The recent Throne Speech from the Pallister Government highlights many key government priorities that they have accomplished and are continuing to work towards.

That’s according to Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle, who told Arctic Radio News that the document highlights the “largest investments Manitoba has ever seen” in areas like health care, education and families.

The rookie MLA said that the Province has surpassed a deficit reduction target, and that they are on target to balance the budget (if re-elected) during their second term. He said that the PC government decreased the provincial summary deficit to $695M, $145M lower than the budgeted deficit of $840M.

When it comes to families, Bindle said that the number of children in the care of Child and Family Services is down for the first time in 15 years, and that Manitoba is no longer the child poverty capital in Canada.

Bindle told Arctic Radio news that the Pallister Government has reduced MRI wait times by 30%, while announcing an increase of $5.3M for hip, knee and cataract procedures. He said that the increased investment shows that they have quote listened to the experts and rather than just throwing money, we are making strategic investments where it will make a difference.

Bindle added that for the first time in two decades, grade 12 test results at the school division level have been made public, something that will help provide context for the government’s upcoming review of Manitoba’s entire K-12 education system. That review is slated to start in 2019.

Tomorrow night is the first night of operation for Operation Red Nose.

The free service will offer you a safe ride home tomorrow and Saturday, as well as every Friday and Saturday night leading up to Christmas as well as New Years Eve.

While there is no fee for the service donations are accepted by the teams, with all of the proceeds going towards local youth-based organizations.

To use the service, all you have to do is dial 204-778-8111, and a three-person team, consisting of a designated driver, a navigator and an escort driver, will pick up you up and drive you home in your own vehicle.

The service is available from 9:00pm until 3:00am on nights of operation.

The Pallister Government doesn’t seem to have a firm direction other than cuts.

That’s according to Dougald Lamont, the leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, in response to the recent speech from the throne.

Lamont will be the guest for a special two-part “Thompson Today”, which will air on 102.9 CHTM this afternoon at 12:40pm, and again at 5:0pm. Part two will air tomorrow at the same times.

It seems that after nearly a century, the days of mining in Flin Flon are numbered.

There is no anchor mine to replace 777 and sustain operations in Flin Flon as they currently stand; that comes from a recent letter from Hudbay to employees.

The letter notes that despite the hard work of the past few years, the most likely scenarios is that mining operations in Flin Flon will cease in 2021. The note from the company goes on to say that as a result of the probable end to mining operations, the mill will also be closed.

The letter says that efforts to find new sources of ore from 777 did not pan out, and by 2020 the Zinc Plant will only have 50% of the current feed as only Lalor ore will be available. This will most likely result in the Zinc Plant joining the list of expected 2021 closures.

Hudbay added that while they are still working to figure out the effect that it will have on jobs, there is still going to be a need for more people at mines in the Snow Lake area.

In a recent report, MP Niki Ashton said that following this news, and the closure of the smelter and refinery in Thompson, that these are not exciting times for the north.

The full letter can be found by clicking here.

Passenger train service to Churchill is set to resume shortly.

Via Rail has confirmed that the first train along their Winnipeg-Churchill route will leave Winnipeg on December 2^nd, and arrive in Churchill on December 4^th.

Churchill Mayor Mike Spence says that the announcement is huge for the community, as everyone is excited to have the region returning to normal. He added that with the approaching holiday season, the restoration of passenger service will help connect families living in the north.

Mayor Spence also said that the Town of Churchill is now shifting focus to ensure that the investments made by the Federal Government will result in visitors and new opportunities for economic development.

Tomorrow is the day for the official grand re-opening of the Thompson Humane Society.

Everyone is invited to visit the shelter, located at 27 Nelson Road, to see the renovated facilities.

The Humane Society says they will also be taking time to thank the individuals, businesses and funders who helped make the renovations possible.

The grand re-opening celebration is set to run from 12:00pm until 1:00pm.

If your organization is looking to hire young people this summer, there may be grant money available.

Applications for the Hometown Green Team grant are now open, which provides grants to hire youth between the ages of 15 and 29 to work on community projects between May 1^st and August 31^st.

Those eligible include non-profit organizations and rural municipalities, though priority is given to children and youth recreation as well as volunteer projects that hire Indigenous youth, visible minority youth and youth with disabilities.

