Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton is echoing the calls of Indigenous leadership for Ottawa to send urgent help to Red Sucker Lake First Nation.

This comes after a teenage boy committed suicide earlier this month, resulting in the community to declare a state of emergency.

There have also been 17 suicide attempts and other deaths on the First Nation.

When asked whether the Liberal government would step up to assist Red Sucker Lake, Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu had this to say.

“We completely agree with the Member opposite that it is unacceptable to have such levels of disparity across this country for First Nations people. It’s why we committed to closing the socio-economic gaps by 2030. It’s why we’ve redoubled our efforts in investing in infrastructure and mental health and wellness. In support for communities like Red Sucker Lake across this country, we will continue to do more with First Nations partners because every child deserves a fair chance to succeed.”

Last week, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs called on the federal government to send in mental health counsellors and fund community programs to improve the lives of youth on reserve.

The federal transport minister says keeping the supply chain flow going was one of the reasons for the 5.1 million dollar investment for snow removal equipment at 15 airports in Manitoba.

Omar Alghabra states several factors disrupted the economy and supply chains these past few years.

This in turn has impacted the cost and availability of goods and supplies, especially for those living in remote areas, which Alghabra says is why this investment is key for northern communities.

“These types of investments for equipment will enhance safety at airports but also will allow them to increase their capacity and preceding more traffic if they need too. These airports, like Thompson Airport, are not only important for supply chains but I know they are important for medical Medevac services and for essential goods. I know how important it is for the local community.”

Alghabra says he’s also working on addressing labour shortages in the transportation sector, pointing to the trucking industry in Manitoba as an example.

For the full interview with the Minister of Transport, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Staffing is a priority for the Northern Health Region.

That’s what CEO Helga Bryant told attendees at the AGM earlier this week.

Bryant explains being an employer of choice is a challenge when dealing with a vacancy rate of up to 40 per cent depending on the area, and that the NRHA is working to fill those vacancies and recruit in northern Manitoba.

She also outlined how COVID-19 resulted into some changes in how some healthcare services are delivered, pointing to the advantages of virtual care, the use of primary care centres reducing the need for ER visits, and Shared Health being aware of the challenges facing the north.

Bryant went on to praise staff at hospitals in the region in handling the challenges with the number of patients.

Four children are dead following a house fire on Queens Bay Wednesday night.

Thompson Fire and EMS and RCMP were at the scene to find the home fully engulfed in flames.

A 41-year-old woman, a 62-year-old man, and a 13-year-old girl were able to escape the blaze, but the woman informed authorities that her four other children were still inside the second floor of the home.

Once the fire was brought under control, firefighters located the four children and had them transported to hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

As northern Manitoba got a taste of winter earlier this week, the federal government has announced funding for 15 airports in the province for equipment to help maintain runways, including here in Thompson.

5.1 million dollars will be used to purchase snow plows, snow blowers, compactors, and sweepers, along with wildlife control fencing.

The Thompson airport is getting over 359 thousand dollars for a new snow plow.

The Pas, Flin Flon, Tadoule Lake, St. Teresa Point, and Norway House are among the communities also receiving the funding.

Colleen Smook is the Mayor-Elect.

Smook was the incumbent and defeated former councillors Ron Matechuk and Les Ellsworth in yesterday’s municipal election, receiving almost 47 percent of the 2063 votes cast.

Council is now made up of  incumbents Kathy Valentino, Brian Lundmark,  Duncan Wong, and Earl Colbourne.   The four new councillors are Sandra Oberdorfer,  Louis Fitzpatrick , Cheiw Chong and Joyce McIvor.

Voter turn out was just 27.32 per cent of eligible voters.

Here is  the full breakdown of the votes.

Votes for Mayor:

Colleen Smook        964     (46.73%)
Les Ellsworth            711     (34.46%)
Ron Matetchuk        388     (18.81%)

Votes for Councillors:

Kathy Valentino        1394     (12.55%)
Sandra Oberdorfer  1222     (11.00%)
Louis Fitzpatrick        1145     (10.31%)
Brian Lundmark        1135     (10.22%)
Duncan Wong              949     (8.55%)
Chiew Chong                926     (8.34%)
Earl Colbourne             857     (7.72%)
Joyce McIvor                 833     (7.50%)
Addie Colbourne         696     (6.27%)
Robert Chuckrey         693     (6.24%)
James MacIntyre         647     (5.83%)
Rita Werstroh              608     (5.48%)

The President and Vice-Chancellor and the Vice-President of Academic and Research at University College of the North are recipients of the Queen Elizabeth the Second Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Doug Lauvstad and Dan Smith were in Winnipeg late last month to receive the award, which was given out by former Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon and Premier Heather Stefanson.

