Thompson Local News Archives for 2018-03

Niki Ashton Calls On Government To Show Leadership In Northern Housing Crisis

Niki Ashton says that the time is now to act on a housing crisis in our region.

 

Ashton recently brought up the subject in the House of Commons, and says the issue is something she heard repeatedly in recent visits throughout northern Manitoba.

 

She says that there is not only a shortage of housing, but that there is overcrowding in existing units and many of them are in poor shape.Our MP said that the time for action is now, as it is clear that things are getting worse.

 

Ashton concluded by saying that many communities are trying to make a difference, but the thing that is missing is leadership from the federal government.

Grad Dresses Available For All At RDPC Tomorrow

There is an opportunity for those getting ready to graduate from R.D. Parker to get a graduation dress, even if they can’t afford one.

 

The dresses are from a program called Gowns for Grads, and are being distributed here in Thompson with support from Kelly Bindle’s office.

 

Stacy Martin, the Constituency Assistant for Thompson, will be at R.D.P.C. tomorrow afternoon with the dresses from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

 

She spoke to Arctic Radio news and said that if you can’t make it then, you haven’t missed out. Martin said that you can give her a call at 204-939-1383 to arrange a time to both view and try on dresses.

 

The program will run until they run out of dresses to give away.

Thompson RCMP Investigating Homicide

The RCMP are investigating a homicide in Thompson.

 

Officers received a report of an assault Monday night, and found a 51-year-old female severely injured when they arrived at the residence.

 

The victim was transported to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. A 39-year-old male was also taken to hospital, though his injuries were non-life threatening.

 

21-year-old Conan Lewis was arrested at the scene, and faces a charge of second degree murder. He is being held by the police, and will appear in Thompson Court tomorrow. Officers say that Lewis and the victim were known to each other.

 

RCMP Thompson Major Crime Services, with the assistance of Winnipeg Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Dougald Lamont Seeking Liberal Nod For St. Boniface By-Election

Dougald Lamont, the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, has officially announced that he is seeking the nomination to be the Liberal candidate for the currently vacant job of MLA for St Boniface.

 

Lamont was elected as the leader of the party back in October, defeating Burrows MLA Cindy Lamoureux.

 

The St Boniface riding has been vacant since March 7th, when former Premier Greg Selinger resigned.

 

Lamont said that the by-election is important, as it offers voters an opportunity for "much needed leadership and vision for St Bonificace, as well as the Manitoba Legislature".

 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Darbyson, Thompson Citzen.

Health Canada Recalling Over 1.5M USB Chargers

Health Canada has issued a recall affecting more than 1.5M USB chargers.

 

The federal agency has released a list, which can be found here, of more than two dozen chargers that quote pose an unacceptable risk of electric shock and fire.

 

Anyone who has one of the recalled chargers is advised to stop using the product immediately and throw it away.

 

Health Canada recommends consumers check that electrical products have a recognized certification mark before making a purchase. The certification symbol should be on the product itself and not just the packaging.

Thompson Public Library Changing Story Time

The Thompson Public Library will be making a change to their programming schedule starting on Tuesday (April 3).

 

Story time, which used to run every Tuesday morning at 10:30, will now be held Tuesday at 11:10. The library is encouraging everyone taking part to head down to the library at 10:40, when the doors open, to take time to look for books, explore the library and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

 

More information can be found by calling the library at 204-677-3717 or by visiting the Thompson Public Library on Facebook.

Niki Ashton Sits Through 21-Hour Parliament Session With Infant Twins

There was a marathon session of Parliament in Ottawa late last week that lasted 21 hours.

 

The session was extended to 21 hours by the Conservative Party, after the government defeated a motion to demand transparency from the government on the Prime Ministers recent trip to India, which included time with a convicted assassin.

 

Ashton said that while she and the rest of the NDP supported the original motion by the Conservative Party, she thought the tactics they decided to use were gruesome. She said that the reasoning behind the tactics, however, was straightforward and trying to increase government transparency.

 

Our Member of Parliament added that she had her infant twin boys with her in the House during a portion of the session. She said that she didn't have a choice when it came to bringing them into the House, as it was important to be there during the voting. Ashton added that it was a way to spend a little bit of time with them, being supported by her partner, family and friends behind the scenes.

