Manitoba Paws in Need hosts successful animal wellness clinic
Nickel Belt News Book a way to preserve and pass on
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
exams, vaccinations, dental care, and minor surgeries for animals in need.
nightmare,” she said.
BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
Held at Beastly Boutique, the local animal pet shop and grooming center, Manitoba Paws In Need has been making a significant impact on animal welfare in the North as the organization recently hosted an animal wellness clinic from September 21st to 25th. The clinic provided essential services such as spaying and neutering, health
Though she’s now written a book about her experiences growing up in Churchill, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles said writing wasn’t something she always thought she would do.
During the five-day clinic, a total of 60 surgeries and 50 appointments, including vet checks and dental procedures, were carried out. The event took place at Beastly Boutique’s new location at 160 Hayes Road, where founder and owner Vicki McNevin expressed the challenges they faced during the recent move.
to write things that you have to figure out. It’s pretty clear when I get through.”
Despite the difficulties, the move allowed Beastly Boutique to expand its capacity, now able to accommodate approximately 20 rescue animals, with extra space for kennels and play areas. While the organization typically serves 300 to 500 dogs annually, they currently have over 30 cats and 8 new puppies under their care.
move, including several puppies, and emphasized their dedication to finding suitable homes for them.
Beastly Boutique’s reach extends beyond Thompson, as they bring in animals from various communities across the North. As the sole animal rescue center in the region, they provide invaluable services that are in high demand.
from Winnipeg to provide much-needed care for the animals in Thompson. This collaborative effort exemplifies the commitment of Beastly Boutique/Manitoba Paws In Need and its partners to improving the welfare of animals in the North.
experiences growing up, mostly in Churchill.
“The move was a bit of a
DeMeulles said she wrote her book, titled Whispers in the Wind: Stories from the North - Life in Churchill for a couple of reasons.
McNevin highlighted the influx of animals since the
‘Oh, I’m just as bad, right?’ I have all these stories and I need to capture them for my grandchildren really because they will be lost if I don’t.”
She also has a reputation as a storyteller herself.
The clinic also received support from a mobile veterinarian who traveled
was not a very safe thing to do but I jumped at it. I thought that was exciting until the plane landed and they started throwing the fuel off and I realized, ‘Holy cats, I was probably sitting on a bomb.’”
swallow when people say that Churchill residents should just find somewhere easier to live.
The collaborative effort between Beastly Boutique, Northern Manitoba Paws In Need, and the mobile veterinarian from Winnipeg exemplifies their unwaver-
ing dedication to improving the welfare of animals in the North. With their expanded capacity and commitment to finding suitable homes for the animals in their care, Beastly Boutique continues to make a remarkable impact on animal welfare in the region. Their ongoing efforts and invaluable services play a crucial role in addressing the needs of animals and communities across the North.
For all the harsh weather and the dangers of polar bears, deMeulles said if it had been viable she would have moved back to Churchill in a heartbeat.
University College of the North launches mining readiness training program at Foran McIlvenna Bay project site
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
University College of the North (UCN) has made an impressive stride with the launch of its mining Readiness Training Program at the Foran McIlvenna Bay Project Site. The program is set to make a substantial impact on the future of the mining industry by providing students with handson training and essential skills.
“In my youth I never felt good at writing,” she said. “But when I moved to Thompson to get into the school of social work, at that point I had to write for university and realized, ‘Holy, I’m not bad at this, right?’ I certainly developed a lot of skill in university and came out of there with a very strong skill in my writing and confidence in my writing. I write very clear and that’s it. It’s there. Some people say it’s kind of blunt or direct. I don’t tend
The inaugural group of students commenced their training this week in Sagkeeng First Nation, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. The second intake, scheduled to take place near Flin Flon, MB at the Foran McIlvenna Bay Project site, promises to be equally transformative for the participants.
Notably, all tuition and materials costs for accepted participants will be fully covered, demonstrating
“I just sort of thought, you know what, this history, this stuff that’s in my head, it’s going to be gone if I don’t write it down,” she said. “My kids are not going to get it if I don’t do it and it’s something I’ve always wanted my mom to do. My mom’s an elder and she’s an artist, she’s got so many wonderful stories because she always tells her stories at Parks Canada in Churchill and I’ve always hounded her, ‘Please, just put it on tape, I will write it for you because your story is going to be lost,’ and she’s never done it and I thought,
“I had such a varied history and I would tell people stories and they would go, ‘That’s not true, is it?’ I’d go, ‘Yeah it’s true.’ They’d go, ‘You didn’t do all that, did you? You’ve got to be really old.’ I was like, ‘No, actually I did all that before I was 27,’ and they went ‘What?’” Looking back, some of those experiences are things she might not do again.
a strong commitment to fostering opportunities in the mining sector. This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with NORCAT and PrairiesCan, aimed at equipping graduates with a dual certificate from UCN and NORCAT. The core objective of the program is to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers in the mining industry. By com-
“I did some pretty bizarre stuff like fuel hauls into the high Arctic at -35,” said deMeulles. “It didn’t dawn on me until after. That was a very dangerous thing to do. Being on a plane full of fuel
Another thing that spurred her on was the hard times facing Churchill since the Hudson Bay Railway suspended operations north of Gillam last spring.
bining classroom instruction with hands-on learning, the program effectively integrates cutting-edge technologies such as virtual and augmented reality to cultivate essential workforce readiness skills.
“To say, ‘Those people choose to live there. They should just leave,’ is quite simplistic. It’s quite disrespectful. If we were in the same boat in another area I think we would scream about that so why don’t they have the option to do that?
“It used to be a really thriving large community and it’s just dwindled down to such a small population now,” deMeulles says.
mining sector. Grant highlighted the endless opportunities it offers for those willing to invest their efforts and dedication.
I think right now they’re feeling like they’re pawns in a political game and that’s really sad for them because I think the people of Churchill really want to thrive.
Expressing enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative, Jamie Grant, Associate Vice-President of Community and Industry Solutions at UCN, emphasized the dynamic and growing nature of the
Though she’s not there any longer, her parents and her sister and other family members still are.
“My cousin owns the hardware store there,” she says. Because of that, deMeulles finds it hard to
“We’re excited to be part of this moment for the mining industry,” said Grant, “Mining is a dynamic, growing sector that offers endless opportunities for those willing to step in and work hard. By launching this program, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re actively helping build the
They’ve built their worlds there. How would we feel if someone came to you and said, ‘I’m sorry, you have to leave your home community and we’re going to displace you somewhere else and all your loved ones and your history is gone?’”
“I miss the shoreline, I miss the rock, I miss the polar bears even though they’re very dangerous and I really miss the Hudson Bay,” she says. “When I go back home, standing on the Hudson Bay looking out on the bay, it just gives you an incredible sense. You feel so small and you feel great.”
Now that she’s got one book under her belt, deMeulles says she may try to produce another.
future workforce for an industry vital to northern Manitoba.” Moreover, the program is designed to address the financial barriers that often hinder individuals from pursuing such valuable opportunities. Grant emphasized the significance of offering this training at no cost, ensuring that more aspiring individuals have the chance to build a brighter future in the mining industry.
“I have another book in me,” she says. “It’s a darker story, more about personal growth and struggles. Maybe in the next five years it’s something I’ll focus on doing.”
Serving the Norman Region since 1961
Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba northern director Gisele deMeulles has written a book about her
Friday, September 27, 2024
Delivering News to the Nickel Belt since 1960
Volume 64 • Issue 36
Photo by Matthias J. Johnson
Vicki McNevin (left), founder and owner of Beastly Boutique, and a veterinary assistant at the recent Manitoba Paws In Need wellness clinic, held from September 21 to 25 at their new location in Thompson. The clinic provided essential services for animals, including spaying, neutering, and dental care, helping improve animal welfare in the North.
University College of the North (UCN) receives multiple prestigious grants to enhance experiential learning
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
The University College of the North (UCN) has been awarded not just one, but four prestigious Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning grants, marking a significant achievement for the institution. These grants have been specifically allocated to benefit students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE), Health programs, and the esteemed Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science. Furthermore, UCN faculty members in the Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science have also been recognized for their dedication and expertise,
having received a well-deserved MakeWay Foundation Grant.
Delving into the specifics, the CEWIL grants have been instrumental in empowering and supporting first and second-year students within the ECE diploma program. Through these grants, UCN has been able to provide an honorarium to students who are engaged in non-paid practicum opportunities. This invaluable support has effectively alleviated financial barriers for students who dedicated full-time hours to their placements in educational institutions, thereby ensuring that their commitment and efforts did not go unrecognized or unrewarded.
Moreover, the impact of these grants extends to students enrolled in UCN’s Health Faculty programs, where successful program completion has been met with a well-deserved honorarium. This recognition not only celebrates the hard work and dedication of these students but also serves as a testament to the value of their contributions within the field of health and wellness.
The significance of the MakeWay Foundation Grant cannot be overstated, particularly for students within UCN’s Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science. This generous support has facilitated their participation in enriching land-based
MKO and Manto Sipi
activities, including the vital practice of medicine harvesting. Moreover, the grant has allowed faculty members to pursue initiatives aimed at enhancing food access and promoting food sovereignty, thereby contributing to the holistic development and well-being of the community.
It is essential to recognize that CEWIL operates in collaboration with post-secondary institutions, community stakeholders, employers, government entities, and, most importantly, students.
WIL, as a model and process of experiential education, serves as a bridge that purposefully integrates a student’s academic pursuits
with practical learning experiences in a professional setting. These experiences are carefully designed to foster meaningful partnerships between academic institutions, host organizations or employers, and students, thereby nurturing the development of essential employability skills, personal agency, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
In light of these remarkable achievements, Helga Bryant, UCN’s Vice-President Academic & Research, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to provide students with immersive experiential learning experiences across various programs. She emphasized the transformative impact of
these initiatives, highlighting how they enable students to directly apply and refine their knowledge in a supportive and controlled environment.
“CEWIL’s recognition of UCN’s efforts to provide practice-based work experiences and their support of UCN’s students engaged in such experiences is tremendously appreciated.” Said Bryant.
UCN’s receipt of the CEWIL and MakeWay Foundation Grants stands as a testament to the institution’s unwavering dedication to fostering experiential learning opportunities and supporting the holistic growth and development of its students and community.
