March 4 2015

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Serving the Hub of the North since 1960

Volume 55 • Issue 9

FREE

Young writer places top five in province wide playwriting contest

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

HOME ROUTES CHRISTENS PAINT LAKEARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6

THOMPSON SWIMMER THIRD AT UNIVERSITY NATIONALSSPORTS - PAGE 10

STUDENTS CONDUCTING HOMELESS CENSUSNEWS - PAGE 13

Thompson Citizen photo by Molly Gibson Kirby Keyanna Boyko-Ouellette, left, sits beside Janine Plummer, drama teacher. Boyko-Ouellette has placed in the top five for a provincial playwriting competition. after night and stuff happens.”

The top five finalists will be travelling to Winnipeg for workshops in March and April. These workshops will see Boyko-Ouellette working with theatre professionals who will help with the script and put more detail into it. They will also be attending auditions for actors that will play characters in the different plays.

Images of what Beyond The Locked Windows will

THOMPSON HOMETOWN HOCKEY SALES EVENT ON NOW THROUGH SATURDAY

EVERY FRIDAY IS THE ALL NEW CHRYSLER 200 TEST DRIVE EVENT!

look like are flooding into Boyko-Ouellette’s mind.

“Once I heard that I was selected I started picturing the creatures better now, and I have written out more description about them.”

Because the workshops are in Winnipeg, and travelling is expensive, Plummer and Boyko-Ouellette have started a GoFundMe campaign. “My understanding is they don’t usually have people from outside of Winnipeg who

place. So we’re trying to get Keyanna money to travel with a chaperone to make the four trips.”

As of Feb. 25 the online campaign has seen around $500 dollars in donations, and the Thompson Playhouse has donated $250 towards the trips. The goal is to raise $2,500.

After the workshops are finished the Warehouse Theatre in Winnipeg will be having a showcase night where all five plays are performed

and the audience will pick an overall winner. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to Winnipeg for the play written by Boyko-Ouellette, as the high school drama program will be performing it in Thompson in the spring.

For Boyko-Ouellette this competition is a step in right direction. “I’ve always wanted to be a writer and a couple of times I’ve wanted to be an actress so this is leading me back on that dream I had.”

2015 CHRYSLER 200 LIMITED Retail $28,285 Discounted Value

JUST $25,623 164BW

OR FINANCE $

2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED Navigation, Tow Package, Sunroof and so much more. FINANCE $ BW

341

40 Station Road TOLL FREE 1 (800) 268-2312 www.twinmotors.ca

PC DEPUTY LEADER OUTLINES NORTHERN STRATEGYNEWS - PAGE 2

Keyanna Boyko-Ouellettee is a Grade 9 student at R.D Parker Collegiate who has placed top five in the Scirocco Drama Manitoba High School playwriting competition.

Boyko-Ouellette heard about the contest from her drama teacher Janine Plummer. “Keyanna wrote some really, exceptionally creative scripts in class.

Some were a little bizarre but they were really creative and inventive, interesting characters, bizarre and unique plot lines, so I thought this was something she’d really get into,” Plummer explained.

The competition is put on annually and it’s for students from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Theatre professionals read all submitted plays, and the top five plays are picked to be produced.

“It feels scary. I wrote it and I was like writing it just for fun. I didn’t think I would go that far,” said Boyko-Ouellette when she was asked how it feels to be a finalist.

The play the Thompsonite wrote is called Beyond The Locked Windows.

“The legend of the town is you have to have your windows locked or else these mythical creatures will come in, rob you, and steal your one child. There is another mythical creature that is the guardian of the town that scares those mythical creatures away. It’s about this one girl, she’s around seven or eight and it was a summer night, and it was really hot out, so she unlocked her window and opened it a bit. They come in night

Page 2

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

News

PC party touts northern strategy

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Heather Stefanson, provincial Progressive Conservative deputy leader, visited Thompson, along with five other PC MLA’s in February. The purpose of the trip was to speak to the Chamber of Commerce and members from the University College of the North about the north and what needs to improve.

The PC party has created a document called the Northern Lights Strategy.

“It started as a result of a fairly comprehensive policy consultation process, which we’ve embarked on over the past couple of years. We’ve gone to all communities in Manitoba, we’ve reached out to stakeholders and communities.”

Stefanson says this document doesn’t have all the answers that the north needs, but it’s a start of a discussion. The strategy includes five different pillars.

Number one in the paper is job and training. “We need to focus on education. Education and training, making sure that we have the workforce here for the jobs that exist in your community. Right now there seems to be a bit of a disconnect, that we need to bring that together.” Stefanson continued by saying that northerners

need to train northerners.

“We need to work with our First Nations communities as well to make sure we’ve got a workforce. We want to see local people fill those jobs, but in order to do that we need to bring these people together. We need to be training people for the jobs. If we’re not training people they’re going to close down or move elsewhere to find where the employees are.”

The second pillar is mining and mineral exploration. Manitoba has dropped in rankings ofminingfriendly jursidictions in recent years though it is second only to Saskatchewan in the most recent rankings by the Fraser Institute. “We see that there is huge potential here, like job creation strategy. We believe the impediment is the government’s refusal to create a process for fulfilling the duty to consult obligation with First Nations.”

The PC party wants to create a structured process so investors and prospectors have a clear vision of the process they need to follow when it comes to consultations with First Nations groups. Stefanson did mention the TEDWIG project, and congratulated the participants on creating it. “As MLAs we have learned a lot from that or-

Thompson Citizen photo by Molly Gibson Kirby Heather Stefanson, provincial Progressive Conservative deputy leader stands by Oswald Sawh, past president of the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, during her February visit to the community. ganization that you were able to pull together for economic diversification and development.”

The third pillar is infrastructure. Stefanson agrees infrastructure is a problem throughout all of Manitoba, but hopes Northern Manitoba can take advantage of Thompson being the hub, and places like the port in Churchill.

The forth pillar, and one

the most talked about was tourism. “Tourism is a major driver of your economy as well. We do see it as a great investment of our tax dollars is in tourism. The benefits of the tax dollars spent are very significant.

It’s one of those things that we recognize and have heard from people in Northern Manitoba, communities all across this province that we need to

look at the tourism dollars that are being spent.”

The final pillar in the strategy is healthy living.

Chamber of Commerce members had some input on the document that was brought forward. Volker Beckmann mentioned training and job availability. “In my mind, if the workforce needs to develop in the north we need to find small business start-

ups to hire these people.”

Beckmann suggested tax incentives in the north to get people moving up back the 55th parallel.

Other comments included expansion of the airport to bring in travellers from the United States, as well as upgrades to highway 6. Stefanson says she will take this information back to her party for further discussions.

Dangerous Waterway Zone Construction of the Keeyask Generating Station is underway near Gull Rapids on the Nelson River. This can cause speed and depth of water in the area to change very quickly and may also result in an increased risk to public safety.

Watch for signs, buoys and booms marking the dangerous waterway zone and avoid the area at all times during construction. Be alert, don’t get hurt.

Fox Lake Cree Nation

PR 28

0

ST

EP

HE

NS

LAKE

SO NEL

N

R IV E R

GUL

K L LA

E

Bird

S NEL

ON

RI VE R

Butnau Marina Fox Lake Cree Nation

Gillam

Tataskweyak Cree Nation

Split Lake

Keeyask Construction Site

York Factory First Nation

York Landing

War Lake First Nation

Ilford

Dangerous Waterway Zone

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 3

News

CANADIAN UNION OF POSTAL WORKERS Canada Post issues: Myth or Reality?

“Canada Post is costing taxpayers money.”

! e s l a f

17 of the last 18 years have been profitable.

Canada Post handed to the federal government $1.5 billion in taxes and dividends.

“Canada Post has created a deficit of $250 million in 2012.”

! e s l a f

In 2012, Canada Post has recorded a profit of $94 million. The Conference Board of Canada predicted a deficit of $ 250 million for that year!

“Canada Post will lose $1 billion in 2020.”

! e s l fa

This is a projection made by the Conference Board of Canada, again based on the year 2012. The Conference Board made a calculation error in its prediction for the current year by more than $300 million. How can they pretend to be able to predict what will happen in 2020?

“Canada Post will be in deficit this year.”

! e s l a f

2014 promises to be a banner year! For the first 3 quarters the profit was $63 million and the last quarter will be the most profitable for the Corporation!

“Canada Post CEO, Deepak Chopra, serves on the board of the Conference Board of Canada.”

! e u r t ! e u r t

He even ordered the study himself made by the Conference Board. In summary, a study commissioned by Canada Post, funded by Canada Post, thought and written by the CEO of Canada Post, for Canada Post!

“Letter mail decreases.”

But in return, the parcel business is steadily increasing. In the past year, there has been a 30% increase in parcel delivery!

“Canada Post has held public consultations about the end of the home mail delivery.”

! e s l a f

Canada Post has held private consultations, meaning, by invitation only, in 46 municipalities.

The citizens were not invited!

“Canada Post has begun the privatization.”

In recent years, Canada Post has closed several outlets and replaced them with franchises in pharmacies. There, you will find employees who are doing the same work as the postal workers but they are non-unionized, they are paid less and they do not have the knowledge of all the products and services.

! e u tr

“There is no alternative to ensure the viability of Canada Post.”

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has asked Canada Post to develop new services, such as banking.

! e s fal

“In Canada, the bank market is already saturated. There is no place for a postal bank.”

If there is a country known to have a different bank on every street corner, well it is Switzerland!

Switzerland has its postal bank and in 2012, Swiss Post drew 71% of its revenues from its postal bank operations.

! e s fal

“Canada Post has already conducted a study on the possibility of offering banking services.”

For four years, Canada Post conducted a secret study on banking services. The study suggests that financial services would be a winning and gainful strategy. Canada Post abruptly ended the study shortly before announcing its five-point plan.

With the Access To Information Act, independent newspaper Blacklock’s Reporter got the report entitled Banking: A Proven Diversification Strategy.

Out of the 811 pages of the report, 701 were censored...

! e tru

“Canada would become the first industrialized nation to end home delivery.”

Canada would be the only the only G7 country to no longer offer home mail delivery. The G7 is the group of the seven most industrialized countries including Germany, Canada, the United States, France, Great Britain, Italy and Japan.

