Thompson Local News Archives for 2018-02

Pink Shirt Day Tomorrow

Tomorrow is pink shirt day.

 

Everyone is encouraged to wear pink to help raise awareness and spark conversation about bullying.

 

The organization behind the day, Pink Shirt Day, sells pink shirts and donates the profits to organizations helping youth deal with bullying.

 

To date, Pink Shirt Day has sold over 300,000 shirts, and raised over $1.8M.

Liberal Health Care Tour Makes Stop In Thompson Tomorrow

River Heights MLA Dr. Jon Gerrard, algonside Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont, will be in Thompson tomorrow as part of their health care tour. 

 

Gerrard spoke to 102.9 CHTM, and said that they launched this tour as many people in the province have been speaking out about health care issues in Manitoba.

 

Gerrard added that it was important for the Liberal Party to come to Thompson on the tour, as there are many health care issues faced by people in the north.

 

Lamont said in a release that they have heard from lifelong conservatives who are frustrated and disappointed that their MLA’s, and Ministers, won’t talk to them.

 

The event will take place tomorrow evening at the Meridian Hotel from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Mayor Fenske Met With Wab Kinew, Jeff Wharton Last Week

Mayor Dennis Fenske was recently in Winnipeg to meet with provincial leaders.

 

Speaking on City Beat late last week, Mayor Fenske said that he met with Wab Kinew, the leader of the opposition, about the NDP trying to turn Churchill into a medical hub for the north.

 

While he said that he supports Churchill in their need of ensuring they have adequate health care, Mayor Fenske said the he wanted to remind Wab Kinew that Thompson is the hub of the north, and that that extends to health care. Fenske said that he wanted to make it clear that Thompson is the hub.

 

Mayor Fenske also met with Jeff Wharton, the Minister of Municipal Relations. The Mayor said that he discussed an outstanding issue with the province, the payment for UCN. Fenske said that the City and the Province are still at odds as to how much should be paid through taxation for the infrastructure that was built.

 

City Beat takes place on 102.9 CHTM every Thursday at 11:30am with either the Mayor or a representative from City Hall.

 

If you have a question for the Mayor about the City of Thompson, make sure to email it to CHTMNEWS@ARCTICRADIO.CA and it will be asked live on-air next Thursday.

 

Annual Thompson Crisis Centre Family Fun Night Tonight

Tonight is the night; it’s the fifth annual Thompson Crisis Centre Family Fun Night.

 

The event, which is open to everyone in the community, will start at 4:00pm at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre in the multi-purpose room. The event is scheduled to run until 8:00pm.

 

There will be a meal provided to everyone who comes out, as well as snacks and treats. Party Hart is scheduled to be there with bouncy houses, face painting and animal balloons for the kids. Music Makers will also be in attendance, with dancing and karaoke.

 

The Crisis Centre will be giving a return flight to Winnipeg with Calm Air away at the event. To win, you must be in attendance.

 

 

Council To Start Election Wheels Turning Monday

Thompson City Council will meet tonight for the last time in the month of February.

 

The agenda for the meeting includes several different by-laws, three of which have to do with the upcoming municipal election. The campaign expense by-law, vote counting machine by-law and the composition of councillors by-law will all receive first reading.

 

The agenda also includes a letter from Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton, as well as resolutions to declare the 2018 trade show a special event. In addition, Council will vote on sending Deputy Mayor Smook to Winnipeg to attend the Provincial budget presentation, which takes place on March 12th.

 

The meeting will get underway at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.

 

The full agenda can be found here.

Niki Ashton Speaks Out Against Trans-Pacific Partnership

Niki Ashton is calling out trade deals that she says are killing Canadian jobs.

 

The local MP said in a recent release that the country has seen a quote hollowing out of our economy and that the country is seeing more and more jobs shipped overseas.

 

She said that a growing number of Canadian voices, including those from industry and the labour movement, are speaking out about how far the deal will set the country back.

 

Ashton said that the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement will kill up to 60,000 jobs, and hurt the dairy industry in the country.

 

The MP said that it was negotiated by the previous Conservative government and moved ahead by the currently Liberals.