Applaud Milestone in Manitoba, Canada, RCMP and First Nation Partnership toward First Nation Public Safety: Manto Sipi
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. Grand Chief Garrison Settee and Manto Sipi Cree Nation Chief Michael Yellowback joined together with the Deputy Minister of Manitoba Justice, the RCMP Superintendent of Criminal Operations for Manitoba and the President and CEO of Perimeter Aviation to place Manto Sipi’s “Notice to All Persons and Transport Providers” at Perimeter’s Winnipeg Terminal advising that “YOU, as well as your carry on baggage and your checked baggage and any freight being shipped by you may be SEARCHED”. “The placement of the Manto Sipi ‘notice of search’ sign at Perimeter’s new terminal is an important milestone toward the safety and security of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation. The placement of
PUBLICNOTICE
“Notice of Search” Sign at Perimeter Aviation
Manto Sipi’s sign is the first of many more to come as part of the MKO Whole of Government Response being rolled out in partnership between the MKO First Nations, Manitoba Justice, RCMP “D” Division, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, Justice Canada and Canada Post”, stated Grand Chief Settee. “The only way that alcohol and drugs can get to our remote community at God’s River right now is by being brought in by passengers in their carry-ons and luggage and in the cargo and mail carried by the airlines,” said Manto Sipi Chief Michael Yellowback. “It is essential that RCMP, our First Nation Safety Officers and airlines like Perimeter do everything possible to stop the flow of alcohol and illicit drugs into our community at God’s River,” Chief Yellowback
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added.
Chief Yellowback continued, “Manto Sipi’s ‘Notice to All Persons and Transport Providers’ is closely adapted from the sign that was on the wall of Perimeter’s old terminal that was jointly developed more than twenty years ago by RCMP ‘D’ Division and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to serve as deterrent to bootleggers and drug dealers.”
“The ‘QR’ code on this updated version of the airport sign points directly to Manto Sipi Intoxicants Bylaw 2023-08-02 that is posted on the website of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation. Together with a sign at the God’s River Airport, this sign at Perimeter is to make sure that no person can claim that they didn’t know that the laws of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation prohibit alcohol to be possessed, used or trafficked on Manto Sipi’s reserve lands”, added Chief Yellowback.
On July 8, 2024, the Manitoba Minister of Justice and the Chief and Council of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation entered into an updated First Nation Safety Officer Operating Agree-
ment which establishes the authority of Manto Sipi’s First Nation Safety Officers to exercise their duties at the God’s River Airport, and in areas beyond the reserve lands including on the winter road to God’s River and in the Registered Trapline Section. These duties include enforcement of s. 55 of the provincial Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act which prohibits any person from delivering or attempting to deliver alcohol ‘to a place where liquor may not lawfully be kept or possessed’ and carries a $2,500 fine.
“The updated First Nation Safety Officer Operating Agreement is another very important recent milestone as a part of the two-year pilot project with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commanding Officer of RCMP “D” Division that is aimed at the effective enforcement and potential prosecution of First Nation laws aimed at public safety and security”, said MKO Grand Chief Settee. “The Chief and Council of every single MKO First Nation which is served by an airport has been urgently calling for their First Nation Safety
Officers to be empowered to exercise their duties at the airports, including to potentially conduct searches for alcohol where Intoxicant prohibitions are in place.”
The updated Manto Sipi Cree Nation First Nation Safety Officer Operating Agreement forms the “framework” or “template” for the updated First Nation Safety Officer Operating Agreements for every MKO First Nation which operates a First Nation Safety Officer Program. Similarly, Manto Sipi Intoxicants Bylaw 2023-08-02 forms the “framework” or “template” for all updated and enhanced First Nation Intoxicant Bylaws to be enacted further to the two-year pilot project between the MKO First Nations, RCMP “D” Division and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
Grand Chief Settee continued, “the focus of MKO is the healing and well-being of our people and communities. The MKO First Nations and MKO recognize that we must take action to stem the epidemic of bootlegging and drug-dealing. We must take concrete action to prevent the harms that
alcohol and drugs cause and that can touch every single family and person in our communities.”
“While the Council and the community members of Manto Sipi are demanding that there must be realworld consequences for persons who are bootlegging and drug dealing in our community, our main objective is to follow a path of Restorative Justice and personal and community healing, wellness and well-being,” said Chief Yellowback.
“It is the vision of the MKO First Nations and MKO that our First Nation communities are the safest and healthiest places for our citizens to live. The actions taken by Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe – and by all of MKO’s Key Partners including Perimeter Aviation–in support of all of the Elements and Roles of the Eight Pillars of the MKO Vision of a Whole of Government Response has been absolutely essential in taking concrete steps forward–in real time–toward achieving the vision of public safety and well-being of the MKO First Nations and MKO,” the MKO Grand Chief concluded
NDP extends gas tax savings till end of year
BY BRENDA SAWATZKY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE NIVERVILLE CITIZEN
On September 25, the provincial government gave the gas tax freeze another bump down the road. According to Premier Wab Kinew, Manitobans can expect to keep saving at the pumps until December 30 of this year.
“Since we cut the gas tax in January, inflation has gone down in Manitoba,” says Kinew. “This is what governments are for. We know Manitobans are still struggling with the impact of interest rates and grocery
prices, so we’re going to continue to step up and save you 14 cents at the pump.”
The NDP first introduced their gas tax freeze in January of this year as a sixmonth incentive, applying it to gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.
They extended the cost-saving measure again in July.
Since January, Manitoba has had the lowest average retail price on gasoline in Canada, the province says. And inflation has dropped to within the Bank of Canada’s target inflation range of one to three percent.
Photo by Dawn McDonald on Unsplash
Widow seeks justice: calls for inquiry into Vale Nickel Mine worker’s death
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
Lila Fifi is on a mission to seek justice for her late husband, David Fifi, who tragically passed away while working at the Vale Nickel Mine. She believes that David's death was not due to natural causes as stated by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Manitoba, but rather a result of being exposed to toxic gases and chemicals at his workplace.
In a compelling 47-page letter titled "The Pursuit of Justice for David Fifi," Lila Fifi presented stacked evidence to Premier Wab Kinew, calling for a Public Inquiry into her husband's death. The letter was also sent to various government officials, media outlets, and organizational leaders to shed light on the circumstances surrounding David's passing.
In reaching out to Vale on the matter, a spokesperson from Vale Base Metals expressed the extra effort in workers safety, and that in the midst of a dangerous environment safety is maintained as their top priority;
“At Vale Base Metals, life matters most, and our first priority is ensuring that everyone working on our site goes home safe, every day. Our policies require that all employees and con-
tractors on site wear proper personal protective equipment, and follow strict procedures for their safety in every task they undertake.”
According to Lila, David, a dedicated father of three, exhibited symptoms of illness prior to his passing, including chills, coughing, and flu-like symptoms. On the day of his death, he experienced severe respiratory distress, struggling for every breath after being exposed to toxic chemicals released through leaking and rotting flue lines at the workplace.
On Feb 2009, the autopsy report attributed death to natural causes by myocardial infarction due to coronary artery thrombosis.
“I wrote 1,500 Freedom Of Information (FIPPA) to the Manitoba Government,” Said Lila “When I got some of the answers back from the FIPPA Applications it showed that they did an investigation but then it stopped because they concluded it with natural death. We found out later that the whole investigation and all that paperwork stayed in Thompson. It wasn’t even included in the corners report”
In this report were 4 damning statements from coworkers of David's crew that they were gassed 3 times a day for 6 days in a
row and were all ill.
Evidence now supports that David was poisoned to death and that he did not die of a natural heart attack as noted by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Manitoba.
Lila's evidence points to a pattern of negligence and non-compliance with regulations by Vale Inco, exposing workers to a range of hazardous substances including SO2, H2S, Nickel, Chlorine, arsenic, lead, sulfur dioxide, and other toxic heavy metals and gases. Workers were not adequately protected, with inadequate respiratory equipment and a lack of monitoring for chemical levels in the workplace.
In memos from FIPPA it was discovered that the province does not have the ability to test below certain levels of exposures. If the province of MB does not have the appropriate equipment in our labs, why not reach out to the USA or invest in the proper equipment.
The circumstances surrounding David Fifi's death raise serious concerns about workplace safety and the protection of workers from toxic exposure. Lila Fifi's relentless pursuit of justice not only seeks accountability for her husband's passing but also aims to ensure the safety of current and
future workers in similar environments.
There are four ways that a substance can enter the body: through inhalation, absorption through the skin, ingestion, and injection. Inhalation is the most common way for chemicals in the form of vapors, gases, mists, or particulates to enter the body.
Both half-mask and full-face respirators only provide escape protection for H2S. To protect against H2S, a supplied air system, such as a Scott Air Pack, is needed.
The half-mask respirator does not protect against carbon monoxide and only provides escape protection from H2S. Workers were worried that the masks were not suitable for protecting against certain lethal toxic heavy metals, noxious gases, fugitive emissions, and nuisance dust.
Wearing a half mask was required on the job site, but full-face respirators provide greater protection because they cover the eyes. Despite this, all the workers wore half masks.
“They should have worn full-face air purifying respirators equipped with appropriate gas/vapour cartridges. Why was there no control over the dust that was all over the place and never cleaned up? That stuff
is toxic and dangerous.”
As this story continues to unfold, it brings to light the importance of thorough investigations into workplace incidents and the need for stringent safety measures to protect workers from hazardous conditions.
“This is about fixing a broken system. What about the Hospitals? How long has the Thompson Hospital had people come in affected, and they don’t have anything set up to test for this. And they’re not even signing these guys off as being gassed”
The government was not transparent. Federal Canada is in charge of Mines, but the provinces take care of Mines. Through years of writing Fippa requests to the MB Government, responses indicated that they did not have the information I was seeking.
Recently I have written to Federal–Environment and Climate Change and they have the test results that Manitoba sent to them
PUBLICSKATE PATROL
The CityofThompson invitesqualified applicantstosubmit aresume forconsiderationforthepart-timePublicSkatePatrolpositionatthe ThompsonRegionalCommunityCentre.