Non-profit organizations awarded the grant receive 100 % of wage costs and up to $250 per position for support costs, while municipal governments receive 50% of wage costs and up to $125 per position for support costs on a cost-share basis.

To find out more about the grant, you can click here.

A bus company has stepped up to help students get to school during the cold winter months.

Maple Bus Lines, one of the companies offering bus service between Thompson and Winnipeg, has provided both buses and drivers to the School District which will be used to bring students to both Wapanohk Community School and R.D. Parker Collegiate.

The school board says that the system is only temporary until municipal transit service has been restored, and there will be no passes or fees required for students to use the buses.

The buses, which started running yesterday, will follow the Eastwood transit starting at 7:45am in the morning on Yale.

The route will be repeated until 8:45am, and then run again in the afternoons from 3:30pm until 4:30pm.

The board of trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake will meet tonight.

The agenda for the meeting includes reports from both superintendents, as well as correspondence from the Manitoba School Boards Association.

The agenda also includes reports from various board committees, as well as board expenditures from the month of October and the financial report as of November 9^th.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00pm in the School Board office.

The public is welcome to attend.

Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook and other from across Manitoba have joined forces to voice their concerns about a provincial government decision to cut a program to fund roads and bridges.

In June, the Province announced that it was going to terminate the Municipal Road and Bridge Program – something that the Association of Manitoba Municipalities calls essential.

Mayor Smook said that the program is critical, and should be re-instated immediately.

She added that roads carry the lifeblood of municipalities across Manitoba, and that as a northern hub for transportation and heavy industry, Thompson’s businesses depend on them as much as anyone.

The annual Thompson community Christmas dinner will continue this year.

After the previous hosts decided to move on from the event this year, newly-elected Mayor Colleen Smook, along with her daughter Sharon Cordell and grand-daughter Tori Cordell, have taken up the mantle.

Mayor Smook said that she had decided to host the dinner prior to the recent election, but chose to keep the decision private until after.

The dinner has seen between 130 and 140 people annually, though Smook says she'd like to see even more people this year.

If you'd like to help out or make a donation towards the meal, you can call Sharon Cordell at 204-679-5119.

A 24-year-old woman is recovering from injuries after being struck by a truck on Sunday.

The driver of the truck, a 20-year-old woman, says that she did not see the pedestrian crossing while making a u-turn in the Eastwood area near Princeton Drive and Carleton Place.

Multiple emergency vehicles responded to the collision Sunday evening, before taking the victim to Thompson General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Thompson Trailbreakers took home two awards at the 8^th annual Snowmobilers of Manitoba congress and Banquet in Winnipeg earlier this month.

Nick Smook was named the organizations’ Outstanding Groomer Operator, while the Trailbreakers as a whole were presented with the Outstanding Snowmobile Club award.

This is the first time that the Trailbreakers took home hardware, and President Kelly Martens says that he believes it is a reflection of the increased traffic the club has seen from tourists.

Charges have been laid against more than a dozen people as part of an ongoing investigation by Norway House RCMP.

Officers in the community stopped and searched a vehicle early last week, which resulted in the seizure of crack cocaine and cash, as well as the arrest of two people from Winnipeg.

RCMP members later searched a house, which resulted in the seizure of over 100 grams of cocaine, as well as crack cocaine and more money.

A subsequent search warrant lead to the discovery of hidden stash of Canadian currency, which officers have concluded is proceeds of crime.

Norway House RCMP have obtained four search warrants and taken a substantial amount of drugs and cash off of the streets within the last few weeks.

At the end of the day any cancellations or cuts from the Northern Health Region come down to the bottom line.

That’s what Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew told Arctic Radio News in a recent interview.

Kinew also took time to respond to Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle, who called for Kinew to apologize for “trying to gain political points on the back of tragedy with fake news and fear mongering following the death of Abraham Donkey”.

Part one of the interview can be heard on 102.9 CHTM during the daily “Thompson Today” segment. Part two will air tomorrow.

There's a new top cop in town.

Inspector Brian Edmonds recently took over as the officer in charge of the Thompson RCMP detachment, and will join 102.9 CHTM this afternoon for "Thompson Today" at 12:40pm and 5:10pm.