 

She concluded by saying that as nice as it was to be able to spend time with them, the kinds of tactics used make life difficult for many MP's, and that she wishes there was a more straight forward to way to get to why they were there than 21 hours of voting. 

 

Ashton gave birth to her twin sons, Leonidas and Stephanos, on October 31st 2017. 

Environmental Watch-Dog Not Happy With New Manitoba Hydro Board

An environmental watch-dog says that the new board of Manitoba Hydro will put economics and business over the environment and community.

 

Eric Reder, the Manitoba campaign director for the Wilderness Committee, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that northern Manitoba and Indigenous communities are more directly affected by the work of Hydro than those living in the south.

 

He said that going forward, Manitoba Hydro is an essential component in getting a handle on what he calls climate chaos and lowering fossil fuel use, though it has to be done right and in a just way for northern communities.

 

Reder added that with the immense destruction to the environment and way of life of the Indigenous people that call the territory home, it is concerning that the new board seems to be predominantly urban and business oriented.

Thompson Citizen Not To Publish This Week

As the result of two recent break-ins at the Thompson Citizen and Nickel Belt News office, the paper has announced that they will not be publishing papers this week.

 

Lynn Taylor, the manager of the papers, said that they are working diligently to be able to back to business as usual after Easter.

 

The offices were broken into last week, and again Monday evening. Multiple computers and cameras were stolen, and the culprits attempted to also break into the cash register and safe.

Thompson RCMP Respond To Multiple Break-Ins

Thompson RCMP have three young people in custody following a break and enter over the weekend.

 

Mounties received the call early Sunday morning, and it was determined that several youths had stolen a vehicle belonging to the business.

 

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, said that they were able to quickly find the vehicle and apprehend the youth thanks to cooperation from the business.

 

Three of the six youths, all of whom were charged, have remanded into custody, while the other three were released.

 

School Board Meeting Tomorrow

Tomorrow marks the last meeting of the board of trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake this month.

 

The board will discuss a youth homelessness research opportunity, as well as a report from the secretary-treasurer on the 2018 school budget outcome.

 

The agenda also includes a presentation from the Thompson Junior Bisons basketball program, which recently raised and donated over $4000 for the Hope North Recovery Centre.

 

The board will also hear reports from both superintendents and the various board committees.

 

The full agenda can be found here.

 

The meeting will start at seven at the school board office. The public is welcome to attend.

Holy Week 2018

Passion Week, also known as Holy Week, official kicks off on Sunday.

 

On the Christian calendar, the week marks the lead-up to Easter, and is celebrated here in Thompson with different churches joining together and hosting a service every night.

 

The first service will take place Sunday evening at the First Baptist Church with Roy Bladen speaking, followed by a service at The Salvation Army Monday, with Brent Denham giving the sermon. All services will start at 7:00pm.

 

The week leads up to Easter Sunday, when Nixon Solomon will deliver the message at the Thompson Pentecostal Assembly.

 

Thompson City Council To Meet Monday Evening

There will be a regular meeting of Thompson City Council Monday evening, the final meeting currently scheduled for March.

 

Before the regular meeting takes place, there will be a public hearing on a variation order, which will be later voted on by council.

 

The agenda, which can be found here, includes reports from the public works and communications committees.

 

There will be eight resolutions voted on, including the February cheque registers and a variation order to do with McDonald’s building their new restaurant.

 

The agenda also includes three by-laws. The water and wastewater utility by-law amendment and water and wastewater rates by-law amendment will both receive first reading, while the public reserve closing by-law will be read for a second and third time.

 

The meeting will start at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. The public is welcome, and encouraged, to attend.

 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Darbyson, Thompson Citizen

USW 6166 Head To The Polls April 9th

2018 will be a year of changed for elected officials here in Thompson, not only at the municipal level but also with Thompson’s biggest union.

 

Members of United Steelworkers Local 6166 will be headed to the polls in just over two weeks to elect a new executive. Voting will take place on April 9th at the Steel Centre from 8:30am until 8:30pm, with advance polls taking place on April 5th and 6th.

