Thompson Local News Archives for 2018-05

Commuter Challenge Starts Monday

The 2018 Commuter Challenge starts on Monday.

 

The challenge is a week-long friendly competition during Canadian Environment Week to celebrate active and sustainable transportation.

 

Carmen Ho, from the Northern Regional Health Authority, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that that anyone can register and take part, representing both where they live and where they work.

 

To participate, your workplace must be registered before Monday.

 

You can register online by clicking here.

Annual Gutsy Walk Sunday

The annual Gutsy Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis is taking place on Sunday.

 

The Gutsy Walk has been taking place since 1996, and has raised over $35M in Canada for research and patient programs.

 

Local organizer Dave Moore spoke to Arctic Radio News, and said more education is needed on Crohn’s and Colitis as many people don’t like talking about them due to their nature.

 

Crohn’s and Colitis are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). They are autoimmune diseases that cause the body to attack itself, leading to inflammation of all or part of the gastrointestinal tract. Those with IBD experience abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, fatigue, frequent and urgent bowel movements, internal bleeding and unintended weight loss.

 

When it comes to what happens to the money raised, he said that 65% of goes towards research, with 20% going to education and the final 15% to administration costs.

 

If you’d like to take part in the walk but haven’t signed, Moore asks that you give him a call at 204-679-5732 either today or tomorrow.

 

The walk has been going on here in Thompson for many years, and has started to be recognized across the country. The 2016 Thompson Gutsy Walk was the best per-capita in Manitoba (in terms of funds raised), while the 2017 walk was the best per-capita in Canada.

 

Over 250,000 people have IBD here in Canada, with an estimated one person being diagnosed with either Crohn’s or Colitis every hour.

Ashton Blasts Trudeau Over Pipeline Purchase

Our Member of Parliament is not happy with the Federal Government’s decision to buy the Trans Mountain pipeline.

 

Niki Ashton spoke in the House of Commons earlier this week, and asked the Prime Minister why it took so long for ‘government’ to help the people of Little Grand Rapids escape a forest fire earlier this month. She also asked why the Liberals are investing in the pipeline rather than spending that money on all-weather roads and “improving the lives of First Nations people in this country”.

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the remarks, saying that the two issues (the government’s investment in First Nations and the pipeline) have nothing to do with each other. He added that it would be easier for the government to invest in First Nations if the country wasn’t “losing $15B every year because we can’t get our resources in any other market than the United States for our oil”.

 

The Federal Liberals announced Tuesday that they had reached a deal with Kinder Morgan for the proposed Edmonton to Vancouver pipeline at a price tag of $4.5B.

 

The purchase of the pipeline came under fire from both the Conservative Party and the NDP after the deal was announced.

 

You can watch Niki Ashton's question and Prime Minister Trudeau's response by clicking here.

Feds Announce Deal For Churchill Railway And Port

Repairs are expected to be underway in the very near future following an announcement by the Federal Government that OmniTrax has reached a deal to sell the port of Churchill and the only land connection the northern community has to the south.

 

The Denver-based corporation has stuck a deal with a group which includes Missinippi Rail and One North. Jim Carr, the Minister of Natural Resources, said that "the people of Northern Manitoba have long understood the value of the rail line" and that "this agreement allows those most affected to have a direct stake in the future and long-term interests of their communities".

 

The deal was reached in principal, with legal issues that have to been sorted out before repairs can start. 

 

According to the release, the agreement includes the participation of 30 First Nations and 11 non-First Nation communities here in the north, as well as seven Kivalliq communities in western Nunavut. 

 

The specifics of the deal have not yet been announced. 

 

 

Vice Chairperson Janet Brady To Step Down From SDML Board At End Of School Year

There will soon be an empty chair at School District of Mystery Lake trustee meetings until the new board is elected in October.

 

At the last board meeting, Vice Chairperson Janet Brady announced that she will be resigning as a trustee at the end of the current school year.

 

Her retirement from the board coincides with her retirement from the University of Manitoba Northern Social Work program.

 

Brady spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that the she felt she should wait until the end of the year, as it would cause the least amount of disruption with no board meetings during the summer and only a few meetings in September before the October election.

 

She added that one of her favourite memories from her years as a trustee was going out to the schools and reading to classes during “I Love To Read Month” every February.

 

Brady said that one of the things she plans on doing in retirement is attending a Winnipeg Goldeyes game, as she says they’ve always been out of town whenever she was in Winnipeg.

 

 

World No Tobacco Day Tomorrow

World No Tobacco Day is tomorrow, May 31st.

 

The day was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988, and focuses on the health risks associated with tobacco use. The day is also used to advocate for the reduction of tobacco use.

 

Carmen Ho, from the Northern Regional Health Authority, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that the focus for World No Tobacco Day 2018 is the impact that tobacco has on the cardiovascular health of people worldwide.

 

According to statistics from the WHO, tobacco kills up to half of those who use it. Over 7,000,000 (over 6,000,000 through direct use, just under 900,000 through second hand smoke) people die annually around the world due to tobacco, while over 2,000,000 lose their lives due to tobacco-caused cardiovascular diseases.

 

Around 80% of the world’s 1.1B smokers live in low and middle income countries.

 

More information on World No Tobacco Day can be found by clicking here, while a fact sheet from the WHO on tobacco can be found by clicking here.

 

The WHO was established in 1948, and serves as the United Nations' health agency.

City Waiving Tipping Fee For Landfill This Weekend

If you have garbage that you’re planning on hauling to the dump, this weekend is the time to do it.

 

The City of Thompson will once again be waiving the fees for those wanting to drop off 1/2 ton, single and double trailer loads of residential waste.

 

Fees will be waived on Friday (June 1st) from 8:00am until 5:45pm, and on Saturday and Sunday (June 2nd and 3rd) from 8:00am until 3:45pm.

 

The fees are only being waived for residential waste. The regular charges for commercial dumping and any fees for special waste (mattress, fridge/freezer, propane tanks) will still apply.

 

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call Public Works at 204-677-7970.

 

The waiving of the tipping fee is a part of the City’s annual community clean-up.

 

Mini-Carnival Raises $600

The mini-carnival that took place at MacLean Park last weekend was a success.

 

$600.00 was raised by those in attendance, who had the chance to throw a pie in the face of public figures, such as City Councillors and 102.9 CHTM's own Max Healey.

 

The four-hour festival was put on in the wake of the tragic death of three boys just outside Nelson House at the end of April. 

 

The money will be used for a memorial to honour the victims of the car crash, as well as helping to build a new bike path and to get extra lighting along the road.


NCN Council member Bonnie Linklater accepted the funds at the end of the carnival, and said that she thanks everyone for their support from the bottom of her heart, and that it's “beautiful as everyone comes together as a community for our youth”.

Liberals Say NDP "Don't Care" About Justice, Municipalities

According to the Liberals, the Manitoba NDP are ignoring serious issues.

 

Figures recently released by the Manitoba Liberal Party suggest the NDP has spent 100 hours asking questions of the Pallister government, with less than half an hour spent on justice, and no time spent on municipal relations.

