Following Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin’s decision to declare a state of emergency on health services in the north last week, the Northern Health Region issued a statement in response.

A spokesperson says the health authority understands and wants solutions implemented without delay, but adds it will take work and time to solve these -quote- “very complex and multifaceted issues”.

They add the NRHA looks forward to continuing to partner with MKO and KIM on initiatives such as moving forward on their joint statement to end anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare and the ongoing co-planning process on sustainable healthcare delivery in the region.

KIM issued the state of emergency due to critical nursing shortages in Manitoba’s nursing stations and the need for health services available in Winnipeg and Brandon to be offered in Thompson as well.

Hudbay Flin Flon came out on top at the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition.

The event was held this weekend, which was hosted by Vale Manitoba Operations here in Thompson.

Vale got second place in the competition, and also came away with the First Aid and Written Exams awards.

Hudbay Snow Lake received the Firefighting and Technicians awards.

The Mining Association of Manitoba says this year’s competition was bittersweet for the teams, as it marks the last one for Hudbay Flin Flon due to the upcoming closure of its mine.

Next year’s Provincial Mine Rescue Competition will be held in Snow Lake.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is touting the significance eye exams have in maintaining eye health and ensuring proper diagnosis of diseases that cause vision loss.

The organization’s Doctor Phil Hooper explains symptoms for major eye diseases that cause vision loss won’t always present until the disease has advanced.

But 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable or reversible if caught early.

Hooper says one-in-six Canadians are living with one of the four major eye diseases and are at serious risk of losing their vision.

The four diseases are cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for the full interview.

The elected leaders that are part of the Keewatinohk Inniniw Okimowin Council have unanimously declared a state of emergency regarding health services on First Nations.

This comes as all 21 of Manitoba’s federal nursing stations are being impacted by a critical nursing shortage, resulting in them being in an “open to emergencies only” policy for at least the week of May 16^th to the 23^rd.

A press release from Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin explains the state of emergency signals to both the provincial and federal governments that First Nations in the north will be seeking more control over the health systems meant to serve them.

In addition to the nursing shortage, KIM looks to address medical transportation related issues, lack of preventative health care, and modernizing health care infrastructure on reserve.

Advance polling for the Thompson By-election begins tomorrow in the city.

It will be taking place at the Thompson Plaza Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m until June 4^th.

Other communities in the constituency will have advance polling on May 31^st.

The Thompson By-election will be on June 7^th.

The candidates running are NDP Eric Redhead and PC Charlotte Laroque.

More information can be found on elections manitoba DOT ca

With the weather warming up in Thompson, coordinators organizing the search for a man who fell into the Burntwood River earlier this year have resumed their efforts in earnest.

Phillip Kanabee, a councillor for God’s Lake First Nation, told Arctic Radio that 26-year-old Leonard “Andrew” Bland has been missing since the first week of March and is believed to have fallen near the Miles Hart Bridge.

Kanabee says a search party scoured the ice on the river for two weeks when Bland initially disappeared, and they’ve renewed the search in mid-May once the river had thawed.

He explains that Manitoba Hydro, the local fire department and RCMP detachment, as well as members of the surrounding communities have been assisting in the search. There are currently six boats being utilized for the search.

Kanabee says they’re looking for more volunteers to help locate Bland, specifically people who have boats they can use for the search. In addition, they’re also looking for people who can prepare meals for the search party. He adds people can donate money to help pay for fuel and transportation.

So far, the councillor explains volunteers have searched the area surrounding the bridge where the strong current is. The search party has also covered about 20 kilometres down the river towards Mystery Lake.

Kanabee hopes to find Bland as soon as possible so that his family can have closure and he can be laid to rest in his home community. He explains it’s been a difficult few months for the family as they had recently lost another family member.

People interested in helping out with the search can call Kanabee at 431-354-0134.

The 2022 Provincial Mine Rescue Competition kicks off here in Thompson tomorrow.

The two day competition is hosted by Vale’s Manitoba Operations and will be held at the T1 Mine.

In addition to Thompson, teams from Flin Flon, Snow Lake, and Bernic Lake will be participating.

Stacy Kennedy, co-chair of the Manitoba Association of Mining’s Mine Rescue Committee, says they’re eager to return to competition to ensure that the skills of mine rescue personnel remain sharp, and that the industry in Manitoba continues to build on its record of strong safety performance.

For more on this year’s Provincial Mine Rescue Competition, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

A number of firearms were seized at a home in Gods Lake Narrows following an alleged assault.

On Monday morning, RCMP responded to an incident at a residence in the community.

The victim, a woman, sustained minor injuries.

A female suspect was arrested in relation to the alleged assault, and a search of her home led to officers finding eleven firearms and ammunition.

The man living in the home was also arrested.