Thecandidatewillhavetheabilitytoreceive,understandand apply writtenandverbalinstruction,todealeffectivelywithco-workers, and have the abilitytocommunicateeffectivelywith the general public,andabilitytodoshiftworkisrequired.
Candidatesmust hold or have the abilitytoacquireanEmergencyFirst Aidcertificate.Theymustalsoprovidetheir ownskatesastheymay berequiredtogainaccesstotheicesurfacetopatrolduringskating times.Candidatesmustdealwiththepublicpleasantly at alltimes andassistwithmaintenanceandprogramsduringthewinterseason. Dutiesincludepatrollingthearena(s)duringpublic,familyskates, andspecialeventskating.Ensureindividualsarefollowingtherules pertainingtotheuseofthefacilitywhileskating.Placingpylonson theicetoseparatetheicesurfaceforbeginnerskaters.TheRateof payis$15.30perhour.
Pleasenote the positionisconditionalupon the successfulpassingof aCriminalRecordsCheckandChildAbuseRegistr yCheck. ApplicationswillbeaccepteduptoandincludingOctober11,2024 at 4:30p.m.Thoseinterestedmay applyto: HumanResources CityofThompson 226Mystery Lake Road,Thompson,ManitobaR8N1S6 FAX:(204)677-7981
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in safe keeping. This strategy has wasted years of my time, because I have written numerous times looking for this information. I was intentionally put at a disadvantage withholding critical information from me. The Manitoba Government was in total control. This case is worse than the Westray Mine disaster in Nova Scotia where the employer was held accountable.
Lila Fifi’s relentless pursuit not only aims to bring closure for her family but also strives to ensure the protection of current and future workers. The evidence she has gathered highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations into workplace incidents and the implementation of stringent safety measures. As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of negligence and the pressing need for reform to safeguard the well-being of workers everywhere.
ACommit teeoftheWholemeeting willbe heldon Monday, Oc tober 7at7 p.m.inCity Hall.Thepubliciswelcome to at tend.The meeting willbelivestreamedonFacebook andYouTube.
Upcomingmeetingagendasare available ontheCit yofThompsonwebsitethe Fridaybeforethemeetingathttps://www thompson.ca/p/minutes-agendas. Minutes of previousmeetingsare alsoavailablethere.
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OPINION
board opts for status quo, way will city council go?
many of the people opposed to the plan are the regular critics of council who attend meetings and ask their elected officials questions week after week, their opinions may not be enough to dissuade the majority from forging ahead, especially since the number of people who care about this one way or another doesn’t even reach double digits. Whether or not the number of councillors or school board trustees should be reduced is not the sort of question for which there is a right or wrong answer. On the pro side of keeping the current numbers, the option that all but one of the school board members opted for, is the argument that it spreads the
BY CONNOR MCDOWELL
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER,
BRANDON SUN
You might call him OboeWan Kenobi.
Brandon University student Reilly Sutlic has been called to play his oboe in a live symphony orchestra showing this weekend of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.”
Sutlic, a music and education student at BU, will play with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on Friday and Saturday as the musicians perform the musical score of the classic “Star Wars” film while it plays on screen for an audience.
though Ryan Land was mostly correct in saying that, in terms of class and ethnicity, the trustees aren’t really a microcosm of the School District of Mystery Lake’s population as a whole. If you’ve been to many school board meetings (and apart from members of the media, well, you haven’t), you would know that they don’t often feature nearly as much debate or division as city council meetings, at least not over the past couple of years. But they’ve made their decision and it appears there will be seven school board trustees at least until 2022. One of the arguments
“Ever since I got the score for ‘Star Wars’ it’s been a mad rush to get everything as ready as it can be for the experience,”
Sutlic told the Sun. “Because … you wanna make that impression.”
It’s a dream come true for the Brandon native. He has been building up to play with the symphony since high school, when he started taking his instrument seriously.
But dreams don’t come easy.
“It is among the hardest music I have ever seen,” he said. “John Williams, he writes some incredibly tricky passages. Everyone
or council, is that it will save money. The amount is not large overall – about $20,000 in councillors’ salaries per year plus approximately half that amount, on average, for annual travel and expenses. For the city, which has a budget of around $30 million, that represents probably less than a drop in the proverbial bucket, though it is about a fifth of the overall cost of the mayor and council.
is having a heck of a time.”
If he’s anxious about the big weekend, Reilly doesn’t sound like it. But the same can’t be said of his father, who told the Sun of mixed feelings leading up to Friday when he will see Reilly live.
“I’m so proud and nervous,” said Andre Sutlic. “I think it’s just (I’m) proud that’s my kid. And I’m worried that I’m going to be cheering loudest out of everybody and making a scene.”
Critics of the proposed reduction say that it will prevent “new blood” from being elected and, theoretically, reduce the diversity of opinions, but that would only be true if
It has been a challenging stretch of school, through COVID, he said. That took a toll on music students, especially those hoping to
candidates who aren’t married to aligning themselves with any particular side, because right now, the number of opinions on council is generally two – for and against.
BU student to play ‘Star Wars’ score with WSO
gain experience playing in groups. After all this, Andre said it’s great to see his son honoured by being invited to play with the WSO.
Maybe the low turnout of people with opinions on how many councillors there should be isn’t an expression of apathy but of pragmatism. Experience has shown quite often that this council – and others before it –is going to do what the majority of its members think is right, regardless of what the most vocal taxpayers think. If that is the case, does it really matter how many of them there are?
“To see him go to this level and be recommended with the orchestra is fantastic,” he said. “I think it hit me when Reilly came home after he talked with (his teacher) Dr. (Wendy) Zander, and she told him he was her first student in 20 years that’s ever been invited to perform with a symphony orchestra. That’s when it hit me, ‘Oh my gosh this kid has done so well.’”
While the father might lose more sleep over this than the one actually play-
ing in the show, that’s not exactly a new thing.
“It would be 11:30 or 12:30 at night practices, and you’re trying to sleep.
But we heard Reilly in the basement practising,” the dad recalls with a laugh.
“My parents, they had to deal with that as their sleeping sounds,” said Reilly. “Distant oboe playing.”
When it comes to the weekend ahead, the BU student sees it as a breakthrough. He’s focused on doing his best so that the window of opportunity stays open.
“This is my foot in the door … I hope to make a good impression, enough
that they want me back. And when I go back to Brandon, I have that experience to bolster my abilities as a teacher.”
Reilly is in his last year of studies for a bachelor of education and bachelor of music degree. He plans to mix teaching and performing, which he learned from a professor will always go hand in hand.
The “BMO Night at the Movies with the WSO” are shows where the orchestra plays a movie’s musical score for an audience along with a screening of the film. The movies can range from Hollywood blockbusters to classic films.
THOMPSON CITIZEN NEWS TEAM
Noah Cooke Publisher
Matthias J. Johnson Staff Reporter Thompson Citizen & Nickel Belt News: 2024 Office Closures and Deadline Changes
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PH 204-677-4534 FAX 204-677-3681
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SELLING A HOUSE OR BUSINESS? Hiring for Fall or Winter? NOW is the time to get your information published! Book your ads now! SELLING SOMETHING? Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Now booking advertising for the remainder of 2024. Plan your success! Please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW to book, or call MCNA at (204) 9471691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com
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Dauphin RCMP make large seizure after traffic stop
On September 22, 2024, at approximately 6:45 pm, Dauphin RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Mountain Avenue in Dauphin as part of an ongoing investigation. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle by activating the lights and sirens on the police vehicle, the suspect vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.
The suspect vehicle ran a red light on Main Street and struck another vehicle, and then spun and struck a 26-year-old male pedestrian. The suspect vehicle then continued and struck a parked vehicle. At this time, the driver and passenger fled on foot. The passenger was taken into custody a short while later.
An RCMP drone operator and Police Service Dog Marook were engaged to track the driver, and located him after a track that led them across the Vermillion River.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded shotgun, a large sum
of Canadian currency, and a substance believed to be cocaine.
An RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist attended the scene where the vehicle and the pedestrian were struck to assist with that part of the investigation. The pedestrian was transported to local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and the driver of the vehicle that was struck was not physically injured.
Samuel Flatfoot, 26, of Dauphin, was the driver and is charged with charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Peace Officer, Resists/Obstructs Peace Officer, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
Marcus George, 22, of Swan River, was the passenger. He is charged with Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Resist/Obstructs Peace Officer x2, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. Both have been remanded.
The investigation continues.
The Pas RCMP make arrest in armed robbery
On September 14, 2024, at approximately 12:45 am, The Pas RCMP responded to an armed robbery at a business in Wanless, Manitoba, approximately 40 km north of The Pas.
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Two masked males entered the business, one armed with a machete and one with a handgun. They demanded money, merchandise, and alcohol from the employee, and then fled in a stolen silver F-150 headed south towards The Pas.
One suspect was identified by police as a 28-year-old Morgan Pielak of Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), known to have a warrant out for his arrest for Fail To Comply.
On September 18, 2024, officers located Pielak at a residence in OCN, and he was arrested without incident.
• Pielak, is charged with:
• Robbery with Firearm
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Possession of a Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized
• Uttering Threats
• Pointing a Firearm
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purposes
• Possession of Firearm/Weapon/Device/Ammunition in motor vehicle
• Disguised with Intent to Commit Offence Officers are still working towards the arrest of the second suspect.
If you have information on this incident, please call The Pas RCMP at 204-6276204, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com. The investigation continues.
RCMP photos
$3,200 donated for
ANGUS,BARRY KILKENNY
Feb 24,1953 - Sept19,2024
Barry Kilkenny, borninRoblin, Manitoba,was the youngest of five children belonging to BartandMaeAngusofBeild, Manitoba.Barry wasraisedin thehills in a small farmhouse and attended the one-room schoolhouseinBeild,Manitoba for his elementary years then movedontocomplete high school inRoblin,Manitoba.In his youngeryears, Barry worked at the dairy farmbelongingto his sisterDonnaand her late husband Ed.He latermoved toBCtoworkin the oilindustry for a fewyearsand then found himself back home workingintheforestry industry. This eventuallytook him upnorthtoJanLake where he metmanydear friendsaswellas his wifeOrla.Theylived together in the northraising Barry’s two children from his firstmarriage: Robert,and Catherine, as wellastheywelcomed their own two girls:DesaraeandAda,into theirliveswhile living inCranberry Portage,Manitoba. Barry continuedtobuildlastingfriendships andwork in the logging industry with his closefriendandcousinDavid(Punky)until he moved his youngfamilyto Thompson, Manitoba to workfor a loggingcompany. This is where Barry continuedtobuild his familywith Orlaadding twomore children into their family:Elizabeth, andAlexander, and developedmany lasting friendships over the years.Barry and Orla weremarried onNovember6,1993,and called Thompsonhome for the remainderof his years.