 

Liberal house leader, Jon Gerrard, said in a release that Manitoba has court backlogs, jails are overcrowded and cases are being thrown out but the NDP doesn't seem to care.

 

Dougald Lamont, the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, said that actions speak louder than words. He added that the NDP have “made it clear that justice, municipalities and agriculture aren't even on their radar”.

 

The statistics say that the most time has been spent on health, seniors and active living, followed by executive council and finance.

 

Below is a breakdown of the time alloted by the NDP to each topic, as reported by the Liberal Party.

 

Over $160M Investment Projected For Thompson In 2018

2018 is set to be a big year when it comes to construction here in the City of Thompson.

 

Councillor Penny Byer, the chair of the Development Review Committee, spoke at the last regular meeting of City Council and said there is a lot of work already done, with much more on the way.

 

Byer said that there are many major projects scheduled for this year, including the new McDonald’s restaurant and the reconstruction of the Interior Inn. Below is a list of the projects included in the report.

 

The City has eight capital projects in the works for 2018, which include the expansion of the multi-use path system along Princeton Drive and road renewal work along Station Road.

 

 

The total construction value for work done up to May 22 is just north of $8M, while the projected development investment for 2018 is sitting at over $160M. Of that, $120M is projected to come from private sector investors.

 

Byer said that those figures show the faith that investors have in the local economy. 

Council Requests AMM Lobby Province To Change Mining Tax Act

Thompson City Council has said that changes need to be made to the Province’s Mining Tax Act.

 

Council passed a resolution last week asking that the Association of Manitoba Municipalities lobby the Pallister government to amend the Mining Tax Act (MTA) to both increase the percentage of the tax that is allocated to the Mining Community Reserve Fund (MCRF), as well as to clarify the process for mining communities to access those funds.

 

Councillor Blake Ellis spoke in support of the resolution, saying that the process needs to be clarified. Ellis said that he questions why the MCRF exists if the largest mining community in the province, which is facing a large job loss, can’t access the funds.

 

Councillor Penny Byer spoke in support, saying that the MTA and MCRF were set up a long time ago, so a review isn’t a bad idea. She added that changing the MTA to clarify the process would go along with the Pallister government’s red tape reduction efforts.

 

Councillor Ron Matechuk voiced his opposition to the resolution, saying that the City “can’t expect the Province to prop us up when we sign off on bad deals” and that “the wording is quite clear; if we don’t qualify, we don’t qualify”.  

 

The resolution passed by a vote of six-two, with Councillors Matechuk and Wong voting against.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske, speaking on City Beat late last week, said that money in the MCRF needs to be accessible to those communities that need it. He added that the Province is unwilling to change the legislation that is currently restricting communities who want to access the fund.

Planning District Tables Resolution For Second Time

The Thompson Planning District is sticking with its current voting members for now.

 

Before the last meeting of Thompson City Council, the Planning District held a meeting with one item on the agenda; a resolution which would request that the Province make the amendments needed to include Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation as voting members of the district.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske said the he recommends that the resolution be tabled, as there had not yet been any official documentation from the Pallister government indicating that they support the proposed changes.

 

Mayor Fenske said that he had attempted to meet with both Jeff Wharton (Minister of Municipal Relations) and Eileen Clarke (Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations) while he was in Winnipeg the week before, though neither meeting took place. He (Fenske) said that the meeting with Minister Clarke had to be cancelled at the last minute due to an emergency vote in the Legislature while Minister Wharton had assigned the meeting to his special assistant.

 

The Mayor added that in previous dialogue, both Clarke and Wharton had given their support, and Wharton had said he would provide official written support. No confirmation was received at the time of the meeting, though Councillor Penny Byer said it might take several weeks for the papers to arrive. Byer was in Winnipeg to attend Vision Quest, and went with Fenske to meet Minister Wharton’s assistant.

 

Fenske added that “it’s a moot point if we want to move this ahead if the Province isn’t willing to change [the] legislation”.

 

The motion to table was brought forward by Byer, and was passed unanimously. The resolution was first brought forward on April 23, though it was tabled.

RCMP Look For Assistance In Search For Missing Woman

Thompson RCMP are calling on the public for assistance in the search for a missing woman.

 

60-year-old Dianne Mae Bignell was reported missing to the Thompson RCMP detachment on May 20th, and was last seen in the Juniper area around 8:30am on May 17th.

 

Bignell is described as Indigenous, 5’4”, a heavy build, tan complexion, grey shoulder length hair, brown eyes and wears glasses.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call 204-677-6911.

 

RCMP Provide Tips On International Missing Children's Day

Today is International Missing Children’s Day, and the RCMP in Manitoba have a few tips for parents to help keep their children safe.

 

The Mounties say that while child abductions are rare in Canada, no one should ever have to say that their child is missing. They added that by engaging with and speaking to children, everyone can ensure that no child goes missing again.

 

Below are some tips that the RCMP feel are important.

 

 

More information and resources for parents can be found online at MissingKids.ca.

Moose Lake RCMP Seize Drugs, Make Arrest During Assault Investigation

RCMP in Moose Lake have seized over 30 grams of illegal narcotics following what started out as an investigation into an assault.

 

Officers received a report last Saturday of an assault with a weapon in the community, and when they arrived on the scene they were told that a 20-year-old man had been sprayed with bear mace.

 

The victim was transported to the hospital for decontamination, while no other injuries were reported.

 

The Mounties located the suspect later in the day at a nearby residence, where he was arrested for assault with a weapon. During a search of the accused, the police found around 33 grams of cocaine in addition to a large sum of cash.

 

20-year-old Michael Campbell has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and resisting arrest. He was released, but will appear in Provincial Court early next month.

 

First Responders Deal With Several Fires Last Night

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services had their hands full last night.

 

Speaking on City Beat this morning, Mayor Dennis Fenske said that in addition to a fire just north of the Yale area, fire fighters were called to seven trash can fires.

 

Fenske said that 30-minute evacuation notices were given to some residents early this morning, though no one was evacuated and the fire is now being “mopped up”. Fenske added that if they had been forced to evacuate, they would have been directed to the TRCC.

 

Fenske said that as the conditions are extremely dry after the heat the City has experienced the past few days, everyone should use extreme caution and keep their eyes open.

RCMP Report Highlights Increase Interaction Between Officers And Young People

The CSO program here in Thompson is something we should be proud of.

 

That’s what Mayor Dennis Fenske said during Tuesday’s regular meeting of council following a report from the RCMP.

 

Inspector Kevin Lewis, the top cop here in Thompson, joined City Council to go over their statistics, which were for the RCMP’s fourth quarter for the 2017/2018 year.

 

Councillor Duncan Wong asked Lewis why there was a drastic rise in youth engagement events, as there were 336 events for the fourth quarter of 2017/2018 while only 110 for the same period of the 2016/2017 year.

 

Inspector Lewis responded by saying that the increase is a result of the community relations officers scheduling more events, before Fenske clarified that the rise in that statistic is a good thing.

 

Mayor Fenske said that the CSO program was brought up at national meeting he recently attended in Ottawa. He said that the new RCMP Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner told the room of officials from across the country that the CSO program we have works and that it should be used as an example.