Inspector Edmonds will discuss his career with the RCMP so far, as well as what he sees as the biggest challenges for the Thompson RCMP detachment.

Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey is critical of what was missing from the Manitoba Government throne speech. 

He says that as a northern MLA, there’s really not a whole lot in there that would excite somebody from the north. 

Lindsey added that there’s no mention of stimulating the mining economy, and that health care is always a big issue in the north yet there’s really no mention of it at all. 

The NDP labour critic says they talked a little about their Look North initiative, which he said is a plan to have a plan to have a plan but it’s not doing anything.

Lindsey adds we need some positive steps for the north now, not just a plan to have a plan.

Two Thompsonites brought their concerns on the state of local 911 services to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security with a little help from our MP.

In a recent report, Niki Ashton says that Geri Dixon and Alicia Bedford were invited to speak to the committee about Bedford’s experience of waiting on hold for the RCMP while someone was actively trying to break into her home.

Ashton said that she had asked for the House of Commons to talk to the two about this issue, after it was raised by Dixon and Bedford in September at a meeting of Thompson City Council.

The NDP M-P says that she has spoken out in support of those who have been put on hold while trying to report a crime in progress, and that she stands behind a petition calling for the establishment of an emergency call centre in Thompson to serve the north.

Buses nearing the end of their operating life and a lack of increased provincial funding are two of the reasons that the City says are behind the current lack of municipal bus services.

Mayor Colleen Smook says that after looking at the numbers from proposals submitted, council is quote surprised that Greyhound was even able to operate as long as they did at the rate they were charging.

Mayor Smook said that there is little room for error with the current economic situation in Thompson, adding that council doesn’t want to negate the efforts made by the previous council to trim the budget by making a rash decision.

According to a press release from the City, council is concerned about the long-term sustainability of city transit, and following a November 8^th meeting it was determined that discussions must quote continue with stakeholders due to the magnitude of changes, both structural and financial, that a new transit provider will present.

There has not been municipal transit service since the end of October, when Greyhound pulled out of Western Canada.

63 people have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions here in Manitoba as of the end of October.

That number is very concerning according to MPI vice president Satvir Jatana, especially today on National Day of Remembrance.

Jatana says that the day is to raise awareness of the importance of road safety, a message that is important every single day of the year.

Around 30 people are killed annually due to distracted driving, and a person is 35 times more likely to be killed and five times more likely to be seriously injured when not wearing a seatbelt.

MPI recently launched a campaign aimed at eliminating fatal collisions by humanizing the annual fatality statistics called “save the 100”.

A five-month investigation by the Manitoba RCMP has resulted in charges against six people believed to be involved in a street gang drug trafficking network.

The investigation, dubbed Project Derelict, began in July when officers discovered a drug trafficking network operated by the Manitoba Warrior Street Gang, which was believed to be supplying northern communities with cocaine.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on highway six just over a month ago, where they arrested a full patch member of the gang and three others, while seizing 84 grams of cocaine which was en route to Easterville.

A subsequent search of a home in Headingley uncovered a cocaine station and press, along what packing materials and a firearm.

The investigation is still ongoing, and two of the suspects remain in RCMP custody.

Among those released were two residents of The Pas, who face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The first freight train in well over a year could be headed to Churchill as early as this week.

The Arctic Gateway Group, who bought the rail line from OmniTrax and have been working hard to repair the washed out sections, says that they are taking orders to be delivered by rail to Canada’s only deep-water Arctic sea port.

The first train on the freshly repaired rail link to Churchill arrived in the northern town on October 31^st, which was met with a street party attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The rail line had been out of service since 2017, when spring flooding had washed out sections of the line.

Two men have been found guilty of murdering Nicholas Brophy.

22-year-old Mark Bradley Thomas and 24-year-old Zach Edwin Linklater have been charged with first-degree murder; convictions that come with mandatory life sentences and no chance of parole for 25 years.

At the request of the Crown, sentencing has been delayed so that the hearing can take place in Thompson.

Crown prosecutors said that having the hearing in Thompson will give the community an opportunity to prepare and present victim impact statements.

Brophy disappeared in September 2015, and was jumped, kidnapped, taken to the woods and murdered as part of a gang initiation.