 

With both President Les Ellsworth and Vice President Gord Medwid set to retire this year, there will be fresh leadership for the union. James Crawley and Warren Luky are running for Union President, while Tony Colbourne and Luke Robinson are running for the VP role.

 

Three positions have already been filled by acclamation; Sheila Campbell as financial secretary, Travis Hart as recording secretary and Glen Boxell as outside guard.

 

Below is a list of positions to be filled, as well as who is running.

 

President:

James Crawley

Warren Luky

 

Vice President:

Luke Robinson

Tony Colbourne

 

Treasurer:

Robert Ellsworth

Baltazar Flores

 

Inside Guard:

Chris Delay

Michelle Tomashewski

 

Guide:

Harald Stadbauer

Justin Lefebvre

 

Trustees (three will be elected):

Jim Macintyre

Keith Compton

Todd Burnside

Randy Wischenewski

Graham Walker

Even Bercier

 

Grievance Committee (nine will be elected):

Jim Macintyre

James Crawley

Luke Robinson

Travis Hart

Even Bercier

Graham Walker

Randy Wischenewski

Robert Ellsworth

Baltazar Flores

Tony Colbourne

Glen Boxell

Harald Stadbauer

Todd Burnside

Thompson MLA Pleased With Carbon Tax Exemption For Mining Industry

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle says that he’s pleased that the mining industry here in the province will remain competitive, while protecting the environment, thanks to provisions in the Province’s Climate and Green Plan Implementation.

 

Bindle said that the government understands that a strong mining sector is important to both the north and the Manitoba economy as a whole.

 

He added that by making exemptions for mining and prospecting operations, the government is making sure the industry stays competitive while they work to protect the environment.

 

The Climate and Green Plan Implementation Act, which was introduced by the PC government on March 15th, says that mining operations will be exempt from the carbon tax in certain situations. There will be an exemption when fuel is used for drying mineral ore concentrates, heating replacement air in an underground mine, or when operating an engine exclusively off-road and transporting ore exclusively off-road from a mine in Manitoba to a processing centre in Manitoba. In addition, prospecting operations will be exempt from the carbon tax when operating a boat and holding a valid prospector's licence.

 

More information on the Climate and Green Plan can be found here.

"March For Our Lives" Coming To Thompson

The “March for our Lives” is taking place Saturday here in Thompson, and all across the world.

 

The movement stemmed from Florida following the Parkland school shooting.

 

Students across the United States, and now around the world, are banding together to try and end gun violence and mass shootings in schools.    

   

More information on the Thompson march, which is being hosted by RD Parkers' Students Offering Support group, can be found by listening to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 tomorrow afternoon on 102.9 CHTM.

Thompson RCMP Looking To The Public For Help

Thompson RCMP are asking for the public’s help in the search for a wanted man.

 

30-year-old Donald Timothy Massan is wanted on two outstanding warrants.

 

The charges against Massan include breaking and entering with intent,assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for dangerous proposes and uttering threats.

 

The RCMP say that Massan is known to be violent, and should not be approached.

 

Anyone with information should contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

 

Niki Ashton Says Budget Is Disappointing

When it comes to the recently announced federal budget, our MP says it is disappointing.

 

Niki Ashton said that the budget is full of half measures on childcare and clean drinking

water for First Nations, while not addressing issues that the north is facing like the housing crisis, health care and education.

 

She added that the budget does not close stock option loopholes that benefit friends of politicians, and that the government has done nothing to go after tax havens that quote rob social services of well needed funds.

 

Ashton said that the budget is the same old policies with progressive language being used as a disguise.

MMIWG National Inquiry Wraps Up Thompson Hearing

Two days of hearings in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls wrapped up yesterday in Thompson.

 

There were 24 family members and survivors who were registered to testify over the two-day public hearing at Riverlodge Place.

 

Family members and survivors travelled from near and far to attend the hearings and have their stories told, including one family member who drove from Tadoule Lake.

 

One common theme coming from the family members is that they say the RCMP isn’t doing their job properly.

 

Another theme that was brought forward was that young girls living on reserve and in small communities need to be taught that there is a difference when you move to the big city, specifically that you can’t trust everyone.

