tax is now increasing to 37 cents per litre of gas by 2030.

The Trudeau government claims “families are going to be better off” with the carbon tax and rebates. Politicians continue making this claim even though the Parliamentary Budget Officer shows it’s incorrect. The average family will be out hundreds of dollars this year even after the rebates.

If politicians were serious about fighting misinformation, they would stop misleading taxpayers.

Politicians are raising taxes to paper over the wasteful spending. The federal government spent $8,800 on a sex toy art exhibit in Germany. It spent

$6,000 per night on a single hotel room. It spent $1 million on the governor general’s week-long trip to the Middle East that included a bill for almost $100,000 for airplane food.

Trudeau won’t say who stayed in the $6,000 hotel room.

Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon said the “meals are not very extravagant on these trips” and “they’re pretty much like airline meals.” The receipts later revealed they enjoyed beef Wellington, beef carpaccio, stuffed pork tenderloin, among other fancy feasts.

Big business is also on the take. The government announced $295 million for the Ford Motor Company, $12 million for Loblaw, $420 million for Algoma Steel and $372 million for Bombardier.

Missing Thompson woman found safe, RCMP say

A Thompson woman reported missing in early January after not having been seen for nearly two months has been located safe, RCmP said Jan. 23.

Kayla James, 31, had been reported missing Jan. 5 after last having been seen Nov. 8.

Police appealed for assistance locating James on Jan. 11 after having been unable to locate her since she was reported missing. RCMP thanked the public Jan. 23. for their assistance in the search .

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.

204-677-6995

Change

Volunteer with

For more information, please contact: Marlies Cook, District Commissioner of Thompson (431) 754-5424 • Marliescook@gmail.com

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

People skipped meals because of the regulations and inflation coming from governments. Politicians and bureaucrats won’t even skip a raise.

Members of Parliament took three pay raises since the beginning of COVID-19.

A total of 312,825 federal bureaucrats received a raise. There were no pay cuts.

The government doled out $361 million in bonuses during the pandemic. All while departments failed to meet half of their objectives.

The Bank of Canada failed to keep inflation low and still handed out $45 million in bonuses and raises.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has “one goal: housing affordability for all.” Canadians couldn’t afford homes in 2020 and 2021.

The CMHC still gave its employees nearly $60 million in bonuses and raises.

Destination Canada is a Crown corporation dedicated to promoting Canadian tourism. It gave employees bonuses and raises even though tourists weren’t allowed to come to Canada.

VIA Rail handed out bonuses, raises and lavish executive pay while it lost hundreds of millions and took a taxpayer bailout.

The CBC handed out $51 million in bonuses and raises during the pandemic.

If politicians don’t want Canadians to be angry, there are simple solutions: stop taking so much money, stop misleading, stop wasting money and stop rewarding failure with our tax dollars.

Franco Terrazzano is the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

The death of a 51-year-old God’s Lake Narrows man is being investigated as a homicide, Manitoba RCMP say.

The man died at the community’s nursing station in the early morning hours of Jan. 23 after an altercation at a residence.

God’s Lake Narrows RCMP were called to the residence around 3:30 am. Monday morning as a result of the altercation and attended the nursing station after learning that an injured man had been taken there.

RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services are assisting God’s Lake Narrows RCMP with the investigation.

51-year-old God’s Lake Narrows man’s death a homicide, police say Garden Hill assault sends man, 56, to hospital with serious injuries

Two people are facing charges after a Garden Hill First Nation assault that saw a 56-year-old man medevaced to Winnipeg for treatment of serious injuries.

Island Lake RCMP responded to a report of an assault at a home shortly after 5 p.m. Jan. 22, learning that the victim had been taken to the nursing station and would soon be transported to Winnipeg for further treatment.

Barahmeus Wood. 36, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and two counts of failing to comply with conditions. He was remanded into custody.

A 39-year-old woman faces an assault charge and was released until an upcoming court appearance.

Island Lake RCMP continue investigating.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Canadian Taxpayers Federation Franco Terrazzano

RCMP photo

RCMP said Jan. 23 they have found Kayla James of Thompson, who was reported missing on Jan. 5.

MKO hosted consultation about Hudson Bay Railway in Thompson Jan. 24

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson residents who rely on or use the Hudson Bay Railway for business or pleasure had the opportunity to voice their opinions on the service, its future and the viability of a Northern Manitoba trade corridor at a Jan. 24 event.

Entitled “On the right track” and organized by Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak at the behest of Transport Canada, the six-hour event was held Tuesday at the Ma-MowWe-Tak Friendship Centre.

MKO was approached by Transport Canada to host this community engagement session and others in other communities along the Bayline, says Damien Lynxleg, a policy analyst with MKO. A previous session was held in Thompson in late November but wasn’t well attended, possibly due to people being busy with preparations for the Christmas season.

Transport Canada contracted MKO to facilitate the engagement sessions because of its existing relationship with and understanding of the communities along the HBR and with regional and national Indigenous organizations.

“Their perspectives are vital to the validity of the study and will be recorded and summarized in a final report prepared by the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak,” said a Transport Canada spokesperson.

The information and better understanding of communities’ and individuals’ use of and experiences with the railways that Transport Canada hopes to obtain via these sessions is intended to provide “an evidence-based foundation to support longer term planning of the existing Hudson Bay Railway corridor, including its potential as a trade corridor and its role in providing regional connectivity,” said the spokesperson.

The purpose of the session was to gather information from people in Thompson

who use the railway and to analyze their comments and answers to survey questions in order to draw conclusions that will then be forwarded to Transport Canada.

“There’s not going to be a major decision process based solely on these opinions,” Lynxleg said. “What they’re going to do is they’re going to see what they can do to change things so that relationship [between railway users and train operators] is better.”

Transport Canada’s spokesperson said the federal agency is currently at the information-gathering stage so there is no timeline for when viewpoints gleaned via the community engagement sessions will lead to any action.

“The study will provide third-party independent analysis to develop options for essential transportation services in the Northern Manitoba region, as well as assess the potential viability of a trade corridor through the Port of Churchill, Transport Canada’s spokesperson explained. “The objective of the study is to examine long-term possibilities for the future of this northern corridor and will not recommend any specific solution.”

MKO’s conclusions will also be available to communities along the HBR and their residents as well.

“We share with communities’ leaders and the communities themselves,” Lynxleg says.

Participation was open to anyone who makes use of the railway.

“A lot of businesses rely on their goods being delivered by train,” Lynxleg says. “People have family members or maybe they have contacts or friends who are in another part of the region that they may not be able to go see on a regular basis, right? They need to travel to and from just to see these people.”

The opinions and experiences of Northern Manitoba residents can also provide insight into how things are changing.

“Climate change is also a factor in the railway and how the land is just changing before our very eyes and it affects the operation of the railway because it can cause upheavals or unforeseen weather patterns,” Lynxleg says.

Impacts of service discussions were also a potential topic of discussion.

“The perfect example is the [Jan. 5] derailment [at the Thompson Junction Line],” says Lynxleg. “That was due to poor operation and maintenance and the amount of time it took for them to fix it, the length of time just wreaks havoc on everybody’s lives.”

Water system failure leads to boil water advisory in Snow Lake

A Jan. 23 failure in Snow Lake’s water distribution system has put the community under a boil water advisory.