His body was discovered in the spring of 2016.

A group of students from R.D. Parker Collegiate are looking to make a difference this winter.

Students from the school’s H3 group are hosting a winter clothing drive, and are looking for donations of gently used or new coats, boots, hats, mitts, scarves or anything that could help keep someone warm.

The donations will be distributed before the holidays to those who need them to try and stay warm.

Donations can be dropped off at R.D. Parker, or you can arrange for a pick-up by emailing astillie@MysteryNet.MB.ca.

Over $33,000 worth of hunting and fishing licences went missing from the Thompson Sustainable Development office between 2005 and 2014.

The discovery came last week, following a special forensic audit.

The audit found that there was a weakness in record-keeping and financial controls, which allowed a clerk to siphon off an unknown amount of money.

The stolen money, according to the audit, could have been covered up with a technique known as lapping, where cheque sales are used to cover up previous cash sales in which the money was not deposited.

The report said that due to the weaknesses they could not estimate the amount of money that was misappropriated.

City Council and City administration are working hard to restore municipal bus services.

That’s what Mayor Colleen Smook said when she joined 102.9 CHTM for City Beat late last week.

Mayor Smook said that they are in meetings with companies, and that a press release will be sent out soon with an update.

She added that the cost of operating transit services without any further interruption would be “considerably higher than they were before”.

City Beat airs Thursdays at 11:30am on 102.9 CHTM, and any questions can be submitted to chtmnews@arcticradio.ca.

The suspension of obstetrical delivery services in Flin Flon has nothing to do budget cuts; that’s according to the Northern Regional Health Authority.

The health region says that the closure is about patient safety, and has nothing to do with costs or money spent elsewhere.

The NRHA issued what they’re referring to as a fact sheet in response to community efforts, led by MLA’s and MP’s, asking the Pallister Government to reinstate the program.

Accord to the information from the health region, the past year has seen “unreliable unpredictable and unsustainable obstetrical delivery service due to lack of consistent obstetrical covering since the departure of Flin Flon’s lone obstetrician”.

The ward is set to close Sunday morning at 8:00am, and the suspension will be revisited once the Provincial women’s health clinical service plan has been completed in 2019.

Thompson RCMP is asking for help in the search for a missing teen.

16-year-old Anika Thomas was last seen at R.D. Parker Collegiate last Thursday, November 8^th, at 4:15pm.

Thomas is described as 6’0”, 120lbs with brown eyes and hair. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, black jacket and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Thompson detachment at 204-677-6911, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

You can also submit a tip anonymously by texting TIPMAN plus your tip to 274637, or online at the Manitoba Crime Stoppers website.

There will be no mail delivery today.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers series of rotating strikes has finally reached the nor-man region, with workers in Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon on the picket line until 6:00am tomorrow.

The rotating strikes are now in their fourth week, and according to Canada Post have now touched virtually every Canada Post facility and address.

Canada Post recently submitted what they call a significant, time sensitive offer to the CUPW, though the union says the deal is not good enough and leaves major issues unaddressed.
 

With our cold weather, any minor incident has the potential to become a serious matter simply because you are out in the elements

That’s why the RCMP recommends you have an emergency winter survival pack in your vehicle.

Constable Sandy Deibert (from the Thompson RCMP detachment) spoke to Arctic Radio news and said while that having a pack is really important for many reasons, the most important reason is that help is not always moments away.  

Constable Deibert said that when you’re on the highway, “it’s not like in a major city or even (like) in Thompson where if you need help it’s a few minutes away. You could be stranded on the highway for hours in reality, and I want to make sure that people are aware of that. Even with cell phones nowadays you might hit a spot that has no coverage, there may be no other traffic, you need to make sure that you have what you need in your vehicle during these cold weather months”.

She went on to say that some of the possible scenarios in which you’d need the kit include sliding off the roadway into a ditch and coming across another motorist who is having an emergency situation of their own. Deibert added that some other possible situations you could find yourself in are losing battery power or rolling a vehicle.