! e tru

What can you do to Save Canada Post?

You can ask Canada Post and the Harper government to conduct a review of the mandate in order to send your comments or memories. We need your help to continue to provide the services for which you qualify and if the Harper government refuses to listen to us, then we will make our voices heard at the next federal election to be held in 2015.

To contact Canada Post: 1-866-607-6301 We must take into account the aging of the population and the growing number of citizens with disabilities. We must strive to continue to deliver the mail to the people and save such a valuable service to the public.

2011-2015 Bulletin nº 373 Dn cope 225 /mhg sepb-574

TOGETHER, WE WILL PREVAIL!

Opinion Wednesday, March 4, 2015

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

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 4

Local Viewpoint

Does Manitoba need to update sex ed?

O

ntario is one step closer to schools being an open, and a safe place to be.

Recently the province changed their sex-ed curriculum, which will go into effect in September 2015.

Within these changes they will see much-needed topics being brought up, like technology with our youth. With technology Molly Gibson Kirby dominating life nowadays, it’s important to teach youth how to be responsible with technology, along with the dangers that go along with the digital world.

We see children using technology everyday, whether that is Snapchat, Instagram, or even Facebook. People need to be reminded that a picture lasts forever.

It will all start in Grade 1 when students are taught the proper terminology for the parts of the body. In Grade 2 they will learn about consent, and what “no means no” really means.

One of the biggest changes in the curriculum is that same-sex relationships will be spoken about in the classroom. Children who are in Grade 3 will begin speaking about same sex relationships and homosexuality.

Same sex marriage has been legal in Canada for over a decade, so to see this change in Ontario is a major step in the right direction to equality.

And finally, puberty will be the topic in Grade 4 when students learn about the changes everyone faces during that time.

Seeing these changes and reading different articles brings a few questions to my mind. The first one is when will Manitoba adopt these same topics to be taught in the classroom, and how young is too young?

I believe these changes are needed, and I hope every single province starts adopting these changes in their curricula as soon as possible. I also believe these topics need to be talked about, and speaking about it sooner may save just one or two extra people from bullying, harassment, or even abuse. Being able to speak about these topics and letting children know they are normal things, not taboo, will help future generations be more open minded, accepting citizens.

What are your thoughts? Are these changes needed in our province, and our city?

Editorial

March Winterfest has different appeal P

ushing back Winterfest to March this year gives it a different feel than in the past, whether it was the one-weekend extravaganza similar to this weekend’s, which runs in conjunction with Rogers Hometown Hockey, or the month-long schedule of activities that started a few years ago.

For anyone who wasn’t around last month, February in Thompson tends toward the brutal, with low temperatures

in the daytime, even lower ones overnight and wind chills galore.

The February Winterfest wasn’t so much a celebration of Thompson’s defining season as a rebellion against it, the city’s residents braving temperatures well below -30 to have a bonfire and drink hot chocolate and gaze in wonder at the fireworks as a way of shaking their fist at Mother Nature and saying “We’re still here! Three months of cold won’t make us turn

In my own words: children we love To the Editor: “Children We Love.” We sometimes forget how important it is to love our children. What matters most is the love we carry in our hearts and the love we share together. Children are the ones we love and we never leave them. Even if there are 100 reasons or more to not love them, they will find a way to hold

unto us. Children do bring sunshine into our lives and those of others, because it is difficult for them to keep it within. Children we love do bring a spark of respect, kindness and humour which can give a burst of happiness into families and loved ones.

Ken Ross Thompson

tail!”

In March, however, on the very weekend when the clock springs ahead to give us longer evenings and the assurance that, yes, indeed, the spring-summer-fall is coming, Winterfest will feel more like a wake for a tryant who, if not hated, was at least deeply resented, and has finally met his end. With basketball, gymnastics, curling and hockey being played over the weekend, along with bubble displays

and other children’s performances, this year’s Winterfest is more about saying, “We did it! We survived!” and knowing that before long, two pairs of socks and long johns and puffy parkas will be distant memories, shoved out of our brains by the smell of barbecues and the roar of boat engines. Forget February’s groundhog. March’s (relative) warmth and the beautiful sight of slush will be the real indicators that spring is almost here.

Letters to the Editor: We welcome your letters, however, brief and local letters in the range of 300 words are more likely to be published. We reserve the right to not publish or edit letters for any reason, including fitting our space requirements and for legal reasons, including libel.

Letters signed with a pseudonym or anonymous letters will not be published. Mailing addresses and telephone numbers are not printed, but you must include personal contact information with your letter so that we can verify authorship of letters submitted before publication.

Email letters to the editor at: editor@thompsoncitizen.net

Your Thompson Citizen News Team

Lynn Taylor General Manager

Ian Graham Editor

Ryan Lynds Production Manager

Published weekly by Prairie Newspaper Group of 141 Commercial Place, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 1T1. The Thompson Citizen is owned and operated by Prairie Newspapers Group, a subsidiary of Glacier Media Inc. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change

Amy Caldwell Production

Ashley Rust-McIvor Advertising

without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertisement content: The Thompson Citizen attempts to be accurate in editorial and advertising content; however no guarantee is given or implied.

The Thompson Citizen reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Thompson Citizen will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors.

The Thompson Citizen will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted for

Bhawna Varma Advertising

Molly Gibson Kirby Reporter

possible publication.

All of the Thompson Citizen’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that the Thompson Citizen receives credit.

Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisements produced by the Thompson Citizen, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Kindred Spirit Living

Letter to the Editor

The body image struggle: parents matter!

F

or you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:13-15.

Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

1 Peter 3:3-4.

It’s pretty clear that God doesn’t care a whole lot about Miranda Leybourne our outward appearances – instead, His Word tells us that He cherishes us for who we are on the inside, and that we should focus more on these inward qualities rather than what we look like on the outside.

However, the Bible also tells us that we must treat our bodies with respect and glorify God in them (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). And considering how important food was, especially in the Old Testament, I believe that God wants us to make good, healthy choices when it comes to food and exercise.

I found it disheartening but not surprising that, in a recent American study, 80 per cent of girls say they have been on a diet by age 10. Between 1999 and 2006, the amount of children under age 12 who were hospitalized for eating disorders increased by almost 120 per cent.

A non-profit organization called Common Sense Media says that children pick up “models for how to think and behave from those around them” – and this includes ideas about body image. The group also cites parents talking negatively about their own bodies and the unrealistic expectations set by the media as contributing factors.

As the mother of a beautiful three-and-a-half-year-old girl, this is a big deal for me.

My husband and I are doing everything we can to offset the inescapable barrage of messages from peers, the media and others that our daughter will undoubtedly experience. Although we can’t change the way the media works, and we’re not about to ban all media for her, we can give her a solid foundation of self-esteem and self-worth.

What does this look like for us? Well, first of all, we don’t buy Barbies or similar dolls for our daughter. We avoid criticizing our bodies in front of her – in fact, altogether.

When we praise her, it’s not just for how pretty she looks – it’s for her intelligence, kindness and sense of humour.

When it comes to nourishing our bodies, we try to avoid refined sugar completely (with exceptions made while visiting friends and family and on holidays), and we make healthy choices like lean meat, whole grains and as little processed food as possible – although we certainly indulge from time to time. We welcome our daughter into the kitchen and encourage her to help with meal preparations (as long as its safe).

We try to be active as a family, and play outside a lot. When it’s not super cold, we go for daily walks with our two dogs. We enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer, and we enroll our daughter in one physical activity per season.

But no matter how careful a parent is, we can’t prevent our children from being bullied about their looks, or feeling pangs of self-doubt flipping through a fashion magazine. However, we can do something just as important as helping them have a healthy relationship with food and exercise: we can teach them that it’s what’s on the inside that matters most.

As parents, we have a huge responsibility: it’s not just what we tell our kids that matters; it’s how we live our lives. It’s the behaviour we model in front of our children that, in all likelihood, they will adopt as they grow up. By the grace of God, and by studying and meditating on His Word, I pray that I can set the right example for my children.

Blessings in health and happiness.

Letter to the Editor

Reported cab ride increases inaccurate To the Editor: The Feb. 24 article “Council will consider taxi rate increase soon” suggests that the proposed increase of 15 cents per 100 metres ($1.50/km) to 30 cents per 100 metres ($3/km) would only result in a small cost increase of 35 cents to take a cab from Giant Tiger to Wal-Mart and $3.45 from the Mystery Lake Hotel to the airport. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t doubling the rate per 100 metres double the cost per 100 metres? Therefore, the cost from Giant Tiger to Wal-Mart (a distance of approximately two km) would increase by

$3 (two km x $1.50/km) to $11.90, not including the increase in cost for wait time.

The cost from the Mystery Lake Hotel to the airport (a distance of 7.5 km) would increase by $11.25 (7.5 km x $1.50/km) to $27.80, again not including the increase in cost for wait time.

Unless I’m missing something, or my math is wrong, please help me understand the numbers.

Although the rates have not increased since 2007, I believe that a 100 per cent increase is too great for the public, especially those low income earners referred to in your article. Inflation has been averaging around the

Page 5

two per cent mark since 2007 so an increase in line with inflation could be considered appropriate. However, a five cents per 100 metre increase from 15 cents per 100 metres to 20 cents per 100 metres (a 33 per cent increase over eight years or 4.125%/year) should be more than enough to offset the annual increases to the taxi owners and would be more acceptable to the public.

I hope that city council considers this proposed increase and adjusts it accordingly so that it is affordable for all riders.

Larry Macauley Thompson

It’s all about showing up To the Editor: In his Feb. 17 letter to the editor (“PC party’s actions speak louder than words”), NDP minister Eric Robinson cites the fact that six Progressive Conservative members of the Manitoba legislature were in Thompson for meetings and events.

Many residents we’ve spoken with have had a good chuckle at the letter’s obviousness and desperate tone. But it also allows us an opportunity to respond.

The letter is a classic example of NDP fear mongering. Unfortunately for Mr. Robinson and his NDP colleagues, Manitobans have grown tired of the bullying and fear mongering and are increasingly dissatisfied with this NDP government that is way past its bestbefore date with a record of waste, mismanagement and broken promises.

Statistics Canada has revealed that the unemployment rate in Manitoba in January was six per cent, the highest it’s been in more than a decade.