The Northern Regional Health Authority issued a public notice regarding the advisory on Monday morning.

“Distribution depressurization can compromise the safety of the water supply, therefor a boil water advisory has been issued to ensure public health protection,” said the notice, advising Snow Lake residents to boil water for one minute prior to using it for drinking and ice-making,

cooking, preparing infant formula, washing fruits and vegetables or brushing teeth.

“The matter at the water treatment plant is in the process of being resolved, and water services should resume in the early afternoon,” the Town of Snow Lake said on social media about an hour after the boil water advisory was issued.

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until water supplied by the water system not longer poses a threat to public health and residents will be notified when it is lifted, the NRHA said.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Arctic Gateway Group

A freight train travelling along the Hudson Bay Railway in Northern Manitoba in July 2019.

Feds, First Nations settle class-action lawsuit over ‘collective harm’ of residential day schools

BY MATTEO CIMELLARO

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA’S NATIONAL OBSERVER

Warning: This story contains distressing details.

The federal government and 325 First Nations have settled out of court a second class-action lawsuit by survivors who attended but did not board at residential schools. Indian residential day schools operated from the 1800s to as late as 2000.

Referred to as residential day scholars, they attended schools run by Christian churches. During the course of their education, they were subjected to assimilating abuse and loss of identity, culture and language.

The Gottfriedson settlement, named after former Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Shane Gottfriedson, was announced Jan. 21 in Vancouver by Marc Miller, minister of Crown-Indigenous affairs, alongside Gottfriedson and other former First Nations leaders.

The $2.8-billion fund will be placed in a not-for-profit trust led by the First Nations and will be independent of government, a government press release about the announcement stated. The fund will allocate approximately $8.6 million to each of the 325 nations; amounts will be adjusted based on size and remoteness, according to the press conference on Saturday.

The settlement is the second Gottfriedson day scholars settlement, the first being finalized in 2021, which saw individual day scholars receive compensation. This one addresses the “collective harm” of the federal government’s day school policy. From the 1870s onwards, Ottawa used day schools to pull First Nations’ children away from their communities and indigenity.

Day schools were not included in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or in the residential school agreement over a decade ago.

“In 2008, the residential school settlement excluded our people and our communities, and we saw the need to stand up for our people,” Gottfriedson said at the press conference.

The settlement will be guided by four pillars developed by representative plaintiffs, including revitalization of Indigenous languages, the revival of Indigenous cultures, protection and promotion of heritage, and wellness for Indigenous nations and their members.

At the press conference, Gottfriedson, a day school survivor, spoke about how he and many others his age lost their language because of “Canada’s policies of attacking Indigenous languages for 120 years.”

With the loss of language came the devastation of Indigenous nations’ political and legal traditions, Gottfriedson said.

Further information about the settlement agreement is expected in February as part of a broader notice plan, according to a press release. Ottawa and the plaintiffs will appear in Federal Court on Feb. 27 to finalize the agreement.

The court will rule if the settlement is fair and reasonable for the class-action members.

“I would like to acknowledge all of our ancestors who didn’t make it, as well (as) all of our day scholars who signed on to the fight (and) who didn’t see the result, who moved on to the spirit world,” Gottfriedson said at the press conference.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of MP Marc Miller Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Marc Miller joins former chiefs and day school survivors to announce the $2.8-billion settlement for 325 First Nations. The money will help the First Nations revitalize culture and language

In Loving Memory of Wayne Richard Zahayko

October 15, 1973 – January 29, 2015

A letter to Wayne

They say there is a reason, They say time will heal.

Neither time nor reason will change the way we feel Gone are the days we used to share, But in our hearts you’ll always be there. You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide. Though we cannot see you, You’re always by our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing is the same, But as God calls us one by one the chain will link again. We love you and miss you every day

Love forever and always, Mom, Dad, Jason (Lynelle, Sadie and Seth); Daughter Ashley; Sons Taylor, Carter and Hunter.

OBITUARY

DAVID REMPEL –SUPER DAVE

Sept 8, 1940 – Jan 15, 2023

David Rempel of Gimli, MB (born September 8, 1940, raised in Lowe Farm, MB) passed away in the early morning of January 15, 2023 at age 82. Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Deanna, his three sons, Blain (Hali), Barry (Bonnie), Brad (Danielle), as well as his six grandchildren Cassidy, Leanna, Matthew, Brenna, Brooke, and Blake. Dave is also survived by his siblings Mary, John, Abe (Judi), Kathy, and Jackie. He is predeceased by his parents Sarah and Jacob, siblings Susie, Nettie, Bill, Tina, Anne, Lena, and Eddie.

Dave was the tenth of thirteen children born to Sarah and Jacob Rempel and grew up with his family in Plumas, MB. This is where he met his sweetheart in high school, Deanna (nee Kreutzer), before spending a short period in northern BC for a year and then moving to Thompson in March of 1962. Dave and Deanna were married in Thompson on November 2, 1963 and would have been celebrating 60 years of marriage this coming November.

Dave had several jobs while in Thompson, but being a machinist at Mutschel Bros. was where lifelong friendships were created and he was affectionately known to the guys as “Red”. The crew he worked with were like family and many laughs were had over the years, whether it was in the shop, on a remote adventure, or at the Trappers Tavern during the lunch hour having a cold one. The interesting antics and stories told were seemingly endless.

Dave was also the Labatt’s representative during many years in Thompson. This was the ultimate side job for him as it meshed well with what he loved to do; socialize and be with people. People who came across Dave in this era would have been the recipient of his generosity in some way shape or form, most likely a Labatt product or a cold case. He loved people and they loved him. His generosity always came with conversation and kindness.

Dave and Deanna were blessed with three amazing boys – Blain, Barry, and Brad. The boys’ childhood home on Silver Crescent was a safe and welcoming home for many. Whether it was a weekend of conversation and playing cards, or a cold beer in the backyard, the Rempels made everyone feel like part of the family. After creating many friendships and lasting memories in Thompson, Dave and Deanna continued their adventure by moving to Gimli in 1999.

Gimli was new to Dave and Deanna, but he took this as an opportunity to meet more people and explore more towns and neighborhoods. It also brought them closer to a beach, which turned out to be a highlight for the entire family. Countless hours were spent playing with grandchildren on the sand or in the water or just simply sitting in a beach chair watching the day go by.

Dave also had a passion for sport, particularly hockey. He got involved with almost every hockey pool or contest that came his way and collected more hockey paraphernalia than one could imagine. He also became an avid fan of the Winnipeg Jets and rarely missed watching a game.

Dave had so many one-liners that his son Brad compiled them into a book. After reminiscing as a family we realized that there may be sequels to the book in order to encapsulate all of Dave’s famous sayings. There wasn’t often a moment of silence with Dave around as he was continuously whistling, telling a joke or belting out some George Jones. Dave and Deanna were blessed with the health and ability to travel to many hot destinations and Dave loved being on the beach to work on his tan. They travelled with friends and family to Maui, Hawaii on their 50th wedding anniversary and this became his favorite new destination.

Dave enjoyed the social circles that he was a part of and left a lasting impression on all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was always the first one to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbour and never failed to let others know they were appreciated. He often left a smile on the faces of people who met him.

Dave took his last breath peacefully in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side. Loved and adored by many, he will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Gimli, MB at a later date. A personal message of condolence can be left on the Gilbart’s Funeral Home website.