 

The sister of a missing woman told her truth, and said that she teaches her daughters that the bad people in the world won’t be wearing black clothes like in the movies, but will be the people you trust, and that Indigenous women have to look out for each other.

 

She added that the only way to properly deal with the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is to continue talking about their loved ones, and not to wait for the government or the police.

 

This was the eight hearing by the Inquiry in 2018, and second in Manitoba in the past year.

Entire Board Of Manitoba Hydro Resigns

The entire board of Manitoba Hydro resigned earlier this morning.

 

Sanford Riley, the now former chair, said that the board and the province couldn’t agree on several issues.

 

He said that they had been attempting to meet with the Premier for over a year to resolve a number of issues, including Hydro’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and finances, but have not to been able to have meaningful dialogue.

 

Riley said the last straw was when the government told the board that they were going to remove him as the chair.

 

He said that after that announcement they determined that it was necessary to resign.

Manitoba Liberals Claim Government More Concerned With Profits Than Public Safety When It Comes To Cannabis

The leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party says that the government is trying to recriminalize cannabis before it becomes legal.

 

Dougald Lamont said that the legislation recently introduced will waste justice resources that would be better spent on dealing with more serious drugs, like meth and opiods, which he claims the government is "totally ignoring".

 

Lamont added that it has nothing to do with public safety, but rather with maximizing revenue for something that will be legal across the country.

 

The Progressive Conservative government has set the legal age to buy marijuana at 19, meaning that an 18-year-old with a joint, or plant, would face adult charges and a possible fine of up to one hundred thousand dollars or a year in jail.

Manitoba Outfitters are Asking The Province for a Carbon Tax Exemption

The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association say the carbon tax announced recently in the provincial budget will substantially increase operating costs for provinces lodges and outfitters.

 

Paul Turenne, the Executive Director of the Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association, says that the outdoor tourism industry is a heavy consumer of fossil fuels as they use it to power generators, boats, planes and quads. He added that they buy fuel by the barrel.

 

He added that here in the north it’s going to cost the industry more to do business since there aren’t many options when it comes to electric motors and other environmentally-friendly power sources.

 

Turenne noted other industrial users of fuel such as commercial fishing, agriculture, mining and forestry are being exempted from the carbon tax

 

He believes the outdoor tourism industry should be included with that group, pointing out their contribution to Manitoba’s rural and northern economy.

RCMP Investigating Snowmobile Crash In Norway House

Norway House RCMP are investigating following a snowmobile crash over the weekend.

 

Sunday morning, officers responded to a report of a collision involving a snow machine near Harts Drive in Norway House.

 

When the Mounties arrived on the scene, they determined that a snowmobile, which was carrying a 24-year-old and 21-year-old, was traveling across a field when they collided with a snow bank and were thrown off the machine.

 

The 24-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, while the 21-year-old suffered serious injuries. Both men were flown to hospital in Winnipeg.

 

The RCMP believes both alcohol and speed played a factor, and that neither man was wearing a helmet.

RCMP Ask For Drivers' Cooperation When Lights And Sirens Are On

Thompson RCMP say that they’re seeing more and more vehicles not knowing how to respond when an emergency vehicle approaches them with lights and sirens on.

 

Constable Carson Kennedy, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, spoke to 102.9 CHTM to explain the proper procedure. He said that when an emergency vehicle is approaching from either direction you should make sure the lane to your right is safe and pull over until they have passed. He added that you should use your signals, so that the emergency vehicle can see that you are responding to them.

 

Constable Kennedy added that if you don't pull over, you could face a $298 fine under the Manitoba Traffic Act.

Girl Guide Cookes In Season

It’s that time of year; local girl guides are selling chocolate and vanilla sandwich cookies.

 

Nadine Vokey, the area commissioner, spoke to 102.9 CHTM about where the money goes from cookie sales. She said that most of the money collected from cookie sales stays here in Thompson and goes towards the programming that Girl Guides offers.

 

Vokey added that Girl Guides will be canvassing the City over the coming week to sell cookies, and that if you’re missed, you can call her at 679-2744.

 

Cookies are $5 per box.