 

She said that we will see well-paying jobs exported to low wage economies where workers have less protection from exploitation, and that the NDP is leading the charge against the partnership.

Council Receives Letters From MLA Bindle

Thompson City Council recently received two letters from local MLA Kelly Bindle.

 

The first letter, dated February 9, 2018, was about the Grant In Lieu (GIL) with Vale and how the province could help.

 

Bindle said that he had spoken with Blaine Pedersen, the Provincial Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, about setting up a committee to formulate a plan to deal with the reduction of revenue both from the GIL and other economic factors.

 

The second letter, also dated February 9, 2018, was an inquiry from the MLA with regards to the City's new financial assistance program aimed at businesses.

 

Bindle asked the City for updated information on the program, such as how it is being advertised and how the program has done so far.

 

Both letters can be found in their entirety on the most recent LIGA committee agenda.

Flu Season "Moderate To Severe" This Year Says NRHA

According to the Northern Health Region’s Medical Officer of Health, this current flu season has been quote moderate to severe.

 

Doctor Michael Isaac spoke to 102.9 CHTM, and said that while the peak season for Influenza "A" has passed, we’re still in the peak season for Influenza "B". He said that while Influenza "A" peaked between Christmas and mid-January, Influenza "B" usually peaks between February and March.

 

Dr. Isaac added that there have been 348 people hospitalized with the flu this year. Of those 348, however, only five have been hospitalized in the north.

 

He said that around 16% percent of people served by the Northern Health Region got the flu shot this year. The provincial number is slightly higher, and sits at just over 20%.

SDML To See Funding Increase Next Year

The School District of Mystery Lake will be getting a boost when it comes to Provincial funding.

 

The announcement, which was made recently by Education Minister Ian Wishart, indicated that the division will be receiving a 7.4% increase next year, which will amount to $2,294,884.00.

 

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle said that the government is once again providing strong support for school divisions across Manitoba with an overall funding increase of $6.6M.

 

Read: Manitoba Liberals Give Government Failing Grade On Education

 

Bindle added that the government is taking a balanced approach to "repairing the provincial education system, while creating efficiency within it".

 

He said that the Progressive Conservatives are trying to ensure quality education for all, after what he called 17 years of mismanagement under the previous NDP government.

Grand Rapids RCMP Respond To Fire In Community

Grand Rapids RCMP are investigating following a fire in the community that claimed the lives of two people.

 

Officers responded to a report of a residential trailer fire early Saturday morning in the community. The trailer was destroyed by the flames and the bodies were discovered once the fire was put out.

 

Local officers, with help from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Forensic Identification services, continue the investigation.

Manitoba Liberals Give Government Failing Grade On Education

The provincial government has been giving a failing grade when it comes to education from Dougald Lamont and the Manitoba Liberal Party.

 

In a recent release, the Liberal Party says that the Pallister government has done nothing to improve Manitoba’s education system, and that they have failed Manitobans with cuts to 21 school divisions.

 

They added that the government has shown zero leadership on Indigenous education issues, with the graduation rates for Indigenous students sitting at 47.6%. The graduation rate for non-Indigenous students current sits at 86.2%.

 

The Liberals said that this is an issue about the future of the province, and that the Conservatives seem to think they can "cut their way out of problems".

Local Entrepreneur Wins Prize

A local entrepreneur has captured second in a Prairie-wide contest.

 

Donald Glenn, the owner of Shorty’s Upcycling Studio, placed second in the seasoned entrepreneur category of the annual “Just Watch Me” video contest that celebrates the success of entrepreneurs with health conditions or disabilities.

 

Glenn was in the contest for the second time, having won the start up category last year.

 

He will be presented with his prizes at a ceremony tomorrow afternoon.

 

Over nine thousand votes were cast during the contest.

 

The final results are below.

 

City Reducing Norplex Pool Hours

The Norplex Pool will be reducing their hours of operation starting on February 26th.

 

At that time, the pool will be open from 10:00am to 9:00pm weekdays, and 12:00pm until 9:00pm on weekends.

 

The reduction in hours is a result of City Council trying to reduce the City’s budget.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske said that the decision was made in the interest of creating the largest savings with the lowest impact possible. He added that every decision to follow will be made with the same goal in mind.