Locally owned community clinic officially opening in Flin Flon next month

BY ERIC WESTHAVER FLIN FLON REMINDER

The soon-to-reopen Flin Flon Community Clinic will open its doors to the public early next month.

The clinic, located in the H.M. Davidson Building at 31 Church Street - directly across from Flin Flon General Hospital - will open for the first time under new ownership Feb. 8. The clinic will take in walk-in patients for three days to start, going from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 8-10. From then on, starting Feb. 13, the clinic will be open to booked patients, with walk-in service available starting Feb. 16.

To begin, the clinic will be open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and

on Thursdays from 10 a.m.3:30 p.m. Thursdays will also include walk-in hours at the clinic, operating from 3:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Appointments can be booked, starting Feb. 8, by calling (204) 687-7571 - appointments will be booked until the patient list is full, then callers will be added to a waitlist and can still come in for walk-in hours.

The clinic will be under the operation of Caitlyn Davidson Meyer, a Flin Flon-born and raised doctor who began plans to reopen the clinic as a family medical practice last year. News of Davidson Meyer’s plans were first publicly announced last year, with the doctor announcing her

intentions with an article in The Reminder - renovations at the building took place through the second half of last year and early 2023.

Davidson Meyer will be the fourth member of her family to pursue medical practice, dating back through her father, grandfather and great-grandfather who all worked as pharmacists - the building the clinic is located in is named after her grandfather.

In September, Davidson Meyer said her plans are to run a full-scope family practice and to attract other medical professionals to the area to work at the clinic, working together in practice. Her goal is to make sure Flin Flonners who do not currently have a family

doctor are still covered for medical care.

“My goal or plan is to open a clinic, establish a new practice and attract additional physicians to the area, hopefully to improve the proportion of people in Flin Flon and the surrounding area who have a family doctor,” said Davidson Meyer to The Reminder in September.

“I feel strongly connected to Flin Flon, I still have family present in Flin Flon. I’m seeing that gap in health care and particularly those individuals needing family physicians. It’s obviously a skill I’ve attained while leaving and a gap that I definitely think I can fill and help work on improving once I return.”

Denare Beach dog race follows in organizer’s father’s sled tracks

BY ERIC WESTHAVER

FLIN FLON REMINDER

Paws will be paced and sleds will fly over frozen lake ice during the area’s first organized sled dog race

in years, organized in honour of a long-time former musher by his son.

The first annual Jimmy Custer Memorial Sled Dog Race will take place

at Denare Beach and on Amisk Lake Feb. 11-12. The event will include a pair of races on both days - one race each day for sixdog and 10-dog teams. The 10-dog race will take place at 10 a.m. sharp on both Feb. 11 and 12, with the six-dog race starting at 11:30 a.m. on both days.

The races are held in honour of former Denare Beach dog musher Custer and organized by his son, Wally Olson, working along with partner Vanessa Campbell. The races are meant to both pay tribute to Olson’s father and help resurrect what is, in many places including Flin Flon and Denare Beach, a dormant sport.

“This was something I wanted to do in his honour, since his passing. With the support of my partner, we’re now able to do this,” Olson said.

“That’s the whole purpose. It’s very, very important to us.

My partner and I grew up doing this very thing - it’s kind of in our hearts already. It definitely means a lot to us.”

“Me and Wally are outdoors people. We love dogs,” Campbell said.

“We both grew up on this. It was our livelihood. It was our transportation. It was everything to us, dog racing - we are very passionate about it.”

Custer was a known dog musher and trainer who took part in races across Canada. His team of 14 dogs would run dozens of kilometres up and down Amisk Lake every winter in preparation for major races - it’s on a route up and down the same lake, partially using trails maintained by the Border Explorers Snowmobile Club with their permission, where Olson hopes to bring the dogs back.

“Everybody comes in the night of - mostly because they’re coming from far and wide. We’re expecting teams from The Pas, from Prince Albert area, Meadow Lake, even teams from the Northwest Territories,” Olson said.

“They’ll be in for the weekend and on Saturday morning, we’ll have registration at the race site.”

Sled dog racing holds a crucial part of northern history, dating back to when dog teams were a primary form of winter transport, used to carry cargo and passengers alike.

“Dog teams were used as a means of travel, of transportation. I guess how dog racing got going was somebody bet someone - ‘I bet my team is faster than yours to deliver groceries,’ that sort of thing,” said Olson.

NDP question delay on new education funding model

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

School division leaders want a simpler education funding formula that takes into account socio-economic factors, allows for long-term planning and earmarks more dollars to both support Indigenous students and integrate traditional knowledge into classrooms.

A summary of Manitoba’s consultations with K-12 stakeholders on how it pays for public schools — obtained by the official Opposition via freedom of information request — reveals existing shortcomings and a blueprint for an updated funding formula.

The 20-page “draft framework” draws on feedback provided by all 37 public

school districts and other education groups.

It concludes the new model will: allocate resources based on student need; give boards more flexibility on spending to meet local needs; outline clear reporting requirements; ensure divisions can plan for the future; and be straightforward so the public can understand how it works.

Every winter, Manitoba announces how much money each division will receive for the coming school year using a now 20-year-old formula that looks at population size and transportation needs, among numerous line items.

Urban and rural superintendents have long raised concerns the process does not allow for multi-year planning, and the model itself is

convoluted and includes a problematic equalization process that perpetuates inequities among schools.

A modern model was anticipated to be in place for the 2023-24 school year, but Education Minister Wayne Ewasko recently announced its implementation would be delayed by a year, until after the October provincial election.

The Manitoba NDP held a news conference Jan. 19 to question the delay and release an August presentation on stakeholder consultations, drawing specific attention to a page outlining the scope of the funding review.

NDP leader Wab Kinew told reporters it raises concerns that the province wants to implement sweeping changes but not entertain

the system’s needs nor share how it will replace property tax revenue when those fees are phased out entirely.

The internal document states the review team was tasked with developing a new model and members were directed not to determine whether existing K-12 dollars are adequate or identify revenue sources to compensate for the changes to education property taxes.

The NDP’s education critic called the Tories’ approach “counterintuitive.”

“Why wouldn’t we talk about if funding is adequate? That’s the whole point of having public-school funding,” said Nello Altomare, MLA for Transcona.

Despite the limited scope, the consultation summary indicates participants raised

concerns about the loss of local taxation powers restraining their resources, rising expenses related to transportation and challenges managing within administrative spending caps.

It states the francophone division is grappling with the same budget challenges as English divisions, in addition to the costs of recruiting French teachers and translating materials.

The education minister said the province is listening to its K-12 partners and the new funding formula will address their critiques.

“We know that the old system was unfair, inequitable. We’re listening. We’re getting it done — but, at the same time, we want to make sure it’s done right and it’s not something easy, because

if it was easy work, the NDP would’ve did it a long time ago when all the stakeholders were asking for it,” he said.

Ewasko refuted the claim the Tories are not looking at funding levels. Manitobans can expect an announcement about 2023-24 dollars in the coming weeks, he said, adding divisions can expect “more money.”

Government documents show the province had spent about $650,000 on the funding review by late September.

Manitoba first announced the initiative in November 2021, citing the K-12 commission’s recommendation to examine the model and “ensure an equitable distribution of education funding across the province.”