Manitoba’s annual defi cit remains at a half-billion dollars, despite NDP promises that they would eliminate the defi cit by 2014. And that’s despite an additional $500 million in new revenues flowing to the NDP from the PST hike and other tax increases. Annual servicing costs on the province’s debt have skyrocketed to nearly $900 million – that’s money that can’t go to education, health care, social services and infrastructure. And right

here at home, Thompson residents have told us that many civil service jobs are being axed in the north and relocated to Winnipeg and Brandon, including building inspectors and health inspectors.

Last summer, the PC party released its Northern Lights: A Progressive Conservative Framework for a Northern Strategy document, demonstrating our commitment to build together a stronger Northern Manitoba where all residents can prosper and have opportunity.

That work is continuing, and we are thrilled with the positive response and constructive feedback we have received so far.

That’s why PC MLAs are in Swan River, The Pas, Flin Flon, Thompson and Churchill listening to First Nations, local governments, community groups and business and industry leaders.

Minister Robinson’s letter says it’s all about showing up. But it’s ironic that the minister scolds PC MLAs for being in Thomp-

son while he himself was noticeably absent from the Feb. 17 Boreal Summit at Opaskwayak Cree Nation, missing all the presenters and showing up only at the very end of the day.

What message does that send to indigenous people, northern communities, industry and other organizations? What the minister’s letter really reveals is that he and his colleagues are uneasy with the PC party’s focus on the north. He should be, considering the NDP’s record of waste, mismanagement and broken promises.

It is all about showing up, Minister Robinson.

While the NDP continues to squabble and fight each other for control, we’re going to be back in the north, showing up and listening to northerners about how to build a better, brighter future together for all Manitobans.

Cameron Friesen MLA Morden-Winkler Progressive Conservative Finance Critic

8-50 Selkirk Avenue, Thompson, Manitoba

DR. O’BRIEN has been serving Thompson for over 25 years. He continues to provide dental care for his patients at Aurora Dental Clinic now. Inside the Plaza Mall, next to MTS.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy 2015 From Dr. O’Brien, Dr. Sharma, Dr. Dhami

Call for your next appointment

204-677-3935

Manitoba is opening birth records related to adoptions If you are an adult adoptee or a birth parent, learn more about accessing birth record information OR

protecting your information Please visit manitoba.ca/adoptionrecords Contact your local CFS agency Or call 1-855-837-5542 (toll free in Canada and the US)

Page 6

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Ben Sures travels to Paint Lake for home routes concert

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The next Home Routes concert will be at Paint Lake and hosted by Debbie Doucet and Kelly Davis.

The usual hosts Tim and Jean Cameron are enjoying a holiday and asked someone to take over the March concert for them. “I had thrown the idea around before but I’m out at Paint Lake, so I wasn’t really sure what people would think., but we’ll try it and see how it goes,� Doucet mentioned.

This month’s performer is Ben Sures, who’s is a mix of folk, roots, and blues.

Sures believes he learned most of what he needed to know while he was living in Manitoba. “I think you absorb the major lessons early on and then spend your life trying to learn them. Winnipeg had the most amazing music scene when I was there and it completely shaped my attitude and approach to music. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I don’t think I have a geographic sound though I do have a bit of a prairie accent likely.�

In Grade 9 Sures really got into music because of regular lessons at school, but his love started at an earlier age of eight or nine when his grandmother wrote out some chords for him. He didn’t have a guitar though,

so the enthusiasm for music had to be postponed. Since then a mandolin has also grabbed his heartstrings. “I’ve always thought of myself as more gifted as a creative person rather than as a musical person. So I’m mostly a guitar player. I do have a mandolin I pull out of the case when I have time, but it’s slow learning for me.

I am not one of those people that have the super brain for picking up instruments.

I have worked hard at the guitar, and I think in some ways my shortcomings have made my playing have its own personality.�

Now, years later, seven albums have been released. Not being able to pick his favourite album, saying much like children you can’t choose favourites, Sures enjoys different things about each record. “My second last record (Gone to Bolivia) on some levels came out closest to my vision for it and I really like all the songs. My last album Son of Trouble was a complete left turn and was really fun to make and I got to pay tribute to blues, African Blues and I sang in French and Spanish. A lot of it was done very live and in the moment and that feeling comes across and I think that is why people like it so much.�

Being part of the Home

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Roth and Ramberg Ben-Sures will play the next home routes concert on March. 7, at Paint Lake.

Routes concert tour means meeting new people, enjoying home-cooked meals, and seeing new places, all of those being why Sures likes this type of tour. “I get to do what I love more than anything in the world pretty

Lorimer Award 8&1 ,6 12: $&&(37,1* 120,1$7,216 7KH /RULPHU $ZDUG LV SUHVHQWHG E\ 8QLYHUVLW\ &ROOHJH RI WKH 1RUWK LQ UHFRJQLWLRQ RI RXWVWDQGLQJ VHUYLFH WR HGXFDWLRQ LQ 1RUWKHUQ 0DQLWRED QRUWK RI WKH UG SDUDOOHO

7KH DZDUG ZDV QDPHG LQ KRQRXU RI WKH ODWH 'U : & /RULPHU D GLVWLQJXLVKHG 0DQLWRED HGXFDWRU ZKR VHUYHG DV 'HSXW\ 0LQLVWHU RI (GXFDWLRQ IURP WR 1RPLQHHV PD\ EH D VWXGHQW IRUPHU VWXGHQW HPSOR\HH RI 8&1 RU D PHPEHU RI WKH FRPPXQLW\ ZKRVH ZRUN ÂżWV WKH SXUSRVH RI WKLV DZDUG

120,1$7,216 $5( '8( 0$5&+ For more information, or to obtain a nomination form, please contact the UCN )LQDQFLDO $ZDUGV 2I¿FHU DW RU WROO IUHH H[W You can also access information or a nomination form through our website at ZZZ XFQ FD DZDUGV XQGHU WKH ³&RQYRFDWLRQ $ZDUGV´ FDWHJRU\

OWN YOUR FUTURE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH

much every night. So I look forward to everything it has to offer.�

The concert will be taking place on March. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, and all funds go to the performer. Doucet says since

this is her ďŹ rst time hosting a concert, depending on attendance, it may happen again in the future. “It’s always a good time. You meet different people, and the performers are awesome.

The musicians are pretty

top notch that come up here.

We’re excited to do it.�

For more information call Debbie Doucet at 204-677-9671, or visit “HomeRoutes House Concerts Thompson Borealis Trail� on Facebook.

Nutrition tips for a healthy workday

BY NRHA DIETITIANS/ DIETITIANS OF CANADA This March, dietitians are encouraging Canadians to eat well at work in celebration of Nutrition Month 2015.

Almost half of Canadians (45 per cent) say that eating healthy meals and snacks while at work is challenging, according to an Ipsos Reid poll conducted for Dietitians of Canada. “The workplace is the ideal setting to promote and practise healthy eating habits,� says Kristyn Hall, a Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month spokesperson. “Research shows that eating well at work can boost concentration and productivity.�

Employers also beneďŹ t from workplace wellness initiatives. Healthy employees are less likely to be absent from work and more likely to perform well. Dietitian-led workplace wellness initiatives have been shown to help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by up to 60 per cent, lower heart disease risk by lowering blood pressure and improve healthy eating behaviours like increasing vegetable, fruit and ďŹ bre intake.

Throughout the month of March, dietitians across Canada will be sharing their food and nutrition expertise and serving up tips to: combat rushed mornings; improve choices at meetings, events and in the workplace; revive lunchtime; ďŹ ght the mid-day slump and manage commuter cravings.

Tips include: • Avoid the drive-thru. Try fast, make-ahead breakfasts like

whole grain mufďŹ ns or a homemade breakfast sandwich. • Get the most out of your meetings. Order brain food, not drain food! • Did you know? In a company of 100 staff, celebrating each birthday adds eight slices of cake a month! Celebrate everyone’s birthday together instead. • Midday slump sinking in? No need for caffeine! Energize with a walk, some water or a small snack. • Long commute? Before you head home, grab a drink to wet your whistle. Sip on water, a plain latte or tea Come join local dietitians at Safeway March 4 and Family Foods March 27 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. for free food demos and easy, healthy quick ideas.

There will also be a Lunch’n’Learn March 31, with food demos and lunch provided with registration. Call Kathleen Hodgins, community dietitian at the Thompson Clinic, at 204-6771780 for more information.

For more tips for ‘Eating 9 to 5!’ and more information about Nutrition Month 2015 contact dietitians@ nrha.ca.

Dietitians of Canada is the national professional association for dietitians, representing 6,000 members at the local, provincial and national levels. The Nutrition Month Campaign has been led by Dietitians of Canada for more than 30 years.

For more information visit www. dietitians.ca.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 7

News

Breaking the stigma that surrounds mental illness

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Big Daddy Taz, a comedian and motivational speaker who has graced the stages of Just for Laughs, the Moncton Comedy Festival and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival spoke to Expo North on Feb. 24. Taz is known as the bi-polar Buddha, and speaks with audiences openly and candidly about mental illness, suicide, and breaking the stigma. “It’s important to talk about it so we don’t lose anyone else. I tweeted ‘Stamp out stigma = no fear = getting help = long happy life.’

Stigma is the greatest robber of life that there is. It takes away that little dot at the end of the tunnel that is hope. It puts you in complete darkness, and then you become hopeless, and when you become hopeless you become desperate, and when you become desperate, you take desperate measures,” Taz explained when asked why he does this for a living.

The speaker has been in the comedy business since 1991, and has been speaking about mental illness for the past 15 years.

Taz travels around speaking about his experience with bi-polar disorder and

his past suicidal thoughts.

His main focus is speaking with the younger generations. “If we talk about it openly in the elementary schools and the high schools it will save lives.

It’s the number one killer of teens today next to accidents. That is a scary statistic because all we need to do to change that statistic is talk about it.”

One activity he does in during a school speech lets people know they’re not alone. “One of the thing I’ll do in schools is take the principal and give them noise-cancelling headphones. I’ll have one person yell, and then I’ll have two people yell, and then I’ll have the whole school yell. I’ll tell the principal to turn around when you hear it, and it’s always when the whole school yells. I ask if they hear it and they say no they don’t hear it, but they feel it.”