When it comes to the kit itself, Constable Deibert suggested that you possibly pack the following items:

• Extra outer clothing for every person in the vehicle
  • Toques, boots, mittens, scarves, etc.
  • Constable Deibert recommends that the clothing be kept somewhere accessible so that you don’t have to “sneak into the trunk to get it”
• Sleeping bag
• • With extra batteries
• • Non-perishable, not requiring heating.
• First aid kit
• Road maps
  • Paper maps as your electronic maps may run out of battery
• Matches or emergency candles
  • Constable Deibert recommends opening a window or door if you want to use them.
• Tire chains
• Sand or kitty litter
• • Constable Deibert recommends a small aluminium shovel (or other type of metal) over a plastic shovel.
• Snow brush
• Ice scraper
• Road flares
  • Constable Deibert says that road flares will allow you to be seen by other vehicles and semi trucks who may not stop for you.

If you’d like to hear the full interview with Constable Deibert, it will air on 102.9 CHTM as a Thompson Today on Monday, December 3^rd at 12:40pm and again at 5:10pm.

Saturday is the day set aside every year to celebrate children, and there will be more than just than annual Santa Parade taking place to mark the occasion.

Penny Brenton, from the Hello Parents network, spoke to Arctic Radio News and explained why National Child Day is important.

Brenton said that National Child Day celebrates our children, while reminding the community that children need support, encouragement and respect in order to grow to their full potential.

If you’re looking for a fun afternoon filled with family-oriented activities, she also took the time to talk about some of what is planned for Saturday.

Brenton said that festivities will start at 2:30pm in the TRCC following the Santa Parade, and will include activities like karaoke, mini-golf, face painting and crafts.

She added there’s also going to be free skating, free healthy snacks, and flu shots available on site.

Brenton will bring you more details on the National Child Day celebrations planned for Thompson, as well as more information on the day itself, during Thompson Today on 102.9 CHTM tomorrow at 12:40pm and 5:10pm.

Two Members of Parliament are adding their voices to the public outcry in the wake of the Northern Health Region announcing the temporary suspension of the obstetrical delivery program in Flin Flon.

Niki Ashton says that the closure of the ward means the closure of a vital community service for the region, adding that the Province should be spending money on reopening the ward rather than on consultants.

She is joined by her NDP colleague and northern Saskatchewan MP Georgina Jolibois, who expressed concerns over the impact the closure will have on families in her riding.

Jolibois added that First Nations, and all communities, in the region are some of the youngest in the country and need access to birthing services in Flin Flon.

The MP’s are now part of a regional lobbying effort to have the Pallister Government to save the birthing services.

Other prominent voices working to save the unit are Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey and Saskatchewan MLA Doyle Vermette.

The ward is set to close at the Flin Flon hospital on Sunday, November 18^th, after a clinical study showed issues dealing with volume and increasing gaps in service and resulting patient safety.

RCMP here in northern Manitoba seized over 300 grams of cocaine, in addition to other drugs and drug paraphernalia late last week. 

Officers in Thompson seized 58 grams of cocaine and drug trafficking paraphernalia from a Granite Crescent residences on November 8^th. A 41-year-old female and 31-year-old male, both Thompsonites, have been arrested and face charges possession for the purpose of trafficking. They are set to appear in court in December 21^st.

The next day, officers from the Thompson RCMP detachment seized 263 grams of cocaine, 76 grams grams of crack-cocaine and several pellet guns at a residence in Paint Lake Provincial Park. 45-year-old Nicole Pye and 45-year-old Tyrone Pye of Liz Lake have been arrested and face two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Finally, on Saturday, officers in Norway House seized a quantity of methamphetamine, along with drug trafficking paraphernalia. Two males, ages 28 and 58, and two females, ages 51 and 58, were arrested at the scene and have charges pending against them.

The Salvation Army food bank is in desperate need of donations. 

According to Roy Bladen, the Ministry Director for the Salvation Army in Thompson, their stocks are at an all time low. 

Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army thrift store in the Westwood Mall. 

If you’d like to make a cash donation, or would like drop off your donation at the Salvation Army church office, you’re asked to call Bladen at 204-307-2193.

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle has been appointed as a member of the Manitoba Hydro-Electic Board. 

The board oversees the business and affairs of Manitoba Hydro, in accordance with its mandate and purposes. 

According to a press release, Bindle’s experience as an engineer and small business owner, as well as his perspective as a resident of northern Manitoba, will be valuable to the board. 

