May 31 2024

Nickel Belt News

Volume 58 Number 11

Friday, May 31, 2024

Friday, March 16, 2018

Thompson, Manitoba

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Volume 64 • Issue 21

New art store front hosts Grand Opening in the City Center Mall

Book a way to preserve and pass on memories of growing up in Churchill

Thompson Citizen photo by Matthias J. Johnson

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON The growing collection idea was way too big,” said fashion shows, the organiz- vision and the mission. All an opportunity to showcase STAFF REPORTER, of supplies and creations Stephens. “So we started ation’s influence continued the effort and time that they what they’re doing and givTHOMPSON CITIZEN soon outgrew their space, small, with hosting events to grow, ultimately culmin- invested in this to get to this ing them a space to share Introducing the new prompting the search for a online and in the City Cen- ating in the establishment of point is outstanding!”. He that skill and knowledge and "Mall of The Arts"! The new location. This journey ter Mall” their storefront. expressed his delight in pro- an opportunity to be able to grand opening of this in- ignited the vision of creating Following a successful “We love hosting small viding a platform for North- pass that on as well” Glenn novative shop took place on a hub for arts in Thompson. soft opening, the shop has events. We started doing ern artists to gain exposure stated, “This is a first step May 26 at the City Center Despite initial skepti- become a hub for work- fashion shows where we lay and support, emphasizing for us to have this space!”

Mall, marking a significant cism, the team persevered shops, events, and local- out that matts and decorate. the organization's role in While the journey has Nickel Belt News photo

by Ian Graham milestone for the art com- and shaped their dream into ly-made merchandise. Nota- We held several back-to- bringing visibility to tal- been challenging, the team's Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written a book about her experiences growing up, mostly in Churchill. munity in Thompson. a reality. Their concept in- bly, music teacher Harsh school fashion show, Hal- ented individuals who may dedication has paved the Andria Stephens, an you art cenconducts Fashion and otherwise hidden.say wayFor foralla the diverse of

BY IAN GRAHAM the volved harshrange weather to writecreating things that have Patel ‘Oh, now I’m just as bad,classes right?’ loween was not a veryshows safe thing swallow remain when people Executive Director and ter with kiosks resembling at the "Mall of the Arts," fillChristmas Fashion shows “What this represents is a art forms to thrive withEDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET to figure out. It’s pretty clear I have all these stories and to do but I jumped at it. I that Churchill residents and the dangers of polar Co-founder, shared ex- awhen farmer’s where ing the mall with thethem sounds forjust Northern artists to inbears, the "Mall of thesaid Arts."

Though she’s nowher written I get market, through.”

I need to capture for which thoughtare thatnow was annual exciting place should find somewhere deMeulles if it citement abouther theexperiencollab- local budding talent.

Stated support and exposure. With offerings artists could showa book about DeMeulles said she wrote ofmy grandchildren really events” until the planeStephens landed and find easier to live. had been viable spanning she would orative effort up thatinled to the case Andria they Stephens elaborShorty, who played the a That’s heart of this or- from paintings metal and sell work.in because ces growing Churchill, her book, titledtheir Whispers will be lost if they started throwing “To the say, ‘Those people have moved backto to Churchshop's establishment.

She Additionally, they planned ated on the shop's journey, pivotal role in bringing the ganization, bringing life and and woodwork, leatherAddictions Foundation of the Wind: Stories from the I don’t.” fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy choose to live there. They ill in a heartbeat. recounted how thedirector idea toNorth offer-aLife cultural café and their collab- "Mall the Arts" to life, as visibility.

A leave,’ lot of people knitting, I Manitoba northern in Churchill for highlighting She also has a reputation cats, of I was probably sitting should just is quite craft, “I sewing, miss theand shoreline, originated when her musical performances oration with local partners he in their It’s basements or the shop a testaGisele deMeulles saidpartwrit- live a couple of reasons. as a storyteller herself. onemphasized a bomb.’” the team's are simplistic. quite disremiss thestands rock, as I miss the ner; Shorty (Don Glenn), to enhance the shopping and the gradual expansion unwavering commitment to shed, doing what they love ment to the creativity and ing wasn’t something she “I just sort of thought, “I had such a varied hisAnother thing that spectful. If we were in the polar bears even though who began up-cycling and experience. their vision.

Andria of dangerous the local art do but without a market always thought she would and offerings.

I would tell From people their spurred her“both on was the tosame you know what, this his- oftory boat in another area ingenuity they’re very and selling “Everyone events town go, to and Andre stayed true to the toI present them.

Thisscream gives community. do. items as a business. tory, this stuffthought that’s inthe my small hard times facing Churchill think we would I really miss the Hudson stories and around they would “In my youth I never felt good at writing,” she said. “But when I moved to Thompson to get into the school of social work, at that point I had to write for university and realized, ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, right?’ I certainly developed a lot of skill in university and came out of there with a very strong skill in my writing and confidence in my writing. very PREMI write SAWNA clear and that’s it. It’s there.

Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend

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

‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’d go, since the Hudson Bay Rail‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, way suspended operations ‘You didn’t do all that, did north of Gillam last spring. you? You’ve got to be really “It used to be a really old.’ I was like, ‘No, actually thriving large community I did all that before I was and it’s just dwindled down INSURANCE SPECIALIST 27,’ and they went ‘What?’” to such a small population * LIFE/MORTGAGE Looking back, INSURANCE some of now,” deMeulles says. *those SUPER VISA/VISITOR VISA INSURANCE experiences are things Though she’s not there *she DISABILITY INSURANCE might not do again. any longer, her parents and * CRITICAL/HEALTH “I did some prettyINSURANCE bizarre her sister and other family * RRSP/RESP/TFSA INVESTMENTS stuff like fuel hauls into the members still are. www.akalinsurance.com high Arctic at -35,” said “My cousin owns the Email: psawna68@gmail.com deMeulles. “It didn’t dawn hardware store there,” she on me until after. That was a says.

Good People Working Together... For You very dangerous thing to do.

Because of that, Being on a plane full of fuel deMeulles finds it hard to

about that so why don’t they Bay,” she says. “When I go have the option to do that? back home, standing on the I think right nowCELL: they’re 204.914.4902 Hudson Bay looking out on feeling like they’re pawns the bay, it just gives you an 36-1313 Border St., Winnipeg in a political game and that’s incredible sense. You feel so really sad for them because I small and you feel great.”

BROKER think MORTGAGE the people of ChurchNow that she’s got * PURCHASING A DREAM HOME one book under her belt, ill really want to thrive. * MORTGAGE They’ve built theirRENEWAL worlds deMeulles says she may try MORTGAGE there.* How wouldREFINANCE we feel to produce another. * REPAIR YOUR CREDIT if someone came to you and “I have another book in www.redstarmortgage.ca said, ‘I’m sorry, you have to me,” she says. “It’s a darker Office: 204.202.7793 leave your home community story, more about personEmail: psawna@redstarmortgage.ca and we’re going to displace al growth and struggles. you somewhere else and all Maybe in the next five years your loved ones and your it’s something I’ll focus on history is gone?’” doing.”

PREM SAWNA, P.ENG., AMP

Page A2 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, May 31, 2024

Manitoba Wildfire Service and partners battle active fires in Flin Flon and The Pas

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

The Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO), and the Manitoba Fire Service are working diligently and collaboratively to effectively combat and manage the ongoing challenges posed by two active fires in the Flin Flon and The Pas area.

As of 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, residents of Cranberry Portage, Sourdough Bay, Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes, and Schist Lake North have been granted permission to safely return to the comfort of their homes, marking a significant and reassuring development for the affected communities.

In an encouraging turn of events, the barricades that previously restricted access have been successfully removed, signaling the reopening of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 10 and the Sherridon access road to traffic, thereby restoring normalcy and facilitating seamless movement in the area.

In the vicinity of Flin Flon, the wildfire, identified as fire WE010, spans an extensive area of approximately 37,000 hectares, prompting dedicated and concerted efforts to maintain effective control

and containment of the situation.

The impact of the devastating fire in Sourdough Bay has resulted in the unfortunate loss of eight properties, comprising one permanent residence, five seasonal properties (cottages), and two garages, while a single permanent residence in Twin Lakes has also been tragically affected.

The collaborative firefighting efforts have been bolstered by a substantial deployment of resources, including six water bombers, seven helicopters, over 200 provincial personnel, 40 firefighters from Ontario, five from Parks Canada, 20 from New Brunswick, and 21 from Quebec, all of whom are unwaveringly committed to the containment and suppression of fire WE010.

In a positive development for the affected regions, train service between Cranberry Portage and Pukatawagan has been successfully reinstated, effectively reinstating vital connectivity and transportation links for the local residents.

The Provincial Emergency Social Services reception centers at the Wescana Inn in The Pas and the Victoria Inn in Flin Flon have been officially closed, signifying a gradual return to normalcy and the resumption of regular community activities.

In a heartening show of support, a supplemental evacuation allowance of $200 is set to be issued to residents whose primary residences are situated in Cranberry Portage, Sourdough Bay, Whitefish Lake, Twin Lakes, and Schist Lake North, offering a much-needed and appreciable measure of assistance during these challenging times.

The pervasive impact of smoke from the wildfire continues to pose challenges and implications for the affected communities, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness in addressing the associated concerns and health considerations.

Curtis Azevedo, a seasoned disaster specialist with an impressive 11 years of experience in dealing with wildfires, has emerged as a valuable source of insights and guidance, offering indispensable tips and strategies aimed at protecting homes and properties from the encroaching threat of fires.

Azevedo underscores the critical importance of maintaining adequate buffer space between homes and surrounding brush, as well as the regular trimming of trees and bushes, in addition to keeping yards clean and having a well-defined evacuation plan in place, all of which are invaluable measures for proactive

preparedness.

Moreover, Azevedo highlights the potentially prolonged duration and extensive reach of fires, cautioning that they can persist through the winter and cover vast distances, challenging the conventional understanding of wildfire season and mandating a sustained and comprehensive approach to management and mitigation.

“3% of wild Fires in North America constitute 97% of the land area burned, so there are a number of fires we are able to control, but a very small number of them could contribute to most of the loss in Canada” Azevedo continued, as he reports that there are currently four active fires in Saskatchewan and three in Manitoba Azevedo’s extensive and varied experience, spanning back to as early as June 2013, has seen him lend expertise to nine different catastrophic events across the country, including the Fort McMurray Fire in May 2016, thereby cementing him as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field of disaster management and wildfire containment.

In a sobering assessment of the current scenario, Azevedo warns that the term "held" concerning a fire does not necessarily signify full control, underscoring the persistent threat of its potential spread,

particularly in the case of the ongoing fires, with the one in The Pas emerging as the most prominent and concerning.

“Anytime a fire is considered being held, it’s an indication that it’s still not in control which means it could spread so out of all the fires currently the one in The Pas seems to be most prominent” Stated Azevedo.

In a separate but equally pressing development, fire WE011 near Wanless, located north of The Pas, spans an area of approximately 2,785 hectares, and is situated approximately 2.5 km from the community of Wanless, necessitating a concerted and targeted response to effectively contain and suppress its impact.

Efforts are currently underway to safeguard the critical hydro line between The Pas and Cranberry Portage, alongside proactive measures to contain the fire, which is approximately 2 km away from PTH 10, necessitating heightened vigilance and preparedness for any potential implications on transportation and infrastructure.

Travelers and residents alike are advised to exercise caution and remain informed, particularly on Provincial Trunk Highway 10, where poor visibility due to smoke from the fires could pose challenges and necessitate heightened

attention for safe and secure travel.