The award celebrates the late queen’s 70^th anniversary on the throne, and honours significant contributions and achievements throughout Manitoba.

It has a strong focus on community-mindedness, service, and reconciliation.

It’s been over a year since a young man from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation was last seen in his community prior to his disappearance.

Last month, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team along with Search and Rescue were in Nelson House to investigate the disappearance of Rico Cody Linklater, who police believe may be a homicide victim.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have reached out before or may have new information related to Linklater’s disappearance to call Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837 or Crime Stoppers.

On October 21, 2022, RCMP received a report of a missing 15-year-old female from Thompson.

Tia Osborne was last seen on October 21, at approximately 7:30 am on Stanford Bay, in Thompson.

Osborne has since been located safely.

Thompson RCMP thanks the public and media for their assistance in locating Tia.

On October 19, 2022, at approximately 9:45 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 51-year-old male.

George Patrick Fortin was last seen on October 14, 2022, at his residence located on Ashberry Place in Thompson.

He has since been located safely and Thompson RCMP thank the public and media for their help.

On October 21, 2022, at approximately 10:55 pm, Leaf Rapids RCMP responded to a report of three drownings on the Churchill River, at a remote fishing cabin, near Leaf Rapids.

Three adults were on the dock, when one male fell into the water. The other two males entered the water to help, but all began to struggle. Other people nearby pulled two of the males to shore. One male died on scene, and the other male was given first aid, but later died.

The third male was not located.

On October 23, 2022, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team deployed to the area and located the missing male deceased in the water.

The three males, aged 49, 51 and 54 were from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation.

Leaf Rapids RCMP continue to investigate.

The Northern Health Region is encouraging residents to get the flu shot and COVID-19 bivalent booster as soon as they can.

Doctor William Libich, medical officer of health with the authority, says anyone over six months of age is eligible for the flu vaccine.

He adds it’s particularly important for kids under the age of five, seniors, and those living with chronic medical conditions that affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, or the immune system as they’re most likely to experience severe outcomes or die from the virus.

Libich notes people in regular contact with someone from the high risk groups should also get the shot.

He says people can get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster at the same appointment.

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

Or visit protect mb DOT ca.

Thompson’s three mayoral candidates addressed issues residents brought forward during two public forums this week.

Economic development, community safety, Highway 6, and the new pool were discussed at Wednesday night’s panel.

When asked about what they would do with infrastructure and asset management with the old and new pool and the cost to tax payers, incumbent mayor Colleen Smook says there are enough opportunities to fundraise for the new pool adding that she wouldn’t add on to the current debenture without paying it off first.

Former councillor Ron Matechuk says while he doesn’t know the official number on how much the pool would cost to taxpayers, he estimated it would be around 15 million dollars and that he’s not prepared to debenture that.

Meanwhile current councillor Les Ellsworth says he believes residents are overtaxed, and pointed to surpluses the city has seen in recent years as an option to finance costs that aren’t covered with government funding.

The Thompson Municipal Election is on Wednesday.

The public will have another shot to ask the Thompson mayoral candidates questions tonight.

The Q and A session will focus on urban Indigenous issues in the city.

The forum will be held at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Thompson RCMP is looking for witnesses who may have information on a shooting at the new trailer court over the weekend.

On Saturday night at around 11:30, police were notified that a home on Grass River Drive was shot with a firearm.

Numerous bullets entered the residence, but nobody inside was injured.

If any residents in the area have home surveillance, RCMP is asking them to review footage between 11 and 11:30 p.m. on October 15^th.

Those with information are asked to call the local detachment or Crime Stoppers.

Tonight it will be the mayoral candidates turn to face questions in a public forum hosted by the Thompson Chamber of Commerce.

At last week’s city councillor candidates’ debate, those running mainly spoke on the issue of community safety, which will likely resurface tonight.

The forum will be at the Letkemann Theatre beginning at 7:30.

The candidates running for mayor are current councillor Les Ellsworth, former councillor Ron Matechuk, and incumbent mayor Colleen Smook.

Those who have already made up their minds can vote in the advance poll today at city hall.

The Thompson Municipal Election is on October 26^th.

Northern Manitoba school divisions are to be incorporated into the Manitoba Rural Learning Consortium.

The provincial government is investing over 400 thousand dollars to expand consortium services in the Mystery Lake and Flin Flon school districts and the Kelsey school division.

That includes support services in numeracy and literacy as well as professional development for teachers and staff.

The consortium will also launch a Middle Years Literacy Action Research project with the Frontier School Division for grades five to eight for both students and educators.

Education Minister Wayne Ewasko notes the expansion is in response to recommendations from Manitoba’s Commission on Kindergarten to Grade 12

Two provincial ministers were in town yesterday to make a few funding announcements.