Desperate rural schools hiring uncertified substitute ‘teachers’

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER,

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A nationwide shortage of teachers is forcing Manitoba’s rural school divisions to hire figure skating coaches, Girl Guides leaders and other adults without certification to fill in for absent classroom educators.

Sunrise, Western and Brandon are among the divisions turning to substitutes who have few qualifications aside from a personal interest in working with children and satisfactory criminal record checks.

“It’s not as good as having a qualified, trained teacher in front of kids — but it’s way better than having no teacher… cancelling classes, or combining or having really huge classes,” said Sunrise superintendent Cathy Tymko, who oversees operations across 19 schools in communities including Anola, Beausejour and Oakbank.

The division has added more than 50 uncertified in-

dividuals to its ranks since November, which is when hiring managers opened applications and started actively advertising them to people without a teaching degree or formal post-secondary education.

The division’s posting states interested candidates need to demonstrate kindness, patience and respect for all students; follow a plan left by a classroom teacher; and maintain strict confidentiality.

A similar advertisement from Western, based in Morden, encourages people with experience coaching, providing child care or serving in youth leadership positions, as well as university students, to apply for substitute personnel roles. Education stakeholders attribute a worsening shortage of qualified substitutes available for hire in rural regions to urbanization, an aging population and increasingly complex student needs and classroom compositions.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge in sick days and made typical substitutes — including retired teachers, who have historically accounted for a significant portion of the workforce — prioritize health concerns over employment opportunities.

“It keeps me active and, basically, I take gigs that I enjoy. I take jobs that make me smile,” said David Harkness, a retired teacher who often picks up substitute opportunities at Winnipeg’s Nelson McIntyre Collegiate.

“The staff and administration there appreciate me and support me when I’m there. For me, it’s a very friendly, positive environment. That’s not the case for everyone, but if it were that way in every case, I don’t think (divisions) would be advertising for uncertified people as much.”

The Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba has been surveying mem-

bers on their substituting habits in recent months in an effort to better understand their experiences and advocate for improved working conditions. Data shows nearly double the number of retiree members who do substitute work in urban divisions, including Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Selkirk and Thompson, compared to rural areas.

The cost of frequent criminal record checks, unsupportive work environments, inaccessible parking, limited pay and job unpredictability — for instance, when a substitute shows up prepared for one posting and is redirected to another role with no advance notice — all dissuade people from picking up casual work, said Harkness, acting chairman of the RTAM’s substitute committee.

The career educator noted concerns about personal health have skyrocketed throughout the pandemic.

Seniors felt they could at least make informed decisions about risk levels when the province was regularly updating information about COVID-19 cases on a public dashboard, he added.

One school staff member in Sunrise, who agreed to an interview on the condition of anonymity, said they recently worked with an uncertified substitute who is “fresh from high school” and witnessed the freshly minted employee grapple with managing a classroom.

“You’re not a babysitter. This is a serious position,” said the veteran staffer, adding they do not understand why the division is not tapping educational assistants to provide coverage because they at least have some formal educational training in comparison to many of the newest recruits.

“I think you need a little bit more (training) than, ‘I like kids.’ It’s sad it’s gotten to this point.”

Every school day counts and the problem with relying on unqualified substitutes is that they are both unfamiliar with school culture and effective methods and practices, the president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society said.

“Do you want an untrained individual in a hospital acting as a nurse? We absolutely don’t. Well, the same thing is true about our school system. We don’t want an individual who hasn’t been properly educated and trained in that classroom because what potentially suffers then is the education of our young people,” said union leader James Bedford.

Bedford said the teaching profession needs to look more attractive to young people. That requires a well-funded public education system, so enough young educators are added to the K-12 system and permanent postings do not become the next ones to go unfilled.

Majority of Manitobans would support redirect of school tax rebates: poll

BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Nearly six in 10 Manitobans would rather the province forgo distributing education property tax rebates this year and spend those dollars on social services instead.

A new Probe Research survey, commissioned by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, concluded 58 per cent of adults provincewide would prefer the Stefanson government redirect rebate dollars to support hospitals, schools and roads.

One-third of respondents said they would prefer property owners receive a cheque in 2023. Nine per cent indicated they were unsure.

The public opinion poll was conducted via online form between Nov. 22 and Dec. 5, 2022. It reflects responses from a representative sampling of 1,000 adults who live in Manitoba, the overwhelmingly majority of whom were randomly re-

cruited by a live-agent operator and 237 members of a polling firm’s online panel.

“On average, property owners will get about $775 each. These rebates will mean the provincial government has about $450 million less to spend on public services like health care, education and infrastructure,” states an excerpt from the poll that led to a question about how respondents would prefer those dollars be spent.

Molly McCracken, director of the CCPA’s Manitoba chapter, said the results suggest the public is generally concerned about the state of the health-care system and fallout of provincial K-12 education funding not keeping up with inflation.

“Year over year, school divisions are getting less money and we’re seeing that on the ground now with larger classes, lack of mental health supports, longer bus rides for children, things like that,” she said Jan. 20..

“The taxes we pay are con-

nected to the services that we get.”

The province should be launching targeted funding initiatives, if leaders are serious about wanting to support Manitobans affected by the affordability crisis, McCracken said, noting many wealthy property owners are receiving sizable rebate cheques.

Urban dwellers, women and post-secondary graduates were all more likely to support a redirection of the rebate funds than their counterparts.

Forty per cent of those who voted PC in the last provincial election agreed the money would be better spent on public services. The percentage of NDP voters in agreement with that statement was double that figure.

A government spokesperson touted the fact the province is increasing the education property tax rebate initiative, the most significant rebate in Manitoba’s history, to 50 per cent this year.

“We remain focused on employing a strong, fiscal foundation that provides better services to all Manitobans. This includes taking a careful and disciplined approach to managing expenditures while protecting and investing in frontline

services,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“At the same time, Manitobans are feeling the squeeze from rising costs, and so we are lowering taxes to make life more affordable.”

The survey’s margin of error is within 3.1 percentage

points of what the general results would have been had Manitoba’s entire adult population been surveyed.

A series of telephone town halls and in-person meetings on the spring budget will begin later this month, the province announced Jan. 20.

Thompson Citizen image courtesy of Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives A new Probe Research survey, commissioned by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, concluded 58 per cent of Manitobans would prefer the provincial government to redirect education property tax rebate dollars to support hospitals, schools and roads.

Nutrition North program failing to keep food costs low at the Old Crow Co-op

BY LAWRIE CRAWFORD LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, YUKON NEWS

Like most store owners in small Yukon communities, the new operators in Old Crow, Yukon are trying to encourage people to shop local, and if that means rolling frozen turkeys down the aisles, they’re up for it.

So far everything is working. Matthew Walsh and his partner Steven Thomas have been rearranging the Co-op grocery store since they arrived in the small northern community last August. They’ve been adjusting store sections according to sales, bringing in new products and hosting fun events.

“As a result, our sales have skyrocketed. And our freight volumes for Canada Post have dropped. So, what that means, instead of ordering online, they’re ordering it here. And now they’re buying it off the shelf,” Walsh told the Yukon News on Jan. 11.

“It didn’t take long to learn everyone’s names,’” said Thomas working at the counter of the Old Crow Co-op.

That means more money into the pockets of Old Crow residents who hold co-op memberships.