The closure of campgrounds in Bakers Narrows and Grass River provincial parks, including Bakers Narrows, Gyles, Iskwasum Landing, and Reed Lake, has been extended until at least May 27, reflecting the ongoing and evolving nature of the situation and the need for sustained caution and preparedness.

Lastly, to further ensure the safety and well-being of the local communities, backcountry travel along the Grass River from Cranberry Portage to Reed Lake remains prohibited, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to safeguarding the region and the individuals within it.

As the collaborative efforts of the Manitoba Wildfire Service, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, and other organizations continue, the gradual restoration of normalcy in the affected communities is a reassuring development.

The dedicated firefighting personnel and the reopening of vital transportation links are significant steps forward. Despite the challenges posed by the wildfires, the resilience and support demonstrated by the community, along with the ongoing expert guidance, offer hope for the eventual containment and resolution of the situation.

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

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

Friday ,May 31, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A3

Public Works Week concludes with a bang!

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

After being recently announced that May 19th-25 will now be celebrated as National Public Works Week, the final day brought in a host of smiling faces joining in a community-wide cook out and competitions wagered against the workers for the top employee.

Merv McKay; an equipment operator for Public Works was the chairperson of the event planning the games and activities. He expressed his delight in preparing the event and putting difficult but friendly competitions together for the enjoyment of both the workers and those watching! “It was a great event! It’s great that the public gets to see this, but It’s building moral for us too” The event was a huge hit as kids of all ages got the chance to sit in all the lined-up machinery and experience jumping behind the wheel of big rigs. The excitement was palpable as the children eagerly hopped from one vehicle to another, imagining themselves as professional drivers. "The keys are in our pockets so they won’t start them up, but they can jump inside and have some fun," said one of the workers with a smile, as he encouraged the kids to explore and enjoy

the unique opportunity.

The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as the kids role-played as truck drivers, honking horns and pretending to steer the massive vehicles. The event provided an unforgettable hands-on experience, al-

lowing the children to gain a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into operating these impressive machines.

With over 100 people in attendance, the event was a resounding success. Families and friends gathered as

the event ran from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, creating lasting memories and sparking a passion for the world of trucks and machinery in the hearts of the attendees.

It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and invaluable educational experiences that

Thompson Citizen photo by Matthias J. Johnson will be cherished for years public works employees. As to come. the festivities came to an The National Public end at 4:00 PM, the sense of Works Week celebration community spirit and appreconcluded with a heart- ciation for the vital work of warming community public works professionals cookout and engaging lingered, leaving a positive competitions, showcasing and lasting impact on all the dedication and skills of who participated.

ROAD CLOSURE The north side lanes of Thompson Drive between Cree Road and Lynx Crescent will be closed 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Wednesday, May 29 until Wednesday June 5.

The closure will enable Maple Leaf Construction to safely remove curbs from that section of the road and prepare for installation of new curbing.

While the north side lanes are closed, the south side lanes will have two-way traffic. Flaggers will be stationed at each end of the construction area.

Use caution when driving around workers and equipment, pay attention to posted signs and follow the directions of flaggers.

A Committee of the Whole meeting will be held in City Hall on Monday, June 3 at 7 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend. The meeting will be livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube and X and is also broadcast on Rogers TV Channel 11.

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

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

NOTICE TO TRCC USERS From May 27 to August 12, the south doors to the TRCC will be locked daily at 5 p.m. Entrance to the TRCC will be through the north doors only.

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

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Opinion

Page A4 •

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www.thompsoncitizen.net Thompson Citizen

Friday, May 31, 2024

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

Thompson Citizen 141 Commercial Place, Box 887 Thompson, MB R8N 1T1 Phone 204-677-4534 Fax 204-677-3681 generalmanager@thompsoncitizen.net

OPINION

Page 4

s

e, es a in

on ia ms nt re

ld eds as s. re

nt ry

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

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

many of the people workload around and for reducing members, the citizens of Thompopposed to the plan allows for greater di- whether they belong son elected more truly are the regular critics versity of viewpoints, to the school board independent-thinking of NEWS council who attend though Ryan Land was or council, is that it candidates who aren’t meetings and ask their mostly correct in say- will save money. The married to aligning elected officials ques- ing that, in terms of amount is not large themselves with any tions week after week, class and ethnicity, the overall – about $20,000 particular side, because their opinions may not trustees aren’t really in councillors’ salar- right now, the number be enough to dissuade a microcosm of the ies per year plus ap- of opinions on council the majority from for- School District of Mys- proximately half that is generally two – for ging ahead, especially tery Lake’s population amount, on average, and against.

Community officials say gerous that substance can be, vere short-term and longBY DAVE since the BAXTER number of as a whole. If you’ve for annual travel and Maybe the low turnLOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE multiple dangerous con- and how quickly and sudden- term psychological issues people who care about been to many school expenses. For the city, out of people with REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN taminants have been found ly it can lead to overdose and in users. thisAone way orFirst another (and which has a budget of opinions on how Manitoba Nation board recentlymeetings in illicit drugs in death situations.

“These stimulants can doesn’t even reach apart from members around $30 million, many councillors there is warning that drugs being SVDN, a community west “Fentanyl, in particular, cause severe psychological double media, youto that represents probbe isn’t an exsold indigits. the community are ofofthe Brandon thatwell, is home has been associated with should and physical dependence,” Whether not the you would ably less than a drop in pression of apathy but being cut withordangerous and haven’t), more than 1,000 on-reserve numerous fatalities due to SVDN said. “Contaminnumber of councillors that they don’t the proverbial bucket, pragmatism. possibly deadly ingredients, know its potency,” the notice says. ofants may includeExperiunknown residents. orand school board trust- often feature now nearly as though it is potent aboutopioid a ence has shown pleading with residents Substances circulat“An extremely chemicals that can quite lead to ees should reduced debate or divfifth of the overall cost often that this to avoid illicitbe drugs, because much ing in the community that that is frequently mixed with unpredictable and council dangerous what thesort consequences isofnot the of ques-of ision as city the mayor and counand others before it – drug users might council be taking ofother drugs without the us- – reactions.” taking could be. is meetings, unknowingly, er’s knowledge, even a tiny is going The notice also warns that tion forthem which there at according least notto cil. to do what the “Theseorcontaminants pose over SVDN, heroin isofoften mixed with amount fatal, leading a right wrong antheinclude past amphetacouple Critics can ofbe the pro- majority its members a significant your ofmines, methamphetamine, other substances increase to a highreduction risk of overdose.” swer.

On the risk pro toside years.

But they’ve posed say think is right, to regardhealth and safety,” Sioux Valcocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), Council says they are also volume, which can lead to of keeping the current made their decision that it will prevent less of what the most ley Dakota Nation (SVDN) and and fentanyl. concerned about the presence overdose and severe health numbers, the option it appears there “new blood” from being vocal taxpayers think. chiefalland band council said willThey added they are elected of both and, amphetamines and If complications, and does heroin that but one of the be seven school theoreticthat is the case, in an “urgent” advis- board methamphetamine, because it cutting agents can be harmful particularly worried about ally, school board health members trustees at least reduce the diversreally matter how ory released Sunday on the any fentanyl that might be those drugs are highly adand toxic, while ecstasy often opted for, is the argu- until 2022. ity of opinions, but that many of them there community’s website. present, because of how dandictive, and can lead to secontains adulterants, which ment that it spreads the One of the arguments would only be true if are?

Manitoba First Nation warns of drugs in community being cut with dangerous, possibly deadly ingredients can significantly increase the risk of hyperthermia, dehydration, and serotonin syndrome, and could lead to overdose.

SVDN is now pleading with all residents to avoid using any drugs that are being sold illegally, or have been brought into the community.

“Contaminated drugs significantly increase the risk of overdose. Unpredictable reactions from mixed substances can cause immediate and long-term health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and severe mental health issues,” SVDN said.

“The safest option is to avoid using illicit drugs altogether. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, please reach out to local health services for support and treatment options.”

The Winnipeg Sun reached out to SVDN Chief Vince Tacan on Monday for comment, but did not receive a response.

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

Thompson Citizen News Team CITIZEN NEWS TEAM YOUR THOMPSON Thompson Citizen & Nickel Belt News: 2024 Office Closures and Deadline Changes

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• Page A5

Two Manitoba First Nations seek $1B from City of Winnipeg, province, feds over pollution of Red River, Lake Winnipeg

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

Two Manitoba First Nations are seeking $1 billion in total damages, and have joined a long list of communities suing three levels of government for what they say has been the ongoing pollution and236degradation PUZZLE NO. of the Red River and Lake Winnipeg.

Bloodvein First Nation Chief Roland Hamilton and Dauphin River First Nation Chief Lawrence Letander are named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed on behalf of their communities on May 21 that seeks $500 million in damages each for both of those communities.

The lawsuit says the city, ance, their way of life, and province and the feds have traditions.” “contravened” Treaty rights “Historically the city and their fiduciary duties by has been permitted by the allowing sewage and other Province and Canada to contaminants to continue to discharge both treated and pollute the Red River, which untreated wastewater into flows downstream to Lake the Red River and its tribuWinnipeg, and other bodies tary, the Assiniboine Rivof water, and towards sev- er, which drain into Lake eral Manitoba First Nations Winnipeg,” the statement including Bloodvein 30. and claim reads.

44. Verbal Cry ofof surprise 31. Parent It claims 46. Follow Poplar River. the orders negative 34. Groveeffects to48.

Speak The suit accuses all three the communities imperfectly Laughfrom the pollution levels of government37.of includes Whiskeys 49. Pout “continuing to allow the39. city polluted drinking water, and 41. Binge 50. Hosiery to treat the Red River as42. part a loss of industry problemand ecoDolt of the sewage system,”43. and 53. TV breaks includGreat nomic review opportunities, says the ongoing pollution ing in the fishing industry, has short and long-term ef- and are an “infringement” fects on both communities, on the communities tradbecause they both rely on itional ways of life. rivers and lakes for “sustenThe two communities

now join eight other First Nations that have taken legal action this month over pollution of the Red River.

On May 1, the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Black River First Nation, Poplar River First Nation, Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation, Berens River First Nation, Hollow Water First Nation, PUZZLE NO. 237 Misipawistik Cree Nation, and Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation announced they had filed a joint lawsuit naming the City of Winnipeg and the Manitoba and federal governments as defendants for the ongoing pollution of the Red River.

A lawyer representing the chiefs of those eight First Nations said on May 1, dam-

ages sought in that claim are on behalf of their commun“in excess of $4 billion.” ities as well as other damBoth lawsuits come af- ages, and are also seeking ter the City of Winnipeg a permanent injunction confirmed earlier this year that would halt discharge that a massive sewage leak of sewage into the Red and near the Fort Garry Bridge Assiniboine Rivers. in south Winnipeg caused City of Winnipeg declined approximately 221 million comment as the matter is litres of raw sewage to flow before the courts, a spokesinto the Red River, which person said Tuesday. The flows into Lake Winnipeg Winnipeg reached out 43.Sun Arrows’ 29. Provide with partnersand fedand other bodies of water.water to the Manitoba 44. Give forth Gustoeral governments Both cite the sewage 30. spill for comMusic system: 31. Nightsment but 45. in Winnipeg earlier this year, had not received a hyph. preceding but also claim there has been response.

47. Manipulates 34. Obvious “ongoing” pollution 37. and — Dave 50.Baxter Pursue is a LoCheerleader damage done to the 39.

Red cal Journalism 52. Semi Initiative Personal Cask 41. Valleysreporter 53.

River and Lake Winnipeg who works out of due to actions of all levels the Winnipeg Sun. The Loof government. cal Journalism Initiative is The two leaders are each funded by the Government seeking $500 million each of Canada.