Using comedy while speaking about such an important topic is a way for people to feel comfortable about the information. “The big thing is people ask me why I laugh about it. I say because if I can make you laugh about it, you realize it’s okay to talk about it. When you talk about it, no one cares

about it anymore, and then it’s open season to get help and talk about it.”

One of the big focuses Taz had during his talk in Thompson was making sure people knew it was OK to talk. He had the audience put up their hand if they’ve ever felt like hurting themselves, and not a lot of people did. When he asked the audience to close their eyes, and then put up their hands, the amount of people who had thought about self-harm doubled. “Don’t be afraid of who you are. Fear is only fear because we don’t talk about it. Fear will always remain fear if we let it overwhelm us. If we talk about it we bring light to it, and when we bring light to it, it’s not a big deal.”

Dealing with a mental illness is not easy, but surrounding yourself with people you trust is important. Taz suggests that everyone makes a list of people that would have your back, whenever, wherever, and put their contact information down on the list. When you’re feeling stuck, go through the list until someone picks up, and is able to talk to you.

Taz wanted to come up to Thompson because the

Thompson Citizen photo by Molly Gibson Kirby Comedian and motivational speaker Big Daddy Taz spoke to Expo North about breaking the stigma of mental illness. north has one of the highest suicide rates in Canada amongst children and teens and he wanted to acknowledge that. “People don’t realize just because it’s in our mind doesn’t make it any less real. Happiness is in your mind, fear is in your mind, adulation, endorphins, and it’s all in your mind. So if I

can experience that in my mind, why can’t I experience fear, self-loathing, and hate of myself?”

For anyone feeling alone there are resources out there. The Kids Help Phone is a free service where a professional will speak you through a troubled time. Call 1-800-6686868, any time of the day.

And Taz says remember, it always gets better. “The best words I ever heard, and I don’t remember who said them, but they said, the best part about mental illness is to remember that after every winter there is always a spring.

No matter how down you are there will always be a spring.”

Page 8

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

RESOURCE GUIDE W. RICHARD WHIDDEN, Q.C. Barrister and Solicitor

Providing legal services in the North for more than 50 years.

2nd oor, 436 Thompson Drive N., Thompson, MB R8N 0C6 5 t '

D.R. Knight Law OfÂżce Direct: (204) 948-0406 202-900 Harrow St. E. Bus: (204) 948-0400 Winnipeg, Manitoba Fax: (204) 948-0401 R3M 3Y7 Richard.Whidden@knightlaw.ca

Burntwood Plaza 33 Selkirk Ave. Ph: 677-4574 • Fax: 778-6622

Brian & Sherrie Kreuger 2 Locations to assist you with all of your Insurance needs.

Call Bhawna at the Thompson Citizen (204) 677-4534 (ext. 1) or email

bvarma@thompsoncitizen.net B&W - $21/wk*

Colour - $30/wk*

*Minimum 6 months, taxes not included.

Cell: 204-307-1060

MARIO SANTOS LAW OFFICE Barristers & Solicitors, Notaries Public 306 - 83 Churchill Dr., ompson, Manitoba, R8N 0L5 OďŹƒces in Winnipeg and ompson “Connecting the North to the Southâ€?

204 679 0017

Pl um bi ng Pr ob le m s? ?

Dont Panic!

Repairs & Installations

• All Plumbing repairs and Installations 677-3162 • Sewer Cleaning • Repair and On Call 24/7 Maintenance Residential & Commercial Thompson www.paulsplumbing.ca • Straightforward pricing 100% Customer Satisfaction

GIve us a Call!

Tax preparation services We prepare all types of tax returns â– â–

Accurate & affordable Experienced tax preparers

â– â–

Year-round service Audit assistance

Call or visit us: 125 Commercial Place Thompson MB Phone 677 0277 Fax 677 0276

www.hrblock.ca

Big City Fashion

PRINCE FURNITURE & APPLIANCES 93 Churchill Dr.

Tel: 204-677-1057

Insurance Claims • Renovation • New Builds

Insurance Store Ph: 677-9991 • Fax: 778-5145

THIS SPOT CAN BE YOURS!

mjsantos@mts.net

THOMPSON, MB

City Centre Mall - The Insurance Service Ltd.

Mario J. Santos

Thompson, MB

204-677-5204

Derek Maude P: 204-677-4272 C: 204-307-0032

NORTH CENTRE MALL NORTH CENTRE MALL

3 Station Road Thompson, MB R8N 0N3 Phone 677-3642 Fax: 778-6557 Office Rentals

3-33 Severn Cres.

Thompson, MB R8N 1M7

Including wolf, polar bear and wildlife related souvenirs.

FIND US... N55 43’38.61 W97 52’18.45. Or ďŹ rst left as you enter, or last right as you leave ompson - 216 Hayes Rd. Pete & Ray are just two old farts with big hearts who will gladly look after you.

OPEN DAILY 8 am - 9 pm. Ph/Fx 204 778 6819

N.C. Crossroad Lanes

10 Pin & 5 Pin Bowling • Glow Bowling Sports Bar • Strikers Lounge Homemade Pizza • VLTs • Video Games Computerized Scoring • Birthday Parties Twoonie Tuesdays • Closed Sundays + Holidays 2nd Floor North Centre Mall - 677-4415 Nick Di Virgilio, Proprietor

HAIR STUDIO-TANNING SALON-PIERCING PARLOUR

3 STATION ROAD SECOND FLOOR

OPEN 204-778-5432 MONDAYS

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 9

Sports

40 Celebra

ting 40 years

LIMA Janitorial s e r v i c e

l i m i t e d

“Complete Janitorial & Carpet Cleaning Professionals” • Property Management Services • Air Purifiers, Dehumidifiers, Blowers & Ozonators • IICRC Restoration Certified

204-677-4327

Citizen Sports Call Ian at 677-4534 ext 5

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

or email sports@thompsoncitizen.net

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

Skate seminar

Thompson Citizen photos courtesy of Skate Thompson Thirty-five skaters from Skate Thompson and Skate Gillam participated in a skate seminar presented by Monica Lockie and Sharon Maki Feb. 21-22 in Thompson.

Hometown hockey handouts Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Deandra Howard Rogers Hometown Hockey brand ambassadors Deandra Howard (back left) and Darion Latchman (back right) hand out Rogers Hometown Hockey Pucks during parents and tots at the Thompson Regional Community Centre with Jenny Zawatsky and Cora Grant.

Lorne & Tamara Hambleton, proud ex-Thompsonites, would like to announce the arrival of their daughter,

Lauren Mackenzie Hambleton

She was born at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, ON on Wednesday February 4th, 2015. She was born at 2:37pm, weighing 8 lbs, 14oz and measuring 19 11/16 inches.

Lights, camera, action!

Proud grandparents are Norman & Patra Kitzul and Wade & Johanna Fudge.

MACMILLAN, FLO

ratulations g n o C Maureen McCartney On your

President’s Gold Award

2014

The passing of Flo MacMillan, beloved wife, mother and grandmother occurred at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, February 26, 2015 with her family at her bedside.

Flo or “Florrie”, as she was affectionately known by her siblings, was born on Lachute, Quebec on December 20, 1940, one of ten children born to Henry and Gladys McDonald. Flo enjoyed spending time with her family, also games of cribbage and especially bingo.

She is survived by her husband, Donald and her children; Malcolm (Dori), Scott (Loretta) of Thompson and Carla (Alana) of Winnipeg.

She also leaves granddaughter Hannah and step-grandson, Scott Boyes and his children, Danica and Zachary. Flo is also survived by six siblings; Kay, Freda, Gus, Brenda, Malcolm and Linda. She was predeceased by her parents and sisters; Norma, Betty and brother, Bruce.

A graveside service will be held in August of this year.

Maureen McCartney- Sales Advisor 204-679-0067 www.royallepagethompson.ca

Announcement of those details will be published closer to the time of service. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Flo to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Unit 5B, 457-9th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4A9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www. memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & PrePlanning Centre, 1-855-727-0330.

Thompson Citizen photo by Molly Gibson Kirby A Rogers Hometown Hockey crew interviews Ethan Meilleur for a feature on Meilleur placing second in a kid reporter contest, and his family’s Winnipeg Jets themed basement.

NOW RENTING • • • • • • • •

Large 1-bedroom suites Close to all amenities, schools, hospital, shopping On site security Indoor heated salt water pool Sauna and fitness centre Rent includes all utilities Rent starting at $845.00 per month Open daily from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Ask about our 1 month free rent incentive For more information contact Edith at 204-677-4942 or email forestview2014@gmail.com

Page 10

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Sports

Bronze butterfly:Thompson swimmer third at national university championships

Birdie bashers

EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Badminton Manitoba Kennedy Murray, left, and Alyssa Campbell, right, of Thompson were among the participants at the first-ever Yonex Norman Open badminton tournament put on by Badminton Manitoba at R.D. Parker Collegiate Feb. 21-22.

Saunders will represent Canada at Pan-Am Championships

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson-raised national racquetball champion Jennifer Saunders is one of seven players selected by Racquetball Canada to compete for her country at the 2015 Pan American Championships in the Dominican Republic later this month.

Saunders, who holds the Canadian record with eight women’s singles national championships – the last six of them consecutively – and is also a member of the current doubles national championship, the 10th of her career, will represent Canada in women’s singles and in women’s doubles with Christine Richardson of Regina. She and Richardson won a bronze medal at the 2012 Pan American Championships.

Other players who will compete at the championships, which start March 28 in Santo Domingo, include Vincent Gagnon of Montreal, Mike Green of Burlington, Ont., Pedro Castro of Brossard, Que. and Samuel Murray of Baie Comeau, Que., as well as Michele Morrissette, also from Baie Comeau. The head coach is Michel Gagnon of Longeuil, Que. and Evan Pritchard of Winnipeg is the assistant coach.

King Miners top midget AA standings

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The Thompson King Miners won two of their final three games in the Norman Regional Minor Hockey Association midget AA league to finish the season with 35 points, one more than The Pas Huskies, who defeated Thompson 5-4 in their final game of the season at Roy H. Johnston Arena March 1.

The King Miners closed out February with a win, beating the OCN Blizzard 11-3 in OCN. Details of those games were not available at press time.