As the loggingindustry changed, he sought out a newcareerpath driving a milktruckforBeatriceandwasgifted the nicknameBatman for his speedy deliveriesandlongwork hours. Hesoon attained a careerwith the miningcompany INCOandmade that his careerfor the restof his workinglifeuntilretiring at theage of69dueto health issues.Heenjoyed a few short yearsofretirementdoing thethings he lovedwith his wife, children,grandchildren, friends,and extended family Barry farmedwildriceas a side hobbythat he wouldenjoy with his friends andfamilyby his side, he had countlessjamsessions demonstrating his deeploveofmusicandwouldmovepeoplefrom tears ofjoy totearsof laughter with his giftofmusic that he inherited from hismother Mae.Alongwithricelakesandmusic Barry enjoyed fishing,hunting andbeingoutin the bush exploring the landscape everywhere he went.
Barry ispredeceasedby hisMother Mae, FatherBart,Brother Len, GranddaughterShae-Lynn, GrandsonDeaglyn,and Nephew Geoff.He issurvivedby his wifeOrla, his six children: Robert,Catherine,Desarae, Ada, Elizabeth, andAlexanderaswellas17grandchildren, Brother Billandsisters Betty and Donna.He has alsoleft behind many nieces, nephews, cousins,andfriends.Barry often sharedthat he had a full and active life fulloflove and adventure.Heleftthisworld surrounded by his familyandwillbemisseddearly
A CelebrationofLifeinmemory ofBarry willbe held at the NairnChyzWolkowskiFuneral ChapelonSeptember 23, 2024 at 2 p.m.Memorial donationsinmemor y ofBarr y maygoto the ManitobaWildlife Federation.Funeralarrangementswereentrustedto NairnChyzWolkwoskiFuneralServices. To leave a noteofcondolencesplease visitwww.nairnchyzwolkowski.ca
students’ educational trip
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
On September 11, 2024, the Royal Canadian Legion generously donated $3,200 to RD Parker for their coming educational journey to the United States.
In May 2025, students from R.D. Parker Collegiate are set to embark on a six day trip to Washington, D.C. and New York as part of an EF Tour. This trip promises to be an enriching experience, offering students the opportunity to delve into the shared history of the United States and immerse themselves in the di-
verse cultures of the world. Described as a lifechanging program, the tour aims to provide students with a firsthand understanding of history and global travel. Ms. Jenkins, one of the educators accompanying the students, emphasized the value of such educational trips, stating that they allow students to gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of history and cultural diversity. The tour’s objectives include promoting an awareness of global citizenship, cultural appreciation, and the significance of historical ties between nations.
The 6-day tour will feature visits to iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. and New York, including the White House, the U.S. Capitol, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. Through these visits, students will gain insight into how these influential cities have contributed to shaping America’s past, present, and future.
Notably, the trip holds significance for Canadian students, as it provides an opportunity to explore historical ties between Canada and the United States. The itinerary includes visits to the Smithsonian Museums,
various monuments, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero of 9/11, and other famous spots in New York, culminating in the experience of a Broadway show. The students and tour leaders extend their gratitude to the Legion Ladies for their large contribution and support, recognizing the invaluable donors that has made this educational journey possible. As the students prepare to embark on this enriching experience, they are poised to gain a deeper understanding of history, culture, and the interconnectedness of nations.
Health Care Support Workers in Manitoba Serve Strike Notice
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
In response to the ongoing Health Care Staffing Crisis, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) have jointly announced a formal strike notice for approximately 25,000 health care support workers across Manitoba. If a fair settlement is not reached before October 8, 2024, the strike will commence.
These workers, who are employed at Shared Health and regional health authorities including Winnipeg, Prairie Mountain, Interlake-Eastern, and Southern (Community Support), play crucial roles as health care aides, laundry workers, dietary aides, ward clerks, recreation coordinators, and other health care support staff in hospitals, personal care homes, and the Home Care program.
CUPE President Gina McKay shared her passionate feelings on the matter, stating that if Manitoba is serious about fixing health care, it will need to resolve the health care staffing crisis. “That means paying fair and competitive wages for health care support workers, Health care jobs that were once seen as highly desirable are just not competitive anymore. The result is increasing staff vacancy rates that are negatively affecting patients and residents.”
These workers are currently the lowest paid health care support workers in Canada, with a starting wage of just $17.07 per hour for many. The potential job action would impact communities South of the 53rd Parallel, including regions such as Winnipeg, Brandon,
Dauphin, Selkirk, Portage, Winkler, and Steinbach, among others.
The need for fair and competitive wages for health care support workers was emphasized by CUPE President Gina McKay, while MGEU President Kyle Ross highlighted the importance of fair wages to recruit and retain the workforce needed to provide quality care.
“The employers’ last offer just doesn’t do enough to recruit and retain the workers needed to run our health care, Continuing to fill staffing gaps with private agency workers is costly and wasteful. Instead, Manitoba needs to grow its health care workforce to provide the care that patients and residents deserve.”
Both CUPE and MGEU have expressed readiness to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to seek a settlement before the looming strike date. Agreements have also been negotiated with the employer, in accordance with provincial legislation, to ensure that essential health care services continue in the event of a strike.
“Every day the employer puts off addressing these issues means patient and resident care will continue to suffer,” Ross said. “Strike action is a last resort, but health care in Manitoba is in crisis and that crisis demands urgent action.”
The hope is that an agreement can be reached through negotiations between CUPE, MGEU, and the employer to ensure fair compensation for the health care support workers in Manitoba. Both unions are prepared to take strike action if necessary, but the priority remains delivering quality health care through a collaborative and respectful process.
Church part of disappearing history
BY CONNOR MCDOWELL
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN
It’s silent, except for grass rustling and crickets chirping. There’s nothing to keep the sound out — the windows are shattered and the doors are taken off, piled into a corner of the room.
A truck passes outside, stirring up a cloud of dust on the gravel road. It drives into the distance, bringing its sound of crunching gravel with it. The Berbank Memorial Church, standing alone south of Brandon, returns to silence.
The memorial church was built to honour four Westman casualties of the First World War. It has been abandoned, and more than ever its future is uncertain. Acts of vandalism and the slow erosion of the elements have put it into dangerous disrepair.
Its concrete foundation is cracked, wallpaper hangs from its ceiling, and bird droppings have splashed the benches in the hall. Walking through the building, with each step rubble cracks. It feels like you could fall through a hole to the basement.
The church has stood for more than a hundred years — but chances are that it won’t be much longer.
Built in 1919 near Nesbitt, Manitoba, about 27 kilometres south of Brandon, at the time, the church was a memorial for Jack Fisher, Harry Hardwick, Harry Martin and Cecil Minary, four young men with ties to Nesbitt who never saw 30. The locals went off to fight in the First World War and never returned home.
The church was closed about 40 years later and has stood at the side of a rural road south of Brandon since. The building stood up well to time until the past 15 years, when chaos came all at once.
In 2010, Gordon Goldborough visited the site as he documented the historic building for the Manitoba Historical Society. He recalls the church was in good condition and looked structurally sound.
“It looked like somebody had done some fairly recent work on it,” he said to the Sun. “A fairly recent coat of paint. The roof was in fairly good shape.”
The historian snapped some photographs, showing a piano neatly tucked into the corner, flowers laid for the casualities of war, and a shine reflecting from wooden benches. Fifty years had barely made a scratch — he thought the piano probably would have been playable.
The church was still noted to be in good condition seven years later.
Documentation continued in 2017, when photographer Holly Thorne visited the site. She told the Sun the building was in good condition then, too. Its doors and windows were intact. The only damage appeared natural, like water stains.
When shown photographs of the same space taken this year, illustrating the damage the building has sustained in the seven years since her visit, the Thorne was saddened.
“It’s just one of those unfortunate, kind of heartbreaking things to see,” she told the Sun. “What really bothers me the most is just graffiti, you know … it’s angering to me that people go in there and feel the need to spray paint for no reason.”
In the time since Thorne left, the church flipped on its head. The windows were broken, the doors taken off their hinges, nature was let in, and images were sprayed on the front in bright orange paint. The piano was battered, with years of bird droppings piled onto its keys.
A spiral of damage begins when a building’s “envelope” is broken, explained Goldborough. When that line is crossed, where doors and windows are broken and no longer seal the building, nature takes its toll.
“Somebody breaks windows, for example, then you can get birds going in. And, of course, birds leave all kinds of remains behind,” he said. “You can get fourlegged animals getting in, and they can tear things up. As soon as the envelope of a building is compromised, that’s when the damage really starts to accelerate.”
Observably from the photographic trail, the damage that sent the church
into deep disrepair all occurred in recent history. As someone who loves history, Thorne mourns the damage the recent acts of vandalism have done to Manitoba’s past.
“That’s really the unfortunate part. I mean, you think about the fact that … you have this building that was built by a community for the community. And over the years, you think of the weddings that were there and the funerals that were there, and the celebrations that were there, and all of these things. And then to see it in that state.
But this down-spiral is the fate that many historic buildings in Manitoba face. Thorne talks of abandonment — in this case, how the church previously served the community of Berbank, but has found itself “in the middle of nowhere” through the passage of time.
Abandonment is something Goldborough has written three books about. He studies the phenomenon of how small communities in Manitoba shrivel and disappear. He said the church — which Google does not even recognize and provide an address for upon search — is in an area hit hard.
“If you draw a circle around the Berbank church and take in all the communities in the near vicinity, they’re all ghost towns,” said Goldsborough. “[And] there’s many more towns, you know, in the vicinity
… basically ghost towns in waiting.”
The church is kilometres down a dirt road no matter which direction you go. It’s off Highway 10, about halfway between Brandon and Boissevain.