 

More information can be found by contacting the City of Thompson's Recreation Department at 204-677-7952.

School Board Meeting Tomorrow

The board of trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake will meet tomorrow night at the school board office, starting at 7:00pm.

 

The agenda for the meeting includes a proposal for a field trip in 2020, and the districts expenditures as of January 31st. The full agenda can be found here.

 

The public is welcome to attend the meeting.

Premier Pallister Called Out For Weighing In On Current B.C.-Alberta Feud

Premier Brian Pallister is being called out by a conservation watch dog after what the Wilderness Committee is calling "pipeline cheerleading".

 

The Premier announced yesterday that despite the current feud between British Columbia and Alberta, the Trans Mountain Pipeline project needs to move forward.

 

Pallister said that while he applauds the Prime Ministers early signals, his leadership and ongoing stewardship over the situation must be maintained.

 

The Wilderness Committee says that the Premier is weighing in on an issue which has nothing to do with Manitoba, and that the current Provincial Government has not shown any interest in being a leader when it comes to the environment.

 

The release from the committee went on to call the government "childish" for feeling the need to weigh in on the situation.

Ashton Continues To Bring Northern Concerns To Parliament

Local MP Niki Ashton says that the issues faced by the people of Northern Manitoba continue to be her top concern.

 

She said that while the Prime Minister was lecturing in Switzerland about inequality, trade deals, privatization and foreign takeovers are seeing jobs being taken away, the Port of Churchill shut down, and up to 90 percent unemployment in Indigenous communities.

 

Ashton added that she addressed the ongoing uncertainty of the region, specifically the loss of jobs, on the first day that Parliament was in session in 2018.

 

She concluded by saying that she will continue to be a voice for the issues in our region.

Operation Red Nose Hands Out Donation Money

The final donation totals are in for Operation Red Nose 2017 in Thompson.

 

Almost $15,000 was donated by the people who used the free service, which gave them a safe ride home after enjoying a night out.

 

The PeeWee King Miners received the largest chunk of the procedes, with $5,000 going towards the organization.

 

Below is a full list of the recipeints for this year.

 

- Pee Wee King Miners ($5,000)
- Born to Dance ($3,000)
- Scouts ($2,500)

- Society of Manitoban's with Disabilities ($1,500)
- Pathways ($1,000)
- Wapanohk Community School Breakfast Program ($1,000)
- Albert Cader's Fund ($500)
- Troy Anand Fund ($500)

Free Entry To Parks This Month

If you were looking to get away and enjoy the great outdoors, you'll be able to do so for less in February here in Manitoba.

 

The Provincial Government has announced they will continue the tradition of offering free park entry for the entire month of February. 

 

Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park this month but SnoPasses are still required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the parks. Entrance fees still apply for National Parks.

 

In addition to free access to Provincial Parks, those who want to participate in this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend, which takes place from February 17 to 19, don't need a license. However conservation limits will apply and a Federal licence will still be required to fish in national parks.

 

Those looking to catch some fish are reminded to be sure conditions are safe before heading out onto the ice. For more information on fishing regulations, you can view the Manitoba Angler’s Guide at here.

Manitoba NDP File Complaint Against OmniTrax

The legal battle between Ottawa and OmniTrax isn't the only one that the Denver-based company will be fighting.

 

Recently, Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew announced that his party has filed a complaint with the Canadian Transportation Agency over OmniTraxs' failure to repair the rail line to Churchill.

 

Kinew, speaking in Winnipeg late last week, said that getting the rail line back is the number one issue for the people of issue, and that by filing the complaint, it shows that the party is taking concrete action to get the northern town reconnected with the rest of the province. He added that he NDP want to "do right" by the people of Churchill.

 

Ron Schuler, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, says that the move is just one to get attention. He added that making headlines in the media does nothing to resolve the issue, and that the government believes in real solutions.

 

The NDP complaint was originally opened back in October.

 

 

 

 

Pukatawagan RCMP Investigating Death

Pukatawagan RCMP are investigating following the death of a 32-year-old man.

 

The investigation started last Friday, February 2nd, when RCMP in the community received a report of an unresponsive man at a residence. He was transported to the local nursing station, where was pronounced dead.