The King Miners also hit double digits Feb. 26 in Split Lake, defeating the Split Lake Eagles 11-4. Alex Murray led Thompson with a hat trick and Justin Spence had two goals, while Oscar Lefreniere, Charles Monger, Trent North, Gordon Reuther, Evan Ritchie and Drake Zimmerman each had one goal.

Dreelee Beardy and Payton Beardy each had a pair of goals for Split Lake, who got 52 saves from goaltender Julien Kirkness. Kenton Brass made 32 saves to get the win for Thompson.

The King Miners were 16-5-3 in 24 games

sixth in the women’s 50-metre freestyle, eighth in the women’s 100-metre freestyle and 17th in the women’s 100-metre butterfly.

The Bisons women finished 15th overall as a team with 40 points, 26 points more than at last year’s national swimming championships.

Moors was named the Smitty’s Bisons sports female athlete of the week for her accomplishments, her third such award in the 201415 season.

BY IAN GRAHAM Swimmer Kimberly Moors from Thompson was the only member of the University of Manitoba Bisons women’s swim team to win a medal at the 2015 Canadian Interuniversity Sports swimming championships at the University of Victoria Feb. 19-21, capturing a bronze medal in the women’s 50-metre butterfly with a time of 27.46 seconds.

Moors finished five spots higher than in the

Kimberly Moors same event at last year’s national championships and is the first Bison women’s swimmer to capture a national medal since 2006. She was also

RDPC junior varsity basketball teams headed to provincials

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

R.D. Parker Collegiate’s junior varsity basketball teams are both headed to provincials after winning the Zone 11 championships Feb. 27-28 in The Pas. The boys’ team booked their berth in provincials

by beating the host Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute (MBCI) Spartans 49-32 in the final after scorching the Otter Nelson River School Nikiks from Cross Lake 82-39 in the semifinals. The Trojans were also undefeated in the round robin, beating the Hapnot Collegiate

Institute Kopper Kings from Flin Flon 82-16, the Nikiks 83-35 and MBCI 56-40.

The Trojan girls beat the Hapnot Kopper Kweens 50-43 in overtimes in the final and MBCI 50-29 in the semifinals. Scores from those games were not available at press

time. In the round robin, the girls beat MBCI 3522 and the Nikiks 60-36 while dropping a 43-42 nailbiter to Hapnot.

The AAA junior varsity girls’ basketball provincials are in Lorette March 12-14 while the boys’ provincials are in Beausejour the same weekend.

Wild drop two in a row to lose playoff series

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The Norman Wild were defeated two games to one in their Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League best-of-three playoff series against the Yellowhead Chiefs Feb. 27-March 1 in Shoal Lake.

The Chiefs blanked the Wild 4-0 in the deciding game on Sunday, getting goals from Tatum Amy, McKenna Paddock and a pair from Jessi Rampton, while goaltender Miranda Cook made 16 saves.

It was also a four-goal margin of victory for Yellowhead the previous day, when Hannah Fouillard scored two and Kirsten Brown, Emma Coulter and Sam Geekie had one apiece in a 5-1 victory that saw Cook make 11 saves in net.

The Wild opened the series with a 3-0 shutout as goaltender Kerigan Dowhy stopped 63 shots and Alyssa Bertholet, Ashley Murphy and Cailey Salisbury each scored one goal. Chiefs goaltender Emma Greenwood made 18 saves.

Kerigan Dowhy

Take advantage of our

St. Patrick’s Day promotion!

Running on March 11 in the Thompson Citizen and March 13

in the Nickel Belt News For more information Call 204-677-4534 or Email bvarma@thompsoncitizen.net ashley@thompsoncitizen.net

FREE COLOUR on ads 1/8 of a page or larger

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 11

News

Thompson teachers talk tech have the right to food’ and they’re making a garden, and a fenced-in area for animals.” Bettess went on to explain the others. “For education they’re designing a classroom, for water they’re building wells, for laws and rules they’ve got a road with signs that say ‘please don’t speed’ and stop signs.”

Rob Fisher, the principal of R.D Parker Collegiate will be speaking about coding, and why it’s important to try it with students. “When I was at Riverside I did some coding with our makers club.

We are possibly offering a Grade 10 computer science course next year at RDPC that will teach students how to program computers (or code). Some people say writing programs, or coding, to get computers, phones, or mobile devices to do what you imagine them to do is ‘the only real superpower people have today.’”

Two other people will be joining in on the conversation about coding, Dave Wall from Winnipeg, and Wes Fryer from Oklahoma.

The third speaker is Teri Aniceto, a Grade 2 teacher at Burntwood School. She will talk about how her classroom interacts with others using Skype and Twitter.

“We share our thinking and learning, not only with each other, but with students and classes all over the world.

Skype also allows us to learn from actual experts. For example, in addition to read-

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Local educators are invited to the Westwood School library for an evening of pizza and learning. It’s called the Thompson TIN, a technology information night, put on through the Manitoba Association of Computing Educators (ManACE).

Zoe Bettess, a Grade 3 teacher at Westwood School, helped put the event together. “It’s the chance for teachers to come and learn about different things others are doing with technology. They have them five or six times a year down south, but it’s hard for teachers from here to go because it’s an evening, so we can’t make it. We decided that since I was a member of ManACE I would ask if we could have one here.”

ManACE agreed and will be providing some pizza for attendees and three local schoolteachers will be speaking about how they’re using technology in their classrooms.

Bettess started using Minecraft, a computerbuilding program, which has become extremely popular in the computer world.

Her class currently is learning about six basic human rights, food, water, shelter, education, rules, and safety.

“So they decided in groups how they were going to show that in Minecraft.

For food, they’re going to put up a sign that says ‘we

ing books about sharks, we Skyped with an actual marine biologist and got to hear about her first hand experience with sharks up close.

I think these new technologies allow us to connect with the content like never before.”

Aniceto says the students love the social media. “There is no bigger reward as a teacher than when you see the excitement on a student’s face when an author you’re studying tweets your class a response to their question or when a reluctant writer asks if she can be an author when she grows up after Skyping with a Canadian children’s book author.”

Bettess believes as a teacher it’s important to show tech safety to the children. “From my perspective technology is extremely important because more and more students are using it at a younger age. My view on it, as well as a lot of educators, is that it’s better for us to show them how to do it responsibly, and educate them to be responsible digit-

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of Teri Aniceto Students of Teri Aniceto use Skype to connect with people all around the world. al citizens.”

After the safety is learnt, it’s a nice way for parents to see into the classroom virtually Aniceto says. “The future of tech in the classroom is exciting to think about. I’m excited about the possibility of giving parents an inside look into our classroom. We tweet or post Instagram pictures almost daily and the students get excited to see their parents’ comment on

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF: THE ESTATE OF LESLIE WAYNE TURNER, late of the City of Thompson, in the Province of Manitoba, Deceased.

ALL claims against the above estate, duly veri¿ed by Statutory Declaration, must be ¿led with the undersigned at their of¿ces at Unit 3-360 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba, R1A 1N3, on or before the 15th day of April, 2015.

DATED at Selkirk, Manitoba, this 23rd day of February, 2015.

PROPOSAL INVITATION

• 1 Westwood • 2 Burntwood • 3 Riverside/Deerwood • 4 Eastwood • 5 Juniper/Southwood/BTC

The City of Thompson will be receiving sealed Proposals until 11:00 am, local time Friday, March 20, 2015 to the Attention of the Purchasing Agent, at City Hall, 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB for the following services.

MARCH 2015

RFP #11615 – Professional Consulting Services for 2015 Regional Street Renewal Program

2

TUE

WED

3

4

THU

5

FRI

6

3 4 5 1 2 9 10 11 12 13 3 4 5 1 2 16 17 18 19 20 3 4 5 1 2 23 24 25 26 27 3 4 5 1 2 30 31 3 4

The automated carts must be placed along your curb no later than 8 am on the day of scheduled pickup AT LEAST one metre apart from other cart/objects.

No Parking on residential streets between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 pm during Garbage/Recycle days for that area.

Example: if it is Westwood’s Garbage/Recycle day there is to be no parking on the residential streets in the Westwood Area.

This is to aid in the safety for both the residents of Thompson as well as City crews. Vehicles found parked on the streets will be ticketed.

The lowest or any Proposal need not be accepted by the City of Thompson. The City shall have the right to evaluate competing bids in accordance with its own criteria for evaluation applied to the specific item or worked being bid whether or not such criteria has been expressly related to the Proposal. The City of Thompson reserves the right to award the Proposal which it deems to be in the best interest of the City.

March. 5, at the Westwood School library. Kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers can attend, as well as specialists.

It may be a step out of some teachers’ comfort zones, but Bettess hopes for a good turnout. “Come see what we’re doing, it’s a riskfree environment, and learn different ways to incorporate technology into your classroom.”

School District of Mystery Lake Change in Location for Regular Board Meeting on March 10, 2015 The Board of Trustees of the School District of Mystery Lake will be holding the March 10, 2015 board meeting in the library at R.D. Parker Collegiate.

Meeting time is 7:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend.

CONNIE WEIPERT LAW OFFICE SOLICITORS FOR THE ADMINISTRATRIX

AUTOMATED COLLECTION

MON

or favourite our pictures.

As a parent myself, I think it’d be awesome to see my children’s learning in action since I can’t be sitting in their classroom myself. These little glimpses into their worlds at school open up conversations at home and, I feel, can make parents feel like members of our classroom community, too.”

The event will be on

Success for All

Winterfest

March 7 & 8, 2015 Thompson Regional Community Centre Opera Mouse

The Bubbleman

Saturday March 7 Noon-6 Aboriginal Arts Centre Market Noon/2pm/4pm The Bubbleman Deluxe Kids Show

The City shall have the right to disqualify the bidder from the Proposal process if they have failed to complete their obligations under any prior contract with the City of Thompson or has entered into a legal dispute.

Proposal documents may be obtained at the office of the Purchasing Agent, Phone (204) 677-7974 or email jkopp@thompson.ca

1pm/3pm Tawipisim School of Aboriginal Dance and Music: Children’s Jigging Demo 5:00 Thompson Community Band 6:00pm Bonfire 7:00pm Fire Works

Sunday March 8 Noon-6 Aboriginal Arts Centre Market Noon/2pm/4pm Opera Mouse 1pm/3pm Jigging Demo

226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB R8N 1S6

www.thompson.ca

For more Information: Ph# 204-677-7952 or visit www.thompson.ca

Page 12

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

News

Something’s got to give to help small businesses in Manitoba

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

During the Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting, Elliot Sims, Manitoba director of provincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) spoke to members.