 

He added that both the new Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of the RCMP have a Thompson connection. Commissioner Brenda Lucki served at the Thompson detachment as a partner to Inspector Kevin Lewis, while Deputy Commissioner Kevin Brosseau was the commanding officer for “D” Division in Manitoba from 2012 through 2016.

 

The full report can be viewed by clicking here.

Public Safety Committee Agendas And Minutes Now Available To The Public

The agendas a minutes for the City’s Public Safety Committee were missing from the City’s website until earlier this week.

 

City administration was asked Tuesday why the minutes or agenda were not there and haven’t been since November.

 

The agendas and minutes were posted the next day, and the City said the responsibility for posting the documents falls to the committee that holds the meeting.

 

The agendas and minutes for can be found here. The Public Safety Committee meets every second Thursday of the month at 4:00pm.

 

Councillor Judy Kolada has chaired the committee since Mayor Dennis Fenske appointed her in November, with Councillor Dennis Foley serving as her second.

 

Council Approves Amended Waiving Of Fees Policy

At Tuesday evening’s meeting, Thompson City Council approved the amended waiving of fees policy, which now says that a maximum of 50 percent of fees can be waived if the group holding the event meets the criteria.

 

The idea of not fully waiving all fees was brought forward a few months ago in a council meeting by Councillor Duncan Wong, and was a part of the City’s cost saving measures in the recently passed budget.

 

Even though he brought up the subject months ago, Wong said that he suggested starting at 20% not being waived, and potentially increasing the percentage gradually on an annual basis.

 

After Councilors Wong, Matechuk and Byer spoke against the resolution; Mayor Fenske said that he was astounded by the comments as the topic had been discussed many times in the past.

 

He added that the City waived around $90,000 last year, resulting in a 1% tax increase for rate payers in Thompson.

 

Fenske said that the recommendation to waive up to only 50% has already been put in place at the recommendation of council, and that he’s astounded that some councillors are changing their opinion after the Relay for Life and Knights of Columbus Track Meet have already paid.

 

Wong, Matechuk and Byer were the only councillors to vote against the resolution, which passed by a vote of 5-3. Councillors Kolada, Valentino and Ellis as well as Deputy Mayor Smook and Mayor Fenske voted in favour.

 

Remembrance Day will be the only event going forward that will have the fees fully waived.

RCMP Kept Busy During Road Safety Week

Even though Road Safety Week is over, that doesn’t mean that it’s no longer a priority.

 

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that road safety is always a top priority for the RCMP and that they are committed to eliminating impaired driving and the tragedies that are associated with it.

 

During road safety week, which ran from May 15th through the 20th, officers here in Thompson checked over 100 vehicles, conducted two sobriety check stops and issued 26 traffic tickets.

 

Officers arrested two people for impaired driving on May 19th, which happens to be National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day.

 

One was arrested for refusing to provide a breath sample, while the other is facing charges of blowing over three times the legal limit. Both are scheduled to appear in court.

Province To Combat Low Test Scores, Attempt to Centralize Collective Bargaining For Teachers

In addition “investing more than ever before” in the Manitoba public school system, the Pallister government says they are also prioritising improving test scores and centralizing collective bargaining for teachers.

 

Ian Wishart, the Provincial Minister of Education and Training, was recently in Thompson and spoke to Arctic Radio News about how the Province will be looking at improving the test scores.

 

Wishart said that they will be “rolling out a literacy-numeracy strategy very shortly”. He said it was a very consultative process, which involved talking to educators, parents and even industry members, as “[the province] needs to be producing what they need”. The Minister said that this isn’t something that can be “turned around overnight”, and even though the scores come out every two years, there shouldn’t be an expectation that there will be a drastic improvement.

 

Wishart also spoke about the government’s plan to centralize collective bargaining for teachers across Manitoba. The plan would replace the existing 38 agreements, all of which were negotiated locally, with one Manitoba-wide agreement. He said having one deal would put Manitoba in line with the rest of the country and that it would benefit teachers as much as anyone else, as it would introduce uniformity and equity. The Minister added that a lot of time is put in to doing “the same thing” 38 times, and that it results in a cost to the government.    

 

Bindle: Minister Pedersen Didn't Meet With Mayor And Council Due To A Lack Of New Information

Blaine Pedersen did not meet with Mayor Dennis Fenske and the rest of Thompson City Council when he was in town at the end of April to discuss the Mining Reserve Fund because he felt he had all the information that he needed.

 

That’s according to Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle, who serves as the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske spoke at the May 7th council meeting before the 2018 Financial Plan was passed, saying that Pedersen would not meet with Mayor and Council to discuss the Mining Reserve Fund despite being in Thompson. Fenske added that the City has not received any commitment from the Pallister government with regards to monies in the Mining Reserve Fund.

 

Speaking to Arctic Radio News, Bindle said that Pedersen had met with Fenske three weeks previously in Winnipeg, and that “he believed he had all the information he required from the City at the time regarding the GIL (Grant-in-Lieu)”.

 

Bindle added that the Minister flew to Thompson that morning and left in the evening, and that the purpose of Pedersen’s visit was to attend the Economic Development Summit,

 

Bindle said that during the last meeting between Fenske and Pedersen, which Bindle was in attendance for, Minister Pedersen brought up a conversation that he (Pedersen) had been told about between Jeff Wharton (the Minister of Municipal Relations) and Mayor Fenske with regards to both the Province and AMM (the Association of Manitoba Municipalities) offering to “help the City (of Thompson) go over the budget and find efficiencies”.

 

Mayor Fenske addressed the suggestion of budget help during the regular meeting of City Council last night, and said that it was AMM who offered the help through the Province. Fenske said “as a member (of AMM) this council should take great offense to that suggestion...that the lobbying organization that we pay membership dues can better manage our budget and better identify budget priorities than we can as councilors”.

 

Mayor Fenske added that he made that point to Minister Pedersen, saying that the suggestion of AMM being able to do a better job than council on the budget for Thompson was short of offensive, and that the Province didn’t offer support through the Mining Reserve Fund. Fenske said that he was told by other government staff other funds could potentially be accessed.      

Commission Proposes Combining Two Northern Electoral Districts

There may only be one MLA representing both Flin Flon and The Pas following the next provincial election.

 

The Manitoba Electoral Division Boundaries Commission recently released an interim report, which included proposed changes to the current electoral district map. Though all ridings have a proposed change, the report suggests the merger of the Flin Flon and The Pas areas.

 

The Commission said that based on 2016 Census data, all current northern electoral districts are below the established population quota. The report suggests that the Thompson riding be changed to include Gillam and Nelson House, while grouping most First Nations into two electoral districts.

 

The Commission suggested that Winnipeg should receive an addition region, as the population growth in the provincial capital is higher than anywhere else. The report says that the Commission did not want to add any new districts, leading to the proposed merger of Flin Flon and The Pas. 

iChurchill Pulls Offer For Rail Line And Port

The rail line to Churchill is no closer to being repaired, reopened or sold by OmniTrax than it was this time last year.