Bindle served as the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade from 2016 until recently, and has sat on various government committees including the venture capital committee and the fiscal review committee of cabinet. 

In an email, Bindle said that the position of Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade no longer exists.

A Manitoba Junior “B” hockey league is facing a lawsuit and possible injunction early in its inaugural season. 

The Capital Region Junior Hockey League, which was formed in May when the Lundar Falcons, Selkirk Fishermen, St. Mall Warriors and North Winnipeg Satellites left the Keystone Junior Hockey league, faces legal action from five First Nations. 

Peguis First Nation, Norway House Cree Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation, Cross Lake First Nation and Opaskwayak Cree Nation have filed legal paperwork, and say that the new league creates a divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous players. 

The First Nations also allege that players were poached from the First Nations. 

The paperwork was filed on October 31st, and targets not only the new league, but also a number of teams in the Interlake region, the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association and Hockey Manitoba. 

According to the Pallister Government, the recent suspension of the Turning the Page Agreement is a good thing for Indigenous communities. 

The Province says that the agreement, which was signed by the previous NDP government, would have provided the Manitoba Métis Federation $20M in exchange for the withdrawal of challenges to the Bipole III and Keeyask projects. 

In a letter, Crown Services Minister Colleen Mayer says that they are discontinuing the practice of benefit agreements that secure support from Indigenous communities for developments in exchange for their agreement not to participate in consultation and regulatory processes. 

Mayer added that in place of the agreement, the Province will “negotiate adverse effects agreements to address real impacts on treaty or Aboriginal rights where those effects cannot be avoided, minimized or mitigated through project design, regulatory conditions or other accommodation measures”.  

Mayer concluded by saying that she is a proud card carrying member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, and that the actions by the government underscore their commitment to respecting treaty and Aboriginal rights while being open and transparent. 

The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation held a grand opening for their first women’s shelter on Tuesday.

Executive Director Susan Kobliski said it will house women facing family violence issues. 

The shelter will  serve women in Nelson House and those living in surrounding areas like Tadoule Lake, Lac Brochet, Churchill and Lynn Lake.

The women will have access to counselling and programs with an Indigenous focus, including smudging and medicine picking.

The shelter has hired nine people from the community, including two support workers, security staff and a child care worker.

The shelter will collaborate with other community services like the NCN Medicine Lodge, Nursing Station and NCN Family and Community Wellness Centre to ensure families receive the support they need to successfully move forward and break the cycle of abuse.

The Flin Flon General Hospital will be suspending obstetrical delivery services beginning on November 18th.

Northern Health Region CEO Helga Bryant says this is happening after a study recomended this step be taken due to only occassional services being available.

More information will be passed along as it is made available.

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle says that NDP leader Wab Kinew should apologize for trying to gain political points on the back of tragedy with "fake news and fear mongering".

In an email to Arctic Radio News, Bindle said that the actions of the opposition in the wake of the death of Abraham Donkey are extremely unfortunate, as Bindle says that “they know as well as the we do that it is a federal issue”.

The lone northern Progressive Conservative MLA also took time to comment on the Northern Patient Transportation Program itself, saying that it is the exact same program that has been in place for many years including under the previous government and currently remains in place unchanged.

Bindle added that talks of cuts to the program is “misinformation being spread in the media by the opposition”.

NDP MLA Tom Lindsey, who represents Flin Flon, tabled a freedom of information request in the Legislature, which Lindsey says shows that the Province cut $1M from the transportation program escort subsidy.

Mayor Colleen Smook and seven members of Thompson City Council were officially sworn in Wednesday evening.

Following the swearing in ceremony, Mayor Smook addressed those in attendance and said that improving communication is one of her top priorities.

She said that there are opportunities to improve communication between mayor and council, as well as between city hall and the commutiy.

Smook said that they want open minds and feedback, though she added that there are policies and protocol in place for comments from the public.

The Mayor said that councillors can listen tothe public and pass messages along, but that council should not be making any promises on changes as there are people in place to get that process going.

Mayor Smook also took time to speak about the City as a whole, saying that Thompson is more than just the 13,000+ who live within the boundaries.

She said that the City should be supporting the outlying communities such as Nelson House in addition to them supporting Thompson.