Former MP, School Board Chair Passes Away

Bev Desjarlais passed away over the weekend.

 

The former NDP Member of Parliament for the Churchill riding, and former School District of Mystery Lake board member and chair person, passed away at her home in Brandon at the age of 62. Desjarlais had been battling multiple system atrophy, a form of Parkinson’s disease, since 2013.

 

Her son, Kris, who is a City Councillor in Brandon, said that his mother will be remembered for having a ton of energy, a strong spirit, and staying true to her convictions.

 

Bev Desjarlais came into the national spotlight in 2005 when she broke NDP lines by voting against same-sex marriage.

 

She will be laid to rest in Brandon on April 7th.

What The 2018 Manitoba Budget Means For Thompson

The 2018 Manitoba budget was announced one week ago in the Manitoba Legislature by Finance Minister Cameron Freisen.

 

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle said that some of the highlights of the document include increases for the healthy seniors and active living department promises to continue reductions in ambulance fees as well as the creation of 60 full-time paramedic positions. He added that they are boosting spending for the home cancer care program by $14M.

 

Bindle said that when it comes to Thompson, there have been recent announcements on investments at the Thompson Hospital and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba facility. He added that there are investments in early learning, with more spaces being opened up in daycare and preschools in the City.

 

The PC MLA added that the government is stressing that the budget continues to reduce the provincial deficit by over $300M, while at the same time raising the personal exemption for income tax.

 

Councillor Wong's Motion To Rescind Fails

On Monday evening, City Council once again debated a motion to rescind a resolution that had been passed at a previous meeting.

 

The resolution that Councillor Duncan Wong was looking to rescind was a request to province, asking them to amend the Thompson Charter Act to remove any reference to the size of council.

 

Before the debate, Councillor Wong wanted to postpone the discussion on the rescintion since Mayor Fenske was not in attendance. He put forward a motion to table the discussion, which was defeated.

 

When the debate started, Wong said that while he’s not against opening up the Charter, he says they should make it "worthwhile if they do". He said that right now the Mayor just wants to change the section referring to the size of council, changing the specific number from eight to six. Wong also said that he'd like to see Vale taxed rather than a GIL system, and that the Thompson Charter was never discussed.

 

City Manager Gary Ceppetelli responded to Wong's claims, clarifying that the proposed amendment to the Charter removes any reference to the size of council entirely, giving council the freedom to either shrink or grow at their discretion.

 

Deputy Mayor Colleen Smook echoed Ceppetelli, saying that the proposed change doesn't mean council will reduce in size, but rather gives council freedom, both now and in the future, to change.

 

Councillor Ron Matechuk spoke in support of the motion to rescind, saying that amending the Thompson Charter is just a "knee-jerk" reaction. He said that the debate about The Charter of Rights and Freedoms went on forever, and the least council could do about amending the Thompson Charter would be calling a special meeting of council.

 

Wong once again chimed in, saying that the Thompson Charter Act was never brought up during budget talks, but that claim was quickly refuted by Councillor Penny Byer. Byer said that the Charter was brought up at least twice during budget deliberations, specifically during the discussion on the size of council. She added that while she's not against looking at the Charter as a whole, but that no one asked about it before and the idea should have come earlier.

 

The motion to rescind was defeated by a vote of five to three.

 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Darbyson, Thompson Citizen.

 

RCMP Asking For Help In Search For Wanted Man

Thompson RCMP is looking to the public in the search for a wanted man.

 

34-year-old Blake Clemons is currently wanted for four counts of assault and three protection orders from the assault. The police believe that he travels from Winnipeg to Thompson frequently.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Thompson detachment at 204-677-6911.

 

Union Gives Back To Churchill

The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union is giving back to a community that it says is facing the perfect storm of economic instability.

 

Union president Michelle Gawronsky was recently in Churchill, where she met with community leaders and presented a $1,000 cheque to Duke of Marlborough School for their breakfast program.

 

Gawronsky said that they have many union members in Churchill, and they wanted to let them know that the union is with them during the difficult times that they are facing. She added that despite all the setbacks, she was inspired by the positivity in the community.