 

A consortium of Manitoba First Nations and the iChurchill group had announced earlier this month that they had entered into an agreement with the owner to acquire the port and rail line. The release, which came from Peguis First Nation, said that the deal would be concluded in June, while a request for proposals to fix the line would be out in the days following their release.

 

iChurchill officially announced yesterday that they have officially pulled their offer, and now claim that the federal government never took their bid seriously and were “unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue”.

 

Louis Dufresne, the CEO of iChurchill, said that when the group met with the government’s negotiator he made “made it clear that the government is willing to deal only with one specific company, a Toronto-based financial firm”. He added that the Government of Canada was willing to make a financial contribution to repairing the railway, but that “such a contribution is only available to the financial firm at this time”.

 

iChurchill, through a news release, went on to say that they had signed a letter of intent with OmniTrax back in March, and that the Denver-based company had notified the government that they had come to terms with a perspective buyer. OmniTrax was not mentioned by name in the Peguis First Nation press release which came out May 3rd, though it was mentioned this time.

 

Dufresne said that once OmniTrax told the government negotiator, Wayne Wouters, about the signed letter, they were told that the government was “pressing ahead with another firm” and that he (Wouters) indicated to OmniTrax that he had no interest in meeting with the iChurchill group.

 

The rail line, which serves as the only landline to Churchill, has been out of service since May 2017 after sections were washed out due to flooding. 

Ribbon Officially Cut For New Northern Workforce Development Centre

The Northern Workforce Development Centre is now officially open at UCN here in Thompson.

 

The ribbon was officially cut by Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle, UCN President Doug Lauvstad, Vale’s Manager of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources for Manitoba Operations Ryan Land, and the Provincial Minister of Education and Training Ian Wishart.

 

Wishart spoke at the ceremony and said that the centre brings both industry and workers together to create direct paths for training, leading to employment. He added that in today’s environment of technological change and industrial restructuring, workforce development and redevelopment has never been more important than it is now. Wishart said that a skilled, adaptable and productive workforce is essential in Manitoba’s ability to compete, especially here in the north.

 

The Minister added that of the over $250,000 invested in the project the Pallister government contributed over $140,000, and that the centre supports the priorities of the Look North Report and Action Plan.

 

Land spoke before the ribbon was cut, and said that even though there are challenges for Vale over the next few months as the corporation closes the smelter and refinery. He said that the centre will ensure there are opportunities in the form of training pathways to employment. Land said that he is confident that down the road, people will look back and find that the needs of northern employers were met and northerners were able to find work thanks to the Northern Workforce Development Centre.

 

He added that discussions on the centre started years ago, and that he’s excited to see it finally come to fruition.

 

A letter of intent was signed by both Land and Lauvstad on behalf of Vale and UCN, saying that the two will work together to provide initial training and re-certification training to 1000 new and existing Vale employees.

 

The full ceremony can be found by visiting 102.9 CHTM on Facebook.

 

Photo courtesy of Kyle Darbyson, Thompson Citizen.

 

Thompson City Council To Meet Tomorrow

Thompson City Council is set to meet tomorrow night.

 

The meeting will start shortly after seven, following a meeting of the Thompson Planning district. Planning District members will be voting on a resolution which if passed would pave the way for Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation to become voting members of the committee.

 

During the regular meeting, council will hear reports from the RCMP as well as the development review committee.

 

They will also vote on 11 resolutions, including one to approve the amended waiving of fees policy.

 

The council meeting agenda can be found here, and the Planning District agenda can be found here.

 

The meetings will take place at City Hall, and the public is welcome to attend.

Sustainable Development: No Issues Currently With Wildfire Situation

Despite an increase in the number of fires across the province, Manitoba Sustainable Development says that they have had no issues containing the wildfires reported so far this year.

 

Gary Friesen, the Wildfire Program Manager with Sustainable Development, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that those who are out in the forest need to be extra careful due to the dry conditions.

 

He said that those who are out on ATV’s should stick to established trails and routinely check the exhaust and engine areas of their machines to make sure there is no build up of debris that could cause a fire to start. He also added that a small ax, small shovel and fire extinguisher should be with you any time you ride.

 

Friesen said that the conditions are especially dry in the north, as it takes plants and trees longer to turn green due to colder temperatures and potential overnight frost.

 

There have been multiple fires in northern Manitoba so far in 2018, including one that reached a size of 221 hectares just west of Cross Lake.

 

Friesen said that there have been a total of 115 fires reported so far this year, which is higher than the average of 87. According to Sustainable Development, there are only around 45 active fires currently in the Province and they are not having issues controlling any of them.

 

If you spot a fire, you're asked to call 1-800-782-0076.

 

 

Long Weekend Reminders

Tomorrow marks the start of the Victoria Day long weekend and the unofficial start of summer.

 

It also marks the start of road safety week here Manitoba.

 

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that drivers need to pay attention while they're on the roads. That includes making sure you're not on your phone and have your complete focus on the road.

 

She added that if you are caught driving under the influence, your vehicle will be impounded, and you will be fingerprinted and arrested before heading to court.

 

Constable Deibert added that the same rules, and punishment, applies to those caught operating a boat while under the influence.

Parkinson Canada Making Education Tour Stop In Thompson

Parkinson Canada is on an educational tour this spring and summer, which includes four stops here in northern Manitoba.

 

Donna Greening from Parkinson Canada, as well as Kelly Williams from the Movement Disorder Clinic in Winnipeg, will be making a stop here in Thompson on May 31st.

 

During the day they will be meeting with doctors and service providers, before an evening event open to the public.

 

Greening said that the evening event, which will take place at the Northern Health Region Building beside the hospital, will start at 6:30pm and is open to the public. Registration is request before the event, though she said that they will not turn people away.

 

The evening session will cover topics such as maximizing your life with Parkinson's, building yoru Parkinson's team and Parkinson Canada resources.

 

If you'd like to register for the event, you can do so by emailing Greening at donna.greening@parkinson.ca.

 

Greening will join 102.9 CHTM for Thompson Today tomorrow afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm with more details on the event and information on Parkinson's disease.

 

 

Bindle Announces $1.3B Investment By The Province In Public Education

The School District of Mystery Lake (SDML) will be getting a boost in funding for the 2018-2019 school year.

 

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle spoke in the Provincial Legislature earlier this week, outlining what the Pallister government is doing to support public schools here in Manitoba.

 

Bindle said that the government is investing $1.3B in Manitoba Public Schools for the upcoming school year, which is an increase of $6.6M. He added that the SDML will be getting an additional $2.3M, which is a 7.4% increase.

 

Bindle, who serves as the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, went on to say that the investments being made to point the Province in the right direction after what he called 17 years of mismanagement under the previous NDP government. During that time, Bindle said that the high school dropout rate was second highest in Canada, and math, science and reading scores were the lowest among the provinces.

 

Bindle said that part of their new approach is to have one collective bargaining agreement for teachers, rather than local deals being reached in each school district. He also added that the NDP are trying to “dupe teachers with fake news” about the government’s public sector wage freeze.

 

Bindle added that the current Progressive Conservative government is investing more in education than their NDP predecessors ever did.

