Joseph Fourre is determined to take a family tragedy and use it to inform the public that recreational drug use is not safe.

After his son, Harlan, died last year of fentanyl poisoning from tainted drugs, Fourre launched the Singing Red Bear Foundation.

Its slogan is “No thanks.  I’m good, ”  -  one his son Harlan had used often before his untimely death.  

Fourre explains what the slogan means.

“”No thanks I’m good” is two-fold. First and foremost, No thanks: it’s non- judgemental and it’s a polite way to decline. I’m good, the second part of that statement, is empowering and I think that’s what my son was doing, you know? He was saying “No thanks, not judging you but no thanks, I’m good without that.””

Fourre says the Foundation has travelled to northern First Nations and to R.D. Parker Collegiate in Thompson to share the message.

He hopes that over time the campaign to warn young people about the dangers of recreational drugs will spread Canada-wide and ultimately result in fewer deaths due to drugs.

Hear as Fourre shares his and Harlan’s stories and learn more about Singing Red Bear.   Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

On April 18, 2024, at approximately 8:05 pm, Gypsumville RCMP responded to a shooting at a business in Lake St. Martin First Nation.

Immediately officers and Emergency Medical Services responded and located an injured 34-year-old male. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

RCMP identified a suspect and he was arrested.

Memphis Beardy, 20, has been charged with:

•             Discharge Firearm with Intent

•             Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

•             Possession of Firearm knowing Possession is Unauthorized

•             Disguised with Intent to Commit Offence

•             Possession of Restricted Firearm with Ammo Without Licence

•             Pointing a Firearm

•             Possession of Firearm/Ammunition in Motor Vehicle

•             Fail to Comply with Probation Order

•             Careless Use of Firearm

•             Weapon Possession contrary to order x2

•             Aggravated Assault

•             Using Firearm in the Commission of an Offence

Gypsumville RCMP continue to investigate.

On City Beat Thursday, Mayor Colleen Smook gave a recap of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities meetings in Brandon.

Smook said one session focussed on disaster financial assistance and how to help evacuees in the case of forest fires, while another addressed the dangers of fires in the north this year.

Another took a look at the benefits and drawbacks of having 911 service, which the city is looking at.

Here she talks about the City’s Caucus which she chairs and one of their main concerns.

“It was the cost of policing the level of service provided verses the expectation of what we want for services. You know, do we get our dollars worth, how can we plan around that and work with either the RCMP or private policing.”

In the RCMP report shared at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, calls for service in the city were down almost 8 per cent from January to March this year, compared to the same time frame last year.

Currently, the Thompson RCMP has a vacancy of  6 officers and 5 municipal clerks.

The Keeyask Generating Station’s north and south access roads have been transferred from Manitoba Hydro to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure.

These roads now become part of Provincial Road 280, which Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor says is a major link for many northern communities.

She said the province will work with Manitoba Hydro to rehabilitate the road system and decrease travel distance by about 30 minutes between Gillam and Thompson.

PR 280 was first constructed as a permanent gravel highway in 1987, existing as the only road access from Thompson to Gillam.

The Keeyask access road was built for the construction of the Keeyask project and connects PR 280 and Gillam via the Keeyask site.

THOMPSON, MB – City council awarded the construction contract for the new Thompson Regional Aquatic
Centre at a special meeting on April 17, setting the stage for site preparation work to begin as soon as late
May.

Council unanimously approved Penn-Co Construction Canada as the prime contractor for construction of a
new pool next to the Thompson Regional Community Centre.

All of council also approved a contribution agreement that will see the City of Thompson receive an additional
$5 million of provincial government funding toward construction costs. Council also unanimously authorized
Stantec Architecture, which designed the new aquatic centre, to oversee construction on the City’s behalf.
Penn-Co anticipates work on the Thompson Regional Aquatic Centre project beginning May 1, with site setup
starting by the middle of next month and site preparations getting underway a week or two later.

“Those of us on council and Thompson residents as a whole have been waiting for this day for a long time and
I am thrilled that construction of the Thompson Regional Aquatic Centre is set to move ahead,” said Mayor
Colleen Smook.

Construction of the new aquatic centre, which will have a six-lane, 25-metre pool with one accessible lane, as
well as a beach-entry recreational pool and a sauna, is expected to take two years.

The City will continue fundraising to help offset the construction price of approximately $42.6 million. Existing
funding will be used to cover initial costs, supported by short-term borrowing if necessary, with a final
borrowing by-law to cover any remaining costs upon completion of construction

As we experience more wildfires and other pollution, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society is putting us on notice that our eyes and vision are at risk.