Kenora paper’s buyer pledges ‘unbiased news’ news to readers in the Lake of the Woods region, he said.

Klein said he will be “lis36. Band’s 3. Snow runners 1. You bet! — People KENORA in show newspaper, from Postmedia tening to staff” at the three 38. Half of Network 4. Total 4. Impersonator Kenora “should be excited” effective June 1. newly acquired papers to half-and-half 5. Type of bear 8. the Paint layernewspaper’s about local “I truly believe there is learn how the news outlets 40.

Curve 6. Uniform 12. Desk wood change in ownership, the apen real 7.demand for credible could serve their readerships 41. Barnyard ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 236 Quiet 13. Symbol of president and CEO of the news sources,” better.

42. Gator’s cousin peace 8. Spider’s said Klein, Klein Group NWO He said he hopes to visit as publisher of Jump up who and served lacework 14. Flirty look told 45. down the Winnipeg 9. Grimm Sun brute for six Newswatch an interview 15. Pancakeinpans Kenora in early June to meet 47. Shade trees 10. Oh, woe!

17. Grain husk Tuesday. years ending 2013. with Miner and News staff.

51. Meadow bird 11.

Tepee, e.g.News will 18. Likewise The Winnipeg company The Miner and The purchase was months 52. Scrape 16. Way out Carpenterthe Kenora has 19.bought continue to deliver unbiased in the making, said Klein.

54. Face shape insect

“This is something that agenda under his direction. of providing trusted and © 2024, Penny Press you don't just jump into,” ToCopyright the contrary, he said, valuable journalism in these Cutting 36. Imprint he is a 3. adding that negotiations firm believer in “pre- important markets.”

ACROSS 38. Mare Possesses with1. Postmedia started in senting alldrastically the facts” and deFinancial details of the 4. “unbiased Yearning news.”

40.

Unpaid 4.

Word of woe January. livering sale were not disclosed.

5. South Comedians 8. Mama’s Klein is a fellow former42.

ManiA news release from In a Miner and News artiAmerican 12. Punching tool 43. Look! toba13.Progressive ConservPostmedia announcing the cle posted online Monday, animal 46. Respiratory ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 237 Paper holder ative and cabinet that company’s Klein described the Klein 6. Diver’s organ sale quoted 14.legislator Wood splitters minister, andvote the Winnipeg as saying they’re Group as “a group of invest48. Disregardpresidentnecessity 15. Senate 7. Pierced Woolly females Sun16. is Rabbit’s a conservative news“pleased to have reached ors all from Manitoba who cousin 49.

8. Pale hue 51. Noah’s ship 17. Open-handed paper, but he said Tuesday an agreement with a local are all concerned and fans 9. Car part Husband’s blow that the Miner and54.News group that will continue of local journalism and the partner 10. Edible fruit Appear will18. not push a political Postmedia’s long tradition importance of it.”

55. Not any 11. Certain 20. Tailors

one step closer to erecting out instead that they were Hart added the monument a permanent memorial to dead. would also be a place where commemorate the nine lives “It was horrible, and we both Indigenous and non-Inthat were lost when a plane can never forget the impact,” digenous people could retaking residential school stu- Hart said. “And we only had flect on the legacy of the dents home for the summer about 1,000 people in the crash, but also about the crashed on a Winnipeg street community at the time, so systems that were in place PUZZLE NO. 238 more than five decades ago. to lose that many youth atEastern that time like residential 40. Having handles 22.at Middle “It was by far the dark- one time was devastating.”breadschools that led belt to the chil42. Soft est day in our community’s Spacedren underbeing a 43.on A monument to the 24. victhe plane that Measly roof day. history,” Bunibonibee Cree tims currently stands near 44. Potent particle 25. Hive dweller 46. Untidy Nation (BCN) Chief Richard the former Portage la Prairie “The residential school 26. Prohibit condition Hart said on Wednesday.

Residential School and Hart experience and what hap29. Wow 48. By what It was June 24, 1972, and said his community compeople 30. Hotel pened rental to Indigenous method? the end of another school memorates the anniversary over years often gets entrythe 49.

31. Do data Respectful year for the many Indigen- of the tragedy every year.

Hart said.

33. Speakoverlooked,” falsely wonder 34. Rustic hotel ous children who at that time Recently, plans have been 51. Guiding “I hope this can be a Tossed were still forced to attend in the works for BCN,37.the place wheresuggestion we can all find 38. “Rosessome ____ mutual 52. Itchunderstandresidential schools and be city, and the Royal Canadian Red” separated from their home Aviation Museum (RCAM) ing because when there is communities for much of the partner to erect a permanent an understanding of differyear in Canada. memorial near the crash site ent cultures and experienOn that day, Mary Rita in Winnipeg. ces, there is a better chance Canada, Wilkie Muskego, On Wednesday, Win- that people can live without Roy Sinclair and his sister nipeg’s executive policy stereotypes of prejudices, Copyright © 2024, Penny Press Deborah Sinclair, Margaret committee (EPC) voted and live in harmony.”

Robinson, Ethel Grieves, 36.

Drink with an unanimously At Wednesday’s EPC DOWN to approve ACROSS olive 1. Fitting Actup liketo $5,000 toRosalie Belfour, Iona funding1. of meeting, St. James area adAt the peak of the 4. Plate holder 2. Part of mpg while Weenusk, and pilot38.Scott wards installation vocate Kelly Ryback spoke Thus 8. Pencil endoff in 39.

3.

Roofing Coughlin took a plane RCAM has said previously about the monument’s material: Pod-dwelling 41. ____ Beauty from12.Winnipeg. they plan 2towds. leverage access importance. (apple variety) vegetable ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 238 The eight students were to the late Queen's Platinum “This is important to 42.

Mast 13. Latest thing 4. Excursion travelling back to45.their Jubilee5.funds Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Congregation 14. Sugar source More to pay for the responsememorial.inexperienced home of BCN, 15. community Goof up this is important to all In47. Station 16. Flock Stone which wasmembers then known as wagon, Hart6.said for or family mem- digenous communities and e.g.

17. Leave Oxford House, for their sumbers of theBronze victims, including Indigenous persons, it’s also 48. Rabbit’s Absolutely!

Jab from residential mer18. break siblings7. and a mother of one important for the residents relative Pleasing to 20. Louse eggs schools they attended50. in Frosty Por- of the 8.children of St. James and Winnipeg,” the eye who is still 21. Cross tage23. la Jewish Prairieteacher and Stonewall. alive and is now in her late Ryback said.

53. Flurry material 9. Vehicle for The plane lifted 54. offHasina 90s, it would Plans for the site include hire be an important 27. Polish mortgageopportunity Winnipeg, buttable crashed soon 10. Single thing to see the monu- a monument to commemor28. Wheeled Bring legal 11. Gambles Gobbled into downa 55. after32.takeoff vacant ment when it is unveiled. ate each of the victims and action 19. not ____ day at a they 33.

Liquid measure lot on Linwood Street in St “I’m saying a gravel parkway area with 56. Sacred song time 35. Nutritious James.

Everyone on57.board are looking forward to it, benches.

Gets hitched bean 21. Took a dip PUZZLE ANSWERS perished. but they want to be a CROSSWORD partAMERICAN “It overlooks the As58. Fowl USE SPELLING Hart said many family of it when they open it up, siniboine Golf Course, it

ing,” Ryback said.

“It’s a beautiful location,

BY MIKE STIMPSON

Miner and News, as well as

Copyright © 2024, Penny Press LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE Winnipeg’s daily Sun tabREPORTER, THUNDER BAY35.

SOURCE “____ Done It?”and 2. ____ Grey Manitoba tea loid another ACROSS

22. Inquisitive one 20. East’s opposite 55. Clarinet, e.g.

21. Rowboat blade 56. Fitness center 24. Put into effect 57. Remove from 23. Fixed charge print 25. Attack!

25. Mixes and parents of the and, we are waiting for that 58. Colors members

BY DAVE 26. Furthermore 28. SolarBAXTER ray 59. Wooden children nail 27. in Rustic LOCAL INITIATIVE thehotel community moment when we can have 32. JOURNALISM Electrified Posedeagerly awaitatom REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN that day28.were family members come down DOWN 29.return, Flock only to CROSSWORD 33. Australian The City of Winnipeg is ing their ANSWERS find andPUZZLE be a part of this,” he said. animal member 1. Type of exercise USE AMERICAN SPELLING

vipers 56. Connecting 22. Sound link 19. Vast repetition timespan 57. Excite 24. Concur 58. Throw 21. Fido’s rope 26. Cuts of meat overlooks a item but more importantly it may cal Journalism Initiative 59.it’s Omelet 22. Extra 28. Fulfillthe airport, 23. Nickel beautiful site and I encour- help people to or reflect.” reporter who works out of 32. Violate dime will now go DOWN Pays age 33. you toattention support this moThe motion the Winnipeg Sun. The Lo25. Raw city council Alfalfa to Winnipeg Vroom the CROSSWORD ANSWERS Initiative is tion35.and provide the1. fundfor calPUZZLE Journalism 27. Serape 2. Shock USE AMERICAN SPELLING engine

Residential school plane crash victim memorial a step closer final approval.

— Dave Baxter is a Lo-

funded by the Government of Canada.

PUZZLE NO. 239

25. Zipped 28. Hawaiian cookout 29. Without moisture 30. Lions’ lairs 32. Fitting 34. Merchants 37. Frankly 39. Fuses

41. Flat-topped formation 42. Oohs and ____ 43. Long journey 45. Santa’s time 47. Chatter 49. Contest 50. Architectural add-on 51. Ump’s kin

Copyright © 2024, Penny Press

ACROSS 1. Scandal 5. Unruly crowd 8. Angel’s headdress 12. Took a taxi 13. Rage 14. To be paid 15. Yoke animals 16. Family member 17. Patch 18. Smile 20. Annoying people 21. Distribute 24. Cloudy 26. Theme 27. Cauliflower ____ 28. Child 31. Duplicated

33. Personality 35. Sweltering 36. Pair 38. “If I Only Had a ____” 39. Cry 40. Praises 41. Paired up 44. Leered 46. Nobleman 47. Large antelope 48. By any possibility 52. Take off, as clothes 53. 100 percent 54. Agitate 55. Questions 56. See you!

57. ____-service

DOWN 1. ‘60s do 2. Bagels and ____ 3. Cooling drink 4. Antarctic native 5. Type of skirt 6. Breakfast juice 7. Plot 8. Cozy 9. Intimidates 10. Let use 11. Betting numbers 19. Shrunk 20. Moralistic story 21. Scratch 22. Fly alone 23. Small stain

ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 239

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING

Page A6 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, May 31, 2024

Caisse Populaire members to vote on historic credit union merger

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE RE­ PORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

It’s been well over a century since the first Caisse Populaire took root in Canada, started in Lévis, Québec

by Alphonse Desjardins.

In 1937, St. Malo became home to Manitoba’s first.

Today, the collective of 19 Manitoba branches are on the verge of a historic merger with the Assiniboine and Westoba Credit Unions.

Between June 6–19, members of all three financial institutions are invited to vote on the potential merger.

“Each of our founding members had the same dream,” states the Collaboration MB website. “They imagined what would be possible if individuals came together and created a way to lend each other money at fair rates when banks would not. Some were farmers, labourers, and electrical workers who experienced the financial hardships of the

Great Depression or World War II.” In the same cooperative vein on which the caisse and credit unions were founded, so too the merger of the three institutions is being introduced as a sustainable way to face the digital complexities of modern-day banking.