Liberal MLA Proposes Amendment To Intoxicated Persons Detention Act

A Liberal MLA is looking to have the Provincial Government amend the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act and give clarity to law enforcement officers.

 

Bill 229 was introduced at the Legislature yesterday during Question Period by Cindy Lamoureaux, the Manitoba Liberal Justice Critic and MLA for the Winnipeg riding of Burrows.

 

The proposed amendment would allow law enforcement officers to detain people who are under the influence of drugs in addition to alcohol.

 

Lamoureaux said that the Manitoba Court of Appeal said in the 1980’s that the act only applies to intoxication by liquor, and that the law hasn’t been updated despite new and dangerous drugs like crack an meth.

 

She said that the current act is outdated, and puts the police, general public and even addicts at greater risk. Lamoureaux added that law enforcement officers need to be given the tools necessary to protect Manitobans.

 

According to a release, the Manitoba Liberals have been working closely with addictions service providers and those dealing with the addictions, who expressed a need for changes to the act.

Dry Conditions Lead To Spike In Grass Fires

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services say that have seen a spike in grass fires in recent weeks.

 

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bourgon spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that this is normally the time of year where there is a spike in fires, though conditions this year are dryer than normal.

 

He said that Thompson Fire and Emergency Services are working with Sustainable Development to make sure that the City is fire smart. Bourgon said that if anyone doesn't know what that means, or if they don't know how to make their homes fire smart, they can come to the Fire Hall or give them a call at 204-677-7915.

 

Bourgon said that if you see any suspicious behaviour where kids, or anyone, are playing with fire in the school yard, tree line, Millennium Trail or elsewhere in the City you are encouraged to call the fire department. He added that they want to make sure things are handled properly, and that people aren’t creating fire threats that don’t need to be there.

 

There have been a few fires in the Thompson area already this year, including one near the airport and one in the Juniper area. There are also three wildfires current south of Thompson, and one to the west near the Saskatchewan border.

 

The interactive Manitoba Sustainable Development Wildfire Map can be found here.

 

There is not currently a burn ban in the City of Thompson.

 

LIGA Committee To Meet Tomorrow

The Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (LIGA) Committee will meet tomorrow.

 

The committee meets every second Wednesday, and is tasked with not only assembling the agenda for City Council meetings, but also with coordinating the City’s lobbying efforts. The LIGA committee also serves as the representative for the City on the School Board/ City Liaison Committee.

 

The agenda for the meeting includes two proposed resolutions from the City of Thompson for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). The first resolution requests that AMM lobby the Provincial government to amend the mining tax act. The resolution states that the City would like the Province to increase the percentage of mining tax that they allocate to the mining reserve fund to ensure that the fund remains sustainable, as well as clarifying the process for municipalities to access the funds.

 

The second resolution requests that the Province be lobbied to provide the "appropriate funding to municipalities" when it comes to increased costs to waste disposal grounds.

 

The meeting is open to the public, and will take place at City Hall, starting at 3:45pm.

 

The full agenda can be found here.

 

Recreation and Community Services Committee To Meet Tomorrow

Thompson’s Recreation and Community Services committee is set to meet tomorrow.

 

The agenda for the meeting includes discussion on a dog park water station, national health and fitness day, free bus passes for active riders and the waiving of fees policy.

 

There will also be information on the annual community cleanup, and the recent Sport Manitoba wrestling clinic.

 

The meeting is scheduled for 12:00pm in the Mary Fenske Boardroom at the T.R.C.C. The public is welcome to attend.

 

The full agenda can be found here.

Information Sessions Tomorrow For Those Coping With Job Loss, Uncertainty And Instability

There is an event taking place tomorrow for those who are coping with job loss, uncertainty or instability.

 

The joint Vale/United Steelworks Local 6166 Workforce Adjustment Committee, in partnership with the Northern Manitoba Sector Council, is hosting three information sessions at the Steelworks Local 6166 Union Hall.

 

The event is for those who are feeling worried, overwhelmed or are having difficulty coping with their current work situation and those who support them.

 

The sessions, which are completely free, will feature presentations from local service providers. Below is a list of those who will be presenting:

  • Sam Comeau (Canadian Mental Health Association)
  • Mary Demare (Thompson Crisis Centre)
  • Jennifer Whalen (Northern Regional Health Authority)
  • Stephanie Third (Mood Disorders Manitoba)
  • Leslie Allard (Addictions Foundation of Manitoba)
  • Gina Brightnose (Vale EFAP / Horizons)

 

There will be a morning session at 8:00am, an afternoon session at 2:00pm and an evening session at 8:00pm.

 

The sessions are open to anyone who wants to attend and do not require pre-registration.

 

Councillor Valentino Clarifies Cuts And Reductions To City Programs

Despite what some people may have heard, there will be things to do for kids here in Thompson this summer.

 

As part of the City’s $470,335 spending reduction, there will be no day camps at the T.R.C.C. this summer.

 

Speaking on City Beat late last week, Councillor Kathy Valentino told Arctic Radio News that it’s just the City-run summer camps that are not happening.

 

She said that if you’re looking specifically for a summer day-camp there are other organizations, such as the Boreal Discovery Centre and Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre, which will be offering them.

 

Valentino clarified that it is just the day camps that will not be running. She added that the staffed wading pools, Rotary Park splash pad, skateboard park, Norplex Pool and events like drop-in basketball have not been impacted at all.

 

Valentino added that the reductions at the T.R.C.C. are just to the hours that the front desk is staffed, and do not affect the building or activities taking place.

 

The City has confirmed that the front desk will be staffed from 9:00am through 10:00pm on weekdays, which is a reduction in two hours at the start of the day. Weekend hours remain unaffected. Even though the front desk will not have anyone there, gym members can still swipe in with their cards and start their work-outs at 7:00am

 

RD Parker Students Heading To Texas For Competition

A team of students from RD Parker, known as the Spirit Wolves, will be representing not only Thompson, but all of Canada at the F1 in Schools U.S. National Championship in Austin, Texas next month.

 

Ashutosh Agarwal, the Spirit Wolves team manager, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that there’s more to the F1 in Schools program than just building and racing cars.

 

In addition to building and racing the car, they also have to promote themselves so they can get sponsors to help through both cash and in-kind donations.

 

To learn more about the Spirit Wolves and the F1 in Schools program, make sure to listen to Thompson Today on 102.9 CHTM Monday afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm.

Keethan Lobster, Mattheo Moore-Spence And Terrence Spence Remembered In Ottawa

The three boys who lost their lives just over two weeks ago were honoured earlier this week in the House of Commons.

 

Niki Ashton delivered a member’s statement, in which she called on everyone to work together with First Nations to build communities that kids can be safe in from bike paths to lights on roads.

 

Ashton said that the boys were like any other kids across Canada, enjoying one of the first days of warmer weather, and faced challenges that are quote all too common on First Nations.

 

She said that not only were the boys on a gravel road with no lighting, but that one of the boys lived in a trailer with 17 other people after his mother committed suicide last year.

 

Ashton concluded her statement by saying that everyone will work to build safer communities for kids like Keethan, Mattheo and Terrence across the country.