Walsh explained that once a year, after the sales and cost of goods are finalized, “people are paid out on the basis of what they

spend in the store.” So local sales benefit the people who live in Old Crow. The co-op also has a locally elected board of directors who provides guidance and advice.

According to Thomas, the store wasn’t in perfect shape when they arrived. Now, goods are clustered in good order and they are eyeing more opportunities to increase revenue. They rent out the two rooms on the second floor to shortterm visitors. Bookings have been steady.

They also want to get to know the community.

“Now, every time someone comes in, [we’re] like, ‘What’s new today?’ And we play music, which they love because, before, it was just walking into a quiet store.” Thomas adds the detail with his Newfoundland lilt, “I have my mom’s playlist with, like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard. People love them and all compliment the music.”

There have been events held at the store, buoyed by Walsh and Thomas’s enthusiasm. “Turkey bowling was the highlight. That’s when everybody had the most fun.” They used a store aisle and set up rolls of paper towels as the five pins.

“We wrapped the turkey in a garbage bag and taped it so the turkey was still salvageable. You stand up

and you just kind of granny roll the turkey,” Walsh said, motioning a four-metre distance between start line and pins.

“Okay, because it’s a turkey and it’s not gonna roll far because it’s not round, it could go anywhere.”

It was a free event and people had a good laugh. Walsh said everybody won something and the top prize for knocking all the pins down was a $50 gift certificate. “I think we had 46 participants, and that was mostly community members and a few contractors.”

They also held two bingo nights, one for ladies and one for men. Again, participation was free and the grand prize was a 30-second shopping spree. Elders, if they won, got an extra minute for their spree down the aisles of the store.

Old Crow is a hotbed of building activity right now, with Ketza Construction and TSL Contractors partnering on two projects, and Wildstone crews working on another two.

“We’ve been selling so many woolly socks lately for the construction workers,” Walsh said.

But other than socks, and a bit of junk food, the construction companies aren’t purchasing food from the store. Walsh and Thomas would like to see this change, but guaranteed freight delivery to the

community has been an ongoing issue. Over Christmas, the community did not receive parcels containing prescription medicines, or mail, or their copies of the Yukon News

Walsh and Thomas worked in several northern communities before coming to Old Crow, either on assignment, or for training or relief work. With the benefit of that kind of perspective, Walsh has seen how freight costs tie into the picture of high northern food costs, and the effectiveness of the federal Nutrition North program.

It puzzles him how the program doesn’t seem to work for Old Crow as well as it does in other communities.

For example, Walsh sees significantly higher costs for milk in Old Crow at $17.99 for a four-litre jug compared to a retail price in Deer Lake, Ontario of $6.59. Both communities get Nutrition North subsidies and have very thin margins on milk and bread. Prices are marked up only enough to cover their losses from perishable items.

Similarly, he says the cost of a five-pound bag of potatoes is $2.10, but with transportation it sells close to $14 in Old Crow. “Yes there’s a Nutrition North subsidy on it, but [the price is] still high,” Walsh said. The program doesn’t cover actual costs to the same

extent as it does in other communities.

Walsh says the cost is all freight. They rely on three different carriers to get food to Old Crow, and they’ve experienced three transportation cost increases since they arrived in August.

Inflation is hitting hard. In addition to the 10 per cent increase in food costs, they have also had to bear the 30 per cent increase in fuel charges. Walsh guesstimates that “the Nutrition North program is about a year behind inflation.”

Nutrition North covers 122 isolated northern communities and is only adjusted annually.

The federal government recently said the next increase will happen on Feb. 1, but the increase amount hasn’t been released yet.

Labour, too, is an issue for the fellows at the store. With so much work available in town paying significantly more, it’s been hard to find the causal labour needed to spell off Walsh and Thomas. Thomas says Old Crow is not like other communities where he experienced people not wanting to work, here there are too many other jobs.

The couple has signed on with the Old Crow Co-op for two years. After that they will re-evaluate, but right now they are loving it. Both grew up in Newfound-

land, knew each other in high school and then drifted apart. They reconnected when Walsh spotted Thomas on the Amazing Race, a televised reality show, and sent him a text. ”He messaged me something cute,” Thomas said, and the rest is history. Marriage plans are in the works, but the geographical distance between Old Crow and a Newfoundland wedding with friends and family have delayed plans a little.

Right now, the store is keeping them busy.

“Currently, I’m the banker, the postmaster and the cashier. I’m like, the Waldo — where am I today? I’m like a jack of all trades because it’s really hard to get staff here,” Thomas said. But there’s an upside.

“It works great because I know everyone’s names now. I know everyone’s coop numbers. I know everyone’s PO box numbers.”

A third person is on the way to help out. When that happens, Walsh and Thomas will have time to get more involved with the community. One of the things they are looking forward to is training with the fire department.

“It just seems like I’m in a small town back home. It almost seems like everyone’s equal,” Walsh said.

“And everyone just helps each other. And that’s what I like about it.”

Thompson Citizen photo by Lawrie Crawford, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Yukon News Mathew Walsh and Steven Thomas took over the Co-op store in Old Crow, Yukon in August 2022.

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

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

As Canadians struggle to afford essential goods and services, the spoils of inflation are ending up largely in corporate profits, particularly in oil, gas and mining industries, a new analysis reveals.

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives crunched the numbers to see how much more Canadians spent over the last two years due to inflation and pinpointed which industries benefited the most.

Between fall 2020 and fall 2022, 47 cents of every extra dollar spent on rent, food, transportation and more ended up as corporate profits in four industries, the report found.

For example, many consumers are justifiably angry that food prices are going up, and they blame the grocery stores because that's who’s selling them those goods, said David Macdonald, senior economist at the CCPA and author of the report “Where are your inflation dollars

going?”

“But that doesn't really tell us who's benefiting from those higher prices,” he said, noting grocery stores were rolled into a larger retail category, so this analysis can’t single out their profits.

Supply chains are long and it's not just the grocery stores themselves, it's food manufacturers, it’s farmers, Macdonald told Canada’s National Observer. It's also the oil and gas industry that provides the crude to make diesel and gasoline to run tractors and fuel the trucks transporting these goods back and forth across the country, he said.

“Without this industry analysis, you just kind of blame the last person in the supply chain as opposed to getting a more in-depth understanding of who is ending up with all this money at the end of the day,” he said. To answer that question, Macdonald created a new dataset to calculate how much of each inflation dollar ended up as profit, worker compensation or other costs (like depreciation and interest)

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.

across Canada’s 15 economic sectors.

“Of every additional dollar that you're spending, on average, a quarter of it is just being declared as profits in oil and gas and mining,” said Macdonald.

“By far, the largest beneficiary of inflation has been the oil and gas extraction and mining industries, which, in an era of climate change, is probably not what we want,” Macdonald added.

Due to higher prices alone, $72 billion more was sent to the corporate sector in the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2020, the report found.

Of that, $18 billion ended up in mining and oil and gas extraction, and basically all of it was profit. Only $656 million went towards increased compensation for workers, the report found.

Macdonald’s methodology isolated inflation dollars, thereby removing the impact of higher levels of production that can also increase wages and profits. Because of the

way industries are categorized, he couldn’t parse out exactly how much of the profit due to inflation can be attributed to oil and gas extraction versus mining.