In recent months, the boards of directors and administrative teams from all three institutions have been collaborating on the proposed merger which they believe is in the best interest of their collective 216,000 members.

“It isn’t just a good idea; it is a merger that drives prosperity and is filled with possibilities,” says Collaboration MB. “We are asking you to support this merger for the future of our members, employees, and communities. Vote yes and oui.

It’s imperative.”

It’s a collaboration, they say, that will create much greater strength going for-

ward, providing members with better products and services and employees with more career options than before.

As important, though, is the need to face the reality of current and emerging financial trends in terms of digitization, globalization, and cybersecurity.

“All credit unions/caisses are faced with the same technology, regulatory, and competitive challenges, which are expensive,” reads the statement. “We have been carefully watching and planning for emerging trends in the financial industry, many of which our founders could never have imagined 80 years ago.

The banking landscape is changing quickly and dramatically around us.”

The challenges they need to collectively prepare for include “open banking,” a system already in use in Australia and the UK and

making its way to Canada, which provides a secure way for financial institutions to share client information.

“It puts you in control of your financial data, provides you with more choices and options, and enables you to view all your financial information in one place.”

In order to remain relevant, financial institutions will also need to stay up to speed on the latest efforts towards electronic representations, such as authentication and verification factors, for each of their clients. These require sophisticated and secure banking systems.

Of course, cybersecurity is a very real and growing concern. According to the collaborative, the security tools required by financial institutions are continually evolving, requiring more resources, expertise, and investment all the time.

The need to evolve in terms of their product and

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

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

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

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

SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH

SCHEDULING COORDINATOR

Academic and Research The Pas, Manitoba Competition No: 24-066 Closing Date: June 7, 2024 Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

Enrolment Services The Pas, MB (preferred) Thompson, MB may be considered Competition No: 24-071 Closing Date: June 7, 2024 Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

GREEN and CLEAN

“We believe it’s imperative to merge now, for us and the next generation. There are changes and advancements in the industry that our founding members could not have imagined. But we do think they would have seen what was needed, and that they would have come to the same conclusion—that this merger makes sense.”

During the two June weeks designated for Caisse member voting, secure and confidential online ballots will be available at ww.caissevote.biz. Each Caisse branch will also serve as a voting station during their normal hours of operation.

Members are asked to bring identification in order to vote.

To close out the voting period, Caisse will host a virtual special meeting of members on June 19 at 7:00 p.m. Members are asked to preregister for this event by June 17.

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

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

INDUSTRIAL WELDING PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Technology Part Time The Pas, Manitoba Competition No: 24-076 Closing Date: June 7, 2024 Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

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

Help keep Thompson

service offerings is also great.

“The most recent Manitoba data tells us that approximately 90 percent of banking transactions are performed with digital banking and mobile apps. How members use our products and services—and want to use our products and services—is evolving, and we have to keep up with your expectations.”

Having the capacity to offer payment app services similar to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay is important in order to stay competitive, they add.

At the same time, the regulatory environment faced by all financial institutions is also in a constant state of flux. According to the Credit Union Central of Manitoba, regulatory compliance costs to credit unions and caisses have increased by 134 percent in the last eight years.

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

COMMUNITY-BASED UNIVERSITY INSTRUCTOR(S) Kenanow Faculty of Education Full Time, Regular Position Various Manitoba Communities Competition No: 24-067 Closing Date: June 4, 2024

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

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

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

COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENT COORDINATOR Marketing, Communication and Recruitment Full-Time, Term Position The Pas/Thompson, Manitoba Competition No: 24-075 Closing Date: June 10, 2024

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

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

University College of the North

University College of the North

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

HERE YOU CAN UCN.CA

Friday ,May 31, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A7

Kicking off Soccer to a record-breaking year

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

Thompson Jr. Soccer Association Kicks Off the Season with McDonald's Sponsorship and Exciting Initiatives The event was an exhilarating affair, marking the second annual season kick-off event where eager parents gathered to collect their jerseys for the upcoming soccer season. As the day unfolded, a whopping 450 kids were successfully registered, setting the stage for an action-packed season ahead.

The generous sponsorship from McDonald's added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Not only did McDonald's generously donate the vibrant jerseys, but they also delighted attendees by distributing coupons for delectable ice cream, refreshing beverages, and their iconic slushes.

Each age group had its own distinctive identity, with the U-6 division affectionately dubbed the "McNuggets Division," the U-9 category proudly labeled the "Small Fries Division," and the U-12 cohort aptly named the "Golden Arch-

es." Finally, the older players were part of the "Seniors Division," symbolizing the culmination of their soccer journey.

Jonathan Mullet, the team treasurer, remarked, "We wanted to have something to inspire the kids," underlining the community's commitment to fostering a sense of pride and belonging among the young athletes.

The revitalization of the team in 2022 added a compelling narrative to the event. According to Mulletn, "When I came in, the team was caving in, and

there was only a handful of us who were committed to bringing it back." The dedication and perseverance of the team members in resurrecting the soccer program underscored the passion and resilience of the community.

Nuno Pereira, the President of the Thompson Jr. Soccer Association, shared his vision for transforming the program. "I took over last year as President, with a vision to revamp the entire program by securing new sponsorships, introducing new jerseys, and rebranding everything. Thankfully, McDonald’s came on board,

Thompson Citizen photo by Matthias J. Johnson and it's been a whirlwind would ignite excitement in since then!" Pereira's com- winning.” mitment to the program's Looking ahead, the assoevolution exemplified the ciation plans to introduce spirit of progress and in- "McMondays" and "Mcnovation that permeated Thursdays," where, after the event. the games, both parents The anticipation and and children can savor a fervor for the upcoming delightful treat at McDonseason were palpable, with ald's while proudly sporting the unveiling of two striking their team jerseys, entitling trophies for the U-12 and them to a complimentary ice U-18 divisions adding an cream cone. This initiative aura of prestige and honor. promises to further solidThese exquisite trophies ify the bond between the and plaques, sourced from community, the sponsor, a specialized company in and the love for the game, Italy. ”They are very expen- setting the stage for a season sive trophies” Said Pereira, filled with camaraderie and “We wanted trophies that shared joy.

POV: You took the scenic route WHITESHELL | 49.73490° N, -95.23346° W

PINAWA | 50.15517°N, -95.88381°W

Step outside the expected, take a new path and discover the people, places and points of view that make a road trip worth taking. Because at the end of the road, your next big adventure is waiting.

Whatever your heart needs, Canada’s Heart is Calling.

Find road trip itineraries at travelmanitoba.com/road-trips.

Page A8 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, May 31, 2024

Notice of Special Meeting of Members Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Virtually-hosted Meeting at 7:00 pm

Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of the Members of Assiniboine Credit Union Limited (“Assiniboine”) will be held as a virtually-hosted meeting on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 7:00 pm for the purpose of considering and completing the voting on a Special Resolution to approve the Amalgamation Agreement entered into between Assiniboine, Caisse Populaire Groupe Financier Limitée and Westoba Credit Union Limited dated May 16, 2024.

Registration is required by 3:00 pm on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Registration is required to participate in the Special Meeting of Members.

All members eligible to participate in the Special Meeting with an email address on file were sent an email from Assiniboine with their unique registration credentials on May 23, 2024. Assiniboine members can visit acumeeting.ca to register using the unique credentials provided.

Following the close of registration, registered members of Assiniboine will be sent the link via email to log in to the virtually-hosted Special Meeting, with instructions on how to participate.

Register at acumeeting.ca

PROPOSED SPECIAL RESOLUTION The Special Resolution to be voted upon at the meeting is as follows: WHEREAS the Board of Directors of Assiniboine Credit Union Limited (“Assiniboine”) has recommended that Assiniboine amalgamate with both or either one of Caisse Populaire Groupe Financier Limitée (“Caisse”) and Westoba Credit Union Limited (“Westoba”) to form a credit union pursuant to The Credit Unions and Caisse Populaires Act (Manitoba) in accordance with the provisions of an Amalgamation Agreement made by and amongst Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba, dated May 16, 2024 (the “Amalgamation Agreement”); AND WHEREAS it is considered by the Board of Directors of Assiniboine to be in Assiniboine’s best interests to enter into the Amalgamation Agreement and to amalgamate with both or either one of Caisse and Westoba on the terms and conditions set out in the Amalgamation Agreement; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AS A SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CREDIT UNION THAT: 1.

The entering into and performance of the Amalgamation Agreement by Assiniboine be, and it is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed in accordance with Section 121(1) of The Credit Unions and Caisse Populaires Act (Manitoba);

2.

The amalgamation of Assiniboine with both or either one of Caisse and Westoba on the terms and conditions set out in the Amalgamation Agreement be and it is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

VOTING ON THE SPECIAL RESOLUTION Voting on the Special Resolution will be by electronic voting procedure.

Voting will open online at acuvote.ca at 11:00 am on June 6, 2024.

On June 6, 2024, all members eligible to vote on the Special Resolution with an email address on file will be sent an email from Assiniboine that contains instructions on how to vote online at acuvote.ca.

Assiniboine members will be able to vote at acuvote.ca using credentials provided to them by Assiniboine until the start of the Special Meeting at 7:00 pm on June 19, 2024. Members logged in to the Special Meeting who have not yet voted will have a further opportunity to vote during the meeting until 7:45 pm subject to the Chair’s discretion to extend the time for voting if deemed necessary by the Chair.

If you are a member of Assiniboine and do not receive or cannot locate your credentials to vote on the Special Resolution or to register for the Special Meeting, and you wish to do so, please contact our Member Communication Centre at cu@acu.ca or 204.958.8588 (toll-free 1.877.958.8588) or visit one of Assiniboine’s branches to request your credentials. While every member of Assiniboine is entitled to register to attend the Special Meeting, a member does not need to register for the Special Meeting in order to vote on the Special Resolution.

Friday ,May 31, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

SUMMARY OF AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT An Amalgamation Agreement dated May 16, 2024 (the “Agreement”) has been approved by the Boards of Directors of each of Assiniboine Credit Union Limited (“Assiniboine”), Caisse Populaire Group Financier Limitée (“Caisse”) and Westoba Credit Union Limited (“Westoba”).

The Agreement provides for the amalgamation of Assiniboine with both or either one of Caisse and Westoba into one credit union, to be effective on or about January 1, 2025.

Under the Agreement, if the Members of Assiniboine pass the Special Resolution and: (i)

(ii)

(iii)

the members of Caisse and Westoba both pass Special Resolutions approving amalgamation with Assiniboine and the other of them, then Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba will all merge to form one credit union; the members of Caisse pass a Special Resolution approving amalgamation, but the members of Westoba do not pass a Special Resolution approving amalgamation, in accordance with the Agreement, then Assiniboine and Caisse will merge to form one credit union; and the members of Westoba pass a Special Resolution approving amalgamation, but the members of Caisse do not pass a Special Resolution approving amalgamation, in accordance with the Agreement, then Assiniboine and Westoba will merge to form one credit union.

If the Members of Assiniboine do not pass the Special Resolution or the members of both of Caisse and Westoba do not pass a Special Resolution as specified above, then none of Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba will merge.

The credit union resulting from the amalgamation of Assiniboine and both or one of Caisse and Westoba will have its registered office in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and will be called Assiniboine Credit Union Limited in English and, only if Caisse is one of the merging organizations, Caisse Populaire Assiniboine Limitée in French.

Upon amalgamation, all members of Assiniboine and such of Caisse and Westoba as approve the amalgamation by Special Resolution (the “merging organizations”) will become members of the amalgamated credit union and all deposits and shares of or loans owing to the merging organizations will be deposits or shares of or loans owing to the amalgamated credit union. All debts and liabilities of each of the merging organizations will become the debts and liabilities of the amalgamated credit union.