 

The video our of Member of Parliament speak in the House can be found here.

Tensions Rising Between City Hall And Provincial Government

Tensions appear to be rising between City Hall and the Provincial Government.

 

While commenting on the 2018 Financial Plan at the last regular meeting of Thompson City Council, Mayor Dennis Fenske said that Blaine Pedersen, the Provincial Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade, would not meet with Mayor and Council to discuss the Mining Reserve Fund when he was in Thompson on April 30th.

 

Mayor Fenske said that they have not received any monetary commitment from the Province from the fund, despite facing the largest job loss in the mining industry since inception of the Mining Reserve Fund.

 

The Mining Reserve Fund was created to assist mining communities that are affected by partial or complete mine closures, and is funded by provincial mining tax revenues.

 

Fenske added that the City will continue to lobby the Province for assistance.

 

CMHA To Wrap Up Mental Health Week Tomorrow

The CMHA will be wrapping their celebration of Mental Health Week 2018 tomorrow afternoon.

 

Everyone is invited to join them at MacLean Park for their "Play at the Park" event. It is scheduled to start at 1:00pm and is expected to wrap up around 3:00pm. Baaco's Bar and Grill has been listed as an alternate location should the weather not cooperate.

 

There will be live music from groups such as Poetry in Motion as well as the prize draws for the CMHA’s “Beat the Blues by Finding the Clues” contest.

 

For more information, you can call the CMHA at 204-677-6051.

Oxford House RCMP Investigating Murder

RCMP are investigating following a death in Oxford House.

 

Mounties received a report around 7:30am yesterday morning of a man who was en route to the local nursing station as the result of an assault with a weapon. The 30-year-old man succumed to his injuries. 

 

30-year-old Margaret Chubb has been charged with second degree murder and is scheduled to appear in Thompson Provincial Court tomorrow.

 

Officers say that the accused and victim were known to each other, and wer both residents of Oxford House. 

 

Oxford House RCMP, as well as the RCMP Major Crime Unit, are still investigating. 

Niki Ashton Pushes For National Pharmacare Program

Niki Ashton and the Federal NDP are once again calling for a national pharmacare program.

 

Ashton said recently that while medicare covers many critical health services, there is more that needs to be done.

 

She said that too many cannot afford the medication to treat their medical condition, and that a national program would save the medical system money.

 

Ashton added that the country "needs national leadership on this key issue", and that there is no coverage for dental care and not enough in place for mental health services.

 

She concluded by saying that it’s time to complete the original vision and intent of universal health care, starting with a national pharmacare program.

 

Universal healthcare was brought in during the 1960’s and was pioneered by Tommy Douglas and the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) in Saskatchewan.

Council Votes Down Resolutions To Rescind

There was once again a heated debate in Council Chambers as to whether or not two local businesses should be paid for work they did to repair a water main last fall.

 

Councillor Ron Matechuk brought forward a resolution to rescind the approved payment to Water X, who submitted an invoice to the City for almost $24K.

 

Matechuk questioned once again who was responsible for paying the bill, and went as far as to say that there is a possibility that Water X deliberately disrupted the main.

 

Councillor Penny Byer spoke against rescinding the resolution and payment, saying that the City has an obligation to make sure that all bills get paid, especially when not paying could make the difference whether a company can continue to do business.

 

Councillor Duncan Wong brought forward the motion to rescind payment to Eric’s Plumbing and Heating, claiming that there is a cover-up taking place.

 

Councillor Matechuk spoke in favour of this second rescintion, saying that the companies now have "a shortcut to City Hall".

 

The resolution to rescind payment to Water X, as well as the one to rescind payment to Eric’s Plumbing and Heating, were defeated.

Students From South Indian Lake Looking To Participate In Manitoba Marathon

A group of students from South Indian Lake are looking for support to help them attend the Manitoba Marathon.

 

Elena Paun, a teacher at Oscar Blackburn School in South Indian Lake, is looking to take eight students down to Winnipeg in June for the second year in a row to take part in the run.

 

Paun said that there is a lack of activities for the youth in the community, and that training for and taking part in the race gives them not only physical activity, but also a goal to work towards.

 

She added that they need to raise funds to cover all the costs of the trip, including transportation and accommodation and that they are currently planning on having the students visit the science gallery and take in the Red River Expo while they are in the city.

 

Paun said that they are holding fundraisers locally in their community, and have a GoFundMe page set up so they can easily receive donations from outside the area.

 

The goal for the GoFundMe campaign is to raise $5,000.00. 

Council Approves 2018 Budget

The 2018 budget for the City of Thompson is now set in stone.

 

The 2018 Financial Plan was approved at Monday night’s Council meeting, though it was opposed by Councillors Wong and Matechuk. Councillor Matechuk said that the City is "needlessly going deeper into the public's pockets", while Councillor Wong said that he couldn't vote in favour as he didn't get what he wanted.

 

The $31.5M budget will see a $470,335 reduction in spending. All of the saved funds will be placed in a reserve to lessen the impact of further reductions in the future.

 

Mayor Dennis Fenske said that the challenges faced this year by Council are minimal compared to what the next council will face, and that it’s important to make changes now before the full impact of the reduced grant-in-lieu is felt.

 

Part of that reduction of cost includes the elimination of all City of Thompson summer camps, as well as the reduction of hours and service for the T.R.C.C. and Norplex Pool.

 

Councillor Kathy Valentino, the chair of the City’s finance committee, said that the challenge for future councils will be to further reduce operating costs while finding new ways to re-invest in the community.

 

The City will be going forward with multiple capital projects, which will be funded without any money from property tax revenue for the sixth year in a row. Those projects include road renewal along Station Road, an additional transit bus, and extension of the multi-use path network.

 

The full budget can be found here, and the budget presentation can be found here.

 

CFIB Calls On Municipalities To Help Businesses That Suffer Due To Construction

The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses is calling on municipalities to make sure they’re watching out for the little guy during construction season.

 

Thompson is no exception, as the City will be working on Station Road. This year, the road will be renewed between Thompson Drive and Princeton Drive.

 

The City worked on Selkirk Avenue last year between Thompson Drive and Public Lane, and kept the public aware of alternate access points to the affected businesses throughout the construction.

 

The CFIB says that 46 percent of their members say they lost sales due to construction.

Jonathan Alward, the director of Manitoba affairs for the CFIB, spoke to Arctic Radio News with one suggestion to help local businesses.

 

He said that most businesses can be helped without financial compensation by simply posting signs that the affected business is still open during construction.

 

Alward added that while most businesses can be helped out without direct financial compensation, and that financial compensation could be used as a tool to encourage the projects to be completed on schedule.    

 

 

Councillor Penny Byer Enters Mayoral Race

The race to become the next Mayor of Thompson has it's first entrant. 

 

Councillor Penny Byer has announced that her name will be on the ballot when Thompsonsites go to the polls in October.

 

“I am honoured to have served two terms in office, one of them as Deputy Mayor, and I have learned much about the challenges of serving at a municipal level,” said Byer. “I feel I am ready to take a stronger position representing our City and helping us grow as a community.”

