Thompson Local News Archives for 2022-12

Mayor Colleen Smook says construction for the new pool should begin in Spring of 2023

With 2022 coming to a close this weekend, Mayor Colleen Smook says the tender package for the new aquatic centre is expected to be finalized in early 2023.

 

Smook adds that once that has been done, construction for the new pool should begin sometime this May or June and would be expected to be completed in late 2024.

 

When the government funding was announced earlier this year, the new pool was originally slated for late 2023, but the mayor acknowledged that finalizing the design and tender took longer than expected.

 

Aside from the new developments with the pool as well as the ongoing road, water, and sewer renewal, Smook says another major project city council will be working towards in 2023 is improving the local fire house and expanding healthcare in Thompson.

IIU is looking into serious injuries sustained by suspect during an arrest in Shamattawa First Nation

The Independent Investigation Unit is asking witnesses or people with video footage to come forward after a man suffered a hip injury during arrest in Shamattawa First Nation.

 

Last Thursday at approximately 9 p.m, RCMP received a service call in the First Nation.

 

Upon arrival, officers located the 18-year-old suspect who tried to run away on foot.

 

As he was fleeing, the suspect slipped and was taken to the ground by one of the officers.

 

The man told police afterwards that he was injured, and was taken to the nursing station where he was diagnosed with a dislocated hip.

 

He was then taken to Thompson General Hospital for treatment.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.

Recent survey suggests working Canadians with disabilities more likely to report employer doesn't value diversity and inclusion

LifeWorks says work still needs to be done to make sure people are taking care of their mental health.

 

Their Mental Health Index score for November is at 64.3 out of one hundred points, a slight decline from October.

 

Additionally, the report finds marginalized Canadian workers were more likely to report that they believe they’re being judged at work and were more likely to receive negative comments from their managers.

 

70 per cent of workers with disabilities responded that they don’t feel that they’re valued at work and were twice as likely to say that their place of employment doesn’t value diversity and inclusion.

 

That contrasts with what Canadians without disabilities reported, with 74 per cent saying that their employer does value diversity and inclusion.

 

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

Thompson MLA Eric Redhead provides an update on what he's been working on in his latest report

Thompson MLA Eric Redhead wrapped up the year with a recap of his time as MLA in his latest report.

 

With him being elected in June in the by-election to succeed former MLA Danielle Adams, the former Shamattawa First Nation Chief’s first legislative session began in late September.

 

Redhead says he specifically raised concerns about the current state of healthcare in the north, citing staffing and funding shortages in the region have been a severe problem.

 

He also noted that he pushed repeatedly for the foot care clinic in Thompson to be brought back and for LifeFlight to be de-privatized, which Redhead says he will continue to push for in 2023.

 

The MLA goes on to wish constituents a happy holiday season and new year.

 

The full report can be found on thompsononline.ca.

The Northern Health Region advises residents to receive their vaccinations as flu and COVID cases rise during the holidays

With cases of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 expected to rise as people gather for the holidays these next few weeks, the Northern Health Region says it’s never too late to get vaccinated to protect from severe illness.

 

Medical officer of health Doctor William Libich says immunization rates for the north are lower than the provincial average, and that there has been a spike in children seeking care for respiratory illnesses in the region compared to previous years.

 

“There has been an increase in the number of pediatric patients visiting the Northern clinics and the emergency departments and that comes straight from our medical leads and our Northern Emergency Department physicians. They are seeing a marked increase of influenza and other respiratory pathogens in children. We don’t think things are worse in the North compared to the South and Winnipeg but we know that Southern rates are already very high, much higher than what we would normally expect this time of year.”

 

Libich says there’s still a lot of vaccine available for people who haven’t gotten the flu shot or COVID-19 booster, and encourages residents to visit protectmb.ca to find out where they can get vaccinated.

 

Hear the full update on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Thompson RCMP investigate hit and run

On December 15, 2022, at approximately 10:20 pm, RCMP responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian collision on Churchill Drive, in Thompson.

 

The initial investigation has determined that a white vehicle was going west on Churchill Drive near Quartz Street, when it struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street. The vehicle failed to stop and fled the scene.