The second-largest beneficiary was the manufacturing sector — which includes the refining of petroleum into diesel and gasoline — netting nine cents on every inflationary dollar. Real estate, rentals and leasing came in a close third with seven cents, and finance and insurers accounted for six cents of every inflationary dollar.

“This particular analysis really shows that these companies have been on the winning side of inflation despite the disruption it's caused everyone else,” Macdonald told Canada’s National Observer

One way to cycle these corporate profits back to Canadians is through a corporate surtax on all industries, much like the one in place for banks and life insurers’ groups. This one-time 15 per cent tax on income above $1 billion for

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.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must possess the following qualifications;

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Physically fit to perform all duties

• Ability to multitask and problem solve

• Ability to operate equipment as required

• Computer literacy will be considered an asset

• Valid driver’s license

the 2021 tax year for banks and insurers was introduced in Budget 2022. The report says companies profiting from in-

• Shiftwork

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

Corporations are winning the inflation bump, while Canadians struggle with high prices Dog sled race

flation are the best candidates for such a tax because those profits aren’t due to increased output.

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

Continued from Page 9

“With the introduction of snowmobiles, it’s died down - there’s probably not many people nowadays that travel by dog team.”

- yet,” said Campbell.

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

Please forward your cover letter and resume to:

Lorraine Schneider

Human Resource Generalist I Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. P.O. Box 189, Minitonas, MB R0L 1G0 Phone: (204) 525-2479 Ext. 2104 Fax: (866) 678-5969 e-mail : lorraine.schneider@lpcorp.com

It takes a lot of time and effort to look after the dogsCuster himself would carefully check out each of his dogs before and after practices and competitions, feeding each one homecooked food from his own stove to prepare them for the run. Other mushers are no exception - the dogs are not just animals, they’re athletes being put through their paces.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

“They’re eating very high protein, the best of the best … they’re athletes, and anyone who shows up will see that, how fast they actually go,” Olson said.

>

Dental Assistant

Major dog racing events are still held around North America, including the famed Iditarod, a thousand-mile event run every winter in Alaska. In northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, few races still take place, such as the Hudson Bay Quest race from Gillam to Churchill, or the World Championship races held as part of the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival in and around The Pas. In the one year where dogsled racing was part of the Winter Olympics, back in Lake Placid, N.Y. in 1932, northern Manitobans owned the race - The Pas’ Emile St. Godard claimed gold, while Flin Flon’s William “Shorty” Russick took bronze.

Despite that heritage, organized dogsled races have not been held in the Flin Flon or Denare Beach areas for several years. No formal dog teams currently call the area home.

“It’s only a short race, it’s only 12 miles, but it won’t take them very long at all.”

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

The incumbent must fulfill the requirements of the Criminal Records/Vulnerable Person, Child Abuse Registry check and Adult Abuse Registry check, and adhere to all Northern Health Region policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Grade 12 education or equivalent

While there haven’t been races in years, Campbell and Olson both say that community response to the race has been positive. Funds to organize the event and guarantee the participants’ purse have come in, along with people wanting to help out and volunteer. Campbell said it has been positive, adding that the event will be an alcohol-anddrug-free event and that they hope to attract families.

Successful completion of a recognized Dental Assistant Program required

Current active practicing registration with Manitoba Dental Association

Excellent knowledge of Windows based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet)

Minimum three (3) years’ experience as a Dental Assistant required

Previous experience working with Pediatric cases preferred

Ability to speak Cree an asset

“It’s been upwards of 20 years - I’m not exactly sure when the last one was, but both Flin Flon and Denare Beach used to have their own dogsled race. I think Flin Flon withdrew and then Denare Beach had a race for a year or two after that - my dad took over one year for it,” Olson said.

For complete list of qualifications please visit our website www.nrha.ca

“It’s kind of a good engagement with the community, as a drug and alcohol-free community event. Everyone is welcome. We’re hoping for a good turnout,” she said.

Please submit resume by February 2, 2018 to:

Lori Rasmussen, Recruitment Officer

867 Thompson Drive South Thompson, MB R8N 1Z4

Fax: (204) 778-1477

Email: recruiteast@nrha.ca

“It’s a sport that’s definitely fading. It’s our effort to keep the sport alive, to showcase the work that goes into it.”

“There are no dog mushers in Flin Flon and Denare Beach

Northern RHA has a Representative Workforce Strategy, we encourage all applicants to selfdeclare. Criminal Record, Child Abuse, & Adult Abuse Registry Checks are required. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.

“The fundraising was slow at first, but now that they’ve actually seen the posters and the word is out now, different establishments and businesses have reached out wanting to contribute. It’s working out very well with community support.”

www.nrha.ca

WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER

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

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

Got a job to advertise?

We commit to offering a safe, welcoming and inclusive work environment where innovation and creativity is welcomed. We offer a generous Total Compensation Package with health benefits, great pension plan along with the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

call us at 204 -677- 4534 or email ads@thompsoncitizen.net

ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Enrolment Services

Full Time, Permanent Position

Thompson, Manitoba

Competition No: 23-008

Closing Date: February 1, 2023

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

Please

‘Significant increases’ in mental health hospitalizations for First Nations youth, StatCan says

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

First Nations youth were twice as likely to be hospitalized for mental health issues in 2011 as they were in 2006, according to a report published by Statistics Canada on Jan. 18.

The study is the first to investigate changes in patterns of hospitalization among Indigenous children and youth over time in order to “more comprehensively report the health-care use of Indigenous populations,” the report said.

Though they were less

likely to be hospitalized for injuries or other diseases, there were “significant increases” in mental health-related hospitalizations for nearly all youth groups over that time, including those on and off reserve, the report’s authors wrote.

“Follow-up into the future could evaluate these patterns for emerging trends,” the authors wrote.

In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on the federal government to identify the gaps in health care between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,

including long-term trends like hospitalizations. The government has reported disproportionate morbidity for children and youth, mortality and shortened life expectancy among Indigenous Peoples, but there is no information available on changes to the number of hospitalizations beyond the years examined in the current report, the authors explained.

Mental health hospitalizations were also “underestimated” in the report, with gaps in both Quebec and Ontario. Quebec’s hospital data is not available to Statistics Canada and not all

youth mental health records were available in Ontario.

The report counted a jump of nearly 400 more mental health hospitalizations in 2011 compared to 2006, while physical ailments like respiratory and digestive system diseases dropped by roughly 150.

Overall, First Nations children on reserve were four times as likely to be hospitalized in 2011 compared to non-Indigenous children, while off-reserve youth were two and a half times as likely to face hospitalization, the report added.

The researchers of the

report point to “disadvantaged social conditions” such as the history of residential schools, discrimination and greater physical distances to health services that Indigenous Peoples disproportionately experience.

There is also a complex relationship between Canadian governments and Indigenous Peoples’ access to care, the authors wrote. Reservations and Indigenous services fall under federal jurisdiction, health care is provincial, and hospitals are predominately a municipal responsibility. This means there can often be disputes and gaps in care

for First Nations.

For example, Jordan River Anderson died without receiving the home care he needed because of a payment dispute between federal and provincial governments. His death spurred a government policy, Jordan’s Principle, that is intended to give First Nations youth access to care at all times, while avoiding the government disputes that create barriers to health care.

Mistrust is also a significant barrier for Indigenous Peoples, as well as cultural and language differences, the authors explained.

What if an Indigenous woman was the face of Canada’s $20 bill?