 

About one in every ten people in Churchill is a member of MGEU.

 

Photo courtesy of the MGEU website.

Friesen: Budget 2018 Provides Historic Reductions

Finance Minister Cameron Friesen says that the 2018 Manitoba budget is a continuation of the Pallister government’s moderate and balanced approach to restoring fiscal discipline while keeping promises they made to the province.

 

In a letter to the press, the provincial finance minister says that the 2018 budget reduces the province’s deficit by more than three hundred million dollars, and that the government is on a path to being able to deliver a balanced budget in their second term.

 

In a letter, the Minister said that the government is keeping their word on reducing the deficit while bringing the largest tax cut in Manitoba history.

 

The letter goes on to say that the previous NDP government is at fault for rising interest rates and rising hydro rates.

 

Friesen said that the budget provides historic reductions in personal income tax by increasing the basic personal exemption, meaning that every Manitoba worker will have over two hundred dollars more of their own money in their pocket in two years, and almost one thousand dollars more by 2029.

 

Friesen concludes that the government is keeping their promises with "real progress for Manitobans".

 

Photo courtesy of The Winnipeg Free Press

Snowmobile Safety Reminder

The RCMP want to remind everyone to be safe while riding snowmobiles.

 

Some tips for staying safe include knowing your abilities and riding within your limits, using caution and slowing down when operating on unfamiliar terrain, and always riding in groups while letting people know where you are going.

 

The RCMP also suggest wearing proper protective clothing including a helmet, being cautious of ice thickness, and never riding while impaired.

 

There have been six deaths in snowmobile related incidents since January 20th.

Nickel Days Declared Special Event By Council

Nickel Days is just around the corner, and at the last regular meeting, Thompson City Council voted to make the annual event a special event.

 

Councillor Dennis Foley explained at the meeting the importance of granting events like Nickel Days special event status. He said that special event status means that the individual out-of-town vendors do not have to buy a business license for the weekend.

 

The resolution was passed unanimously.

 

Nickel Days will be taking place June 21st through the 24th.

School Board To Stay With Seven Trustees

The board of trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake will be sticking with seven trustees.

 

The board discussed the possibility of reducing to five in an effort to save money, though only Trustee Ryan Land spoke in support of the reduction.

 

Trustee Guido Oliveira spoke against the resolution, saying that he currently cannot make a third of the scheduled committee meetings, and the reduction in numbers could mean he wouldn’t be able to make up to two thirds of the meetings.

 

Trustee Land responded to those comments by saying that attendance at committee meetings isn’t a luxury, but rather something that is expected when you’re elected by the public.

 

Vice Chairperson Janet Brady spoke against the reduction, saying all of the current trustees bring something different to the table, and that if they moved to five, they would lose valuable input.

 

Multiple trustees said they were on the fence when it came to the size of the board, though they voted against reducing as they said they weren’t ready to vote in favour.

 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Darbyson.

Flin Flon MLA Responds To Provincial Budget

Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey says the Manitoba budget is going to make life harder for Manitobans, particularly with the way that they’re introducing the carbon tax. 

 

He said that the big committers will get exemptions, but average Manitobans will pay more for gas, propane and diesel and that it will end up costing more.

 

Lindsey said that while in the budget Pallister talks about raising the personal exemption limit, it will help people who earn more than those with a lower income and that the people at the bottom who need help the most will get the least.

 

Lindsey added that they are waiting for more details on the budget, adding it talks about tourism, Look North and mining, but there were no specifics on what they are planning to do.

Thompson City Council Looks For Input On Size Of Council

Tonight marks the first of two regular meetings of Thompson City Council this month.

 

The meeting will start with a public hearing on a by-law which would see City Council reduced in number from eight to six. Everyone is encouraged to come out and voice their views and opinions on the topic.

 

The agenda includes a resolution to the attendance of Deputy Mayor Smook at the Look North round table meeting, as well as the second and third readings of the campaign expense by-law. Council will also vote on a resolution to declare Nickel Days as a special event, as well as the second and third readings of the vote counting machine by-law amendment.

 

Deputy Mayor Smook will not be in attendance at the meeting, as she will be in Winnipeg for the Provincial budget presentation.