 

The pedestrian a 37-year-old male from Northlands Denesuline First Nation, was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

 

RCMP are looking to speak with the owner or driver of the vehicle.

 

If you have information on this incident 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.

Thompson MLA Report December 2022

Seasons Greetings everyone! As the holidays arrive, I wanted to provide a ‘year-end’ update to the community on some of the things that I have worked on in the legislature.

My first session as the MLA for Thompson began at the tail end of September, and it was truly a whirlwind from the beginning until its end in early December. I witnessed the PC government reject Manitobans requests for more affordability measures, refuse to officially recognize orange shirt day in the spirit of reconciliation, and saw them continue down the regressive path that Brian Pallister set them on.

I advocated on behalf of our community by raising concerns about the deteriorating state of healthcare in the north under the PC government. Staffing and funding shortages in northern healthcare have been a severe problem for years and the PCs refuse to take action to fix it. The PCs cut the Thompson footcare clinic and privatized LifeFlight, which provided essential life saving air ambulance services. I raised these issues repeatedly in the legislature and have continued to push for action since then.

I also presented a Private Member’s Resolution in the legislature calling for the PCs to adequately fund the new Thompson Aquatic Centre, as the city has gone without one for the last 3 years. It took many years, and many community members demanding movement on this issue for the government to commit to providing funding for the new Aquatic Centre, and even then, the funds offered were not adequate.

On November 15th, the PCs shared their speech from the throne. Unfortunately, the throne speech was a doubling down of the poor decisions and neglect of northern communities from the PCs. Northern Manitoba received very little attention in the throne speech, just as it has received very little attention since the PCs took office. I responded to the throne speech in the legislature on November 21st and have continued to fight for the PCs to address northern issues since then.

As 2022 comes to a close, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and the warmest regards for the new year. I look forward to seeing many of you in the community in the days and weeks to come, so please do not hesitate to reach out over the coming weeks by calling my office at (204) 677-4789, reaching us by email at Eric.Redhead@yourmanitoba.ca, or come see us at 402-79 Selkirk Avenue in Thompson. Thank you all for a wonderful year!

COS encouraging Canadians to shop for gifts with eye safety in mind this holiday season

When shopping for presents for children, only 16 per cent of Canadians say they keep eye safety in mind.

 

That’s according to a recent survey by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, which says eye care professionals recommend avoiding toys that pose a high risk of eye injuries this holiday season. Those include lasers, sharp toys, aerosols like silly string, and flying or projectile toys especially if safety glasses aren’t worn.

 

Hooper says tips people can use to find eye-safe gifts include:

 

  • Be sure to confirm the toy is age-appropriate
  • Avoid certain toys that pose a high risk of eye injuries such as toy guns, lasers, aerosols like silly string, flying toys and long, pointy toys such as swords
  • Show children how to properly play with the toys in a safe manner
  • Keep toys that pose a potential eye injury risk away from children unless supervised by an adult
  • Include protective eyewear when giving sports equipment
  • Find out if the packaging has been inspected and approved by the proper regulatory bodies, including the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

 

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

Thompson RCMP looking for witnesses in stabbing incident

On December 16, 2022, at approximately 11:40 pm, RCMP responded to a stabbing at a residence on Mid Road, in Thompson.

 

Initial investigation has determined that an adult male was walking in the area of Mid Road and Ospwagon Drive, when he was approached by four males wearing dark clothing. One of the males asked for a cigarette and began assaulting the victim. The victim managed to get to a nearby residence and call for help. He realized at that time he had been stabbed.

 

The 37-year-old male victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

 

If you witnessed the incident or have information that may assist the investigation please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Holiday Blues are a Common Experience for Many

With the holiday season in full swing, it can lead to many people contending with feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

 

A survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association found that one-in-two Canadians contend with mental health illnesses during the holidays.

 

Inkblot Therapy’s Denise Richardson explains some factors include social anxiety of going to gatherings, especially after the past few years of COVID-19 measures that halted larger get-togethers, or on the flip side not having close family or friends to spend time with during the holidays.