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

The queen is dead. Is it now time for an Indigenous woman to take her place on the $20 bill?

The Native Women’s Association of Canada is asking that question through its new art exhibition, “Change the Bill.”

The concept for the exhibition began following the queen’s death, as the decision of changing the figure on the back of the Canadian dollar loomed near, Irene Goodwin, NWAC’s director of policy and programs, culture and art, told Canada’s National Observer

An Indigenous woman has never been represented on a Canadian banknote, Goodwin explained.

The exhibition, which runs from Jan. 20 to 28 at The Local Gallery in Toronto, is a call to action

to promote reconciliation through art, according to an NWAC press release. Art pieces are also available to be viewed and purchased online, with all proceeds going to the artists.

The exhibition is on display as part of Design TO’s 2023 festival. NWAC also enlisted TAXI, a leading brand experience agency, to emphasize underrepresented and marginalized Indigenous women in Canadian society, the press release added.

Each piece in the exhibition is a different artist’s reimagination of the $20 bill in both its background design and historical figure. Each artist decided which woman they wanted on their bill as well, Goodwin said.

Some figures include child welfare activist Cindy Blackstock, water protector and Elder Josephine Mandamin and

We’re Hiring

former Chief, Elder and Air Force veteran Margaret Pictou.

“If the $20 bill was to be reimagined, it would be to highlight the significant contributions of Indigenous women to the development of Canada, as well as highlight the Indigenous artists that we have,” Goodwin said.

NWAC reached out to several artists towards the end of 2022, a quick turnaround for the art exhibition, and Goodwin says artist contributions continue to roll in. For the exhibition, each artist was asked to celebrate an Indigenous hero without any parameters, Goodwin said.

Some artists chose historical figures like Pictou. Another artist, Mando Littlechild, chose her Kokum (grandmother) who was a residential school survivor, which is “an important story” to tell, Goodwin said.

We’re changing with the world.

Be a part of our evolution.

As one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality, low-carbon nickel, copper and cobalt, Vale mines the critical minerals essential to building a greener future. We are focused on developing our people and our workforce to build a truly inclusive and diverse workforce.

Our operations in Thompson are located in the heart of the Northern Boreal Region — the Hub of Northern Manitoba. Vale’s Thompson Manitoba Operations are now hiring for the following positions:

• Senior Technologist, Control Systems (Application Deadline: February 3)

• Human Resources Co-op Student (Application Deadline: February 3)

• Industrial Electrician (Application Deadline: February 28)

• Heavy Duty Mechanic (Application Deadline: February 28)

Visit valejobs.ca or scan the QR code to visit Vale’s career page and apply to join the Vale Thompson family.

Goodwin thinks the exhibition isn’t merely about putting an Indigenous woman on the banknote as an end in itself; instead, it’s a celebration and recognition of the significance of the contributions of Indigenous

women.

It’s an act of reconciliation to promote both the women on the banknotes and the artists who composed them, Goodwin explained.

tributions of Indigenous women and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their significance creates a more just and equitable society for all Canadians,” Lynne Groulx, CEO of NWAC, said in the press release.

Intake Officer

Regular Term until March 31, 2025, with possibility of extension Manitoba Ombudsman Thompson, MB

Advertisement Number: 40478

Salary(s): SP4 $58,044 - $80,513 per year

Closing Date: February 14, 2023

**This is a preference competition for Indigenous people. First consideration will be given to candidates who declare as Indigenous. Please clearly indicate within your cover letter and/or on an equity declaration form if you are part of either of this equity group.

About the Ombudsman: The Ombudsman is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly with oversight responsibilities under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The Ombudsman investigates complaints from the public, or on his or her own initiative, and reviews administrative decision-makings in support of principles of fairness, openness, and accountability; investigates complaints or, on his or her own initiative, investigates any decision, act or omission relating to a matter of administration by provincial government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, municipalities and other public bodies; makes public reports when deemed in the public interest; and provides informational and educational services to the public, public bodies, and the Legislative Assembly.

Duties:

The Intake Officer will support complaint handling and undertake outreach activities for the office of the Manitoba Ombudsman. This unique position will also provide coverage to MACY as required. Working under the mandates of both offices, the officer will assess for risk and needed service, prioritize requests, and determine level of required intervention for all complainants/clients. This role will be an integral part in connecting complainants/clients from the City of Thompson and the surrounding communities to the Ombudsman head offices, located in Winnipeg and the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY).

About the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth: MACY is an independent, non-partisan office of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. It represents the rights, interests, and viewpoints of children, youth, and young adults throughout Manitoba who are receiving or entitled to public services, including child and family, adoption, disability, mental health, addictions, education, victim supports, or youth justice.

For more information and how to apply: https://jobsearch.gov.mb.ca/search.action

BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

It was supposed to be a dream honeymoon in a Caribbean paradise for a local couple, but a trip to Mexico turned into a nightmare for a woman who has returned home to Winnipeg and is planning her husband’s funeral.

On Jan. 3, Stacey and Jesse Ropos left Winnipeg for a 10-day Caribbean vacation at the Puerto Aventuras resort in Mexico, a gated community located about 75 kilometres southwest of Cancun.

The trip was planned as a belated honeymoon for the couple that married eight years ago, but never could find time to take a trip between caring for their three kids, and more recently, running their own floor installation business.

“Our daughter was only five months old when we got married, so we were like, ‘We’re not going on a honeymoon now with a brand new baby,’” Stacey said.

“And time went on and life got busy, and it just never happened.”

And as Stacey and Jesse prepared to leave for their

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.

trip this month, Stacey said they could not have been more excited, and that for the majority of their time in Mexico the trip had turned into everything they had hoped it would be.

“We made so many memories and made so many friends,” she said. “It was perfect.”

But everything changed in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, just about 12 hours before the couple was supposed to return home.

According to Stacey, her husband had stayed at a hotel bar while she returned to their hotel room, and that was the last time she saw Jesse alive.

Just hours after she went to her room, Stacey said she

was awoken by staff at the resort and asked to come to the hotel lobby where she saw police tape, and was abruptly told that her husband was dead.

“We went from having this amazing time, and in that one moment it was just a complete flip of the script,” she said.

“In that moment it changed everything for me, for our kids, for our families, for everything.”

A document from a state attorney general's office in Mexico said Jesse died as a result of choking from strangulation, and two men who work at the resort have been arrested.

Although no formal charges had been laid as of Jan.

SUCCEED WITH US!

The Town of Churchill seeks a Chief Administrative Officer with a keen sense of vision and adventure. Our community is as diverse and unique as the natural beauty that surrounds us.

We are a vibrant community of 870 people on the western shores of Hudson Bay and are affectionately known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. We proudly host thousands of visitors from across the globe during our many tourist seasons, such as, beluga whale watching, birdwatchers’ paradise, and aurora borealis viewing. The community boasts modern amenities including the Town Centre Complex containing all forms of recreational pursuits, education opportunities and regional health care needs. The Port of Churchill can accommodate the largest ocean-going vessels along with airport facilities capable of handling large aircraft.

The Chief Administrative Officer will be a key part of our success as you will lead, plan, organize, and direct municipal operations and services in accordance with municipal policies and relevant legislation and will work with our senior management team. Your involvement in efforts to continuously improve the overall citizen experience in a cost-effective and innovative manner will help shape our community.