“If you go back to the ’50s, ’60s, there was probably still a number of people living in that area. You know, most sections would probably have had a farm on them,” said Goldsborough.
Through research, the historian believes one driving force for abandonment in small areas is technology. Farmland previously required more hands, but as technology improved, there’s less need for people to populate the small communities and service the land, because one person can accomplish the same task when backed by today’s machinery.
In previous examples where he witnessed other buildings saved from abandoned communities, he said there were two keys: having someone nearby who keeps an eye on the site, or having a purpose for saving the building.
In the case of Berbank, with very few neighbours, the most feasible future for the building would be picking it up and moving it, said Goldsborough.
“Can it be moved, for example, to a better spot? A place where it would be protected, a place where it could be useful?”
Parties like the province
would have limited interest in preserving the building, he said, because it does not serve a population centre, and it would likely continue to be vandalized in its remote location.
In similar examples, the historian said other abandoned churches were purchased by a family and moved onto private property, or moved to a nearby town and restored as part of a museum.
The Sun tried to get comment from the Municipality of Grasslands, the authority of the land where the church sits, but could not get an interview before deadline.
As time presses on, the future of the church becomes more vulnerable. Thorne pointed to the fact that several forces get involved as the building deteriorates.
“There’s also a liability for the landowner. If I go into a place and I fall through a floor, even if I’m trespassing, I can still sue the guy, right? So there’s that part of it too,” she said. “This is another one of those situations where it’s just like, is this church going to get to the point where whoever owns the land is just sick and tired?”
It’s common in abandonment, she said. Vandalism leads buildings to become safety hazards — which then become a risk that many owners would sooner demolish than pay a settlement for.
She said she’s fallen through a few floors in her
time photographing for the Manitoba Historical Society. She didn’t file lawsuits, but merely provided the example as one factor of the phenomenon of abandonment in Manitoba.
It’s something that, like at Berbank Memorial Church, hastens the process of Manitobans losing important historical monuments, she said. As a history buff, Thorne is especially upset for that reason.
“The more people who vandalize and take advantage of these abandoned buildings, the more we’re going to lose our history,” she said. ”That’s what really bugs me … It’s like, Why? Why do you need to do that? … The history may not mean anything to you, but it means something to somebody.”
Justin Oertel, a Westman resident, sees the meaning. On Sept. 4, he started a GoFundMe fundraiser online to save the church, and wrote an appeal, encouraging others to donate.
“The church, once a proud monument to our collective past, is now at risk of being lost forever,” he wrote for the fundraiser. “We cannot let this happen … This is our chance to preserve a vital piece of our history for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of those who served our country and built our community remains intact.”
But at the time of writing this, the fundraiser had not received a single dollar.
(Connor McDowell/Brandon Sun)
The Berbank Memorial Church has fallen into disrepair. The windows are shattered and material once installed to protect them has been ripped off. A piece of the front door hangs on rusty hinges, and many shingles from the roof lay in the nearby grass that has grown over the steps.
Applied research should be a bigger part of Canada’s innovation toolbox
While Canada’s productivity indicators have long been lacklustre, the urgency of addressing persistently sluggish economic performance has only recently made headlines. What we’ve known for some time – that small businesses are relatively slow to adopt new technology, that skill mismatches diminish performance and impede growth –is no longer a conversation confined to economists and central bankers.
With poor productivity performance, quality of life in Canada is being eroded and policymakers urgently need effective solutions. Past federal measures introduced to boost innovation and productivity have been disappointing or delayed, failing to generate promised results. Productivity indicators continue to lag those of peer countries.
A new report points to a solution quietly underway at polytechnic institutions, which assist Canadian businesses as they tackle the obstacles that prevent them from adopting new technology, growing market share or expanding exports. Polytechnics call this work “applied research.” Applied research responds to industry challenges by helping partners test new equipment, build prototypes and improve efficiency. Intellectual property arising from these projects is retained by the business partner, allowing them to commercialize the results without the constraints of shared IP.
Despite consistently modest federal investments in applied research, the impact suggests that applied research should be a bigger part of Canada’s innovation toolbox.
According to The Eco-
nomic Impact of Applied Research at Canada’s Polytechnics, every dollar invested in polytechnic applied research generates a return between $8.09 and $18.49. The impact is both economic and social, helping to derisk technology adoption and drive business solutions while delivering positive health and environmental outcomes that benefit society more broadly.
There is something to be said for pragmatic, incremental innovation over major funding announcements designed around another splashy productivity idea. It is time to leave the ribbon-cutting mindset behind and focus on the basics.
Why haven’t big investments been effective?
Canada has an economy reliant on small businesses and its productivity is closely tied to their success.
While polytechnic applied research offices work with businesses of all sizes, some 85 per cent are smalland medium-sized, striking a fundamental chord in Canada’s productivity challenge.
Small businesses face unique barriers to innovation activity. They often lack the facilities, equipment and capital to engage in research and development. A shortage of technical staff and high regulatory burdens add to the risks. Here, intermediaries play a critical role, both guiding and supporting manageable growth that suits the needs of the business.
Partners surveyed for the study report the responsive nature of demand-driven research opens the door to further collaboration at their own cost. More than half (51 per cent) credit increased R&D capacity to their applied research pro-
Hamiota fundraiser taps all-women crew
BY CONNOR MCDOWELL
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, BRANDON SUN
An all-women farm team took to the fields Tuesday to bring thousands of dollars to the community of Hamiota.
Almost a dozen women operated combines, trucks and grain carts as part of the fourth annual Acres for Hamiota fundraiser.
“We’re doing ag and women,” said Acres for Hamiota board president Mark Knight. “It’s an all-female crew this year.”
A team of women were on site with matching shirts reading “Acres for Hamiota.”
Laura Cowling, a farmer in Hamiota, was one of the group taking the reins on this year’s harvest. She was set to drive a grain truck.
When asked about the cowboy image that comes to mind when people hear
New report says every dollar invested in polytechnic applied research generates a return between $8.09 and $18.49
ject and 48 per cent indicate improved competitiveness. Just over a quarter (26 per cent) report being able to access new markets and 14 per cent were able to attract new investment. These impacts suggest applied research spurs private-sector investment by reducing the risk of R&D and lighting a path to relevant innovation activity that meets needs defined by businesses themselves.
While Canada’s productivity challenges are often attributed to a business community that fails to invest in innovation, the ability to adopt new technology and develop new systems also require a skilled and ready workforce.
According to The Conference Board of Canada, skills shortages explain about seven per cent of the productivity gap between Canada and the United States since 2003. Since 2018, had skills shortages not been an issue, they estimate Canada’s gross domestic product would be as much as $26 billion more. While skills gaps affect various sectors to differing degrees over time, the role of talent development cannot be ignored.
Again, applied research offers solutions. Polytechnic education encourages student engagement in business-led research projects. Their involvement provides dual benefits, both providing hands-on opportunities to solve real-world challenges and helping students develop connections to prospective employers. Some 12 per cent of research partners indicate polytechnic collaborations help them create new jobs, many of them offered to the innovation-ready graduates who worked on their projects. This represents a talent win on the productivity balance sheet.
In a country as large and diverse as Canada, the productivity solution is unlikely to come down to any one thing. Yet, with additional federal support, polytechnics have the potential to significantly increase their applied research capacity, supporting innovation and productivity growth in the Canadian economy. The return on such an investment stands to be substantial.
Sarah Watts-Rynard is CEO of Polytechnics Canada, a national association of the country’s leading polytechnic institutions.
JOBPOSTING
Counselor Level 1Casual
Thesuccessfulclientwillhave aworkingunderstandingofDomestic and/orFamilyviolenceandrelatedissues.Haveoneormore yearsof counseling experience,preferablyintheareaofcrisisinterventionor domestic/familyviolence,withsomeprofessionaltrainingi.e.Applied CounselingCertificateand/orrelevantpost-secondaryeducation(Social work,Nursingorwork-related experience).
Have acurrentCPRandFirstAideorwillingtoobtainand recentChildabuse registry/Criminalrecordcheck. ValidDriver’slicenseorwillingtoobtain. Mustbeabletowork cross-culturally,theabilityto speak asecondlanguage isanasset.Haveanunderstandingandrespectof LGBTQ1issuesandthe vulnerablesectors.
Bewillingtoworkshiftwork:includingdays,afternoons,nights,weekends andstatholidaysasrequired.
JOBPOSTING
Part-TimeCounselors Level1
Sixteen(16)hours/week(1)(Days)
We are a24/7facility,soshiftsincludedays,eveningsandweekends Thesuccessfulclientwillhave aworkingunderstandingofDomestic and/or Familyviolence andrelated issues.Haveoneormoreyearsof counseling experience, preferably in the area ofcrisisinterventionor domestic/familyviolence, withsomeprofessionaltrainingi.e.Applied CounselingCertificateand/orrelevantpost-secondaryeducation(Social work,Nursingorwork-related experience).
Have acurrentCPRand FirstAide or willing toobtainand recentChild abuse registry/Criminalrecordcheck. ValidDriver’s licenseorwillingtoobtain. Mustbeabletoworkcross-culturally,theabilitytospeak asecondlanguage isanasset.Haveanunderstandingandrespectof LGBTQ1issuesandthe vulnerablesectors.
Bewillingtoworkshiftwork(days,afternoons,andnights)onweekends andstatholidaysasrequired.
Be reliable,dependable,flexible,andpunctualandhavea goodworkethic. Ifyouare interested in applyingfor apositionpleasesubmit anupto dateresumetothe ProgramManagerChristineFenner/orExecutive DirectorHelen Trudeau.Applications are duebyMarch15/2024by 4pm.
the word “farmer,” she said it’s not really like that.
“That would be a stereotype I’d like to break,” she said. “Because obviously women are an important part of agriculture.”
Cowling points to all the women who do physical farming, but also those working jobs such as marketing and insurance, which are crucial for the industry.
When it comes to setting a good example, she has four personal reasons — her daughters. She said it’s important to set a good example about their future possibilities in the ag industry.
Standing in a field where roughly 100 people gathered to visit and eat lunch, Knight calculated this year will raise about $60,000 before expenses.