Chemical irritants in the air can create allergy-type reactions with red, scratchy eyes or can worsen more serious conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.  

Dr. Milad Modabber with the COS has this to add.

“If it’s temporary, it’s typically reversible with proper eye care and avoiding further exposure but if you are in a prolonged or repeated exposure to pollutants, whatever they may be, they can lead to chronic eye conditions and in really rare cases, permanent vision impairment as well.”

Modabber recommends minimizing children’s exposure to environmental pollutants because their eyes are still developing.  

He said if parents notice their children complaining about sore eyes, they should use lubricating drops and if that doesn’t help, to see their eye care specialist.

Learn about the risks to your eyes and how you can protect them.   Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On April 16, 2024, as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking, Nelson House RCMP, along with assistance from the Manitoba North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), executed a search warrant at a residence located in the community of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

As a result of the search, officers seized approximately 85 grams of cocaine, 24 grams of crack cocaine, over $3,000.00 in cash and other drug-related paraphernalia.

Jeffery Lee Linklater, 45, and Megan Kobliski-Dumas, 32, both of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, were arrested on scene and charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Linklater was remanded into custody whereas Kobliski-Dumas was later released for court scheduled August 21, 2024, in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

Nelson House RCMP continue to investigate.

If you’re interested in a chance to get a free computer, enroll for the Computers for Life program at the YWCA Thompson.

The program is offered through Steps to Success in partnership with Altered Minds Inc. from Winnipeg, who will provide the computers as well as the curriculum.

Cat Cogle, program coordinator with Steps to Success, shares what participants can expect in Level One of the course.

“It’s learning how to set up a computer, connect it to the internet, how to use a keyboard and mouse, create and organize documents and folders, find online information, and recognize scams. You’ll learn how to use language translation programs, use maps to plan a trip and send and receive emails.”

Level Two provides training on skills such as online shopping and banking, and how to protect from online scams.  

The program is open to those 18 and up.   

Learn more about Computers for Life and how to register this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

The Canadian Mental Health Association of Thompson is looking for local support for their Daisy Day fund raiser.

Stephanie Hysert with the CMHA, explains how it will work.

“Your role in this fundraiser would be to ask your patrons when they make a purchase if they would like to donate to the CMHA Thompson. Their name would be put on a daisy and taped to the wall in your establishment.”  

The CMHA will also provide pamphlets regarding their services for you to share with your customers.

The organization is a non-profit and the funds raised will help them offer activities during Mental Health Week, May 6th to 10th.

The Daisy Day fund raiser runs from April 22nd to May 17th.

If you wish to participate contact Stephanie at 204-677-6051.

The Thompson Humane Society provides food and shelter to lost, abandoned and abused animals in the region.

They also hold spay and neuter clinics, wellness checks and vaccination clinics throughout the year.

Now, according to Board Chair Oswald Sawh (SAW), they are expanding their skills and capacity to hold more clinics.

Sawh explains here.

“We will get trained on providing vaccinations which we have not been able to do to date. That will be able to be done on an ongoing basis to not just Thompson but also the surrounding area.”

The Humane Society and our local Tim Hortons are partnering for the upcoming Smile Cookie campaign running April 29th to May 5th.

100 per cent of funds from cookie sales will go to the humane society to purchase new equipment to help them with their clinics.

Hear more about the Humane Society’s upcoming plans and how you can support them during the smile cookie campaign.   Listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Last summer, Manitoba’s wildfire season wasn’t as devastating as others across the country, but the numbers were still significant.

The fires peaked in June with 116, about a month earlier than usual, and the province had three wildfires of note.   

 They were the Cross Lake fire which began May 15th; the Leaf Rapids Fire which started on June 12th, followed by the Grand Rapids fire June 29th.   

Adam Ladouceur with the Manitoba Wildfire Service had this advice, particularly for remote areas.

“We look after wildfires and not structure fires so the best thing for remote communities and residents to do would be to fire smart around their house, cabin or community to help lessen the impact of an approaching fire and making sure firefighting equipment, or if they have a fire truck, is serviceable and ready to go when needed.”

Ladouceur said they employ over 300 seasonal staff which break out into 40 initial attack fire crews spread out across the province.

He said the province has a pool of 500 Emergency fire fighters who offset the initial attack crews.

Ladouceur says there has also been an uptick in recruiting this year.