 

Local RCMP, with assistance from the RCMP Major Crime Unit, the North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team and Thompson Forensic Identification Services are investigating the death as a homicide.

 

Officers currently have 32-year-old Donovan Castel in custody. He has been charged with manslaughter and will appear in The Pas Provincial Court today.

 

Council Comes To Agreement With The Thompson Trailbreakers

At the last regular meeting, Thompson City Council voted to sign an agreement with the Thompson Trailbreakers to deal with an issue that had caused a bit of a divide.

 

The Thompson Trailbreakers started construction a building for a trail groomer, and the building was accidentally built in the wrong place.

 

Mayor Fenske spoke to 102.9 CHTM, and said that the issue has been resolved. The solution, which was agreed upon by both parties, is that the road will be redesigned.

 

He added that if and when the land is developed, the Trailbreakers will completely cover the cost.

 

The agreement was approved by a vote of 6-2 at the last regular meeting of Thompson City Council.

 

Councillor Duncan Wong abstained from voting, claiming a lack of information.

 

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Ashton Not Happy With Media Coverage, Headlines In Winnipeg Murder Trial

Local MP Niki Ashton is calling out the media coverage of a murder trial in Winnipeg.

 

Ashton said that the press coverage and headlines are re-victimising Tina Fontaine, who was killed in 2014.

 

She went on to say that "misleading headlines that focused on toxicology issues at the trial were offensive and disrespectful".

 

The MP added that the end of violence against Indigenous women and girls must start by honouring and respecting victims like Tina Fontaine.

WinterFest 2018 Starts Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the start of WinterFest 2018.

 

The three-day event will take place over the weekend at the TRCC. The snow sculpture judging is the first event, which will start at noon.

 

The opening ceremonies will take place at the snow stage at seven, and the closing ceremonies will take place in the TRCC lobby on Sunday at noon.

 

Below is the full schedule for the weekend. Everything on the schedule is completely free of charge, except the hockey games. They are taking place in the TRCC during WinterFest, but are not technically part of the event.

 

School Board Looking At Reducing Number Of Trustees

The board of trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake is considering reducing the number of trustees from seven to five.

 

Board chairperson Don Macdonald spoke to 102.9 CHTM to explain why it’s being talked about. He said that at a time when budgets are getting tighter, it’s important to look at every option to save money.

 

Macdonald added that if they were to go to the five-person board, they would have to change their committee structure, possibly to a committee of the whole model. He explained that the current structure has three trustees per committee, which in a five-person board is a majority. The committee of the whole model would see all trustees sit on all committees.

 

Any changes would have to be made with a new by-law, which has to be voted on three times. It would then have to be approved by Ian Wishart, the provincial Minister of Education and Training.

 

The boards policy committee will be discussing the possible changes in the weeks, and months, to come.

 

Photo courtesy of the Thompson Citizen, Kyle Darbyson

Bell Let's Talk Rises To New Heights

Canada has broken another record when it comes to raising money.

 

$6,919,199.75 was raised this past Wednesday during the annuall Bell Let’s Talk day.

 

The chair of Bell Let’s Talk, Mary Deacon, said that together the country is changing attitudes and truly reducing the stigma around mental illness like never before. She added that she wants to thank the whole country for showing the way in taking mental health forward.

 

The over 138M messages, sent from coast to coast, is up over 5% from last years total. Bell reports that social media led the way this year with interactions on twitter, facebook, instagram and snapchat.

 

This year’s donation brings the total commitment of Bell Let’s Talk to over $93M.

Annual Ride For Dad This Weekend

The annual ride for dad, hosted by the Thompson Trailbreakers, is taking place this weekend.

 

The ride, which takes place all across the coutnry, is about raising awareness to get checked for prostate cancer.

 

Since the ride started, over $25M has been raised across the country to support prostate cancer research.

 

The ride will start on Sunday at 10am, and riders will leave from Rick’s Marine and ride the Moak Lake trail to the Moak Lake shelter.

 

Registration is available online here.

 

Those who want to participate are asked to collect pledges or donate $20.

 

For more information you can contact the president of the Thompson Trailbreakers, Kelly Martens, at 204-670-1014 or wkelmart@gmail.com

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