For more on Acres for Hamiota, see the Oct. 3 edition of Westman This Week.
Bereliable,dependable,flexible,andpunctualand havea goodworkethic. Ifyouareinterestedinapplyingfor apositionpleasesubmitanupto dateresumetothe ProgramManagerChristineFenner/orExecutive DirectorHelen Trudeau.ApplicationsareduebyMarch15,2023by 4pm.
JOBPOSTING
Full-TimeDayCounselor Level1 August 21,2024
Thesuccessful clientwill have aworkingunderstandingofDomestic and/or Familyviolence and related issues.Haveoneormoreyearsof counseling experience,preferably intheareaof crisisinterventionor domestic/familyviolence,withsomeprofessionaltrainingi.e. Counseling degreeand/or relevant post-secondaryeducation (Socialwork, Nursing orwork-related experience).
Have acurrentCPRandFirstAideor willing toobtainandrecentChild abuse registry/Criminalrecordcheck.Valid Driver’s license orwillingtoobtain. Mustbe able toworkcross-culturally,theabilitytospeak asecondlanguage isanasset.Haveanunderstandingandrespectof LGBTQ1issuesandthe vulnerablesectors.
Be willingtoworkshiftwork:includingdays, afternoons,nights,weekends andstatholidaysasrequired.
Be reliable,dependable,flexible,andpunctualandhavea goodworkethic. Ifyouareinterestedinapplying for aposition,please submitanup-to-date resumetothe ProgramManagerChristineFenner/orExecutiveDirector HelenTrudeau Applications willbeaccepteduntilthepositionisfilled.
UCNisbuildingbetterfuturesfor astrongerNorth.UCN provideslearningopportunitiesto northerncommunities anditspeopleoffering morethanfortyacademicdegrees, diploma,andcertificateprograms.
We committooffering asafe,welcoming,andinclusivework environmentwhereinnovationand creativityiswelcomed. We areoneofManitoba’sTopEmployers andoffera generous TotalCompensationPackagewithhealthbenefits, agreat pensionplanalongwiththeopportunityforpersonaland professionalgrowth.
RESIDENCECLER K
Facilities,AncillaryServices,andWorkplace Safety &Health Part-Time,RegularPosition Thompson,Manitoba CompetitionNo:24-138
ClosingDate:October4,2024
Pleasevisitourwebsiteformoredetailedinformationabout UCNandthisemploymentopportunity. Athttp://www.ucn.ca, select“UCNCareers”, andselect fromthelistofpositionsto view.ThankyouforyourinterestinUCN.
Submitted photo
Sarah Watts-Rynard
UCNisbuildingbetterfuturesfora strongerNorth.UCN provides learning opportunitiesto northerncommunities anditspeopleoffering morethan fortyacademicdegrees diploma,andcertificateprograms.
We committooffering asafe,welcoming,andinclusivework environmentwhereinnovationand creativityiswelcomed. We areoneofManitoba’sTop Employers and offer agenerous TotalCompensationPackagewithhealth benefits, agreat pensionplanalongwiththe opportunityforpersonaland professionalgrowth.
EARLYC HILDHOOD EDUCATIONINSTRUCTOR
MihcetMeskanawah TeachingandLearning(MMTL)
Full-Time, TermPosition
Thompson,Manitoba CompetitionNo:24-137
ClosingDate:October4,2024
Universit yCollegeoftheNorth HEREYOUCAN UCN.CA
Pleasevisitourwebsiteformoredetailedinformationabout UCNandthisemployment opportunity. Athttp://www.ucn.ca, select“UCNCareers”, andselectfromthelistofpositionsto view.ThankyouforyourinterestinUCN.
Manitoba Wildlife Federation town hall meetings galvanize community support for conservation
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
UCNisbuildingbetterfuturesfor astrongerNorth. UCN provides learningopportunities to northerncommunities anditspeopleoffering morethan fortyacademicdegrees, diploma,and certificate programs. We committooffering asafe,welcoming,andinclusivework environmentwhereinnovationand creativityiswelcomed. We areoneofManitoba’sTop Employers and offer agenerous TotalCompensationPackagewithhealthbenefits, agreat pensionplanalongwiththe opportunityforpersonaland professionalgrowth.
BUILDIN GS ERVICE WORKE R
Facilities,AncillaryServices and Workplace SafetyandHealth (2)Full-Time,RegularPositions Thompson,Manitoba CompetitionNo:24-127
ClosingDate:October4,2024
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) recently held town hall meetings in Thompson, Snow Lake, and The Pas, attracting an impressive turnout of 80 attendees. The gatherings served as a platform for leaders and community members to express their shared frustration over the recent reduction in moose tags, a policy that has sparked concerns about its impact on licensed hunters and the broader community.
Passionate hunters, wranglers, thought leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts converged at these events, all eager to voice their thoughts and concerns for the future of Mani -
toba’s wildlife resources. The palpable sense of community and shared commitment to conservation was evident, with one major employer even highlighting the disruptive impact of the moose tag reduction in the workplace.
Rob Olson skillfully guided the discussions, adeptly steering the discourse away from frustration and towards productive conversations that underscored the collective dedication to conservation for all Manitobans. The need for shared management of wildlife resources was a recurring theme, reflecting the diverse perspectives and the desire for equitable solutions.
The town hall meetings in The Pas and Snow Lake further underscored
the depth of engagement, with 50 and 75 attendees respectively. In The Pas, a respectful conversation initiated by a Métis hunter about Section 35 rights and shared wildlife management provided valuable insight, sparking positive feedback and a constructive dialogue that lasted about an hour.
In the wake of these gatherings, many participants expressed optimism about the role of the MWF in fostering a fair and shared approach to conservation. The sense of unity and purpose that permeated these meetings underscored the potential for the MWF to serve as a unifying force, bringing together diverse stakeholders for the collective benefit of Manitoba’s wildlife resources.
Manitoba parvovirus outbreak raises concerns for unvaccinated dogs
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
Pleasevisitourwebsiteformoredetailedinformationabout UCNandthisemployment opportunity.Athttp://www.ucn.ca select“UCNCareers”, andselectfromthelistofpositionsto view.ThankyouforyourinterestinUCN.
Universit yCollegeoftheNorth HEREYOUCAN UCN.CA
The recent outbreak of parvovirus in Manitoba has raised serious concerns for the health and safety of unvaccinated dogs in the region. Dog owners are being warned that any dog who is not vaccinated is at high risk of contracting this potentially deadly virus. Parvovirus, which is not contagious to humans and affects only dogs, has no cure. Treatment options are limited to supportive measures such as IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and anti-diarrhea medica-
CREENATIONCHILD &FAMILYCARINGAGENCY JOBOPPORTUNITIES MathiasColombSubOffice MathiasColomb,Manitoba
CreeNationChild &FamilyCaringAgency(CNCFCA)isresponsible foradministeringandprovidingforthedeliveryofChildandFamily Services.CNCFCAisdedicated to providingcomprehensiveCFS Servicesthatarecommunity-basedandincorporatebothprotection andpreventionservices. Ouragencywillstrive to maintainfamilyunity. CreeNationChildandFamilyCaringAgencyiscurrentlyhiringfor thefollowingpositions: AdministrativeAssistant/CaseAide –Permanent Position CFSWorker –Permanent Position CICSupervisor– PermanentPosition Family EnhancementSupervisor– PermanentPosition Family EnhancementWorkers– (2)Permanent Positions IntakeSupervisor –Permanent Position Formoreinformationonjobdescriptionspleasevisitourwebsite athttps://creenation.ca
Deadline:October10,2024@ 4:00pm
Submit coverletter& resumealongwiththree(3)referencesmarked “personal& confidential” to: HumanResourceManager Cree NationChild& FamilyCaringAgency Box10130, Opaskwayak,MB.R0B2J0 Fax:204-623-3847Email:hr@creenation.ca
We thankallwhoapplyandadvise thatonly thoseselectedfor furtherconsiderationwillbecontacted.
“Pleasevisit ourwebsiteathttps://creenation.ca” forcompletejobadvertisements
tion. The cost of treating the virus can be exorbitant, often exceeding $2000 per dog and requiring multiple days of hospitalization. Moreover, the death rates associated with untreated cases are over 80%, making it a grave concern for dog owners.
The highly contagious nature of the virus means it can spread through direct dog-to-dog contact as well as on clothing, shoes, bags, and various surfaces. Notably, common household disinfectants like Lysol are ineffective against the virus, and only hospital-grade disinfectants
such as Virox, Rescue, Accel, Cavi Wipes, and bleach are capable of eliminating it.
Recognizing the symptoms of parvovirus is crucial for early intervention. Dogs with no history of vaccines and exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat, and lethargy may be infected. Their diarrhea may have a distinct odor and may contain blood.
In light of the outbreak, dog owners are urged to seek veterinary assistance promptly if they suspect their pet is unwell. In areas where veterinary clinics
are not readily accessible, reaching out to local shelters or rescue groups for guidance is recommended. In the absence of immediate veterinary care, ensuring that the affected dog stays hydrated is crucial. The most effective preventive measure against this deadly virus is to ensure that dogs are vaccinated when they are healthy. It is imperative to raise awareness and advocate for more vaccine clinics in the province to combat the spread of parvovirus and safeguard the well-being of dogs in the community.
Police investigate shooting incident and two-vehicle collision in Thompson
BY MATTHIAS J. JOHNSON THOMPSON CITIZEN STAFF REPORTER
Thompson RCMP are currently investigating a shooting incident and a two-vehicle collision that occurred on September 15, 2024, at approximately 10:15 pm on Perch Avenue in Thompson.
Upon receiving a report of the collision, authorities were alerted to a possible gunshot at the scene. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 47-year-old male with injuries sus-
tained from the incident. Immediate medical assistance was provided, and the injured individual was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, he has since been released.
According to the investigation, the injured male was driving a pickup truck involved in the collision with an SUV. Subsequently, the SUV followed the victim to a residence, where a male suspect exited the vehicle, brandished a firearm, and fired at the victim. Additionally, projectiles from the firearm
struck a neighboring residence, but no injuries were reported.