Catch more about the Manitoba Wildfire Service and the outlook for the coming summer on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

On April 12, 2024, at approximately 4:30 am, Nelson House RCMP received a report that a youth had pointed a firearm at another youth before running off in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Officers obtained a warrant for the youth’s residence.

A search of the residence located a rifle and ammunition.

The 16-year-old male suspect was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence, and Pointing a Firearm. The youth had been on conditions that included a curfew and not owning, possessing, or carrying any weapon. He is also charged with Breach of Release Order. He remains in custody.

Photo attached.

CancerCare Manitoba’s First Nations Webinar Series features its fourth webinar on Tuesday, April 23rd.

The series is aimed at supporting First Nations People living with cancer and their families.

This next webinar, titled “Caring for the Caregivers”,  runs from 1:30 to 3 pm and will feature Donna Head, Indigenous Health Coordinator in the Northern Regional Health Authority.

Information will be shared for how to care for caregivers and Miriam Duff, a psycho-social oncology clinician will offer resources to support caregivers.

This free webinar is open to clinicians, their patients and the general public.  Go to northern health region dot com to register.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Professional Division will perform at Westwood School this Monday.

It’s part of the RWB’s “On the Edge” Tour which is set to visit 10 communities throughout Manitoba and Ontario.

The tour began on April 9th and runs until April 21st.

The Westwood School students and staff will be treated to excerpts from the classical ballet, Don Quixote (Kee-hoe-tee), as well as modern creations by RWB’s choreographer, Gabriela Rehak (Ree-hack), some fiery flamenco dancing and other new works.

The “On the Edge” tour model was adopted by the School in the early 1970s, taking inspiration from the “one-night-only” style of touring that was pioneered by the RWB in 1945.

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities spring meeting wrapped up yesterday in Brandon.

Mayor Colleen Smook and other city representatives were on hand to discuss various topics with a crowd of around 600 people, representing 137 provincial municipalities.

Smook says the collaboration with AMM members and the province is proving successful.

“We have, in the last few years, really gained momentum as our cities have come together and shown that we basically all have the same issue just maybe in a different scope. By working together and going to the province, we really feel that they are listening.”

The mayor says key items like health care and policing were front and centre and that many provincial ministers were on hand to meet with convention attendees.

As a result of conversations at the AMM meeting, some Shared Health officials  have committed to come to Thompson May 6th and 7th to see firsthand what is needed for health care in Thompson and the surrounding area.

A partnership between University College of the North and Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, aims to use technology to teach Indigenous language and culture.

Georgian College will share their immersive and interactive teaching tools with UCN.

Those tools include virtual, mixed, and augmented reality to teach Indigenous languages, culture, treaties and more.

The agreement makes UCN an ally in Georgia’s Indigenous Peoples in XR Project. The project addresses and provides context-based language learning for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and abroad.

“XR” refers to the use of virtual, hybrid, and augmented reality technology.

Doug Lauvstad, UCN’s President and Vice-Chancellor said the partnership will help them leverage best practices for teaching Indigenous languages to help ensure the continuance of those languages.

The tax deadline is looming and the Canada Revenue Agency wants Canadians to be aware that with it comes the potential for scams.

David Nunes, a spokesperson for the CRA says scams come at us in many forms.

“Scams can come from anywhere; they can be coming from emails, from phone calls and lately, something that was just reported to us by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, are these new text messages coming to Canadians with their full names and their social insurance numbers.”

Nunes said this latest scam is coming as the result of an undetermined data breach.

He advises people to be careful to change out their passwords often and not use the same password for multiple sites.    If your password is compromised in one place, it could then be used to access other ones.

Nunes says if you are the victim of a scam, contact your local police, set up alerts with your credit bureau and contact the anti-fraud department with the federal government.

For more on the Canada Revenue Agency, scams and tax tips, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

If you’re a grade 7 to 12 student here in Thompson, the Adolescent Health Education Committee could use your input.

They will be holding a Youth Forum in response to a youth survey conducted with students from all 7 schools in the School district of Mystery Lake.

Jolene Brown with AHEC (A-heck) shares the purpose of the forum here.

“In an effort to reach our youth, we are hosting a youth conference on April 25th. We are inviting 100 students from grades 7 to 12 to a gathering at Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. Our plan is to share resources and information gained from the 2022 survey while promoting student voice in leading the path towards positive change.”  
There are limited spots available for students wishing to participate.

If you’re interested in attending, contact your school counsellor or principal as soon as possible.