The common shares and surplus shares of each of the merging organizations will become common shares and surplus shares of the amalgamated credit union on a one-for-one basis. The Class “Assiniboine” Preference Shares of Assiniboine will become Class “Assiniboine” Preference Shares of the amalgamated credit union on a one-for-one basis. The Class “Astra” Preference Shares of Assiniboine will become Class “Astra” Preference Shares of the amalgamated credit union on a one-for-one basis. The Class “Entegra” Preference Shares of Assiniboine will become Class “Entegra” Preference Shares of the amalgamated credit union on a one-for-one basis. If Westoba is one of the merging organizations, then the Class “A” Preference Shares and Class “B” Preference Shares of Westoba will become Class “Westoba” Preference Shares of the amalgamated credit union on a one-for-one basis. Caisse does not have any classes of issued and outstanding Preference Shares.

The amalgamated credit union’s business will be managed under the direction of a Board of Directors. Initially, the Board will have: (a) if all three of Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba are merging organizations, 12 members (six predecessor directors from Assiniboine, three from Caisse and three from Westoba); (b) if only Assiniboine and Caisse are merging organizations, 9 members (six predecessor directors from Assiniboine and three from Caisse); or (c) if only Assiniboine

• Page A9

and Westoba are merging organizations, 9 members (six predecessor directors from Assiniboine and three from Westoba). The Directors on the inaugural Board will serve staggered terms, variously ending at the close of the first, second and third annual general meeting of the amalgamated credit union after the amalgamation, as more particularly set out in the Agreement.

Kevin Sitka, currently the Chief Executive Officer of Assiniboine, will become the Chief Executive Officer of the amalgamated credit union. The Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Board of the amalgamated credit union will be appointed by the Board of the amalgamated credit union and the auditor of the amalgamated credit union will be PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. If all three of Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba are merging organizations, the By-Laws of the amalgamated credit union will be as per Schedule “B” to the Agreement subject to amendment in accordance with the Agreement.

If only Assiniboine and Caisse are merging organizations, the By-Laws of the amalgamated credit union will be as per Schedule “B” to the Agreement as amended by the amendments specified in Schedule “2.21(c)” of the Agreement and subject to further amendment in accordance with the Agreement.

If only Assiniboine and Westoba are merging organizations, the By-Laws of the amalgamated credit union will be as per Schedule “B” to the Agreement as amended by the amendments specified in Schedule “2.21(d)” of the Agreement and subject to further amendment in accordance with the Agreement.

If Caisse is one of the merging organizations, then the French Language Services Policy attached as Schedule “C” to the Agreement will be enacted as a policy of the amalgamated credit union, and there will be certain applicable minimum requirements for Francophone directors that will apply to the amalgamated credit union as specified in the By-Laws.

If Westoba is one of the merging organizations, there will be certain applicable minimum requirements for rural directors (i.e. directors that are Manitobans that reside outside of the Census Metropolitan Area of Winnipeg) that will apply to the amalgamated credit union as specified in the By-Laws. If Caisse is one of the merging organizations, but Westoba is not, there is a reduced requirement for rural directors as compared to the requirements if Westoba is one of the merging organizations.

Because of the size of Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba, the amalgamation requires notification to the Competition Commissioner pursuant to the Competition Act (Canada), whether the amalgamation is of all three merging organizations or just Assiniboine and one of Caisse or Westoba.

The Amalgamation Agreement (including Schedules) is available for review. Go to acuvote.ca to access a copy or visit one of Assiniboine’s branches to request a copy.

RIGHT OF DISSENT TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT, under Section 127 of The Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act (Manitoba), if you are a member of Assiniboine Credit Union Limited, you have the right to dissent to the proposed amalgamation. If you wish to dissent, you must send a written objection to Assiniboine Credit Union Limited before the close of the Special Meeting of members referred to in this Notice.

A written objection can be delivered to Assiniboine Credit Union Limited at 200 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A8 (Attention: Corporate Secretary).

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Amie Warkentin, Secretary

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www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, May 31, 2024

Ritchot resident makes heartfelt plea for neighbourhood improvement

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

Ritchot’s council hosted a special delegation at their May 22 meeting which once again resulted in a full council chamber. Many of those in attendance were residents who live along Marchand Road. They were represented by delegate and neighbour, Jim Wilderman.

A 30-year owner of his property along this stretch of gravel road, Wilderman presented a growing issue that appears to have no end in sight.

The concern, he told council, is the perpetual and constant flow of heavy trucks along Marchand Road, making the rural countryside almost impossible to enjoy.

The constant flow of tan-

dem trucks, he said, appear to be headed to three sites at the end of the road where, to his knowledge, unwanted fill is being collected in dumping zones.

For residents here, their once bucolic road has turned into a major truck thoroughfare.

“Depending on the wind direction, either north or south, residents cannot breathe,” he told council.

“The dust has been significant enough that three weeks ago I had to stop working in my backyard because my breathing was impaired to the point of constant coughing.”

The interior of homes along this stretch aren’t impervious to the dust either, he added. Windows have to remain closed at all times and Wilderman’s grandchil-

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dren, who live next door, can’t play in their front yard during trucking hours.

Marchand Road, too, is in a constant state of disrepair, making it at times a real safety hazard for locals. Walking or biking during truck traffic is another hazard no one is willing to risk.

As evidence of his claims, Wilderman says he counted 192 trucks passing by his home on April 24. Most of them were exceeding the speed limit and many fail to stop at the stop sign just up the road.

“What I know [about the truck drivers] is that they prefer McDonald’s over Burger King,” Wilderman says.

“Some get the drink with the plastic lid and straw, some drink canned drinks with an apparent preference for Pepsi. Some use napkins and they prefer Kirkland bottled water and have no preference as to where they leave it on the road. Thankfully, no beer cans.”

Based on Wilderman’s assessment, the three dump sites in question are receiving fill and rubble, including concrete, from Winnipeg construction sites. He is unsure

of the owners of two of the sites. The third, he said, is owned by a family named Sumka.

All three of the dump sites exist right next to the Red River. Several of the dumping areas lie only 350 feet from the river’s edge. Wilderman shared his concerns that these act as threats to the riverbank’s integrity.

As well, he told council, berms being created by the dumping have caused the natural flow of water towards the river to change, resulting in regular water backup along one area of Marchand Road.

Wilderman informed council that, at site number one, the original owner attempted to secure a building permit from the RM. But when it was denied, he still sold the property as a buildable lot.

“The area being filled is approximately 200 [feet] by 70 [feet],” Wilderman said.

“If the owner elevates the area by 12 feet, which is way lower than his present hill, it will require 66,766 yards of fill or 6,676 tandem loads of fill, meaning that trucks will pass by the front of our yards 13,352 times.”

Using the same calcula-

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tions for site numbers two and three, Wilderman estimates that an additional 10,000 tandem trucks will pass by their homes before they are done.

Through the use of a Power Point presentation, Wilderman demonstrated photos taken of the Sumka property where the area’s elevation level already towers above the river level.

“There doesn’t appear to be any valid reason for elevating other than disposal,” Wilderman said. “When I asked Mr. Sumka four years ago when he would be finished hauling, his reply was, ‘Never.’ More recently, he indicated to a neighbour that he would continue until the day he dies.”

In Wilderman’s view, fill collection has become a lucrative business endeavour.

“It costs $92 per ton to get rid of clean fill at our dump,” Wilderman says. “With a minimum of ten tons on a tandem, more if concrete, that would be around $920 per load. I’m not sure the dollars involved in fill disposal, but the numbers are significant.”

First and foremost, Wilderman says he and his fellow neighbours would love nothing better than for council to create policies which limit fill hauling along this stretch to the winter months when families are inside and the road is frozen.

He also had a few more recommendations for council.

Firstly, he said, property owners should be required to hold building permits in order to raise their property elevations. This would help deter sites from becoming dumping zones in the first place.

As well, limiting the height to which sites can be elevated and making regular site visits to ensure compliance would be useful. This would guarantee that hauling cannot go on indefinitely.

Land studies should be done, he added, to ensure that proper drainage is occurring and riverbank integrity is not being compromised.

Mayor Chris Ewen responded, assuring Wilderman that councillor Janine Boulanger has been lobbying on behalf of the residents of Marchand Road for some time now. He indicated that council is interested in addressing the issue at the next public works planning meeting, after which a plan of action would be forthcoming.

“Public works has been working on a hauling permit, so there is action going on in the background,” Boulanger told those gathered. “A lot of the staff is aware [of the problem] and we’re just trying to find the proper solution.

These are great suggestions that we’ll bring forward as well.”

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Friday ,May 31, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A11

Correction demanded for ‘big error’ in carbon price report

BY NATASHA BULOWSKI

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

The Parliamentary Budget Officer made an error in its carbon-pricing reports that are frequently cited in the Conservative Party's “axe the tax” attacks, and the Liberals want a more prominent correction issued.

The PBO quietly published a note on its website on April 17, admitting its economic analyses of the consumer carbon price in 2022 and 2023 erroneously included the impact of the industrial carbon price, too.

Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull, parliamentary secretary for the Finance Minister, wrote to the PBO requesting a “more detailed public correction,” adding

that “correcting the record on your analysis of the fuel charge is necessary to maintain the integrity of your office.”

“To be honest, it's irresponsible,” said Chris Bataille, energy and climate policy analyst, in a phone interview with Canada’s National Observer. “It should be more prominent.”

The PBO plans to publish an updated analysis in the fall.

The PBO’s reports purported to analyze the impacts of the consumer fuel charge and rebates and concluded the carbon price’s impact on economic growth and jobs could mean up to 80 per cent of families won’t break even with rebates. The federal Conservatives seized on this talking point to counter the federal

government’s assertion that eight out of 10 households will receive more money back through fuel rebates than they are taxed. For the last year, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his caucus have cited the PBO report as a reason to “axe the tax.”

But Poilievre has not been clear on whether a Conservative government would also axe the industrial pricing system.

By including the industrial system in the analysis, Turnbull and experts on carbon pricing say the results are skewed and do not represent what the PBO initially set out to study.

“By incorporating the impacts of the industrial Output-based Pricing System (OBPS) for industrial polluters, the economic im-

pacts projected in your report certainly overestimate the real costs of the fuel charge,” wrote Turnbull.

This is a “big error,” said Bataille, an adjunct research fellow at the Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy, in an interview with Canada’s National Observer.

“If a private consulting firm was responsible for that error, it would not be doing that work again,” he said.

Bataille was a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report.

“The numbers that are being bandied about about the effects of the fuel levy are drastically overestimated at this point in time” he added.

Industrial pricing has a potentially larger economic effect because it affects

Revive and promote the seal hunt, federal report recommends

BY MATTEO CIMELLARO

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

When Paul McCartney campaigned against the seal hunt in 2006, it was unclear how reliant the Inuit and some coastal community economies were on the trade.

“We are concerned about the economics for the people, but we think there are other ways to do it,” McCartney said at the time.

Three years later, the European Union banned all seal products. The market for seal products was decimated, and with it came the rise of poverty and suicide within Inuit communities despite exemptions for their products, Steven Lonsdale of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association told the Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans late last year.

Now, a new report from that committee acknowledges the harm done by the ban and recommends Ottawa must do more to revive the struggling industry in what it has branded a call to action.

Ottawa should do more to promote community and scientific research on seal populations, lobby,

promote and market Canada’s seal industry and remove tax exemptions for non-governmental organizations who campaign against the seal industry, the report states.