The SUV fled the scene but was later located by the police on Pike Crescent. Witnesses observed a male and a female suspect entering a residence, which was subsequently surrounded by law enforcement. Although three individuals were taken into custody, none of them were found to be involved in the incident and were subsequently released. However, the two primary suspects were not located inside the residence.
Clear Lake’s zebra mussel ‘containment curtain’ damaged, being removed
BY DAVE BAXTER LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, WINNIPEG SUN
A containment curtain installed in Clear Lake meant to prevent the spread of zebra mussels has been damaged and will be removed, Parks Canada announced this week.
In a statement on Monday, Parks Canada said the curtain, which was installed in early August in Clear Lake, located in the Riding Mountain National Park, is no longer effective because of damage it sustained due
to strong winds and waves on the lake this summer.
The curtain isolated an area of the lake near Boat Cove where invasive zebra mussels were discovered in November of 2023 and again in July of 2024, according to Parks Canada.
“The curtain was damaged and is no longer an effective means of containment and cannot be repaired or replaced this fall,” Parks Canada said.
The curtain was installed as one of several steps taken
by Parks Canada at Clear Lake this summer to try and stop the spread of the mussels, which also included banning all personal watercraft from the lake back in May.
Despite the loss of the curtain, Parks Canada said they will continue to try to stop the spread of zebra mussels and possibly “eradicate” them from Clear Lake, and said the boat ban will remain in place.
“For the remainder of the 2024 open water season,
Parks Canada will continue intensive monitoring for environmental DNA, veligers, and evidence of live zebra mussels in Clear Lake,” Parks Canada said.
“This monitoring will continue until ice forms and will help determine whether plans for a potential eradication or control treatment using potash are feasible.”
“The private contractor that provided and installed the curtain will be responsible for its removal,” Parks Canada added.
GoManitoba App can get you connected to shared rides; 87% rides in Winnipeg are solo, says research
BY PATRICK HARNEY
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER, THE LEAF
Green Action centre’s new GoManitoba tool is designed to reduce Manitoban’s reliance on single-occupancy vehicles by connecting drivers and showcasing alternatives for getting to people to work, home or wherever they need to go.
In Manitoba, more commuters largely means more cars on the road, since according to Statistics Canada, 83.6% of commutes in Manitoba are made by car. Additionally, in Winnipeg, 87.1% of these commutes by car are simply transporting one individual.
At peak hours, there are tens of thousands of cars carrying just one person to and from work, creating more traffic, wearing down the roads, and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
GoManitoba is an online tool that allows user to make an account where they enter their commute details and are get linked with potential carpool partners and shown alternatives such as transit
Position: CaseAide
routes.
“We’ve always seen a very high interest in carpooling,” Mel Marginet, Green Action Centre’s lead for sustainable transportation, says. “But, to find a good carpool partner takes enough people going from a similar destination to a similar place at a similar time. It really is about having a large enough user base to find a good match.”
Once users find one another, they are able to set up a meeting where they discuss expectations for their carpool in order to see if they are a good match.
GoManitoba was initially created in 2017 and has slowly grown its user base over time, despite a pandemic related dip. This September, Green Action Centre has relaunched the platform with the backing of the province to help support
PROF ES SIONAL EMPLOY MENTOPPO RT UNIT Y AWASIS AG ENCY OFNO RT HERNMANI TO BA UNIT/O FFICE:S HAMATTAWA(TH P) LO CATION:701 THOMPSONDRIV E, THOMPSON,M B
One(1)FullTime Permanentposition
Summary of Position:
TheCaseAideprovidespracticalandadministrativesupport to the Worker(s)andSupervisor(s)intheirassignedUnit.While following guidelines relatedtoclients’safetyandprivacy, theCaseAideis responsiblefor facilitating case-relatedactivitiesonbehalfofthe unitwhenworkingwith familiesandchildren.Demonstrating a workingknowledge oflegislation,Agencypoliciesandpracticesthe CaseAideis responsibletocheck caseprogress, conductinterviews, assist with compilingcaseparticularsforCourt,ensuringaccurate andtimelydocumentation,amongothertasks
Qualifications:
• Somepost-secondary education,oranacceptablecombination ofeducationandworkexperience.
• 1-2years of experienceinanadministrativeroleorchild welfare workenvironment.
•ProficiencyinuseofMicrosoftoffice(Excel,Word, Teams,and Outlook).
•ValidClass5 Driver ’s License.
• GoodunderstandingofNorthernFirst Nationculturesand communities.
•Abilitytospeakandwrite Cree/Deneanasset.
WorkingConditions:
•Fast-paced,time-sensitive child welfareworkingenvironment.
• BackgroundChecks must meet Agencyminimalacceptable standards
•Independentworkperformedaspartofa team
•Access to highlysensitive andconfidentialmaterialforwhich privacymustbemaintained.
•Performingon-call rotations,and overtimerequired.
•Occasionalliftingto30lbs
• Up to 20%travel,someofwhichmayberemoteand overnight. Salary: AwasisAgencyoffersa competitivesalaryandemployee benefitpackage.Salary will commensuratewitheducationand experience
ClosingDate:Thursday,October3,2024
AwasisAgencyprovidesservice to Indigenouschildrenandfamilies, thereforepreferencewillbegiventoIndigenousapplicants Applicantsareencouragedtoself-identify. Individualsinterestedin this challengingopportunity please reference CompetitionNumber 2024-108on your resume/coverletterandinthesubjectlineof youremail in confidenceto: HumanResourcesDepartment AwasisAgencyofNorthernManitoba Competition#2024-108 701ThompsonDrive,Thompson,MBR8N2A2 Fax:204-778-8428Email:hr@awasisagency.ca
We thankallapplicantswhoapply, however, onlythoseselectedforaninterviewwillbe contacted. Applicantsmayrequest reasonableaccommodationrelated to thematerialsoractivities usedthroughouttheselectionprocess
the platform and help bring more regions within the province in to the network.
Marginet says that with the closure of services such as Grey Hound and Mahihkan Bus Lines, the tool will be especially useful for individuals living outside of Winnipeg who have to commute into the city.
For those within the city, GoManitoba also provides more options for individuals who cannot afford a car or are unable to drive.
Marginet emphasizes that GoManitoba is not a hired service like Uber or a taxi. Rather, the platform is designed to help create a sustainable carpooling partnership.
“This isnt a hired stanger that is coming to pick you up,” Marginet says. “A carpool partner is more of a longterm friendship or re-
lationship that you are able to set up.”
While carpooling is a focus of the platform, GoManitoba also presents useful tools for those taking transit, walking or biking.
Individuals are able to view best routes for their trip, such as efficient bus routes or a safe biking route, with multiple options based on the user’s comfort level.
Through GoManitoba, people can even able to set up a ‘bikepool’ where a group of people of varying skill levels can share a bike route, learn best routes and ensure that everyone can get to their destination safely.
While sharing a route may not be for everyone, Marginet says that an option like carpooling is “ that first step along the road to being a bit greener and reducing your reliance on driving alone.”
CREENATIONCHILD &FAMILYCARINGAGENCY
Child &Family Services Worker–Permanent Position LOCATION:ThompsonSubOffice OFFICE:Thompson,MB
CreeNationChild &FamilyCaringAgency(CNCFCA)isresponsible foradministeringandprovidingforthedeliveryofChildandFamily Services.CNCFCAisdedicated to providingcomprehensiveCFS Servicesthatarecommunity-basedandincorporatebothprotection andpreventionservices.
Ouragencywillstrive to maintainfamilyunity.
POSITIONSUMMARY:
Underthesupervisionofthe UnitSupervisor(s),theChild &Family ServiceWorkerisresponsibleforprovidingandadministeringCFS ServicesinaccordancewiththeChild &FamilyServicesAct.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
§ Responsibleforgatheringinformationandassessingchildand familyfunctioningproblems
§ Responsibleforthedevelopmentofcaseplansforchildrenand familieswithinprogramguidelinesandprovidereferrals,support, guidanceandproblemsolving
§ Responsibleforallfiledocumentation,referrals,ensuringservices areapplied
§ CaseMonitoring,RiskAssessment& Followup
§ Providescasemanagementandsupport forchildrenincare andfamilies
EDUCATIONANDEXPERIENCE:
§ WorkexperienceinChildand FamilyServices withdemonstrated knowledgeofchilddevelopment,familycenteredservice,early intervention,familysupport andcommunity-basedservices
§ BachelorofSocial Work(BSW)orrelatedundergraduatedegree inHumanServices(preferred)
§ AbilitytoconversefluentlyinCree(preferred)
§ Excellentassessment,interventionandwritingskills
§ KnowledgeoftheChildandFamilyServicesActandprovincial standards
§ Abilitytouse avariety ofcomputerapplicationsincludingCFSIS andFACTS
CONDITIONSOFEMPLOYMENT:
§ Mustpass acriminalrecordscheck,childabuseandpriorcheck
§ Cannotbeactiveona protectioncase
§ Maintainabsoluteconfidentiality
§ Variedamountsoftravelrequired
§ Musthave avalidManitobadriver’s license
§ Mustbeable to provideownvehicleforwork
§ Otherdutiesrelated to thepositionmaybeassigned Deadline:October7,2024 @4:00
SUBMIT COVERLET TER& RESUMESALONGWITHTHREE(3)
REFERENCESMARKED“PERSONAL& CONFIDENTIAL”TO:
HumanResourceManager Cree NationChild &FamilyCaringAgency Box10130, Opaskwayak,MB.R0B2J0 Fax:204-623-3847Email:hr@creenation.ca
We thankallwhoapplyandadvise thatonly thoseselected forfurtherconsiderationwillbecontacted. “Pleasevisitourwebsite atwww.https://creenation.ca”
HELP WANTED
CustodianPosition –FullTime Thompson RegionalAirport
Qualifications: TheThompson RegionalAirportisseekinga motivatedindividualto fill afull-timecustodialposition.Theapplicantmusthave experience incleaning commercialbuildings, avalidclass5 driver’s licenceand accesstotransportation.Theabilitytomanage andprioritizetheir workload,possesseffectiveinterpersonaland communicationskills and aprovenabilityto work co-operativelyina teamenvironment areessential.