One of them was for two programs that support Employment and Income Assistance clients as they prepare for employment, which was announced by Families Minister Rochelle Squires and Education Minister Wayne Ewasko.

150 thousand dollars will be going to the YWCA Thompson’s Advancement Support Services, which the government says will help increase the employability of up to two hundred EIA participants.

The other is over 142 thousand dollars to First Nation-owned FireSpirit for it to implement and deliver their Belonging to Employment Program in a 12-month pilot.

FireSpirit CEO Lawrence Daniels says they will be establishing an office here in Thompson.

On Saturday, October 15, at approximately 11:30 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report that a residence on Grass River Drive in the New Trailer Court in Thompson was shot at with a firearm.

Officers attended and confirmed there were numerous bullet holes in the residence.

Multiple bullets entered the residence, but nobody inside the residence was injured.

Thompson RCMP is asking for potential witnesses to come forward with any information. If area residents have equipped their home with video surveillance, the RCMP asks them to review footage between 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm on October 15, 2022.

If any part of the occurrence was captured, investigators would like to see the video to assist in determining those responsible for firing at the residence.

If anyone has information, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Photo attached.

Manitoba’s premier was in Thompson Friday as part of a two-day tour of northern Manitoba.

Heather Stefanson says filling vacant jobs and public safety were some of the issues discussed with local leadership.

“Obviously shortage of labour is very significant when it comes to law enforcement and when it comes to fire fighters or paramedics. These are challenging issues not just here in Thompson and not even just in Manitoba but across the country. This is why we come out and we meet with people to see what the needs are right now. The safety of our citizens is the most important issue. What we can do to work together to make the community safer.”

Stefanson toured a couple of the winter weather testing sites in the area, and stated the industry is a unique opportunity to diversify the economy in the north.

When asked what she would do with this information when she returns to Winnipeg, the premier said the government would work collaboratively to find solutions, adding that she has a -quote- “proven track record”.

In addition to Thompson, Stefanson and her ministers made stops in Churchill and Flin Flon.

With employers having expressed difficulties filling job vacancies since the pandemic began, the Northern Manitoba Sector Council is having a job fair this week to connect them to interested candidates.

Glenn Laycock, executive director of the organization, says he’s heard hiring troubles on both the labour and technical side.

He adds there will be employment opportunities for both students and adults at the job fair.

The Northern Manitoba Sector Council Job Fair will be this Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m. at the TRCC.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon to learn more.

On August 23, 2022, RCMP received a report of a sexual assault that occurred on August 20, 2022, in Thompson.

On August 20, sometime between 1:30-2:30 am, a female was sexually assaulted by a male outside the Burntwood Hotel on Selkirk Avenue, in Thompson.

The RCMP are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect captured on video surveillance.

The male is described as having a slim build, 5’7” with short dark hair, wearing black jeans, a gray/black sweater and black cap.

If you can identify this male or have information on this incident please call Thompson RCMP 204-677-6090, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Paint Lake Lodge is the latest northern business to be Sled Friendly Certified.

The Sled Friendly Certification program is an initiative by Sled MB 53, a project aimed at promoting snowmobile tourism in northern Manitoba.

The lodge is the seventh business to receive certification, joining Sasagiu Rapids Lodge and Inter Tribal Service in Thompson, Bakers Narrows Lodge in Flin Flon, and Watchi Bay Enterprises in The Pas.

So far two municipalities have become certified Sled Friendly communities: Thompson and Snow Lake.

The province has announced that the Rotary Bridge at Pisew Falls Provincial Park will be closed temporarily starting on Monday.

The closure is due to maintenance, and includes the Kwasitchewan Falls Trail.

The bridge’s closure will run to October 28^th.

Manitoba Parks says the Pisew Falls walkway will remain open.

Thompson RCMP is investigating a homicide in the community.

Police were notified of an unresponsive woman at an apartment on Cree Road yesterday morning just after 8.

Officers arrived at the scene and located the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 25-year-old man was arrested as a suspect at the apartment and remains in police custody.

The new healing centre in Thompson officially begins operations today.

Right now the centre’s staff is working to transition clients of the Thompson Homeless shelter into the facility.

Then tomorrow they will bring in the YWCA’s Sheltering the Homeless in Place Project clients.

The Y’s Executive Director Kim Hicks says there will be 24 beds for its emergency service side while the SHIPP side has around 45 beds available.

The Thompson CMHA’s Darren Fulford adds the homeless shelter will be open for a few more days to help redirect clients to the healing centre.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is congratulating one of its staff members for being the first Indigenous woman to be appointed as the province’s Advocate for Children and Youth.