Qualifications:

• Experience in a senior management role, or as a Chief Administrative Officer in a municipal setting, or equivalent senior leadership experience within a diverse organization.

• Post-secondary education in Public Administration, a CMMA designation or a related professional designation is desirable.

• Possess impeccable integrity and ethics; respectful of others and is respected by peers.

• Demonstrates a visionary leadership style while giving guidance and support as a mentor and a positive role model.

• Commitment to delivering exceptional service and best practices in public administration.

• Strong sense of accountability for the effective utilization of resources.

• High degree of professionalism coupled with effective communication skills; (written, verbal and presentation).

• Excellent skills in the development of public policy and bylaws.

• Be a hands-on public servant, comfortable managing many different priorities concurrently.

• Known for his/her ability to develop credibility and effective working relationships with employees and external stakeholders.

• Ability to use logic to investigate and solve problems; excellent at analysis; looks beyond the obvious; able to develop practical and innovative solutions.

• Strong leadership and team building skills.

• Knowledge of municipal legislation and relevant statutes.

• Strong labour relations background including managing grievances, collective bargaining and related matters.

• Solid computer aptitude.

• Valid Drivers License

We are pleased to provide you with the Chief Administrative Officer Position Description upon request.

For the ideal candidate, the Town of Churchill will offer an attractive remuneration and benefit package including accommodations. Please clearly indicate in your cover letter and/or resumé how you meet the qualifications. We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Closing date is January 31, 2023.

Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to:

Chief Administrative Officer Selection Committee

TOWN OF CHURCHILL

Phone: (204) 675-8871 ext. 103

Email: careers@churchill.ca

20, Stacey said she did expect charges to be laid soon. Both men are considered innocent, and no allegations have been tested in court.

Stacey said she has learned that while at the bar, her husband was involved in an incident that at one point saw him removed, and that eventually led to his choking death, but she said Jesse was not known as someone who would be rowdy or start fights.

“He was not a rowdy guy, and, yeah, we’d had some drinks, but he was not overly intoxicated, because if that was the case I would never have left him,” she said.

Stacey said the funeral was scheduled for Jan. 26 in Winnipeg. She said Jesse was a big fan of colourful clothes and fashion, so she wanted people to show up in colours at the funeral.

“Jesse was known for his fashion,” she said with a laugh. “He owned every colour of shirt and pants, and it wasn’t strange to see him in

pink or in floral patterns, he was just a big colourful guy.

“It will be solemn for sure, but it’s also a celebration of his life, so I’m asking people instead of wearing black to just wear the most colourful thing you have.”

The Puerto Aventuras resort in Mexico has yet to respond to the Winnipeg Sun's requests for comment.

Stacey said while she and others now grieve, she will also seek justice for her husband and hopes to one day find out exactly what happened the morning he died.

“I will not have closure until I find out what happened, because no one can understand how this could have happened to Jesse,” Stacey said.

“It just doesn’t make sense.”

— 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 –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.

“It was perfect:” Winnipeg couple's belated honeymoon went from dream to nightmare in an instant

Financial Worker

Regular/Full-time

Manitoba Families, Thompson, MB

Advertisement Number: 40355

Closing Date: February 6 2023

Salary Range: $46,791.00 - $ 54,602.00 per year plus remoteness allowance and Northern premium, if applicable

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

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

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

An eligibility list may be created to fill similar regular, term, part-time and/or full time positions for the Northern region (Flin Flon, The Pas and Thompson) and will remain in effect for 12 months.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Must provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search)

• Must provide a satisfactory Child Abuse Registry Check

• Must provide a satisfactory Adult Abuse Registry Check

Qualifications:

Essential

• Experience assessing and verifying information

• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds (persons with disabilities, persons who are financially and or socially disadvantaged, newcomers, different cultures etc.)

• Strong organizational skills including ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure with accuracy in an environment with competing demands

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with the public, program participants, staff and or agencies

• Strong problem solving and conflict management skills

• Ability to maintain client confidentiality

• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and Outlook

• Effective written communication skills

• Effective verbal communication skills

• Ability to interpret, apply or explain legislation, regulations or policies.

Desired:

• Knowledge of local community resources available to northern Manitobans

Duties:

What you will do: The Financial Worker functions as a member of a case management team responsible for providing Employment and Income Assistance program services. Major activities include: calculates financial need and issues benefits in accordance with the Employment and Income Assistance Act, regulations and policies. There is written and verbal communication with program participants and others in the public and private sectors.

Apply to:

Advertisement No. 40355

Service Centre 4

Human Resource Services

600-259 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2A9

Phone: 204-945-7518

Fax: 204-945-0601

Email: govjobs@gov.mb.ca

To be considered for this competition, you MUST submit a resume and a cover letter. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process.

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

Please be advised that job competitions may be grieved and appealed. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor’s representative or the grievor, if unrepresented. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted. We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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

People. Purpose. Progress.

manitoba.ca/govjobs

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

Alternate formats available upon request

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

• 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

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

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

Ottawa is providing $1.16 million to help the Nunatsiavut government address the overrepresentation of Inuit in Newfoundland and Labrador’s justice system.

The funding, announced by Justice Minister David Lametti on Jan. 19, will create an Inuit cultural awareness educator position,

in the justice system, not just by police but as cases move through the courts.

Lawyers appointed by legal aid don’t understand the circumstances of Inuit in Labrador today, and there is no community-based help, he said. “It should not be that way.”

At a news conference announcing the funding, Lampe explained the history of Labrador Inuit and how trauma has contributed to their current disproportionate numbers in the criminal justice system. He points to residential schools, impoverished communities and the history of relocation in the 1950s when the province removed Inuit from their

system

homeland to areas farther south, often without the homes they were promised.

“Some Inuit didn’t have any choice but to look for something to help them to live,” Lampe said.

Labrador Inuit hold solutions that can better their well-being, their health and their culture while speaking their own language, he added.

The Inuit cultural awareness educator role will be funded over four years and teach criminal justice professionals in the province about Inuit culture, history and social conditions.

Nearly half the funding will also be allocated to support Inuit-led engagement to inform

the development of the federal government’s Indigenous Justice Strategy. Plans for the strategy were unveiled in 2021 but contained no established timeframe, according to reporting by CBC News.

Lori Idlout, MP for Nunavut and the NDP critic for Indigenous-Crown relations, says there have been enough studies and inquiries that the government should know what to do. It’s time for Ottawa to act on what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and others have recommended, Idlout said.

“What the government needs to do is take better stock on what these reports have said … What they need to do is act on those recommendations that have been made for years now,” she added.

Still, Lametti maintains his government is undertaking “a major shift,” pointing to partnerships with Indigenous nations and leadership.

Lampe spoke to the importance of self-determination at the news conference, pointing to laws passed in St. John’s that didn’t fit the Inuit way of life.

He invited federal and provincial justice ministers to “come and see the poverty that Inuit are living in today, and at times where you are so poor, you have to do what it takes to feed your family.”

Food insecurity and high prices are other examples squeezing the Inuit way of life, and many can’t even afford the equipment to hunt or get out onto the land to find peace, Lampe explained.

“If our communities are going to make life better for its residents, the Labrador Inuit have to be given that self-determination, that ownership, to run the affairs themselves.”

Feds fund cultural awareness teacher, community-based services to tackle high rates of Inuit in justice