 

The meeting will start at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall, and all are welcome to attend.

 

A link to the full agenda can be found here.

Norway House Cree Nation Elects New Chief, Councillors

Norway House Cree Nation held their election earlier this week, and four new councillors were elected.

 

Langford Saunders, Deon Clarke, Hubert Hart and James Dixon were all voted in, while Darlene Osborne and Anthony Apetagon were re-elected.

 

Larson Anderson was elected as the new Chief of Norway House, replacing Chief Ron Evans.

MKO Looking For MMIWG Inquiry To Be Restructured

The organization that represents 30 northern First Nations says that they can’t support an extension for the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls unless it is restructured.

 

MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson said that she needs to see evidence of change before she can support extending the inquiry. She said that the commissioners must prove they are willing to amend the structure and process of the Inquiry before it receives full MKO support.

 

Chief Wilson said that the Chief Commissioner, Marion Buller, should step down and that the position of chief commissioner should be removed, with all commissioners sharing the responsibilities.

 

She added that even though there are a number of families and survivors that are happy with their experience sharing their stories, MKO must also advocate for those who say their needs have not been met.

 

The inquiry is scheduled to be in Thompson later this month.

 

Photo courtesy of CBC.ca

Thompson RCMP Lay Charges In Homicide

Thompson RCMP have laid charges following a fire and alleged assault in Thicket Portage late last week.

 

Officers received a call early in the evening on March 2nd reporting an assault in the community. While on their way to the scene, officers were told there was a fire at the residence they were heading to.

 

When they arrived on scene, local firefighters located one female inside the residence and two males outside with injuries. The 21-year-old female was transported to the local nursing station, where she succumbed to her injuries.

 

23-year-old Travis Munroe, who lived in the home, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter, arson with disregard for human life, assault causing bodily harm and two counts of assault. Munroe and the deceased woman were in a relationship. 

 

The fire is considered suspicious, and is currently being investigated by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services. 

 

March Is Fraud Prevention Month

This month marks the 14th annual Fraud Prevention Month, which is an education and awareness campaign to help you recognize, reject and report fraud.

 

The Competition Bureau, a branch of the Federal Government, says the old saying is true; knowledge is power.

 

Avoiding fraud is all about knowing how to recognize the signs, reject the claims that seem too good to be true and reporting them to the authorities.

 

This year, the Competition Bureau has launched the second edition of the Little Black Book of Scams, a guide that exposes 12 of the most prevalent scams in Canada and features their six fraud fighting superheroes.

 

Consumers and businesses play a crucial role in the fight against fraud. By recognizing scams and reporting them you can protect yourself and assist the Bureau in stopping fraud.

 

More information on fraud prevention can be found on the Competition Bureau’s website.

Ashton Responds To Federal Budget

Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau recently presented the 2018 Federal Budget in Ottawa.

 

Local MP Niki Ashton spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that Morneau talked about the north being majestic and that he wants to tour it, but the budget doesn’t have any solutions or commitments when it comes to issues like job loss.

 

She added that our region is going through a difficult time, and the budget doesn’t reflect it. Ashton said that it speaks to how the government is “out of touch” with what the region is going through. The MP said that the government needs to be on board to help find a solution to protect and create northern jobs.

 

Ashton added that there were some important commitments made in terms of child welfare for First Nations.

 

 

Provincial Government Investing Over $300k In Northern Health Care

The provincial government is making an investment in healthcare here in Thompson.

 

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle, alongside Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox, made the announcement Monday that the investment will include funding for two projects; work at Thompson General Hospital and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba building.

 

The work being done at the hospital will include mould remediation in the medical records room, as well as a roof replacement, vacuum pump upgrades, and phase two of a water booster upgrade. The P.C. government has also said they will replace the make-up air unit for the AFM building, located at the corner of Princeton Drive and Thompson Drive.

 

MLA Bindle said that these projects will ensure that critical repairs are made to help deliver quality care in our community. He added that these projects will ensure that critical repairs are made to help deliver quality care in our community.

 

The two projects are estimated to cost more than $150k each.

Thompson RCMP Investigation Death In Split Lake

The RCMP have a 16-year-old in custody following a suspicious death in Split Lake.