Both are facing weapons-related offenses, and the female suspect has also been charged with Assault with a Weapon and uttering threats.

A local family looking to shine a spotlight on the heart disease that claimed their son’s life is holding their 2^nd annual fishing derby to raise money in his memory next month.

The Rylen Solski Memorial Fishing Derby will be held between June 10^th and 19^th as a way to raise awareness about Kawasaki disease, a heart condition that typically appears in children five and younger.

Ray Solski, Rylen’s father and co-organizer of the derby, says his son’s condition was misdiagnosed many times prior to his passing in 2020, and hopes to in the very least educate people about the disease that affects 30 out of 100 thousand children under the age of five in Canada.

This will be a Pike and Walleye derby with any size fish eligible for prizes. Additionally, all Manitoba waters are eligible.

All proceeds will be donated to Kawasaki Disease Canada.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on the 2^nd Annual Rylen Solski Memorial Fishing Derby.

The local high school is having their annual Cabaret performance taking place next week.

RD Parker Collegiate band director Kevin Lewis explains the event will feature the school’s senior concert and jazz ensemble groups for band and choir.

He adds the concert will be open to public and will be free to attend, but those iffy about going to large gathering can view a recording of the concert instead.

The RD Parker Collegiate Cabaret will take place next Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Letkmann Theatre.

Check out Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for the full interview.

A suspect has been arrested following an alleged assault at a local hotel on Friday night.

RCMP say a 48-year-old man was seriously injured in the assault on Selkirk Avenue, and died of his injuries two days later.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with manslaughter.

The Thompson detachment is continuing to investigate along with Major Crime Services and the Forensic Identification Section.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

At approximately 9:00pm on Friday, May 20, 2022, RCMP officers from the Thompson Detachment responded to a report of an assault at a hotel on Selkirk Avenue in Thompson.

A 48-year-old male from Thompson was seriously injured in the assault and remains in hospital in critical condition.

Preston Queskekapow, a 30-year-old male from Norway House, was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated assault. He has been remanded into custody.

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

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

The Victoria Day long weekend also marks the start of National Safe Boating Week.

Doctor Christopher Love, Water Smart Coordinator with Lifesaving Society Manitoba, shares the numbers on boating-related deaths in the province.

“Unfortunately, we do see on average about eight to ten fatalities related to boating incidents every year in the province of Manitoba. It can go higher or lower depending on the exact year. There are an unfortunately uncounted number of incidents where there’s not a fatality involved but there could be injury or a close shave that are never reported because they never have to call in the police, search and rescue or whatever the case may be.”

Love says it’s especially important for new boaters who picked up the hobby over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic to practice safe boating behaviours.

He says people should take a boating course to ensure they know how to operate the craft, make sure to wear a lifejacket, and to boat sober.

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on National Safe Boating Week.

With advance polling for the Thompson by-election to begin later this month, Elections Manitoba spoke to Arctic Radio about what voters can expect when they go to vote.

Communications officer Mike Ambrose says advance voting runs from May 28^th to June 4^th at the Thompson Plaza in the city, while other communities in the constituency will have advance voting available on May 31^st.

People already registered to vote should have voter cards sent to them by now, but those that don’t can check electionsmanitoba.ca to see if they’re registered.

Eligible voters can register online at the website until today if they aren’t already, or they can wait until they go to vote.

The candidates running in the Thompson by-election are NDP Eric Redhead and the PC’s Charlotte Laroque. Election Day is June 7^th.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.

After recently launching the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, Community Futures North Central Development spoke to Arctic Radio to elaborate on how it works.

Business Support Officer Michelle Pruder says training and resources are available both in-person and virtually, and include business workshops, one-on-one training, and support for women to provide the skills needed to plan, operate, and grow their business.

The program also has a micro-lending component, which Pruder explains here.

“This is where woman can access some capital so they can apply for funds as high as $20,000, a micro-loan, but it can be as low as $500. It doesn’t have to be big, but the great thing about it is that a portion of it is forgivable. When I say forgivable, in other words, it’s a grant. The amounts will vary, it depends on a variety of factors but that forgivable portion can range from five per cent all the way up to 45 per cent.”

Call 204-677-1490 for more information.

University College of the North’s IT training program for Indigenous women has received over $1 million to continue through the upcoming academic year.

The Future Skills Centre’s investment into UCN’s Information Technology Readiness North program, also known as InTeRN, is a research-based pilot project that aims to address gaps and barriers preventing northern women from entering IT jobs.

The program launched last September, and since then more than 20 Indigenous women have been involved in introductory IT entry training. Seven participants would then proceed into the full-time InTeRN program.

A fundraiser collecting money to help deliver programs and services to people living with Alzheimer’s in Manitoba has been running throughout the month of May.