There is little research on some species of seals, such as those on the Pacific coast. However, seal numbers are known to be healthy, with some testimonies at the committee pointing to high populations of seals harming fish stock on the east coast, though gaps in scientific research and data make the impact of seal populations on Canada’s fishing industry unclear, the report said.

The report follows decades of economic collapse suffered by the seal industry that once sustained Inuit and coastal communities.

That collapse was spurred by animal rights activists, including McCartney, who lobbied to end the hunt, causing bans of seal products in the European Union.

A commercial market is also important for Inuit and coastal First Nation economies, given the need to pass traditional knowledge around seal harvesting and to create opportunities for moderate livelihoods in the

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north, the report said.

The report recommends removing tax exemptions for non-governmental organizations that hurt the seal industry and Inuit communities. These organizations do so by vilifying the industry, said Senator Fabian Manning, who chairs the committee that authored the report, at a press conference on Thursday.

“If they continue to vilify and lie about the seal industry in Canada, they should definitely not receive a tax benefit from Canada,” Manning added, questioning why Ottawa sits back on seals while it defends the beef, pork and chicken industries.

There are still some animal rights organizations that campaign against the seal harvest, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

“The Senate committee’s attempt to silence organizations that speak out against the cruel commercial seal slaughter should raise the alarm among all who value their freedom of expression,” PETA said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace, which had previously been active in campaign-

ing against the seal hunt, apologized to the Inuit in 2014.

Lifting the ban on seal products in the European Union will be an “uphill battle,” Manning said.

But Asian, domestic and U.S. markets might be able to fill the gap if stigmas against seal products are erased and the current U.S. ban is lifted.

“They love the products [we] have, but they can't buy them,” he said.

Around 90 per cent of Canada’s seal harvest occurs in Nunavut, said Senator Brian Francis at Thursday’s press conference.

Currently, only one seal processing plant remains in Canada, located in Newfoundland. The processing plant has enough capacity to handle a revived seal industry.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has set no limits to the number of seals harvesters can catch, according to senior director Todd Williams, who spoke at an earlier committee meeting.

Such limits aren’t needed because the number of seals caught for market is so low; since 2016, the harvest has not reached previous benchmarks, according to the report.

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large, critical industries — such as oil and gas, mining, cement and pulp and paper — compared to the fuel charge on individuals. While the levy for individuals certainly has implications for the economy, they are not nearly as large because the coverage is more on the consumer, said Trevor Tombe, a professor of economics at the University of Calgary, in an interview with Canada’s National Observer.

Even before this revelation, the PBO’s modeling was criticized by the environmental community and many researchers, because it only models the cost of environmental policies and not the benefits associated with limiting global warming and its damages.

Nicholas Rivers, a carbon price expert and professor at the University of Ottawa, said it is concerning how long the PBO’s mistaken analysis has been circulated and how influential it has been in Canadian politics.

But he isn’t shocked there was a mistake in the model.

“There's always the concern that the long computer code that someone had to write had flaws,” said

Rivers in an interview with Canada’s National Observer.

All these models make a lot of assumptions and Rivers thinks they shouldn’t be treated as definitive, but rather, that many different models should be run to better triangulate and understand the impacts of different policies.

This situation “really reinforces that you should never hang your hat on a single paper or a single piece of analysis as though it is the end of the story,” said Tombe. “This is a complicated policy that requires real, rigorous research from lots of independent entities.”

The PBO told Canada’s National Observer it is not clear how the results of its carbon price analyses would be affected if the output-based pricing system was excluded.

The industrial pricing system is going to account for a large chunk of Canada’s greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030, according to analysis done by the Canadian Climate Institute.

— With files from the Canadian Press

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Page A12 •

www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, May 31, 2024

Feds announce $31 million funding boost for SCO’s downtown project

BY DAVE BAXTER

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN

A massive, Indigenous-led development project in downtown Winnipeg got a major financial boost when the federal government announced they would put an additional $31 million towards the work being done to transform the former Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) building into Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn.

“We know that Winnipeg is Canada’s most vital city when we talk about reconciliation,” federal Minister Dan Vandal said Friday morning, while speaking at the current construction site that was once the main floor shopping area of Winnipeg’s flagship HBC department store.

“I often say Winnipeg is the Indigenous capital of Canada. This transformation is more than just a symbol of reconciliation, we are moving beyond promises to do better as governments and as a society, people who come here will be able to see reconciliation in action.

“This will stand as an example for the entire country.”

Vandal announced at Fri-

day’s media conference, the federal government is making a new investment of $31 million towards Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, with $25 million coming from Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, and $6 million coming from PrairiesCan, through the Community Economic Development and Diversification program.

The federal government also previously pledged $65 million towards the project, putting their total investment towards the development now at approximately $96 million.

The money will help to support the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) as they continue with their work on an expansive project to redevelop the former HBC building.

In November of 2020, HBC permanently closed their once flagship Winnipeg store because of what they said was shifting consumer behaviours and changes to how and where customers were shopping. The store first opened at at the corner of Portage Avenue and Memorial Boulevard in 1926.

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The work is detailed and requires that confidentiality be maintained.

Qualifications: • High School education or equivalent.

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• Maintain satisfactory Criminal record, Child Abuse registry and Prior Contact checks prior to beginning work ad throughout employment as requested.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Northern communities.

• Ability to speak Cree an asset.

Working Conditions: • Fast-paced, community-based, time sensitive, multi-disciplinary child welfare environment.

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Salary: Awasis Agency endeavors to be an employer of choice, and offers a competitive salary, generous paid time off, and an excellent employee benefit package. Salary will commensurate with education and experience.

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

Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Individuals interested in this challenging opportunity please reference Competition Number 2024-053 on your resume/cover letter and include it in the subject line of your email, in confidence to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba Competition #2024-053 701 Thompson Drive, Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: 204-778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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

In April of 2022, plans were announced to transfer ownership of the building to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) to begin work on a project that is expected to cost upwards of $200 million, while all three levels of government have previously pledged more than $100 million in combined funding and tax breaks towards the development.

The 655,000-square-foot building will be developed into an Indigenous-led space expected to include housing units, child care spots, a health centre, a museum, office space, retail stores and restaurants, and spaces for reflection.

“This building is destined to be a social, economic, and cultural hub that honours First Nations and welcomes all people,” Vandal said.

He added it will be important because additional housing units will become available in the downtown area once work on the project is complete.

“We all know that cities are judged by their downtowns, and we know that downtown housing is absolutely critical to a safer, more vibrant Winnipeg,” Vandal said.

SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, who also spoke at

Friday’s event, said he believes the organization, which just this week celebrated its 25th anniversary, is “punching above its weight” with the work it has undertaken on the project.

“This is a tough project, this is a heavy, heavy project at 25, because 25 years old is a young age for our organization,” Daniels said. “We are punching above our weight class here, in charge of one of one of the biggest projects in Canada.”

According to the federal government, the The PrairiesCan investment for the project will include the development and launch of Miikahnah Connect, a workforce development app, as well as activities to prepare the former HBC building for redevelopment, and it is anticipated that more than 400 people will be hired to work on the Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn project through the app.

The Infrastructure Canada

funding, according to the feds, will support vital repairs and upgrades to the building, including transforming the main floor into a public space, and investments to make the building more environmentally sustainable by reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Carberry’s First Children’s Business Fair a Success

BY KERI L PRIOR

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS

Eleven young entrepreneurs participated in Carberry's first Children's Business Fair, setting up booths around the Carberry Hall on Saturday and selling products ranging from lemonade to jewellery to macrame.

Tamara Flett, Administrative Arts Director with the Carberry Plains Arts Council, said that she got the idea from a parent of one of the young entrepreneurs, and while organising the event also reached out to Neepawa EDO Marilyn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friuli Suite Rentals/Bianchini Warehousing Assistant Property Manager We are looking for someone who is dedicated and ambitious to develop management skills for long term future considerations.

• Full time, permanent, 35 + hours per week, must be bondable, able to pass criminal background check, have drivers license and access to own transportation.

• Must have excellent communication/typing skills, experience with Microsoft Office and basic bookkeeping preferable.

• Preparing bank deposits, able to organize, prioritize and complete reports by deadline dates.

• Attention to detail, ability to work independently and within a team environment applying confidentiality in all matters.

• Be open to new ideas and changes that may improve efficiency in day to day operations.

• Ability to fill in for the manager when required / willingness to carry company cell phone in case of emergency.

• Training provided, flexible work environment, wages based on experience.

Start Date: ASAP Please apply with resume to: Caroline Turpie, Property Manager Email: manager@friulirentals.com 31 Oak Street, Office entrance Phone: 204-677-3516 Fax: 204-677-3195 Closing date: Until filled.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however only those individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

Crewe who organised a similar event in Neepawa last summer.

"It's turned out great," said Flett. "What the kids do is they make a business plan, they make a business name, they design their product, and then they sell it. It's all their work." Young entrepreneurs aged 6 to 15 were encouraged to design their own business and put their product or service on sale during the fair.

There was also a judged component for the business with the Highest Business Potential. That

award went to 12-year-old Enrico Prudnikov and his business Enrico's Custom Woodworking which sold signs, planters, and other woodworked objects.

The day was rounded out by a Mother's Day stepping stone craft for the kids and a hot-dog lunch provided by the new Child Care Development Committee.

The Children's Business Fair originated with the Acton Academy in Austin, Texas and since 2007 has spread to over 20 countries and almost 600 towns and cities all over the world.

CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY CARING AGENCY Intake Worker – Permanent Position LOCATION: Easterville, MB OFFICE: Easterville, MB Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency (CNCFCA) is responsible for administering and providing for the delivery of Child and Family Services. CNCFCA is dedicated to providing comprehensive CFS Services that are community-based and incorporate both protection and prevention services.

Our agency will strive to maintain family unity.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES: § Receive & Assess Requests For Service § On-Site Risk Assessment § Determine & Implement Service § Documentation, Practice & Relationship Building QUALIFICATIONS § Work experience in Child and Family Services with demonstrated knowledge of child development, family centered service, early intervention, family support and community-based services § Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related undergraduate degree in Human Services (preferred) § Ability to converse fluently in Cree (preferred) § Excellent assessment, intervention and writing skills § Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act and provincial standards § Ability to use a variety of computer applications including CFSIS and FACTS CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT § Must pass a criminal records check, child abuse and prior check § Cannot be active on a protection case § Maintain absolute confidentiality § Varied amounts of travel required § Must have a valid Manitoba driver’s license § Must be able to provide own vehicle for work § Other duties related to the position may be assigned Deadline: May 31, 2024 @ 4:00 SUBMIT COVER LETTER & RESUMES ALONG WITH THREE (3) REFERENCES MARKED “PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL” TO: Human Resource Manager Cree Nation Child & Family Caring Agency Box 10130, Opaskwayak, MB. R0B 2J0 Fax: 204-623-3847 Email: hr@creenation.ca We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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

Friday ,May 31, 2024

www.thompsoncitizen.net

• Page A13

Grassy Narrows proves environmental racism is not over

BY MATTEO CIMELLARO

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER

The discovery that pollution from a paper mill is contributing to the long-standing mercury poisoning afflicting Grassy Narrows First Nation is another example of widespread environmental racism, say federal MPs. The mercury contamination at Grassy Narrows dates back to the 1960s and '70s, when Dryden Chemical dumped roughly 10 metric tonnes of mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system. The pollution has caused serious health problems for the vast majority of members of Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations, including neurological issues, birth defects and more.

“The reality is Indigenous communities, racialized communities have to continue to suffer when corporations pollute,” Edmonton-Griesbach NDP MP Blake Desjarlais said, pointing to the Grassy Narrow’s case and Danielle Smith’s government’s RStar program that “uses tax dollars” to remediate industry’s abandoned wells.