 

Richardson says it’s important for people to seek help to overcome the holiday blues, and to make the most of workplace benefits to get that help before they expire for the year.

 

"EAP employee assistance programs are under-utilized today and what I would recommend that,  as the end of the coming year approaches, you'll hear alot of people talking about "Oh, I need to maximize my benefit usage because I have space left that I can spend there."

 

You also have workplace benefits when it comes to mental health and I highly, highly encourage people to maximum that spend as well.   That will re-set in most cases in January."

 

Richardson goes on to encourage people to learn more about their employee benefits and utilize them affectively.

 

 

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

 

Operation Red Nose cuts service early this year

Operation Red Nose is cutting its campaign short in Thompson this year.

 

The local committee says they will be cancelling service on December 30th and the 31st due to not having enough volunteers to run it those days.

 

It adds that its last day of operation for this year is this Friday.

 

A committee spokesperson says this was a hard decision that it had to make, and encourages residents looking to use its services for the New Years’ weekend to plan another safe ride home for the cancelled nights.

 

 

Thompson Fur Tables are back this weekend

The Manitoba Trappers Association, in partnership with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, is hosting the Thompson Fur Tables.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook encourages residents to check out the event to learn about trapping culture in the north.

 

Smook adds the fur tables are an economic boon for the city, as the two-day event can bring anywhere from 300 thousand to 700 thousand dollars to Thompson.

 

In addition to trap sales, a trapper raffle, door prizes, and kids’ activities will be available.

 

The fur tables are at the TRCC today from 9 a.m. to 4 pm. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

 

Marymound has opened a Community Food Pantry

With many families feeling the pinch this year due to high food costs, Marymound has opened a community pantry in Thompson.

 

Executive Director Nancy Parker says food insecurity is an ongoing issue in the north, and hopes the community pantry can ease some of that burden for northern families during the holiday season and beyond.

 

Thompson’s program coordinator Penny Brenton adds with the recent loss of the Salvation Army Food Bank, they hope they offer some assistance with addressing food insecurity.

 

Non-perishable food items, cleaning and baby supplies can be dropped off at 117-A Commercial Place during office hours.

 

People can also make a financial donation.

 

Visit marymound DOT com for more information.

Ashton Opposes Amendments to Bill C-21

Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton called on the federal Liberals to drop amendments made to the controversial gun-control bill C-21.

 

Much of it surrounds the language of the amendment, specifically what constitutes as an “assault-style firearm”, which Ashton says impacts northern and Indigenous communities.

 

"Indigenous leaders at the AFN unanimously opposed the Liberal's ammendment to Bill C-21.  This ammendment is a threat to Indigenous and northern ways of life.  It is a slap in the face for communitites that depend on hunting and trapping to live - people that are facing some of the highest costs of living right now.

 

Bill C-21 was meant to be important legislation to deal with handgun violence but the Liberals have chosen to play cheap political games.  Will the Liberals withdraw the Amendment, stick to the main bill, and stand up for northern and Indigenous peoples struggling right now?"

 

Northern Affairs Minister Dan Vandal responded that the Liberals have been clear that they’re not targeting hunting rifles and shotguns.

 

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated the government is trying to find the dividing line between guns suitable for hunting and ones that pose significant danger to society.

 

Bill C-21 is being studied by the House of Commons public safety committee.

 

 

Winter Wonderland returns to McCreedy Campground

The Swim North Pool Committee’s annual Winter Wonderland opens later this week, and will have one day dedicated for residents to walk through the display as opposed to the usual drive through.

 

The committee’s Rachelle Huculak shares why they decided to add the walk through for the fundraiser.

 

"We just wanted to give people of our communty and outlying communities a different opportunity to get out and enjoy our northern Manitoba winters and to spend more time walking through the site, to be able to see the displays and take photos or post them to their social media accounts, as well."

 

The walk through will kick off this year’s Winter Wonderland this Friday night at McCreedy Campground.

 

From Saturday to December 30th, the drive through will be from 6:30 to 8:30.

 

Tickets can be purchased at the TRCC or at the gate.