Sims focused on fixing the fundamentals and how to rebuild Manitoba’s small business edge. Manitoba is tied for last, with Quebec, as being the least confident in small business, with only eight per cent saying they are confident. That needs to change says Sims, as Manitoba has a lot to offer. “Manitoba has so many things going for it. We have a great geographical location at the heart of North America, we’ve got one of the best workforces in the world that is educated and willing to work. Unfortunately we’re not being allowed to work in the ways we need to create a competitive environment where our products are services are at a competitive rate.”

Sims went on to say the difference between the public and private sector

is too much. “The CFIB is concerned that provincial government wages and benefits are significantly higher than those that are offered in the private sector. What that does is it creates an incentive for individuals to move into the public sector because of higher wages and benefits which means we’re having to compete with our own tax dollars because governments are raising taxes to pay those pension benefits.”

There is a need to reduce the benefit and wage advantage so the public sector employers are paying at rates comparable to those in the private sector. If that was to happen Sims say it would make it easier for small businesses and it would create more discretionary income for Manitobans to save for retirement.

“Now is actually the ideal time to start having some of those discussions because the provincial government is in negations with MGEU (Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union) for their main civil service collective bar-

gaining arrangement. So now is the time to be talking about how we move the conversation to looking at shared risked pension plans for new employers.”

Sims suggests for every new employee there needs to be a sustainable pension model that provides security but at the same time doesn’t destroy the retirement security for everyday taxpayers.

Another topic Sims brought up was the state of the province’s debt.

“Manitoba has a real problem with operating spending. Since 2010 the general debt levels have gone up by nearly 30 per cent, nearly $2.5 billion in five years.”

To stop Manitoba’s debt problem Sims says the province has to get spending under control, and get back to a balanced budget as soon as possible.

Thompson also has some work to do. “The operating spending from 20082012 hasn’t been close to that range of being sustainable. The population has gone down by about two per cent by that time, says Statistics Canada. At

Thompson Citizen photo by Molly Gibson Kirby Elliot Sims, Manitoba director of provincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, spoke during the Thompson Chamber of Commerce AGM on Feb. 25. the same time real operating spending has grown by nine per cent.”

Labour costs are what are driving the high costs, Sims says.

The CFIB is determined to protect small businesses around the country, while still promoting that it’s a good time to start a business. The federation does this in a few ways.

“We have to make sure the governments under-

stand the reality of running a small business and ensure they address those critical concerns whether that be taxes or regulations, to make it easier for businesses to comply with them, and to have rates that are reasonable so it won’t discourage them from going into business in the first place.”

They also offer a number of resources for their members when it comes to

finding the best, and most cost-efficient supplier.

Sims finished off by saying that other provinces are moving in the right direction when it comes to addressing the concerns of small businesses, and are helping create jobs and grow the economy, but Manitoba is at a standstill. “We just need a provincial government that will work with us to make that happen.”

Small and medium enterprises make up 98 per cent of Manitoba businesses

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Individually, they may be small, but together, small- and medium-

sized businesses make up a big part of the Manitoba economy, says Elliot Sims, Manitoba affairs director for

the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Small businesses – defined by Statistics

RCMP seek public’s help to locate violent offender

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Thompson RCMP are asking for public assistance in locating 31-year-old Blake Benedict Clemons, who has an arrest warrant for assault causing bodily harm and failing to comply with court-ordered conditions. He is also bound by multiple court orders and conditions pertaining to violence-related offences.

Clemons is described at 6’2” and approximately 220 pounds, with tribal art and barbed wire tattoos on his neck and scars on both eyebrows.

Police say Clemons, whom they believe to be hiding out in Thompson, has been involved in multiple violent offences and should not be approached by members of the public.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-7197.

Thompson Citizen photo courtesy of RCMP Thompson RCMP are asking for public assistance in locating 31-year-old Blake Benedict Clemons.

Canada as having 100 employees or fewer – and medium-sized enterprises – those with between 100 and 500 employees – represent more than 98 per cent of Manitoba’s 80,000 businesses, with a large majority – about 70 per cent – employing fewer than 20 employees.

“We’re talking about the smallest of the small businesses,” said Sims, who spoke with the Thompson Citizen the day after giving a speech to the Thompson Chamber of Commerce.

Nevertheless, they play a big role in the economy, as there are only 60 businesses with more than 500 employees in Manitoba and the ones below that threshold generate about a quarter of the provincial GDP. The CFIB has 109,000 members nationwide, including 4,800 in Manitoba and 50 in Thompson.

Each of those members pays a membership fee to the organization, which Sims described as nonprofit and non-partisan, in exchange for the services it provides, one of which is communicating the concerns of small

business to governments, particularly the provincial and municipal levels, something that many small businesses can’t effectively do themselves.

“You don’t have time to run down to Winnipeg,” said Sims.

The CFIB is particularly concerned with engaging municipal governments, whose spending often outstrips sustainability, which the CFIB defines as inflation plus population growth.

“It’s reasonable to up spending to account for inflation,” he said, noting that many municipalities, including Thompson, see spending rise faster than that.

“Municipalities have a really bad track record when it comes to spending.”

Positions taken by the CFIB are voted on by members in a onemember, one-vote survey system, and the organization also provides other services to members like counsellors to answer questions about government regulations, put them in touch with the relevant people in government and help them deal with red tape.

Small businesses provide many services that benefit the economy as a whole – spending $18 billion a year on training in Canada, including $12 billion on informal training – which often doesn’t pay off as well as it should when larger businesses or government departments siphon off those nowtrained employees.

“Governments don’t always recognize the value of informal training. The only way you learn some of these things … is by learning from your co-workers on the job,” said Sims, adding that small business owners also contribute to the quality of life in their communities. “They have their own flair and they do give back to the community.”

What’s more, under the proper conditions, small- and mediumsized businesses, which are often among the most innovative, can grow into big ones. Sims points out that one of CFIB’s former members expanded to become one of Canada’s best known companies: Research in Motion, the makers of the BlackBerry.

Page 13

www.thompsoncitizen.net

CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET 112 • CHURCH SERVICES

501 • HOUSES FOR RENT

LIVING WATER CHURCH

3 BEDROOM 2 STOREY home on Walnut Ave. $1250.00 per month plus utilities. Available immediately.

Garage, electric heat, references required. Call 204-677-3851 or email: homesforrent@mts.net. 9-1-nb

Pastor Archie McKay Ph: 677-2469 Sunday services @ 7:00pm.

Light of the North Church 32 Nelson Road CHRISTIAN COUNCIL DIRECTORY ST. JAMES ANGLICAN Rev. Jean Arthurson-Ouskan 10 Caribou 677-4652 11 am ST. JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC 340 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH Fr Joseph Subhash and Fr Guna Sekhar 114 Cree R. 677-0160 Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy 126 Goldeye 677-3435 Sunday School 9:45 am, Church 11:00 am ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN 249 Thompson Dr. 204-677-2799 Pastor Murat Kuntel 11 am Church Service CHRISTIAN CENTRE FELLOWSHIP Pastor Ted Goossen 328 Thompson Dr. N. 677-4457 Sun. School 9:45 am • Service 11 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Ps Peter Elias 456 Westwood Dr. S. Ph. 778-8037 Service @ 11 am LUTHERAN-UNITED CHURCH OF THOMPSON congregations worship at 52 Caribou Rd. at 10:30 am Sundays.

Phone 204-677-4495 APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH 111 GOLDEYE CRESCENT Service Schedule Sunday 11:00 am Worship Service 3:00 pm Sunday School 7:00 pm Evening service Wednesday: 7:00 pm Bible study followed by prayer time. Contact us at 204-679-2693 or 204-677-5003

507 • PROPERTY FOR SALE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY for Sale: Two side by side Apartment Buildings located on Cree Road. Five Units (2 large upper, 3 lower) in each. Several, ongoing renovations since 2007 to include windows, roof/shingles and two wood sheds. Currently fully furnished, set-up for housing facility or for on-site living/rentals. Contents negotiable. Call (204) 679-5153 or email mmlaway@mts.net for more information or to view. Serious inquires only. 8-2-nb

510 • RETAIL/OFFICE SPACE 55 SELKIRK 280 1st fl & 910 2nd fl, 79 Selkirk: 400 & 2000 storefront, 23 Nelson: 1000 industrial call : 204-778-5511 or 204-679-0915.

37-tfn-nb OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 500-5000 sq ft. available. Cameron/ Hoe building 81 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto.

204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306477-5668. 20-tfn-nb

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS EVERYONE WELCOME SUNDAYS AT 10 AM 83 COPPER RD For more information, church tours or home visits call the Missionaries at 204-939-4382 or visit Mormon.org GATEWAY BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Dave Cook 35 Station Road 204-679-9000 Sunday School 10:00 AM Service 11:00, PM Service 7:00 Prayer Meeting- Wednesday 7 PM

201 • SERVICES STRUGGLING WITH DEBT? LET OUR FAMILY HELP YOUR FAMILY Understand the options available to assist with your financial situation (Arrangements with Creditors or Bankruptcy) FREE CONSULTATION

KEITH G. COLLINS LTD. Trustee in Bankruptcy Phone 944-0187 1-800-263-0070 46a-e-tfnb WATTISTAR MAINTENANCE all general maintenance! Including interior painting, home/office cleaning, disposal of household washers and dryers and more! Free estimates call 204-307-1547. 5-GCD-10 -d

302 • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY and dry cleaners for sale. Coverall and mat rental business. 5000 sq ft building (new roof 2013) 145 Hayes Rd. Satellite store at Thompson Plaza. Interested parties contact: 204-778-8393. 9-tfn-nb

502 • APT/TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available immediately

9 - 35 Ashberry Place For applications

phone 204-677-5758 or fax 204-677-5803

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Homeless being counted in Thompson

BY MOLLY GIBSON KIRBY MOLLY@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

The University of Manitoba (UM) and the University College of the North (UCN) will be helping with a Thompson Point in Time (PIT) Count. The count is a strategy used to help determine the extent of homelessness in a community on a given night, or at a single point-intime.