And this is not the first recent, high-profile example of environmental pollution driven by corporate interest that has impacted Indigenous communities.

Last year, it came to light that local Indigenous communities including the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation were not properly notified of seepage from tailings ponds until a large spill, nine months later, brought the issue into the spotlight.

Imperial Oil and the Alberta Energy Regulator say there were no impacts to the water supply or environment, but this did not assuage the fear and anxiety felt by ACFN and Mikisew Cree First Nation members, many of whom rely on fish, game and gathering out on the land. Communities

have long been calling on the federal government to conduct health studies on the cumulative impacts of the oilsands development, pointing to cases of a rare bile duct cancer.

Then, in late April, Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia Ont. — also known as Chemical Valley due to the more than 60 petrochemical plants in the region — measured benzene levels 424 times higher than acceptable levels. Benzene is highly toxic and a known carcinogen, used in chemical manufacturing to produce certain types of plastics.

The chemical is known to cause cancers and increase rates of respiratory illness.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation said elevated benzene levels in the air from the Ineos Styrolution facility caused several community members to fall ill.

In response, on May 17, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault issued a 14day emergency interim order to the petrochemical industry in Sarnia, ordering companies to implement abatement measures to contain pollution, including fully closed vents and vapour control on storage tanks that contain high concentrations of the chemical.

News of the Grassy Narrows mercury poisoning made a stir in Question Period on May 23, when NDP MP Charlie Angus called it “an unprecedented corporate crime.”

“We now learn that the Dryden Fibre Canada mill has been dumping sulfates into the Wabigoon River, which has been driving the mercury crisis for a new generation,” said Angus.

He asked the federal government what it will do to hold the company accountable and clean up the contamination.

Liberal MP Jenica Atwin pointed to an Indigenous Services Canada project that received $57.5 million in Budget 2024 to construct

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Freepik photo a care home to offer specialized care and assisted living to people with methylmercury poisoning.

“We can't just slap a hospital or a special medicalized program that's going to help mercury victims, it should have never happened to begin with,” Desjarlais said.

“Imagine if this happened in Montreal, imagine if we dumped all of the metallurgic chemicals into the St. Lawrence, how fast, how quickly this problem will be resolved,” he added.

In recent years, sulfur and organic compound discharge from the Dryden Fibre Canada mill has created a dangerous chemical reaction in the Wabigoon River resulting in high levels of methylmercury, researchers from Western University said Thursday.

The levels of methylmercury — the most toxic form of mercury — in the river's fish may be twice as high as they would be without the mill discharge, the researchers said.

“We have individuals who are eating the fish that is now highly contaminated with an even worse substance than they would have ever imagined,” Desjarlais

said. “These things were preventable.”

Desjarlais said there are two root causes for these repeated instances of environmental racism, the first being the current neoliberal economic system, which favours free markets and deregulation.

“Neoliberalism has given corporations unfettered power to act as an individual, for the better pursuit of their own interests at the cost of other people,” he said.

This should be countered by giving those same individual rights of corporations to water, air and the land, Desjarlais said. “The things we rely on most for our longevity as a species should be protected,” he said.

He also advocates giving greater power to Indigenous jurisdictions, referring to the fact that Indigenous lands make up 20 per cent of the world, but contain 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also called out Alberta’s tailings pond debacle as another example of environmental racism in action.

“It's been proven now for more than a decade that the

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toxic chemicals from the tailings ponds are reaching the Athabasca River, which is a violation of the federal Fisheries Act, yet no charges are laid,” said May in a phone interview with Canada’s National Observer.

May has a private members bill that seeks to address environmental racism. Bill C-226 is one Senate vote away from becoming law.

May said it’s unclear when the vote will be held, but the bill is expected to pass. Once passed, the bill will require the federal government to examine the links between race, socio-economic status and environmental risk as well as compel the environment and climate change minister to develop a national strategy to address the

harms caused by environmental racism.

May hopes the passage of C-226 will “result in a meaningful change” to get us beyond just talking about the pattern of environmental pollution and racism, by identifying the responsibility of governments to protect marginalized, racialized and Indigenous communities. She looks to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice program — created in 1994 – as inspiration for what Canada should do.

— with files from Paola Loriggio, the Canadian Press Matteo Cimellaro & Natasha Bulowski / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative

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Wilson’s is a stable family-owned company that has been operating locally since 1940! We’re looking for an engaged and adaptive problem-solver who enjoys building relationship and rapport with customers, has technical problem-solving skills, and values a professional and collaborative team culture.

Equipment Service Technician (THOMPSON) Position: We are currently looking for a full time Equipment Service Technician in our Service department at our location in Thompson, Manitoba.

As a member of the Wilson’s Service Team, you will be required to repair and maintain a wide range of office equipment including photocopiers, facsimiles, printers and mailing equipment within an existing territory.

You must be able to manage and service a full territory with the ability to troubleshoot and repair connected equipment. Service work will involve both on-site and in-shop servicing.

Qualifications: The successful candidate likes using his/her technical abilities to help others solve their office equipment problems. Training will be provided although education and training in the field of electronics (A+ or PDI+ certification) or experience servicing office equipment would be a definite asset.

Having a positive attitude with above average communication, customer service, and organizational skills would be a direct fit with our relationship based sales- and service-oriented approach. Completion of high school (or possession of a Grade 12 certificate) combined with a clean drivers abstract and being able to pass security clearances are particularly important.

Compensation will include a guaranteed salary and benefits depending on the qualifications and work experience of the successful candidate. A vehicle will also be provided for business use.

Applicants interested in this permanent, full time position should submit a resume complete with a cover letter and references by June 14 to: Human Resources Wilson’s Business Solutions Box 3005 Dryden, Ontario, P8N 2Z6 Email: inquiry@wilson.ca Fax: (807) 223-3315 We thank all candidates for applying, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Us: Wilson’s Business Solutions is the leading office solutions provider in Northwestern Ontario and Northern Manitoba. For over 80 years we have been providing complete sales and service support for all print document systems, office products, furniture, and computer products to our customers, with physical locations in seven separate communities.

Office Supplies • Furniture • Copier and Computer Sales/Service: Dryden • Kenora • Fort Frances • Sioux Lookout Red Lake • Thompson • Flin Flon • Thunder Bay

Page A14 •

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ST. 10 JAMES Caribou ANGLICAN 677-4652 10 11 Caribou 677-4652 am Sundays 11 UKRAINIAN am SundaysCATHOLIC ST. JOSEPH ST. 340 JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC Juniper Drive 778-7547 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST.340 LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. Fr LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC Shantha Gandamalla and Fr Shantha Gandamalla Fr Guna Sekhar and Guna 114FrCree R.Sekhar 677-0160 114 Cree Sat. 6:30 pmR.&677-0160 Sun. 10 am Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy Pastor Dan Murphy Youth Pastor Colton Murphy Youth Pastor Colton Murphy Children’s Pastor Karen O’Gilvie Children’s Pastor 677-3435 Karen O’Gilvie 126 Goldeye 126 Goldeye 677-3435 thompsonchurch.ca thompsonchurch.ca Sunday school 9:45 am, coffee time at Sunday school 9:45 am, coffee timeam at 10:40 am Church Service at 11:00 10:40 am Church at 11:00 am ST. ANDREWSService PRESBYTERIAN ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN 249 Thompson Drive 204-677-2799 249 Thompson Drive Kuntel 204-677-2799 Pastor Murat Pastor 11 Murat Regular Hours: am Kuntel Church service Regular Hours: 11 am Church service CHRISTIAN CENTRE FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN CENTRE FELLOWSHIP 328 Thompson Dr. N. 677-4457 328 Thompson Dr. •N.service 677-4457 Sun. School 9:45 am 11 am Sun. School am •CHURCH service 11 am FIRST 9:45 BAPTIST FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 456 Westwood Dr. S. 456 Westwood Ph. 778-8037 serviceDr. @S.11 am Ph. 778-8037 service CHURCH @ 11 am LUTHERAN - UNITED LUTHERAN - UNITED CHURCH OF THOMPSON OF THOMPSON Congregations worship at Congregations worship at 52 Caribou Rd. at 10:30 am Sundays.

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LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN

example, the physics prof was talking about torque and I thought he was talking about Turkish people and I couldn’t understand the difference. So it was hell, but I did it. I learned English as I Page 12 Page 12 studied.”

Thanks to a tenacious spirit, Massoud not only passed his courses but achieved top grades, receiving financial bursaries along the way.

While studying and working, Massoud met up with an Iranian lady friend and recent immigrant to Winnipeg. Soon after, they were married. Not long after that, they were expecting their first child.

The prospect of fatherhood meant Massoud’s plans would change. Two years into his studies, he settled on a degree in pharmacy in order to support his new family.

Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last, but it resulted in three beautiful children whom Massoud takes great pride in. Today, two have become success stories in their own right: one as a dentist and the other a contractor. Massoud’s youngest still lives at home with him while completing school.

Massoud says that the series of events that brought him to St. Adolphe as the local pharmacist were both com or by texting TIPMAN coincidental and serendipitcom or by texting TIPMAN plus and a message toregretted CRIMES ous, he hasn’t plus a message to CRIMES (274637). the decision even once.

(274637).

The building where his business is located comes with a rich history, just like Massoud. Many years ago, it served as a community school. There are still remnants of this aspect of its history in the attic where schoolbooks lay dormant, placed there for their insulative properties.

Eventually, the building turned into a grocery and liquor store, and later a pet grooming facility.

Massoud says that from the moment he opened his pharmacy doors, the community has embraced him.

“This is my second family,” Horriat says of St. Adolphe’s residents. “Honest to God, it’s an honor and a pleasure to be here. Everybody knows me, they accept me, and I love every single one of them.”

French was one language Massoud never learned to speak, but his lack has never deterred his French-speaking patrons.

For nine years now, Massoud has enjoyed the quick commute to his second home, St. Adolphe, and doesn’t imagine retiring anytime soon.

RCMP RCMP seeking seeking four four suspects suspects in in Easterville Easterville home home invasion invasion

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torture and other ill treat- says, can get up to 45 Celment, enforced disappear- sius along with high humidance, forcible closure of ity. During his years there, This is the second in a ser- businesses, confiscation of the sewage system in the ies presented by The Citizen property, house demolitions, area in which he lived was which explores the lives of destruction of cemeteries, deplorable, emptying from newcomers to our region and hate speech by officials local homes right onto the www.thompsoncitizen.net of southeastern www.thompsoncitizen.net Manitoba. and state media.”1 streets and alleyways.

Everywhere we look, new Eventually, the Supreme “You had to be careful not and diverse faces surround Revolutionary Cultural to catch any diseases. The us. It’s time to get to know Council made clear their hygiene level was [poor].” our neighbours and welcome mandate to ensure that the Massoud found a small them to our communities. end of the Baha’i faith in one-room apartment which Massoud Horriat is nei- Iran by expelling its adher- he shared with about five Four men from EasterFour frombyEasterther a men newcomer to St. ents from universities and other bachelors. Later, when ville are wanted police ville are wanted police Adolphe nor with a by stranger in connection an asdenying them employment Massoud’s parents and exin connection with anman assault that leftthe another there.

In fact, name Masor positions of influence. tended family escaped to sault that left another man with serious injuries. soud is as familiar in this Based on historical inPakistan, he rented a second with serious injuries.RCMP Chemawawin small French community formation provided by the room for them.

Chemawawin RCMP were alerted around 11 were alerted around 11 as the March names of11 those who Iran Press Watch, tens of The bureaucratic process a.m. that a a.m.