Sherry Gott graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2019, and had been working with MKO’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit until last week.

Gott says this new role allows her to develop needed relationships with Indigenous people and communities to support the ongoing effort to reduce the number of Indigenous children separated from their families.

A member of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Gott starts her role as advocate on Monday.

There will be an open house tomorrow for those interested in learning about the new healing centre in town.

Members of the Thompson Wellness and Safety Advisory Committee will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer any questions residents may have.

The healing centre starts operations on Thursday as it will be transitioning clients from the Thompson Homeless Shelter to the new facility at the Polaris 5 building on Princeton Drive.

The city says the opening of the new healing centre is just the first phase of a multi-phase plan as it expands the programs and services it offers.

There will be a forum tomorrow night for candidates running for city councillor in this month’s municipal election.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and ask them questions.

The forum was organized by the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, which is also hosting the mayoral candidate forum next week.

The election forum will be held at the Letkemann Theatre at 7 p.m.

The first day of advanced voting for the Thompson municipal election are taking place on Thanksgiving Monday.

Advance polls will take place at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city’s communications officer Kacper Antoszewski says this is a great opportunity for post secondary students coming into town for the weekend to vote in the election.

Residents are reminded to bring a piece of government-issued photo ID in order to cast a ballot.

Election Day proper is October 26^th.

With it being HPV Prevention Week, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has put together an action plan to eliminate cervical cancer in the country in 20 years.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, almost always causes cervical cancer, which is diagnosed in 13 hundred Canadians each year. More than four hundred die.

The organization’s Erika Nicholson says the STI is preventable through immunization and treatable if caught early enough, but accessibility can be an issue.

Incidence of cervical cancer is higher among the Indigenous population, those living in rural, northern, or remote areas, those with lower incomes, and recent immigrants.

Additionally, school-based immunization programs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Lifesaving Society Manitoba is reminding residents to be aware of the different challenges and risks fall boating presents.

The organization says drowning can occur at any time of year, with one-third of drownings in Manitoba happening between October and April.

Christopher Love with Lifesaving Society shares some of the things boaters should keep in mind this fall.

“There are fewer boats on the water, not zero but fewer, so if you get into trouble, it’s going to take longer or you might not get help in the way that you could expect during the peak of boating season. You have to be aware of the fact that we are into colder temperatures, not just colder air temperatures but the water temperatures are getting colder too. So there is an increased danger there. I’ve heard news stories that we are supposed to hit 20 degrees Celsius here in Thompson by the end of this week. That doesn’t mean the water temperature is going to go back up to what it was during the summer. You have to dress both for the air temperature and also prepare for the water temperature.”

Boaters are also urged to wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device before going out on the water.

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

Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation has opened applications for grant funding for programs that strengthen support for caregivers.

The charity was established in 2020 to create awareness and understanding of the issue of family care giving in Canada.

The Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council previously received grant funding to help support their food hamper program.

CareMakers says one in four Canadians is a caregiver for someone with a long-term health condition, disability, or need related to aging at some point in their lives.

Learn more about the CareMakers Foundation on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is sharing this statement in recognition that October 4, 2022, is the Provincial Day of Awareness and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG2S+).

MKO’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Liaison Unit is hosting a Memorial and Awareness Walk in Thompson on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Everyone is welcome.

MKO invites participants to meet at their office at 55 Selkirk Avenue at 4:00 pm. Participants will walk to MacLean Park at 226 Mystery Lake Road, where there will be refreshments, speakers, and entertainment.

“On behalf of MKO, we send love and prayers to the families and survivors who have been impacted by gender-based violence,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “We continue to see high numbers of violence against women. This is very much an ongoing tragedy. Our women are sacred and should be treated with respect and honour. MKO will continue to work to raise awareness of the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.”

“The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Final Report was released more than three years ago. We continue to encourage the public to read the final report,” stated Heidi Spence, Director of MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit. “All levels of government must show their commitment to carrying out the National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice so we can stop the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence. Our women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people deserve to feel safe and secure.”

All members of the public, as well as media, are invited to join MKO staff members as we walk to remember and honour the Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have been impacted by gender-based violence.

MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit offers a range of support services. You can find more information about the Unit on our website at https://mkonation.com/advocacy-areas/mmiwg/ or reach us toll free at 1-800-442-0488 or by cell at 204-307-0485.

Local authorities say they are conducting an autopsy to identify the body found in the Burntwood River last week.

The remains of a man were discovered by a group of community members from Gods Lake Narrows who were searching for 26-year-old Leonard “Andrew” Bland.

Bland was last seen in Thompson on March 7^th.

The body was found Wednesday afternoon just west of the Miles Hart Bridge.