 

 

 

RD Parker Collegiate Winter Concerts Take Place this Week

RD Parker Collegiate will be having two days of winter concerts this week.

 

Stevie McPherson, band director with the local school district has the details.

 

"Our first concert is this Wednesday night at 7 p.m.   This concert will feature our Grade 7 through 12 choirs and our intermediate and senior jazz bands.

 

The second concert is on the following night and this concert will feature our Grade 6 through 12 concert bands."

 

The concerts will be in-person events.

 

The Thompson Music Parents Association will be selling baking and 50/50 tickets during the intermission. The money raised will go towards music education for local students.

 

The full interview will McPherson will air this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

 

 

 

 

St. Teresa Point School Solar Power Project

The federal government is investing more than 1.5 million dollars for a solar power project at a northern Manitoba First Nation.

 

The money will be used to retrofit Saint Teresa Point School with a solar panel system that will provide necessary electricity to power the facility.

 

It will also provide backup power to the facility which could also act as a gathering place for the remote community during power outages.

 

Ottawa says in addition to increasing the school’s self-sufficiency, these improvements will reduce energy consumption by more than 21 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately ten tonnes annually.

 

This project is expected to generate between 50 thousand to 75 thousand dollars in hydroelectric savings annually for Saint Teresa Point.

 

 

Police investigating ambulance fire south of Thompson

Investigators are working to figure out the cause of an ambulance that caught on fire south of Thompson.

 

Manitoba RCMP says the vehicle was headed from Keeyask to Winnipeg and the fire started at the back of the ambulance.

 

The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was able to escape the ambulance without injury.

 

The Vale Mine Fire Department and Thompson Fire and Emergency Services attended the scene and extinguished the fire.

 

RCMP says the ambulance is a total loss.

The Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre will be holding a vaccine clinic for local children tomorrow

With Manitoba health care professionals stating the seasonal flu is circulating at a higher level than normal, this weekend is a great opportunity to get kids vaccinated against the virus.

 

The Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre is holding a children’s vaccine clinic where the flu shot and the COVID-19 booster will be offered.

 

Kids six months and older can get vaccinated if they’re not up to date on either vaccine.

 

It will be at the centre’s multipurpose room tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Manitoba Health stated in its weekly update that children under the age of five are among the most at risk from the flu virus, but only about ten per cent of children and youth under the age of 18 have gotten the flu shot.

The MMIWG Liaison Unit with MKO looks to build a commemorative monument next spring

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit with MKO is looking to build a commemorative monument in the city.

 

Executive Director Heidi Spence told mayor and council at Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting that the potential site for the monument would on the hill by the Miles Hart Bridge.

 

She elaborated that the team chose the area because it’s often used as a gathering place during events pertaining to MMIWG issues.

 

Spence says they’re hoping to place the monument once the weather warms up and are currently aiming at April.

 

The monument project is being funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

 

The design of the monument and the presentation as a whole can be found in Monday’s Committee of the Whole agenda at thompson.ca.

Monday night's Committee of the Whole meeting's discusses businesses in Thompson's downtown area

A presentation regarding business in Thompson’s downtown area was a major talking point during Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

 

Members from the Thompson Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Biz group say participating businesses identified over 40 issues that revolve around business disruption, downtown safety, vagrancy, public intoxication, litter, and the city’s responsibility.

 

The group says these issues are detrimental to recruitment and investment and that several businesses indicated that they’re at the threshold of closing and leaving town.

 

They also state most of the businesses were not aware of what the city’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy entailed.

 

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino says the next steps would be for Downtown Biz to meet with the chairs of the Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, as many of the issues identified in the presentation are addressed in the plan.

 

Councillors Kim Linklater and Cheryl Moore from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation were in attendance that night, and told city council following the presentation that surrounding First Nations do want to be involved in addressing these issues.

 

They state big box companies like Walmart as well as Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries should also pitch in, as they note residents from the surrounding areas contribute significantly to the city’s economy.

 

Downtown Biz wants an action plan in place by this coming spring.

Legislative review of Cannabis Act seeking feedback from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples by Jan. 15

With the federal government conducting a legislative review of the Cannabis Act, it is encouraging Canada’s Indigenous population to send in their feedback.