 

In addition to being a City Councillor, Byer has served on many boards and committees such as the Thompson Chamber of Commerce (former President), Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre (current Secretary), Boreal Discovery Centre (current Vice-Chair) and Lions Manor 55 (current Vice-Chair).

 

Councillor Byer first moved to Thompson in 1978 to open the CBC North Country Studio, before moving on to Vale (then Inco) in 1981 in a communications, event planning and community liaison role. 

 

Byer said that she is running on three main areas: rebuilding a sense of community, developing strong relationships with organizations, business and other levels of government, and diversifying Thompson’s economy.

 

She said “I’ve always been proud to be part of Thompson and to raise a family here. I want to be a part of making Thompson even better for you, your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There is much to do, and I am ready to get started.”

 

The election will be taking place on October 24th. 

Co-Chairs Look Back On 2018 Manitoba Winter Games

It’s now almost two months since the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games came to a close.

 

Speaking to Arctic Radio News, Games’ co-chair Sandra Ross-Hitch said that both her and  Murray Kissick were always ready to respond to a problem, but never had to. Ross-Hitch said that they were always waiting "for the other shoe to drop", but it didn't happen.

 

She added that having that the right people in the right positions meant that even if something did go wrong, it was dealt with before Kissick and herself had to get involved.

 

Kissick, who co-chaired the Games with Ross-Hitch, said that the organizers would not have done anything differently had they, as a Host Society, been given the normal two-year planning period. He added that he and the rest of the organizing committee feel that an 18-month time frame for planning the Manitoba Games is more appropriate.

 

Part one of the two part interview with the co-chairs will air on 102.9 CHTM tomorrow afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm. The second half of the interview will air Wednesday again at 12:40pm and 5:10pm.

Emergency Test To Be Broadcast In Manitoba Wednesday Afternoon

There will be an all-out test of Canada’s public emergency alert system here in Manitoba Wednesday as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.

 

The test will be conducted on radio and TV stations as well as any mobile device connected to an LTE network. The system, known as Alert Ready, has been in place since 2014. Mobile devices were added to the Alert Ready network just over a month ago, when the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission told wireless providers to implement the warning distribution system on their networks.

 

The message, which may also include a vibration on your mobile device, will be sent using cell broadcast technology, and will not be a regular text message. Because of this, there will be no charges associated with the message.

 

The test will take place on Wednesday May 9th at 1:55pm here in Manitoba, and the C.R.T.C. says that some people may be required to acknowledge the message before they can go back to using their mobile device normally.

 

Alert Ready is the public branding of the National Public Alerting System, which has been designed to deliver what could be live-saving alerts specific to your location. Alert Ready was developed through a collaboration of partners that include Public Safety Canada, Environment Canada, television and radio broadcasters as well as wireless service providers.

 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the core infrastructure of the Alert Ready system is run by the parent company of the Weather Network, Pelmorex.

 

More information on the Alert Ready system can be found here on the Government oc Canada website, or on the Alert Ready site.

 

Photo courtesy of LifeWire

Mental Health Week Kicks Off Monday

Monday marks the start of the CMHA’s 66th annual Mental Health Week.

 

Samantha Comeau, from the CMHA here in Thompson, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that this year mental health week will focus not only on breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness, but also on the fact that everyone has mental health, whether it’s good or bad.

 

The week will kick off Monday with a birthday bash and barbecue at the CMHA office on Fox Bay from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

 

For more information on what’s happening for mental health week here in Thompson, make sure to listen to Thompson Today on 102.9 CHTM at 12:40pm and 5:10pm Monday.

 

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Announces Service Times For Boys Killed In Crash

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has officially announced the date and times for the wake services and celebration of life service for the late Mattheo Moore, Terrence Spence and Keethan Lobster.

 

The three boys lost their lives almost one week ago when they were hit by a vehicle, driven by an impaired driver, just north of Nelson House.

 

Read: 27-Year-Old Facing Multiple Charges Following Weekend Deaths In Nelson House

 

There will be a wake service at the family’s individual homes tomorrow, May 5th, starting at 8:00pm. There will be another wake service on Sunday at the Gilbert McDonald Area, also starting at 8:00pm.

 

The celebration of Life service will take place in Nelson House at the Gilbert McDonald Arena on Monday (May 7th), starting at 1:00pm.

 

Read: Temporary Alcohol Ban For NCN In Effect

 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to accept donations, with the money raised going towards the cost of the wakes and celebration of life. The families of the boys have also requested that the money also be used for building safe bike trails, as well as lighting at the site where they lost their lives as a memorial. Donations can be made here.

 

 

City Council To Meet Monday

There will be a regular meeting of Thompson City Council Monday night.

 

The agenda includes a report from Council's Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (LIGA) committee, which is chaird by Deputy Mayor Colleen Smook.

 

The first is from the Manitoba Community Newspapers Association board of directors in regards to the Provincial Government’s proposed legislation, which would remove the requirement of both municipal and provincial government to publish public notices in community newspapers.

 

The second letter is from Ron Schuler, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, regarding the request for proposal for air services.

 

Council will also vote on eight different resolutions and the second and third readings of two different by-laws. The resolutions include the approval of the 2018 financial plan, the approval of Operation Red Nose 2018, and the approval of Deputy Mayor Smook attending the Look North Steering Committee meeting.

 

Councillors will also be voting on two separate resolutions, which if passed would rescind the approved payment to Water X and Eric's Plumbing and Heat for costs incurred by the two companies during repairs made last fall to the water main in the Station Road area.

 

The meeting will start at 7:00pm in council chambers at City Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

The full agenda can be found online here. A hard-copy can be picked up at City Hall.

 

Hudson Bay Railway And Port Of Churchill Set To Sold

The Hudson Bay Railway and Port of Churchill will soon be back in Canadian hands.

 

A consortium of Manitoba First Nations, in partnership with iChurchill Inc., has entered into an agreement to acquire the port and railway from Denver-based OmniTrax.

 

Chief Glenn Hudson, who is the head of the consortium, said that this marks the start of a new day in Manitoba that shows Canada the strength of First Nations, how true partnerships are formed, and that First Nations are key to building a stronger north, stronger Manitoba and stronger Canada.

 

War Lake First Nation Chief Betsy Kennedy said that the rail line and port are crucial to the existence of all Northern First Nations and this is a historic move that will allow the community to have a say in their future.

 

It is expected that a request for proposals to repair the washed out line will be posted in the next few days, and that the corporate process will be concluded next month. Repairs are anticipated to be well underway before the fall.

 

The rail line has been out of service since last May.

 

29th Annual Trade Show Starts Tomorrow

The 102.9 CHTM Trade Show officially kicks off its 29th year tomorrow afternoon.

 

The show will run tomorrow from 4:00pm until 9:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am until 8:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am until 4:00pm.

 

Sue O’Brien, the station manager for 102.9 CHTM, spoke to Arctic Radio News about what you can expect to find at the show. She said that you'll be able to find everything from cars to sun rooms and from clothes to fudge.

 

O'Brien said that there is around a 50/50 split when it comes to local and out-of-town vendors. She said that both Alberta and Saskatchewan will be represented at this years' show, though most of the vendors are from here in Manitoba.