Alzheimer Society Manitoba is hosting an in-person walk in Winnipeg for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in 2020.

However there will still be an option to participate virtually for residents living outside the perimeter.

Over 2, 300 people in Manitoba are living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, and regional director with Alzheimer Society Manitoba Liz McLeod says that number is expected to grow in the coming years.

“By 2038, over forty thousand seven hundred Manitobans, we may as well say forty one thousand Manitobans will have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.”  

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.

Or visit walkforalzheimers.ca.

Choose Your Instrument nights will be back this year for Grade 5 students in the School District of Mystery Lake.

The sessions provide an opportunity for students interested in being part of the beginner band program in the fall to try out instruments and will also serve as a parent information session.

Parents and caregivers are to sign up in advance to take part in the session, as band director Sarah Lewis explains.

“The reason why we are getting people to sign up in advance is at the registration night, every student is going to get a set of sanitized mouthpieces to try and to make sounds on. Then they’ll be able to make their decision based on what instrument they like the sound of and also which instruments mouth pieces they were successful at trying so they can make a really informed decision.”

The Choose Your Instrument nights will run from tomorrow to Thursday, and those interested can register at rdparkermusic.com.

100 Women Who Care Thompson is putting out a call for local charities that are interested in being a potential recipient of their June donation.

Non-profits are asked to contact a current 100 Women Thompson member and fill out a nomination form.

Previously nominated charities don’t need to refill the form, but are asked to let the group know that you’d like to be nominated again.

The deadline to submit a nomination is next Friday, and for more information visit 100 women thompson DOT com.

Their June meeting will take place Wednesday, June 1^st.

Local authorities arrested a man wanted for suspected drug trafficking and weapon possession.

RCMP say an officer was stopped at a business on Thompson Drive South when he observed the man who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

When the officer tried to arrest him, the suspect fled, leading to a foot chase and a physical altercation.

Law enforcement state one of the officers suffered a stab wound, who was taken to hospital for treatment and later released.

The suspect was arrested and taken to the local detachment, where he went into medical distress and was taken to hospital.

He received treatment and was later released and back in police custody.

29-year-old Mohamed Abdi of Toronto faces ten charges, namely for drug and weapons-related offenses, as well as resisting arrest and failing to comply.

WINNIPEG - Voters in a northern Manitoba constituency are to go to the polls in a byelection June 7.

The seat of Thompson includes the city of the same name and several other communities stretching to Hudson Bay, and is a longtime NDP stronghold.

It was last held by New Democrat Danielle Adams, who died in a highway crash in December.

The seat has been won by New Democrats in all but two elections since 1969.

The NDP candidate this time is Eric Redhead, former chief of the Shamattawa First Nation.

The governing Progressive Conservatives have nominated Charlotte Larocque, a small-business owner, and the Liberals have said they will not field a candidate.

The Progressive Conservatives hold 36 of 57 legislature seats. The NDP hold 17 and the Liberals have three.

The provincial and federal governments, along with the City of Thompson, are investing $15 million to build a new pool in the city.

Provincial Labour and Government Services Minster Reg Helwer says the Manitoba government is funding up to $5 million for the project, Ottawa is investing up to $6 million through its Investing in Canada Infrastructure program funding streams, and Thompson is putting forward around $4 million.

Mayor Colleen Smook shared that it’s been a rollercoaster ride since the Norplex Pool was closed in 2019, and this funding will get shovels in the ground sooner rather than later.

Smook adds the region as a whole benefits from this announcement.

“It’s not just for Thompson, it’s for the North. We have people from Wabowden, Tadoule Lake and even Lac Brochet coming here for swimming lessons. Everybody used our pool.”

Smook says construction of the new pool is expected to be completed in a year and a half.

The Government of Manitoba is helping to fund twelve projects through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, which includes a number of northern mining projects.

The announcement was made at the Community Futures North Central Development office in Thompson, which is receiving $30, 000 of the $1.6 million investment.

Manitoba Chamber of Commerce President Chuck Davidson, which manages the fund, says many of the projects are using the money to support mineral exploration and drill programs.

However, there are some that are focused on business renovation and start-up costs, with Davidson citing the Elm Street Redevelopment project in Snow Lake and winter weather testing in Thompson as examples.

Other recipients of the funding include Snow Lake Lithium, The Pas Community Development, the Northern Manitoba Sector Council, and the Sayisi Dene First Nation.

There will be second name on the ballot in the upcoming by-election here in Thompson.

Charlotte Laroque will be running as the Progressive Conservative candidate.

A press release from the PC Party Laroque has experience working with various industries, communities, and governments. It adds she has experience working collaboratively with First Nations communities. The PC candidate was a former president of the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, and currently works as the University College of the North's Thompson campus manager.