 

The independent Expert Panel for the review will provide advice to Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett on progress made towards meeting the Act’s objectives. Health Canada adds the review would help identify potential areas for improving the legislation.

 

Those interested in participating are asked to read the Summary from Engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples document. They can then submit feedback either through an online questionnaire or by email at Indigenousfeedbacklegreview-retroactionautochtonesexamenleg@hc-sc.gc.ca.

 

Feedback must be submitted by Jan. 15.

 

Visit Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak's website or the Cannabis Act legislative review webpage for more information.

SMEs can apply for program to address labour shortages in construction, manufacturing sectors

The Canadian branch of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters has received funding to support small and medium-sized enterprises to hire on apprentices.

 

The $37 million is specifically supporting construction and manufacturing trades over the next two years by enabling approved SMEs to hire up to two first-year apprentices per year.

 

Jodie Lucas, who’s overseeing the Apprentice Service Program for UBC Canadian District, says the program should help to address labour shortages in the skilled trades sectors across the country:

 

“We are actually hoping that this makes quite a big dent. We have a goal of 865 SMEs per year for the next two years and so we’re really hoping to connect with that many employers and then that doubles the amount of apprentices going to work. We are really hoping that this reduces the barriers between the SMEs and the apprentices.”  

 

She adds this would also help reduce employment barriers for apprentices in Northern Manitoba.

 

To learn more about the Apprentice Service Program, hear the full interview with Lucas on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

YWCA Thompson and Thompson Crisis Centre are hosting a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women event tomorrow

Tomorrow is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Woman.

 

The day is recognized as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence as a way to remember the 14 women killed during the Polytechnique Montreal shooting in 1989, as well as those who have experienced gender-based violence.

 

Nicole Apetagon with the YWCA Thompson says the organization will be holding a vigil tomorrow in partnership with the Thompson Crisis Centre.

 

“We will be saying some words about each woman, we will be laying a rose down and lighting a candle in remembrance. It is important because they were victims of violence and were gunned down based on their gender. We need to learn and spread awareness on gender based violence so it doesn’t happen again.”

 

The vigil is part of an event to commemorate the day. It will be held at the TRCC from noon to 2.

 

To learn more, listen to the full interview on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Federal NDP urging Liberals to tackle inflation affecting Northern and Indigenous communities

Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton is urging the Liberal government to take action to tackle sky-high food, fuel, heating, and rent costs in northern and Indigenous communities.

 

The federal NDP is specifically asking them to reform the Nutrition North program so that money goes directly to the people, as well as removing the GST on home heating.

 

Ashton and Nunavut MP Lori Idlout explain those initiatives should be paid for through a windfall tax on big fuel, grocery, and big box companies.

 

An NDP press release states the Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the windfall tax would generate over four billion dollars over five years, which could then be invested into programs like Nutrition North.

 

The federal NDP is pointing to prominent northern grocery chain Northmart, which they say saw 157 million dollars in net earnings in 2021, and accused the Trudeau government of protecting the profits of large corporations.

Recent FP Canada Survey shows many Canadians are struggling to curb unconscious spending habits

Many Canadians are struggling to curb unconscious spending habits as the cost of living continues to rise.

 

That’s according to a recent survey conducted by FP Canada, the body that certifies financial planners in the country, which adds more than half of Canadians are concerned about their current financial state.

 

David Christianson, a financial planner with Christianson Wealth Management in Winnipeg, goes over some examples of what unconscious spending looks like.

 

“The definitions in the study were things like automatically charging subscriptions to credit cards and buying extra things at check out either at a store or when you are checking out online. That’s where they put tempting little things so buying those things automatically without thinking about it, that’s another form of unconscious spending. There is also buying more than you want in order to get a perk, something like free delivery for example. Say, I spent 50 dollars on what I really needed but if I spend 125 dollars, they will give me free delivery so I’m going to buy some things I don’t need.”

 

Christianson recommends that people who are concerned about their spending habits can come up with a budget or spending plan to help phase out unconscious spending habits.

 

For more about unconscious spending, hear the full interview on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

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