 

She added that there will also be non-profit groups at the show, looking to provide you with information on what they do and answer any questions you might have.

 

Everything is taking place in the C.A. Nesbitt Arena, and admission is free.

 

 

Food Drive Saturday

If you like popcorn and helping out those in need, there’s an event just for you.

 

There is a food drive taking place Saturday at the City Centre Mall, where you’ll get popcorn in exchange for every non-perishable food item donated. Organizers say that their goal is to fill two truck boxes.

 

Below is a list of items that have been requested:

  • Canned beans
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned milk
  • Juice
  • Tea bags
  • Dry and canned spaghetti
  • Ichiban noodles
  • Peanut butter
  • Jam
  • Sugar

 

The drive will run from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. All donations made will go directly to the local food bank, which is operated by The Salvation Army.

 

If you can’t make it out while they’re set up at the mall, you can drop off donations at 232 Westwood Drive.

Temporary Alcohol Ban For NCN In Effect

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has introduced a ban on alcohol following the death of three children just outside Nelson House.

 

Chief Marcel Moody made the announcement earlier this week that the decision was made out of respect for the boys who lost their lives. He said that the ban, which came into effect yesterday, is intended to create peace and harmony in the community without alcohol taking away from what is going on.

 

He said that there will be no public intoxication tolerated, and that community safety officers will enforce the ban with check-stops. If alcohol is discovered, it will be seized and destroyed.

 

Chief Moody added that community leadership is looking for ways to increase awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, and that he hopes a lesson has been learned from this devastating but preventable accident so that it does not happen again.

 

The ban is only temporary, and was requested by community leaders at a meeting last Sunday.

 

The driver of the vehicle that struck and killed the three boys is facing nine chargers, including three counts each of impaired operation causing death and impaired operation over 80mg% causing death. He was previous charged and convicted of impaired driving in 2009.

 

MKO Grand Chief Considering Bid For AFN Top Job

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (M.K.O.) Grand Chief Sheila North has announced that she will not be looking to remain as M.K.O. leader once her term ends later this year.

 

The journalist-turned-politician made the decision official, though she has left the door open to continue her political career on a larger stage.

 

North said that she has been approached by multiple people across the country to consider running for national chief of the Assembly of First Nations (A.F.M.). She added that she hasn’t made a decision on whether or not she’ll put her name forward, but that she’s thinking about it and will make a decision soon.

 

Nominations for the A.F.M. national chief close later this month, and so far current national chief Perry Bellegarde, as well Russ Diabo (who is from a Mohawk community south of Montreal) are the only two with their names on the ticket.

 

North, who was elected as M.K.O. grand chief in 2015, is the first-ever female leader of the organization that represents 30 First Nations here in Northern Manitoba which includes Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Norway House Cree Nation,.

City Council To Stick With Current Size

There will still be eight members of Thompson City Council following the upcoming municipal election, which is set to take place on October 24th.

 

Council had been considering a reduction in size in an effort to save money, but that will not be possible this time around.

 

Councillors Duncan Wong and Ron Matechuk had been leading the charge to keep council with eight members plus the Mayor, saying that reducing would produce minimal monetary savings and an increased work for those six councillors. One of the main arguments for reducing was that other cities in Manitoba around the same size, such as Steinbach and Portage La Prairie, only have six councillors plus a Mayor.

 

Changing the size of council requires legislative action by the Provincial Government, which Mayor Dennis Fenske said they weren’t able to get done before the April 27th deadline, as any changes, resolutions and by-laws must be in place 180 days before voters head to the polls.

 

Council had voted to amend the Thompson Charter Act to remove any reference to the size of council, which would give them freedom to shrink or grow at their discretion.

 

Mayor Fenske said that the Province has said they can’t fit making the change into their schedule this year, and that the City has requested they look at it next year so that they can align the charter to the Municipal Act.

 

McHappy Day Is Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the 25th annual McHappy Day.

 

One dollar from every Big Mac, Happy Meal and hot McCafé beverage purchased tomorrow will be donated to Ronald McDonald House and other local charities. McDonald's Canada is encouraging everyone to share how they are taking part in the day on social media using #McHappyDay.

 

McHappy Day was first established in 1977 by McDonald's Canada founder George Cohon, and now takes place every year on the first Wednesday of May. Over $66M has been raised since the effort began has gone to help more than 300,000 families of sick children stay together while children are treated at nearby hospitals.

 

The event has been taking place every year here in "The Hub of the North" since McDonald’s first opened its doors in Thompson 21 years ago. $116,000 has been raised locally, including $6,000 last year.

 

In addition to this annual event, McDonald’s fundraises throughout the year for Ronald McDonald House Charities through the donation boxes found at cash registers and the drive through, as well as donating 10¢ from every happy meal.

 

Hydro Rates Set To Rise June 1st

The cost of electricity is going up once again across the province.

 

The Public Utilities Board approved a 3.6% rate hike for Manitoba Hydro, effective June 1st. The increase is less than the 7.9% that was requested.

 

Hydro had also requested a 7.9% increase last year, though the P.U.B. only approved a 3.336% percent increase for 2017.

 

Despite having approved higher rates, the P.U.B. says that they are concerned about bill affordability, and have made multiple recommendations to the Province, including the development of a bill affordability program to assist lower-income customers (with a portion of the funds for the program coming from Keeyask-generated revenue) and transferring carbon tax revenue to Hydro to lower future raises.

 

The Public Utilities Board, who recently approved an increase in water rates for the City of Thompson, said that they are also recommending that the Province suspend the collection of around $900M in revenue from the Bipole III project over the next 13 years. They say that the money, which represents the approximate cost of location the transmission line, should not be the responsibility of Manitoba Hydro ratepayers. 

 

Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Kelvin Shepherd said that without more rate hikes, the debt of the Crown Corporation will continue to increase.

 

The P.U.B. is inviting the public, specifically ratepayers, to share their view on the recent decision through an online form which can be found here.

 

More information on the decision, including Hydro's proposal, can be found here.

 

Local Food Bank Gets Huge Boost

The operators of the local food bank can breath a sigh of relief after receiving a large donation.

 

Roy Bladen, the Ministry Director of the Salvation Army, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that despite a fairly successful Christmas Kettle Campaign, they were still around $15,000 short of the $50,000 they needed to operate the food bank for the year.

 

Recently, Bladen put out a call to the public for donations, as they were running low on food. After the monthly food hampers were distributed that money, their stores were at an all-time low.

 

Bladen went to the local Safeway store last week to follow-up on two fundraising efforts the company had conducted in 2017. During both the "Celebrate Local Campaign" and "Give the Gift of Food", Sobeys (the parent company of Safeway) invited customers to make a donation to their local food bank in exchange for AIR MILES.

 

He said that the store manager called him yesterday and asked him to come to the store, where they presented him with $14,839 in gift cards to the grocery store. Bladen said that he was blown away by the donation and everyone who shopped at the store and made it possible.

 

The Salvation Army food bank here in Thompson supports 52 local families, including over 200 children.

 

 

 

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