The Mayor added that she hadn’t even realized that she was the first female mayor for the City of Thompson until it was brought up at City Hall once the final election results came in.

Thompson City Council is set to meet Tuesday evening at 7:00pm, their first meeting where normal business will take place.

An internally recognized travel company has named Manitoba as one of their top ten regions in the world to visit next year.

Lonely Planet, a travel media company who is well known for publishing travel guidebooks, put Manitoba at number 8 on their list.

The list also includes the Scottish Highlands (#5), Normandy, France (#9) and Northern Peru (#3).

Alan McLaughlin, who works as a consultant for Travel Manitoba on the Northern Tourism Strategy, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that making the list will mean big things for the entire province in 2019.

He said that one of the best ways for the province to prepare is to think like tourists.

McLaughlin said that doing that will help the province put the best foot forward to give visitors the best experience possible in areas that we anticipate tourists would enjoy.  

The Lonely Plant website feature on Manitoba highlights the history and “multicultural flavour” of Winnipeg, as well as the wildlife visitors can experience in Churchill.

Manitoba is the only Canadian location in their lists for 2019, and the complete lists can be found by clicking here.

Two Thompsonites just got back from spending time managing a shelter for displaced residents in North Carolina.

Louise Hodder, who has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for around five years, spoke to Arctic Radio News about how she and her husband Mark Szyszlo ended up helping in the wake of Hurricane Florence.

Hodder said that the call came from the American Red Cross to the Canadian Red Cross in September, but that they did not respond.

When the call came around a second time, however, the reitred couple did respond and submitted an application to go.

One day later, Hodder said they recevied the green light to go, and the Red Cross had them on the ground within three days.

To hear from both Hodder and Szyszlo about their time in North Carolina, tune in to Thompson Today tomorrow afternoon.

Part one of the two-part interview air on 102.9 CHTM at 12:40pm and 5:10pm tomorrow (November 8^th), with part two airing at the same times on Friday (November 9^th).

There is a conference taking place in The Pas starting tomorrow dealing with economic development here in the north.

The Linkages in Northern Economic Development Conference is taking place tomorrow and Thursday, and is being put on by UCN, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Look North.

Topics that are on the agenda for the conference include discussions on northern economic development strategies, how to thrive in a time of change, innovation, and connecting the north to the rest of the world.

Guest speakers for the two-day event include OCN Chief Christian Sinclair and the Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade Blaine Pederson.

The new mayor and council will be sworn in tomorrow night.

The meeting will start with an opening prayer, followed by the swearing-in of Mayor-Elect Colleen Smook and the appointment of a deputy mayor.

The rest of the evening will be filled with the appointment of board chairs, as well as the election of board members.

The inaugural meeting will take place at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall, and the public is welcome to attend.

The full agenda can be found by clicking here.

There is one less option for Thompsonites when it comes to catching a bus to Winnipeg.

Kasper Transportation, who was the first to announce they would take over the route abandoned by Greyhound, has said that they have pulled the plug on the route.

A spokesperson for the Ontario-based bus line said that the Province made a serious mistake by giving out as many licenses as they did for the route, saying that since Kasper got their license, they’ve been handed out like a “free dinner voucher”.

Accord to the company, the market for the route has become too crowded and the company would rather save money until the other companies are “tapped out, burnt out and beat up” while Kasper can “take their sweet time doing it right”.

Both Thompson Bus and Maple Bus lines continue to offer overnight service to Winnipeg multiple times every week.

Tomorrow marks the official re-opening of the People First of Thompson office.

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30pm tomorrow at the Harmony House Co-op common room.

Harmony House Co-op is located at 15 Arctic Drive.

People First is a worldwide self-advocate organization for people living with disabilities to promote education, accessibility, and community involvement.

The opposition NDP continued to press the Pallister Government last week on changes to the Northern Patient Transfer Program.

Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey tabled a freedom of information request in the Legislature, which he says shows that the government cut $1M from the transport program escort subsidy.

Lindsey added that the cuts were made at the Cabinet table, and that it contradicts the statement from the Progressive Conservative government that no cuts have been made.