March 11 that a have spent their entire lives 24-year-old man was bethousands of Iranians were for immigration through the 24-year-old man being the was Easterin thetaken town.to found “objectionable” by United Nations was anying taken to the Easterville nursing for Massoud is thestation local pharthe state and killed, their thing but easy for the family. ville nursing station for treatment of serious but macist and, of while he resides treatment serious but bodies dumped into mass Eventually, their moment arnon-life-threatening innon-life-threatening inin south Winnipeg, the long graves. rived and they were given juries.

Investigation dejuries. determined that serving four men hours heInvestigation spends the “More than 200 Baha’is the option of immigrating termined that four home men entered residentsthe ofvictim’s St. Adolphe were executed during the to Canada, America, or Ausentered the victim’s home earlier that morning, asfrom his Main Street busi1980s and early 1990s and tralia. Their chances of gainearlier assaultingthat himmorning, and causing saulting and ness makehim him feel causing like one a thousand or more were ing visas to a certain country extensive damage before extensive of them. damage before imprisoned,” states the Iran improved if they had family leaving. leaving.

Police arethan asking for For more 30 years, Press Watch.2 already living there.

Police are asking for the public’s assistance Massoud has called Canada Massoud was in his “We chose Canada bethe fipublic’s assistance in nding 29-year-old home.

For the past nine of mid-twenties during those cause my sister was here. in fi nding 29-year-old Mitchell Howard Ledoux, Mitchell Howard Ledoux, those years, Massoud has years. He worked as a ma- So I came to Canada and 27-year-old Steven Shane 27-year-old Steven Shawn Shane owned 26-year-old and operated the St. chinist since the state pre- then a month and a half later Klyne, Klyne, 26-year-old Shawn Eric Umpherville and Adolphe Pharmacy, acting vented him from attending my parents and my youngest Eric Umpherville and 20-year-old Nathan Walas its sole pharmacist. university to achieve his sister came.”

20-year-old Nathan Walter Umpherville, all from Massoud is a numbers dream of obtaining a degree One year prior, Massoud’s ter Umpherville, all from Easterville, who are beEasterville, who bekind oftoguy.

He in medicine. sister, her husband, and two lieved have flremembers ed are to Winlieved to have fled to numWindates like they happened nipeg.

The four face His mother worked as children had emigrated to nipeg.

The four face numerous charges including yesterday, including the day a nurse and his father was Winnipeg. Massoud took erous charges including aggravated assault, ashe first landed in Canada: an entrepreneur.

Tensions up temporary residence in aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and October 11, sault with a1991. weapon for the family grew as they their small apartment for a breaking and entering.and breaking entering.

Born inand Iran, Massoud watched people they knew few months while he got on Anyone with informaAnyone with informaand his were forced tion onfamily any of the susRCMP at 204-329-2004 Tipsfeet. can also be submitted be imprisoned, tortured, or or his tion any of the susRCMP at 204-329-2004 or Tips can also be submitted pects’ whereabouts is Crime Stopper Anonymsecurely online at others www. to fleeontheir home country Soon executed for their faith. pects’ whereabouts is Crime atStopper Anonymsecurely after, onlinethe at www. asked to call Chemawawin ously 1-800-222-8477. manitobacrimestoppers. in the late 1980s during the “If you are not Muslim, came. asked to call Chemawawin ously at 1-800-222-8477. manitobacrimestoppers. time of the Islamic Revo- you are not welcome there,” “We started from scratch. lution. They took refuge says Massoud.

When we came here, we in Pakistan until they seWhen Massoud and his didn’t have anything. But cured immigration visas family finally decided to at least we were free and we for Canada. flee their homeland, they were able to get jobs.”

While he waited, he left homes, property, and Massoud’s first winter in took shelter in a city called vacation villas behind, ar- Winnipeg came as a comLahore. riving in Pakistan with little plete shock to his system.

“I waited there for two to their name.

“I knew it was cold, but years, one day, three hours, Massoud was the first to hearing about it and experiand 22 minutes to come to arrive in Pakistan, Iran’s encing it are two totally difCanada,” Massoud muses. dominantly Islamic neigh- ferent things,” he recalls.

The Islamic Republic of bour. Massoud describes it Massoud was 30 when he Iran was born in 1979 and as being only slightly more settled in Winnipeg. Wasting was led by Muslim clerics tolerant of non-Muslims. no time, he registered at the and the founder of the IsAlthough Iranian refuges University of Winnipeg to lamic Revolution, Ayatollah weren’t turned away at their fulfill his dream of going Khomeini.

WhatTechnician: followed in borders, they also weren’t into medicine. He took any Licensed Licensed Technician: • Licensed Heavy the coming decades, whatEquipment allowed Technician. to take jobs or menial job he was able to • Licensed Heavy Equipment Technician.

• happening Perform shop and fipursue eld repairs to all Surface Epiroc is still to this an education while and findU/G to put himself through • Perform shop and field repairs to all Surface and U/G Epiroc asculrequired. very day,Equipment is a kind of school. holed up in Pakistan, awaitEquipment as required.

Machine audits required. tural••genocide.

Iran has beenas ing their uncertain future.

“I worked as a dishwasher Machine audits as required.

• Developing and maintaining a positive relationship with machine subjected to an oppressive To get by, till 3:00 a.m. and then went • Developing and maintaining a Massoud positive learnrelationship with machine operators and customer representatives. political movement seekoperators and customer representatives. ed the Ursu language.

His to school the next morning.”

• Daily time entry.

Daily time entry. ing ••to eliminate any faith native tongue, Farsi, was not But Massoud had no Daily shift reports.

• other Dailythan shiftIslamic reports. spoken outside of refugee working knowledge of Enggroup • Other duties as assigned and required to maintain the contract.

• Other duties as assigned the contract. fundamentalism. circles.and required to maintain lish apart from some superMassoud and his family “You can’t do anything ficial language classes for Schedule: holdSchedule: the Baha’i faith, • to 5 days a week ,Monday to Friday [in Pakistan] and you just immigrants upon his early • 5 days a week ,Monday to Friday Iran’s largest non-Islamic barely survive,” Massoud arrival. He dug in his heels, Skills and Experience: religious minority.

As such, Skills and Experience:says. “I took a few belong- undeterred by the many 2-3 yearsofofothers experience. they••and thousands ings and some money with roadblocks that lay in his 2-3 years of experience.

• targets Great of communication problem became the state. me and [from Iran] solving and theskills. path, and looked ahead to • Great communication and problem solving skills.

• Proven motivated self-starter who is able to work with minimal According to and Amnesty United Nations who helped hiswork certification through the • Proven and motivated self-starter is us, able to with minimal supervision but can take direction.

International, the Baha’i very little.

You had to Medical College Admission supervision but canbut take direction.

• Strong team player. “suffered widespread and makecustomer • Strong team player. the best of it. It was Exam.

• Driven to obtain 100% satisfaction • Driven to obtain satisfaction systematic violations, in-100% hard,customer hard, hard.”

“It was very, very chalcluding arbitrary detention, Summers in Pakistan, he lenging,” he says. “For one Country and City description

BY BRENDA SAWATZKY

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• Page A15

Alliance Maintenance Services program takes flight in training aircraft engineers

BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON STAFF REPORTER, THOMPSON CITIZEN

The aviation industry's ever-evolving landscape has created a large demand for skilled aircraft maintenance engineers.

Addressing this need headon, the program developed

by Alliance Maintenance Services at the Thompson Regional Airport has swiftly emerged as a frontrunner, equipping students with hands-on training and expertise essential for excelling in this crucial field.

With remarkable progress and a steadfast commitment to shaping the future of aircraft maintenance in Canada, the program is poised to leave a lasting impact on the industry and the region at large.

Alliance Maintenance Services has successfully completed its first class of training aircraft maintenance workers and is eager to embrace a promising future. The training, based at the airport's hangar, amalgamates the maintenance departments of Calm Air, Perimeter, and Alliance Maintenance “Basic Training with Aircraft specific material.”

A critical component of the aircraft maintenance trade is the educational requirement mandated by Transport Canada. The program, known as AMS Arotech Training, delivers a fundamental training outline specified by Transport Canada, encompassing all the essential systems of an aircraft.

Jason Fryza, Director of Quality Safety and Training at Alliance Maintenance Services, expressed his excitement in venturing out on this new program and his passion for sharing his knowledge with aspiring students, “We’re getting them started in the aircraft maintenance career, It’s a third option for people in the North who may find it difficult to travel away from home” Recognizing the pressing need to recruit more aircraft maintenance engineers and acknowledging the nationwide shortage of such professionals, the company took the initiative to build its own team to tackle this challenge.

The current national statistic for aircraft maintenance engineers in Canada plummets to a historic low of only 17,000 in total, with half projected to retire within the next 10 years, followed by a further halving of that number in the subsequent five years.

The training encompasses a wide array of engines and aircraft types, including turbine and piston engines. It also delves into the history of engines, electric and hydraulic systems, avionics modules, and helicopter systems.

The program recently

celebrated the graduation of its first four students who completed their maintenance training. Another class is scheduled for July, with an estimated 6 to 8 students expected to participate.

Drawing from two decades of experience as an aircraft maintenance engineer, Fryza noted, “It’s always been a very busy airport, and it’s getting busier, and I think they’re expecting it to get even busier as they build this new facility.”

With the growing bustle, the company has recruited 35 mechanics in the past year, aiming to cultivate talent from scratch to sustain this growth. Their focus is on recruiting individuals with no prior experience but possess a willingness to learn and a keen interest in the program.

Fryza stressed the value of their new program aside from the airport’s needs, but the benefits they offer to upcoming mechanics; “The program not only provides people with the basic training they need to become an engineer, but we’re also infusing it with information and data specific to our aircraft and teaching them how to do the job before they get deployed” The daunting task of building the program from the ground up involved formulating curriculums and identifying hands-on training facilities. However, it wasn't until they assembled their instructors that significant momentum began to build.

“We’ve learned a lot this past year and we look forward to jumping into a new session and refining it even more” Fryza concluded, as they are anticipating new classes to begin again in July 2024 and January 2025.

In its inaugural year, the program has achieved remarkable progress and is poised for sustained success in training the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers. With an emphasis on hands-on training and addressing the nationwide shortage of professionals in the field, the

Photo courtesy of Alliance Maintenance Services program developed by Alliance Maintenance is not only imparting essential

skills but also contributing to the economic growth of the region. As they prepare

Thompson Humane Society Annual General Meeting Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm MAPS Boardroom, 117 Commercial Place If you have any questions please contact Oswald Sawh at (204) 677-3031.

The Thompson Crisis Centre is looking for Board members that are energetic, passionate people who: Value women & children and their rights, working towards to eradicating violence against women in society by providing support to enhance growth, and promoting healthier tomorrows.

Be part of a team in policy decisions that impact and meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.

Build community networks Please submit resume to the Board of Directors: Thompson Crisis Centre Box 1226 R8N 1P1 Thompson, MB or call 204-677-9668

for upcoming classes and recruitment drives, the program is primed to play a

pivotal role in shaping the future of aircraft maintenance in Canada.

Page A16 •

TIME FOR GRAD 2024 TIME FOR GRAD 2024 www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, May 31, 2024

Congratulate your grad with an announcement in the Thompson Citizen.

Grad announcements will be published in a special section of the July 5 edition of the Thompson Citizen and added to our website as a photo gallery.

The deadline for submissions is June 24, 2024 at 3 pm.

Congratulate your grad with an announcement in the Thompson Citizen.

Grad announcements will be published in a special section of the July 5 edition of the Thompson Citizen and added to our website as a photo gallery.

The deadline for submissions is June 24, 2024 at 3 pm.

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