Marleny Bonnycastle, assistant professor with UM, says after the count happens they will write a report, which will be available to the public.

“We’ll have a general survey with different kinds of questions. When we finish this we will write a report, and in the report we will give information about how many people are chronic homeless people, how many are at risk of being homeless, and that we have to make sure there’s enough beds for people who don’t have homes.”

Questions included in the survey will be demographic information, with no names. Age, gender, ethnicity, how long they’ve been homeless for, if they’re from Thompson or out of town, and if they’re from Manitoba or another province.

The count will also include people staying at places like the YWCA and the

Thompson Citizen photo by Molly Gibson Kirby Marleny Bonnycastle, assistant professor for the University of Manitoba, facility of social work is spearheading a Point in count, to count the homeless in Thompson.

Thompson Crisis Centre.

This PIT Count is through Service Canada and over 61 communities have collected data on their cities homeless.

The Thompson community Action Board (CAB) contacted UM and asked if that would be something they’d be interested in helping with. Students in second year at UM taking the systemic inquiry course will be helping Bonnycastle.

Bonnycastle says it’s a needed document for people to have available to them, like the City of Thompson, and agencies that help the homeless like

the Thompson Homeless Shelter and Men Are Part of the Solution (MAPS) The data collection started on Mar. 3, in the evening with agencies that had the possibility of housing homeless people for the night counting how many people were there. Today, Mar. 4, the rest of the data is being collected.

Bonnycastle has created a team of researchers to help with the surveys.

Volunteers from MAPS will be out interviewing, the Youth Aboriginal Council from R.D Parker Collegiate will be handing out backpacks full

of goodies to the displaced people, and there are different student and teacher volunteers. “The important part is exposing the students to this kind of experience. They are learning how to work with the very vulnerable population, and seeing it’s out there, but that there’s support available also.”

The report will be available to the public at the end of March, early April. Bonnycastle says they plan on doing this again in 2016, so see how homelessness has changed in Thompson in one year.

Medical students get a taste of rural and northern practice

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Future doctors currently in their third year at the University of Manitoba (UM) medical school are gaining exposure to rural and northern medicine through hands-on experience with patients at hospitals, doctors’ offices and outpatient clinics.

Over 80 third-year medical students, or more than 90 per cent, complete family medicine rotations – part of 48 weeks of rotations focusing on major clinical disciplines – in rural or northern settings.

Another 20 also complete rotations in Thompson, Portage la Prairie and Brandon in obstetrics/ gynecology, surgery and other specialties.

Periods are spent in family/community medicine, internal medicine,

obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, internal medicine and surgery selectives, and in a multiple specialty rotation consisting of anesthesia, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and a community health sciences project,” said Ilana Simon, director of communications and marketing for the UM College of Medicine. “The primary responsibility of the clerks in each of the eight sixweek rotations is the care of patients under the supervision of postgraduate students and faculty. Formal teaching of the pertinent knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour to the discipline is provided during the clerkship rotations.”

Nathan Coleman, now a first-year resident in the

Family Medicine Northern & Remote Stream, said a northern mentorship program experience piqued his interest in the north.

“I really liked the comprehensive approach,” said Coleman in a UM College of Medicine news release. “Through that exposure and med school it was confirmed that I like the whole person, whole lifespan approach.”

A five-week family medicine rotation in Churchill was the catalyst for Timothy Gosselin, now a first-year resident in the Family Medicine Bilingual stream, to realize that rural practice would suit him well.

“I felt really blessed by my preceptors who took an interest in me as a person, invested time, modelled continuity of care, and mentored me during

my time there,” he said.

Aspiring doctors are first exposed to rural and northern medicine in “Rural Week” during May of their first year in medical school. About 110 of them get a one-week practical learning experience that provides an opportunity for communities to showcase themselves as rewarding places for doctors to pursue their careers.

The College of Medicine’s residency training program gives 15 residents the opportunity to train in the Family Medicine Northern & Remote stream in northern Manitoba communities.

“We hope, after students gain rural and northern health care experience, that they will consider returning to practice in a rural setting,” said Dr.

NEED TO ADVERTISE? CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET OR PHONE 204-677-4534

Don Klassen, associate head of distributed medical education in UM’s Dept. of Family Medicine and medical director at Manitoba’s Office of Rural and Northern Health (ORNH).

“I want to sincerely thank all of the rural communities and their physicians, clinics and health care providers for being so involved with training the next generation of healthcare providers. Their rigorous teaching and broad clinical environments along with their warm hospitality expose our students to the benefits of rural medicine,” said Dr. Brian Postl, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UM. “Distributed teaching sites give our students an all-around exceptional experience of what rural practice and rural living are like.”

Page 14

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

News

Schools locked down, armed man arrested in Cranberry Portage

BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Cranberry Portage RCMP arrested an armed man with the assistance

of officers from The Pas and Flin Flon Feb. 26.

Police received a call about an armed man in a residence at about

11:32 a.m. on Feb. 26 and Frontier Collegiate Institute and Cranberry Portage Elementary School were locked

down for about an hour as a precaution before the man was taken into custody without incident.

Interested candidates please submit resume to: allan.murray@xerox.com

Front Desk Attendant, Housekeeping, Breakfast Attendant Resumes can be dropped off in person to Donna Wilson at 45 Moak Cres, or emailed to: Donna@QualityInnThompson.com The interest of all applicants is appreciated, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PLUMBING INSTRUCTOR

Interested in joining the Xerox team?

What we offer you: • Voted one of the “50 Best Employers” in Canada.

• World renowned training.

• Industry leader.

Accepting resumes for

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

Xerox is looking for a Full Time Technical Service Representative (TSR) in Thompson, MB

What you have to offer us: • Post secondary technical diploma or certificate.

• Strong technical knowledge and competence.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Strong communication skills.

• Self-starter, able to work independently, without • direct supervision.

• Willing to overnight while supporting adjacent territories

Award Winning Quality Inn & Suites

Assistant Coordinator Kisewatisiwin Services-The Pas, MB Competition No. 2346.02.15 Macdonald Youth Services requires an Assistant Coordinator for the Kisewatisiwin Services Area located in The Pas Manitoba. The Assistant Coordinator provides overall clinical and administrative leadership to the service area of Kisewatisiwin operations serving families in The Pas/OCN. QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY TO DO THE JOB: Postsecondary degree/training (BSW or equivalent), several years’ experience in managing/supervising staff, experience in a clinical environment, ability to operate from a systemic framework, good communication and team skills, valid driver’s license, possess a current (within 3 months) or willingness to obtain a Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search), possess a current (within 3 months) or willingness to obtain a Child Abuse Registry Check.

Classification: Instructor Full-Time Term Position: A.S.A.P. to June 26, 2015 (possibility of extension) Norway House, Manitoba Competition No. 15-011 Closing Date: March 13, 2015 or until position is filled

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

Thompson (866) 677.6450

SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - $68,340 d.o.q. per annum plus northern allowance and a competitive benefits and pension plan.

NEED TO ADVERTISE? CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET OR PHONE 204-677-4534

Resumes may be faxed, 778-7778, emailed, northern.careers@ mys.mb.ca, or delivered to 102-83 Churchill Drive Thompson, MB quoting competition number before 12:00 noon March 5, 2015.

MYS is committed to developing and retaining a diverse workforce. All successful applicants may also be required to apply for a Prior Contact Check. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

www.thompsoncitizen.net

news | sports | opinion | entertainment | community

BE A

TRAILBLAZER. The University of Manitoba is a place where you can define your future and your career. Our commitment to discovery and community encompasses everything we do, from the education we offer students to the workplace we create for staff.

JOB VACANCY Native Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (NADAP) ADVISOR Permanent Position Under the supervision and general direction of the Keewatin Tribal Council Director of Health and in collaboration with the Keewatin Tribal Council Mental Health Team, the NADAP Advisor will assist KTC member communities by providing advisory services in the field of alcoholism and/or addictions.

Qualifications: •

•

The University of Manitoba offers excellent benefits, world-class facilities and an inspirational environment where you can shape your career and make a positive impact every day.

•

Receptionist Northern Social Work Program

•

The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work in Thompson, invites applications for the position of Receptionist (Office Assistant 2 Level). This position is primarily responsible for reception duties and office assistance to program staff.

•

Applicants must have completed a formal training program in a related discipline from a recognized institution plus have one year of directly related experience. An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. We are looking for candidates with excellent keyboarding skills and a proficiency in introductory applications - Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Desktop Publishing are essential. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to prioritize work and handle a varied workload, as well as be self-motivated and able to work independently.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills, particularly by communicating professionally and diplomatically while guarding confidentiality at all times.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate good judgement in serving the needs of the program and its customers. Knowledge of, contact with, or a certain understanding of Aboriginal culture and issues would certainly be considered an asset when applying for this position.

This position is a part-time leave replacement with an expected end date approximately 1 year after start date, 17.5 hours per week to start as soon as possible. Further information on this available position, as well as detailed instructions on setting up an account and submitting an application may be found on our Employment Opportunities site, www.umanitoba.ca/employment under Requisition Number: 1040.CSTS. This position will close on March 9, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information on this and other opportunities, please visit: umanitoba.ca/employment

please recycle and keep the earth green

•

• • • • • •

Completion of post-secondary school training or specialized training in area of chemical dependency.

Experience in activities related to alcohol and addictions and in the development of community based prevention and support programs.

Good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.

The ability to work as a member of a team or independently.

Knowledge of and experience in Case Management.

Knowledge of prevention resource, FN Community resources and Treatment options.

Previous experience in the NADAP program an asset.

Knowledge of the Cree cultural.

Basic ccomputer skills essential.

Must be willing to travel.

A valid driver’s license would be an asset.

Ability to speak Cree or Dene would be an asset.