The northern MLA said that the same request shows that the Northern Health Region was quote forced to find an additional $450k in savings from the program, which make it harder for northerners to get escorts on medical trips.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen responded by saying that they became aware of quote all kinds of abuses to the program, which is why the rules must be enforced to make sure that the program continues to be able to have the capacity to respond to those who legitimately need the travel subsidy.

While in Churchill last week to celebrate the restoration of rail service, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took time to address climate change and what that will mean for Manitobans.

Trudeau said that communities like Churchill know firsthand what climate inaction looks like, and that starting in 2019 Manitobans will directly receive a climate action incentive.

He said that the incentive will help Canadians adjust to an economy in which pollution isn’t free, and that the average family of four in Manitoba will receive around $339 per year.

The Prime Minister added that the rest of the money collected will be used for energy efficiency projects in schools, hospitals businesses and Indigenous communities.

He said that this will allow the country to protect the environment while continuing to strengthen the local economy.

While in Churchill yesterday following the arrival of the first train in 17 months, the Prime Minister announced funding for the community.

Justin Trudeau said that his Federal Liberal government is putting more than $3.8M towards 40 projects that will increase tourism, provide skills training, and help offset the freight costs stemming from the rail closures.

He said that Ottawa is also committed to investing $43M over the next ten years to make sure that the rail line continues to operate properly.

Prime Minister Trudeau added that by opening the railway, Churchill is open to outside investments from companies like Bell.

Oxford House RCMP is currently investigating a homicide in the community.

Early yesterday morning, officers received a call of an assault in progress outside a residence, which resulted in the death of a 21-year-old male.

Police have a 21-year-old man in custody, and the investigation is ongoing with support from RCMP major grimes and the forensic identification unit.

Three young girls are being honoured today in Grand Rapids with the Canadian Red Cross rescuer award.

Eden Walker, Jaylynn Chartier and Phoenix Chartier spotted a young girl floating face down in the Saskatchewan River back in July, and fished out her out of the river, called for help and performed CPR until helped arrived.

Chris Brown, from the Canadian Red Cross, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that it was important for the Red Cross to recognize the girls. Brown said that they are being recognized for how they reacted safely in response to an emergency, and also because of how they handled themselves in the face of an extremely stressful situation.

He added that the three girls were able to save the younger girl using CPR, which they had learned from watching TV.

The Rescuer Award is award to non-professional rescuers with some training, off duty first responders or children who demonstrate bravery in response to a hard situation.

Tuesday is the first day to register for the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas hamper program.

Registration will take place from 10:00am until 12:00pm every Tuesday and Thursday until December 6th, with hamper distribution taking place on December 12^th.

The hampers are free of charge, and provide those less fortunate with the chance to have an enjoyable Christmas at home with their families.

If you’d like more information on the hampers, or would like to donate, you can contact Roy Bladen at 204-307-2193.

The annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign is set to kick off at the end of the following week.

Churchill has rail service once again.

The first train in 17 months arrived in the community yesterday evening just before 7:00pm, though it wasn’t expected to arrive until today.

The train was met at the station by many residents, including kids in costume, who according to reports were smiling, taking pictures, and hugging one another.

The arrival was celebrated today by a street party and barbecue with high profile attendees including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Full rail service is expected to resume along the line later this month.

Today marks the start of diabetes month.

The theme for 2018 is the family and diabetes, and the goal is to spread the word that diabetes concerns every family.

Jennifer Freeman, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator with the Northern Health region, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that the focus this year is on families.

She added that less than one in four family members have access to diabetes education training programs.

Freeman, along with fellow RN and diabetes educator Ibolya Hennessey, will join 102.9 CHTM for Thompson Today tomorrow afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm with more information on the month.

Far Resources has finalized plans for the upcoming drill program at its Zoro Lithium Project near Snow Lake, where 50 lithium targets have been identified.15 of the lithium anomalies will be tested during the winter season.

Final preparations are underway for mobilization of equipment to target the anomalies, which is expected to commence ahead of schedule and prior to the ground freezing.

Far Resources president Toby Mayo says that the company knew they had a fantastic opportunity to expand known mineralization at Zoro, but the results of last summer’s program have been better than they had imagined.

The fall program contract has been awarded to Westcore Drilling, with rotary air support provided by Gogal Air Servies.