To find out more about AHEC and the youth forum, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

On April 7, 2024, at approximately 4:15 pm, Norway House RCMP, along with assistance of the D Division Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) Search Warrant at a residence located in the community of Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

As a result of this search, officers seized over 800 ¼ gram rocks of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value in the community of over $20,000, approximately 400 grams of cannabis, over $23,000 in cash, a machete and other drug related paraphernalia.

RCMP have arrested and charged Beverley Chubb, 53, Bobby Chubb, 29, Wain Forbister, 36, and Eethan Scribe, 20, all from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession of Illicit Cannabis and Possessing Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling. They were remanded into custody.

Juliet Chubb, 27, from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, was also arrested on scene and later released from police custody for a future court date where she will face the same charges.

RCMP continue to investigate.

Photo attached.

Artificial intelligence or AI is present in our lives, whether we’re always aware of it or not.

CDW Canada recently released a report on the status of AI adoption in Canadian businesses.

KJ Burke, a Field CTO with CDW, had this to say about AI.

“It’s accessible to everybody. It’s going to have an impact on everybody and I think it’s natural, especially where people have their livelihood, their family, for us to be skeptical.”

Burke says that skepticism is evident in their report which states that while 61 per cent of organizations are open to AI, comfort levels have yet to catch up as only 51 per cent of I-T decision-makers feel comfortable with its current use within their operation.

Learn more about AI and its applications in business, education and your personal life.  Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Students from here in the School District of Mystery Lake will compete this weekend in the Regional Science Fair.

Grades 4 to 8 students will showcase around 35 science projects in all to a panel of judges today and tomorrow.

Public viewing on the projects will take place at 1:15 on Saturday at Ecole Riverside School, with awards to follow at 2:30.

If eligible, one project could go to the Canada Wide Science Fair taking place May 25th to June 1st at Carleton University in Ottawa.

Yesterday on City Beat, Mayor Colleen Smook provided an update on projects being done in Thompson this summer.

Water and waste-water main renewal continues, as does road renewal.    Roads planned for work in 2024 include Westwood Drive, Mallard, Pintail and Sandpiper Crescents and Seal Road.

Work will be completed on Thompson Drive and Juniper Drive as part of 2023's projects.

Smook also outlined some indoor work that will happen.

“The lighting will be replaced in both the CA Nesbitt and the Wellness Centre, the gym. It will be a month to replace the lights in each facility. The CA Nesbitt Arena is scheduled for July and the gym in August.”

The funding to replace the lights came from the Efficiency Manitoba Grant, the same grant that paid for the lighting in the Gordon Beard Arena last year.

Between July 30 and August 27, 2023, Norway House RCMP responded to nine separate complaints of break & enters and thefts that occurred throughout the community.

Over this time period, between the approximate hours of 3:30 am and 5:00 am, suspects broke into buildings located at the community maintenance yard and airport on multiple occasions. Numerous residences and a church were also targeted.

Suspects stole numerous vehicles, ATVs, bicycles, a canoe, and they caused considerable damage to multiple properties. Most of the stolen property has since been recovered.

In September of 2023, the investigation led to the arrest of a 14-year-old male youth, from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, who was charged with Breaking & Entering, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Mischief over $5000.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, on April 2, 2024, Kristofferson James Keam, 29, of Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, was arrested and remanded into custody on numerous charges including Theft, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Breaking and Entering with Intent and Mischief.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

April is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month and the David Foster Foundation is working to encourage Canadians to sign up as organ donors.

Currently, over 4-thousand Canadians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, with 5 patients dying each week because there are not enough donors.

Mike Ravenhill, CEO of the David Foster Foundation explains here.

“Canada, right now, has one of the worst organ and tissue donor registry rates in all developing countries. We sit just around 30 percent of Canadians are registered organ and tissue donors.”    

Ravenhill says the David Foster Foundation has existed for 38 years and helped over 1400 families with millions of dollars to help them offset the costs of non-medical expenses.

For information on how to become an organ donor, go to DavidFosterFoundation.com.

You can also listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Last week, the Manitoba government announced 21.5 million dollars in funding for upgrades to provincially owned roads for a pair of northern communities.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said the project focuses on repaving approximately 30 kilometers of provincial roads that traverse through and connect both Norway House Cree Nation and the Norway House community.

The project also includes the restoration of Provincial Road 373.

Chief Larson Anderson of  Norway House Cree Nation said these essential infrastructure initiatives  will improve the safety of community members.

Additionally, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advancing a joint cost-shared feasibility study with the Government of Canada to replace the nearby Sea Falls Ferry with a permanent bridge.