A written application with detailed resume, including at least two references, with written permission to contact the references should be submitted to: Lisa Beardy - Office Manager Keewatin Tribal Council Inc. 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N 0Y4 Lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax No.: 204-677-0256 Applications will be accepted until 4:00pm Wednesday, March 11, 2015. We would like to thank those that apply for the position, but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 15

Careers

PREVENTION EDUCATION CONSULTANT

Reporting to the Community Based Supervisor, the incumbent will provide education and prevention programs to target groups and the general population in accordance with the programming policies of the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM); initiate and respond to Prevention, Education service requests from AFM staff, individuals, groups and organizations; conduct client assessments and referrals; provide rehabilitative counselling to individuals and/or family members concerned with an individual’s involvement with alcohol, drugs or gambling. Counselling services are provided on an individual and/or group basis. Some travel and evening work will be required.

The Prevention Education Consultant will demonstrate the following: • Ability to communicate respectfully and positively with clients and staff and presents self in an approachable and friendly manner.

• Demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm for client-centered care and displays empathy and compassion.

• Exhibits the ability to respond to client requests and crises in a responsible, timely and flexible manner.

• Demonstrates the ability to balance his/her needs with the needs of clients, other staff persons and those of the organization.

• Ability to effectively manage one’s own emotions and maintain composure under a broad range of challenging circumstances and to think clearly, stay focused and act decisively under pressure.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for ongoing professional development activities, and engages in reciprocal learning experiences with colleagues and supervisors.

• Recognizes the importance of regular individual and team supervision meetings.

• Demonstrates active listening abilities, is coachable and responds positively to supervision.

• Works collaboratively in the context of a provincial organization, with numerous colleagues, to ensure a consistent “One AFM” approach.

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to personal and professional ethics, integrity and responsibility.

Responsibilities: • Seeking out and maintaining resources and cutting-edge knowledge/research in the addictions field.

• Engage in research and writing to support program development.

• Actively reaching out to internal and external stakeholders to share the most recent, innovative information on addictions by providing literature scans/reviews, summaries of research and identifying information of particular interest.

• Participate in and contribute to the development of new programming in alignment with evidence informed practices in the addictions field and AFM standards, and ensures its implementation.

• Demonstrate skill and knowledge related to Motivational Interviewing techniques and coaching skills.

• Promoting the Knowledge Exchange Centre and its valuable resources to staff and our partners.

• Network with Knowledge Exchange Centre and the provincial PEC team to ensure two way flow of knowledge.

• Contribute to staff development by developing and performing staff development projects as requested.

• Participate as a member of the Youth East and Central Manitoba leadership team.

• Carry out intake, assessment, individual/group counselling, facilitation of psycho-educational groups as needed.

• Facilitating AFM courses, presentations, training and external committee work.

• Be involved with occasional Service Requests that are related to alcohol, drugs or gambling and focused on capacity building with service providers.

• Collaborating with our partners to promote evidence informed decision making tools.

• Demonstrate the ability to operate Microsoft software applications, internet and email communications.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline (Education, Social Sciences) with at least two years related experience working with adults and youth in an educational setting and/or a suitable combination of education and experience. Skills in developing, teaching, implementing and evaluating of educational programs to youth and adults; experience with organizing community activities and organizations are required.

A high level of knowledge of the addictions field is necessary. A demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner verbally and in writing is required along with excellent interpersonal skills. Strong collaborative consultation skills and the ability to lead and train positively in a team environment are necessary.

Demonstrated clinical skill in Motivational Interviewing will be considered an asset; the ability to utilize current software, especially Word, PowerPoint and Publisher, and learn new technology for effective delivery of services is necessary. Proficiency in English, verbal and written, is essential and the ability to provide services in French and/or Cree, and a Certificate in Adult Education would be considered assets. An understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with culturally diverse populations is essential. The incumbent must have a valid driver’s license and supply his/her own vehicle.

COMPETENCIES: • Adaptability/Flexibility • Client Service Orientation • Counselling • Group Facilitation • Collaboration and Network Building • Continuous Learning • Developing Others • Creativity & Innovation

• • • • •

Effective Communication Ethical Conduct and Professionalism Teamwork & Cooperation Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation • Understanding Substance Misuse, Abuse and Dependency

It is AFM practice to conduct a criminal record and child abuse registry check prior to finalizing the appointment of successful candidates.

When applying, please indicate which position you are interested in.

Competition No.: 2015-010 Salary Range: $55,321 - $66,593 per annum (under review) Closing Date: March 12, 2015 APPLY IN WRITING TO: Acting Client Services Manager Northern Area Eaglewood Addictions Centre 90 Princeton Drive Thompson, MB R8N 0L3 Fax: (204) 677-7328 E-Mail: afmnorth@afm.mb.ca We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

AFM VALUES DIVERSITY AND LIVED EXPERIENCE www.afm.mb.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

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Youth Care Practitioners, 2 F/T/, 2 P/T, and casuals – Marymound Receiving Home - Competition # YCP15-16 (Days, nights, overnights, weekends) Full-time & part-time positions are part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for supervision and safety of youth through daily interaction and care. Participate in planning, assessing and implementation of treatment strategies. Experience working with youth; ability to relate positively and therapeutically to youth; excellent physical and emotional health. Education and experience considered.

Satisfactory Criminal Record and clear Child Abuse Registry/ Prior Contact checks are requirements of all positions as well as emergency ¤rst aid, valid driver’s license and abstract. Knowledge of Aboriginal customs, traditions and beliefs will be considered an asset.

For more information about Marymound, visit www.marymound. com Submit cover letter and résumé quoting Competition # to: Competition No. YCP15-16 Human Resources 442 Scotia Street Winnipeg, MB R2V 1X4 By 4:00pm March 9, 2015 - anything submitted after the deadline will not be considered e-mail: careers@marymound.com or online at www.marymound.com

your source for news in the north

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba is a Crown Agency that contributes to the health and resilience of Manitobans by providing addictions services and supporting healthy behaviours.

Marymound is presently seeking:

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Full-Time Position Thompson and Area Eaglewood Addictions Centre 90 Princeton Drive, Thompson, MB

Marymound is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants are encouraged to self-declare.

Your search is over.

The Manitoba government offers you opportunity, diversity and a rewarding career.

Radio Clerk (Approximately 42 weeks) Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship, Thompson, Manitoba Advertisement Number: 29882 Closing Date: March 16, 2015 Salary Range: CL2 $1,200.60 - $1,369.53 bi-weekly plus remoteness allowance, if applicable Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Radio Clerk in Thompson, Manitoba. Thompson is located in Northern Manitoba approximately 760 kilometers from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Essential Qualifications: UÊ ` ÃÌÀ>Ì ÛiÊ> `É ÀÊV iÀ V> ÊiÝ«iÀ i ViÊ V Õ` }\Ê`>Ì>Êi ÌÀÞ]Êw }Ê> `Ê« Ì V «Þ }° UÊ Ý«iÀ i ViÊÕà }Ê VÀ à vÌÊ"vwViÊ- vÌÜ>ÀiÊ­7 À`]Ê ÝVi Ê> `Ê"ÕÌ ®Ê ÀÊiµÕ Û> i ÌÊ software applications including the ability to enter data with a high level of accuracy.

UÊ -ÌÀ }Ê À}> â>Ì > Ê> `ÊÌ iÊ > >}i i ÌÊà Ã]ÊÜ Ì ÊÌ iÊ>L ÌÞÊÌ Ê iiÌÊÃÌÀ VÌÊ`i>` ið UÊ ÝVi i ÌÊ>ÌÌi Ì ÊÌ Ê`iÌ> Ê> `Ê>VVÕÀ>VÞ° UÊ L ÌÞÊÌ ÊÜ À Ê `i«i `i Ì ÞÊÜ Ì Ê Õ ÊÃÕ«iÀÛ Ã ° UÊ -ÌÀ }Ê ÌiÀ«iÀà > Êà ÃÊÜ Ì ÊÌ iÊ>L ÌÞÊÌ ÊÜ À ÊÜ Ì Ê>ÊÌi> Êi Û À i Ì° UÊ -ÌÀ }ÊÛiÀL> ÊV Õ V>Ì Êà ð UÊ L ÌÞÊÌ Ê > ` iÊÃi Ã Ì ÛiÊ >ÌiÀ > Ê Ê>ÊV w`i Ì > Ê> `Ê«À viÃà > Ê > iÀ°

Duties: The incumbent is responsible for operating the two-way radio network which is manned seven days per week. The incumbent is also responsible for compiling and entering fire management information into the computer network and will assist other staff in the regional office with various duties such as processing, filing, photocopying of accounts, maintaining inventory and auditing.

For complete listing of qualifications, duties, and conditions of employment, please see `Ê °ÊÓ nnÓÊ>ÌÊÜÜÜ° > Ì L>°V>É} Û LÃÉ

Apply to: Advertisement No. 29882 Manitoba Civil Service Commission Human Resource Services 300-305 Broadway Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3J7 Phone: 204-945-2608 Fax: 204-948-2193 > \Ê} Û LÃJ} Û° L°V>Ê 9 ÕÀÊV ÛiÀÊ iÌÌiÀ]ÊÀiÃÕ jÊ> `É ÀÊ>«« V>Ì Ê ÕÃÌÊV i>À ÞÊ ` V>ÌiÊ ÜÊÞ ÕÊ iiÌÊÌ iÊ qualifications.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. « Þ i ÌÊ µÕ ÌÞÊ ÃÊ>Êv>VÌ ÀÊ ÊÃi iVÌ °Ê «« V> ÌÃÊ>ÀiÊÀiµÕiÃÌi`ÊÌ Ê ` V>ÌiÊ ÊÌ i ÀÊ V ÛiÀ }Ê iÌÌiÀ]ÊÀiÃÕ jÊ> `É ÀÊ>«« V>Ì Ê vÊÌ iÞÊ>ÀiÊvÀ Ê> ÞÊ vÊÌ iÊv Ü }Ê}À Õ«Ã\Ê women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with a disability.

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

Page 16

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

THOMPSON

MARCH 7-8 | THOMPSON REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTRE

You’re invited to our FREE weekend outdoor hockey festival!

Join Ron MacLean as he hosts a LIVE broadcast from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio & enjoy an outdoor NHL® game viewing party on Sunday!

PLUS… • Live music with local bands • Meet NHL AlumniTM & CHL Players • Win great hockey prizes and giveaways • Kids Zone with face painting and team tattoos • Pick up hockey & video games hometownhockey.com @hometownhockey_ #HometownHockey