Laroque states her top priorities if she's elected is to bring stronger health care in the north, better infrastructure, and looking into furthering potential resource extraction as a way to create jobs and build the area's economy.

Laroque previously ran as the Conservative Party of Canada candidate in last year’s federal election.

She will be facing former Shamattawa First Nation Chief Eric Redhead in the bid to fill the position vacated by former NDP MLA Danielle Adams’ death late last year.

Elections Manitoba is to announce the date of the Thompson by-election today.

It’s National Nursing Week, and Arctic Radio spoke to the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba about its significance.

Executive director Joyce Kristjansson says this past year has been challenging for nurses in the province.

Here, she speaks specifically about the challenges northern nurses face.

“Like all of the province but exacerbated more by remoteness of many communities in the north. There is a huge nursing shortage. What that means is that the nurses that are in place are giving everything that they have. I’m so incredibly impressed by the dedication and the leadership of these nurses to fill the gap, be creative and find ways to provide patient care within the limited resources that exist.”

This year, National Nursing Week runs from May 9 to May 15, and falls during the week of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, which is May 12^th.

For the full interview, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

With the Thompson General Election coming up later this year, the city’s senior election official is taking registrations for those looking to be on the ballot this fall.

Residents looking to run for the mayor’s office have from now until September 20^th to submit their registrations.

Meanwhile people interested in running for city councillor have to wait a bit longer to sign up, as those registrations will be taken in between June 30^th and September 20^th.

Contact senior election official Norma Howitt at 204-679-4848 for more information.

Vale has signed a long-term contract with Tesla to supply nickel to the car manufacturer from its operations in Canada.

The mining company says the agreement is in line with its strategy to "increase exposure to the electric vehicle industry".

It adds that the deal highlights that Vale is a “supplier-of-choice for low-carbon and high purity nickel products essential for long-range batteries”.

Vale explains in a press release that its target is to deliver 30 to 40 per cent of Class One Nickel sales into the electric vehicle industry.

The company didn’t specify how long the agreement will last or how this will impact operations at its Canadian mines, including Thompson.

The application deadline for Indigenous people interested in training to become commercial pilots here in Thompson is closing tomorrow.

The Atik Mason Indigenous Pilot Pathway is a fully-funded training program that will take place between this month and September at the Thompson Airport.

The program’s namesake will be instructing students, as Mason is a commercial airline pilot from Saint Theresa Point who currently flies for Perimeter Aviation.

The program is from the Exchange Income Corporation, which was developed in partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak.

For more information, visit amkonation.com

The Moose Hide Campaign Day will be held next Thursday, and will be a virtual event.

The day is to encourage all Canadians to help end violence against women and children.

The event will include speeches from the organization’s co-founders and former senator Murray Sinclair, workshops focused on the themes of reconciliation and healthy relationships, as well as a one-day fast.

To learn more about the Moose Hide Campaign, listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Or visit moose hide campaign DOT ca.

The Canadian Orthopaedic Association spoke to Arctic Radio about the current state of orthopaedic care in the country.

President Doctor Kishore Mulpuri says approximately 180 thousand patients are estimated to be on the waiting list to receive elective orthopaedic surgery.

Mulpuri states that 28 per cent of graduates of orthopaedic surgery are under employed in Canada, meaning that the health care system could tackle that backlog to a manageable level should they provide more employment opportunties.

He explains that while these surgeries are considered elective, addressing this backlog in a timely manner allows patients to return to their normal routines.

“It’s quite a significant burden for our health care system and as people use the wrong word like ‘elective surgery’, it’s really not elective if you are in a lot of pain. It’s restorative surgery to put people back into doing their jobs, taking care of their families and living their lives. So that term ‘elective surgery’ is a misnomer.”

Mulpuri praised Manitoba for establishing a taskforce intended to address the surgical backlogs in the province, saying that ministries working with health care workers would likely lead to solutions to improve wait times.

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 for the full interview.

The coordinator of the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council spoke to Arctic Radio to give an update on how their advocacy for a foot care clinic is going.

Penny Byer says one part of the advocacy plan were the public forums.

She explains the first one in November was to get an idea of how much interest there is in the community, and the second one in March was to see if people would get more involved in the advocacy.

“We had somebody from Keewatin Tribal Counsel offer their support, and the KTC has written a letter of support that went to the NRHA. We also had three people who had the courage to stand up to tell their stories. They further agreed to write letters to the editor that not only is going to media but also to the ministers, the NRHA and others who we feel might be interested in pursuing it with us.”

Byer adds the ad hoc committee overseeing this advocacy has been collecting signatures for their petition to bring the clinic back to Thompson, which currently has over 2, 400 signatures.

For the full update, hear Byer on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.