 

Thompson RCMP received a report of an injured male at a residence in the community late last week.

 

When they arrived on scene, they found a 22-year-old male with life-threatening injuries.

The victim later succumbed to the injuries.

 

The RCMP have a suspect in custody and continue to investigate.

City Transit To Be Free Next Week

If you normally take the bus, be prepared to save a few bucks next week, but at the cost of reduced service.

 

The City of Thompson will be offering bus service, free of charge, to everyone during the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games.

 

Transit buses, however, will be operating on the hourly weekend schedule throughout the week instead of the normal weekday schedule.

MMIWG National Inquiry Coming To Thompson

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls will be coming to Thompson.

 

There will be a two-day community hearing as part of their Truth Gathering Process, which will be overseen by Commissioner Michèle Audette.

 

Those who have been affected and wish to share their story are encouraged to call 1-844-348-4119. Below are alternate means of contacting the Inquiry.

 

 

The hearing is scheduled to take place on March 20th and 21st .

 

More information can be found here.

Dougald Lamont Responds To MLA Kelly Bindle's Request

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle has once again called for the Manitoba Liberals to explain why they support what he says are cuts in health care spending by the federal government, amounting to $2B over the next decade.

 

Today was the second time in less than a week that the MLA has called for an explanation from the Liberals on his Facebook page. His thoughts were part of his weekly "MLA Report" for the Thompson Citizen.

 

 

Manitoba Liberal Party leader Dougald Lamont responded to Bindle's claims, saying that it's simply not true. Lamont told 102.9 CHTM that the cuts and funding changes were made by the Stephen Harper administration. Lamont said that he was opposed to it then, and thinks it's still a problem now.

 

The Manitoba Liberal Party leader said that the Trudeau government has in fact increased funding for health care since taking office, and that Premier Pallister tried to turn down funding.

 

Lamont went on to say that all the Progressive Conservative government has done is blame other people for why they're making cuts. He said that Liberal Party doesn't believe the cuts to health care are necessary, as the funding from the Ottawa isn't being cut. He finished saying that the PC Government promised $6B in funding, but ended cutting over $100M.

 

Dougald Lamont, alongside River Heights MLA Dr Jon Gerrard, was recently in Thompson as part of their "Health Care Check-Up Tour". The purpose of the tour was to go around to different Manitoba communities to listen to people about what they think works, and doesn't work, with the current health care system.

RCMP Warns Of Suspicous Calls

Thompson RCMP are warning the public about a phone scam currently making the rounds.

 

The caller claims to be from Revenue Canada, and requests payment while threatening to contact the RCMP and have you arrested should you not comply within 45 minutes.

 

Contsable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, says that this is a scam and that you should not provide the caller with any personal or banking information.

 

Constable Deibert added that Revenue Canada will never contact you by telephone.

 

If feel you have received a suspicious call, you can contact the RCMP at 204-677-6909.

World Day Of Prayer Taking Place Saturday

The annual World Day of Prayer is taking place Saturday here in Thompson.

 

The original World Day of Prayer took place back in 1922, and was started by women in both Canada and the United States who had endured a war in which they had no control.

The purpose of the World Day of Prayer is prayer with immediate application.

 

The theme for this year’s day is “all God’s creation is very good”, with the focus of prayers being on environmental issues, in solidarity with the women of Suriname. The day will be celebrated in over 1,200d communities across Canada, and in 113 languages around the world.

 

The event will be held at Saint Lawrence Church, starting at 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Niki Ashton: Feds Are Out Of Touch

Niki Ashton says that the Federal Government is increasingly out of touch.

 

Ashton said that while the people of Churchill are facing skyrocketing food prices and people in the north struggle to put food on the table, the Prime Minister took a celebrity chef with him on his recent trip to India.

 

She added that the government should be focusing on the issues that northerners face, like healthcare, education, poverty and unemployment and that "selfies and photo ops simply don’t cut it."

 

Our MP said that out of touch is the way to describe the federal government following the disconnect between the Prime Ministers recent trip to India and what is going on here in Canada.

 

Photo courtesy of Macleans

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