Duties:
ReportingtotheAirportManager,theincumbentwillprovide regular cleaning of theairportterminalbuildingand otherareasassociated withairportoperations.Cleaningwillinvolvemopping,sweeping, vacuuming,stripping, waxingandbuffingfloors,cleaningwindows, walls,bathrooms, offices,andemptyinggarbagecansetc.The incumbentwillalsoprovidebackup forvacation coverage,when required.
Applicantsarerequestedtoindicateintheircoverletteror resume howtheymeetthequalifications of theposition.Thehours for thispositionareMondayto Fridayfrom11:00amto 8:00pm.The Thompson RegionalAirport offers acompetitive benefitspackage includingpensionandextendedhealthbenefits. Salarystartsat $24.15perhourbasedonthe collectiveagreement.Theclosingdate willbeOctober25,2024.
Applybymail,emailorfaxto:
Maggie Taylor Thompson RegionalAirport Box112,ThompsonMBR8N1M9
Fax204-778-6477EmailMaggie.Taylor@fly-yth.ca
EmploymentOpportunity(Repost) YouthHealingLodge ProgramManager
Full Time Position –Thompson,MB
The YouthHealing LodgeProgram Manager reportstotheExecutive Director.The YouthHealingLodgeProgramManagerisresponsiblefor themanagement andorganizationofall Youth Healing Lodge activities. RolesandResponsibilities
• Develop astrategic plan,manage operationsanddevelopanoperational planwhichincorporates goals andobjectivesthatworktowardthe strategic directionsofthe organization.
• WorkwithInternalandExternalStakeholdersonthe YouthHealing Lodge operations,policiesandproceduresandensurethesemeetthe expectationsofMKO,stakeholdersandsponsors.
• Ensure programs andservicesreflectthepoliciesrequiredof the organization.
• Overseethe planning, implementationandevaluationofthe Youth Healing Lodge’sprograms andservices,ensurethatthese programs andservicescontributetothe organization’smissionandreflectsthe prioritiesofMKO.
•Prepare acomprehensivebudgetandprovidetheExecutiveDirector with amonthly budget reportontherevenuesandexpendituresof the organization.
• Identify,assessandinformtheExecutiveDirectorofinternalandexternal issuesthataffectthe organization.
• Maintainandbuildstrongrelationshipswithourmembershipand stakeholders,includingbutnotlimitedtosuchentitiesasourfunders.
• Researchfundingsources,overseethedevelopmentoffundraising, plan andwritefundingproposalstoincreasethefundsofthe YouthHealing Lodge with grants, sponsorshipstrategic direction.
• Completereportsasrequestedbyfunders,stakeholders,andsponsors. •Determinestaffingrequirementsforthe organization.
• Implement aperformancemanagement process forallstaffwhich includesmonitoringandmanaging theperformanceofstaffonanongoing basisandconductinganannualperformancereview
Educationand Experience
•Post-SecondaryDegree in arelatedfield, acombinationofeducation andexperiencewillbeconsidered
•A minimumoffive(5)yearsinseniorexecutive andleadershiproles wouldbeconsideredanasset.
•High leveloffinancialliteracyincluding budgetdevelopment,financial monitoringandreporting.
•Provenexperienceinprojectmanagement
• Abilitytodevelopandimplementsuccessfulculturallyspecificprograms.
•Superiorproblem-solving,negotiatingandfacilitationskills.
• Abilitytocommunicateandpositivelyinteractwith avarietyof stakeholders.
•Mustbeabletoobtain asatisfactoryCriminalRecordCheck(including VulnerableSectorSearch), asatisfactoryChildAbuse RegistryCheck andasatisfactoryAdultAbuseRegistry Checkupon hiring.
•Mustposses avalidClass5FDriver’sLicenceandbewillingtotravel.
•Havingaccessto areliablevehicleis arequirement.
Salaryisdependentuponqualificationsandexperience Interested applicantsareinvitedtosubmittheircoverletteridentifying theposition applyingforandresume,alongwith 3professional reference listings (include amostrecentemployerreference)to: HumanResourcesatemployment@mkonorth.com
ClosingDate:Open untilfilled
We thankallwho applyandadvisethatonlythoseselectedforfurther considerationwillbecontacted.Preference willbegiventoqualified FirstNations applicants; applicantsareencouraged toself-declarein theirresumeorcoverletter
Nophonecallswillbeaccepted. Incorporatedin1981astheManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak (MKO). MKOis anon-profit,politicaladvocacyorganizationthatprovides a collectivevoiceonissuesofinherent, Treaty,Indigenous,andhuman rightsforcitizensofthe26sovereign FirstNationswerepresent.The MKO FirstNationsaresignatorytoTreaties4,5,6,and10. Pleasevisitourwebsite at mkonation.com
BY MAGGIE MACINTOSH
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
REPORTER, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
The advocacy organization that has been supporting parent councils and lobbying the provincial government on caregiver concerns over the last 70 years has gone dark.
The Manitoba Association of Parent Councils lost its charitable status on Sept. 7, according to records from the Canada Revenue Agency that show MAPC has failed to file upto-date information.
MAPC’s website was taken down ahead of back-to-school season. Its last-known office has been vacated and social media pages are inactive.
Executive director Brenda Brazeau, the sole employee, did not respond to requests for comment on the status of the organization she’s overseen since 2019.
“The board of directors has chosen not to proceed with funding from the province (Manitoba Education) and to seek outside funding,” Brazeau wrote to the head of the department’s inclusion support branch on March 8.
“I would like to point out that this does not mean that MAPC will not continue to be the ‘parental voice in education.’”
At the time, Brazeau indicated MAPC had faced questions about a perceived conflict of interest in recent years — specifically around Bill 64, the Pallister government’s failed attempt to replace elected school boards with a central authority — because it was funded primarily by the province.
A provincial grant totalling $106,800 accounted for 77 per cent of the organization’s revenue in the fiscal year ending March
31, 2022, according to the latest national charity data available via the federal government.
That figure has remained unchanged since 2017, except for a cut to $94,400 in 2021 that occurred during widespread government austerity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization runs via nominal membership fees and donations.
Brazeau added in her letter that the provincial funding contract mandated MAPC work strictly with parent advisory councils when its purpose has always been to support PACs and individual parents, as well as addressing other issues.
Asked about MAPC’s apparent disappearance, the NDP’s cabinet communications director released the March letter that was received about a month before the Kinew government
published Budget 2024.
The Home and School and Parent-Teacher Federation of Manitoba was founded in 1954. Its membership voted to change the organization’s name in 1995.
“It was a group where you could go and say, ‘This is where we’re struggling,’ but it was mostly (facilitating) other PACs helping PACs — I think that’s the part that will be missed the most,” said Crystal Webster, a mother of four who has spent much of the last 12 years attending meetings and organizing fundraising initiatives at elementary schools in Winnipeg.
In Webster’s experience, MAPC was fairly hands-off and focused on procedural basics for councils that were getting up and running. She said she would have liked to see the organization be more proactive about reaching out to new
PACs.
The charity has historically been run by a single employee and volunteer board of directors.
Arlene Reid, president of the board until 2022 — and the last person to hold that position, according to government records — and former executive director Naomi Kruse told the Free Press they were unaware of MAPC’s status.
Rick McQuay, who owns 825 Henderson Hwy. — MAPC’s last known headquarters — said the former tenant was “excellent.”
“I couldn’t ask for better, to be honest,” said McQuay, who noted MAPC moved out of the Rossmere-area office prior to the beginning of the school year.
The landlord said Brazeau, who worked out of the building for a year, informed him in the spring that she would not be renewing the organization’s
lease because of funding challenges.
The charity has long been viewed as a key partner in public education matters, alongside the teachers’ union, associations representing school boards, school business officials and superintendents and, more recently, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre.
In recent years, Brazeau has served as a parent representative on the province’s poverty and education task force and education funding model review team.
“MAPC has worked very hard to cultivate formal parent voice through relationships with school parent councils and was often asked to speak on behalf of that group,” said Sandy Nemeth, president of the Manitoba School Boards Association.
“If they’re not that collective voice now, who is?”
BY PATRICK HARNEY
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER,
THE LEAF
Constructed in 1926, the red brick building at 801 Sargent Avenue has had several owners over almost a century.
The building was one of the projects of the prolific local architect Max Blankstein. Blankstein, a Jewish immigrant who moved to Canada in 1904, was the first Jewish architect to practice in Manitoba.
Blankstein’s work can be seen all over the city, especially his theatres,
including the Uptown Theatre on Academy Ave. (now Uptown Lofts), Palace Theatre on Selkirk Ave., and Tivoli Theatre (now Food Fare) on Maryland St.
Initially opened as the Rose Theatre, named after the owner’s daughter, 801 Sargent Ave. was designed as a multi-use space with a main theatre and two retail spaces on either side of its entranceway.
As the building changed hands, it was renamed the Towne Theatre in 1964, Venus Theatre in 1974,
and Festival Theatre in 1979. Most recently, the building was home to Wild Strawberry Children’s Centre.
This year, neighbouring Akin’s Business Centre purchased the building with plans to revitalize it.
“We’re looking at different ways that we can utilize the space,” Akin’s Managing Director, Suzanne Williams, says. “Perhaps as a classroom during the day and event centre at night. We want those kinds of things to be able to make sure it gets
full use.”
Despite its historical significance, the building does not fall under the official historical building designation, meaning that its aesthetics are not protected. As a result, much of the interior has been changed over the years. However, Akin’s is committed to maintaining what they can from the building, including its brick facade. They also found two large light fixtures from the building’s original design, which they hope to revitalize.
Akin’s has already renovated one of the storefronts and is awaiting an engineer’s report for transforming the old theatre into an event space.
“Everything takes time right now,” Williams says.
“The floor feels pretty solid, but there are some spots that feel a little off.”
Akin’s is fortunate to have a tenant already in the retail space. Brian Newell, who runs a cellphone repair business next door, has taken over the space to help establish his clothing business, Subtle Savagery.
“It represents the ups and downs in life, which are all a part of the journey,” Newell says. Newell intends to use the space as a home base for his up-and-coming brand and as a studio for photo shoots. Having this new space is an important step in Newell’s plans to grow his local brand into a global one. The purchase of 801 Sargent Ave. is part of Akin’s efforts to bring more community spaces to the West End while preserving a bit of the city’s history.
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