As Canada is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup along with Mexico and the United States, northern Manitoba’s MP says now is the time for the federal government to invest in youth soccer opportunities in northern and Indigenous communities.

In a press conference, Churchill - Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton explains soccer is the fastest-growing sport in the world and it’s a big part of many Indigenous and northern communities.

Despite this, she says communities are struggling to provide our youth with the same opportunities as those living in major cities, such as infrastructure, equipment, and other resources.

Ashton, along with athletes, coaches, and local soccer organizations from Thompson, Flin Flon, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, called on the federal Liberals and FIFA to work with our communities to improve access to the sport.

Two people in Thompson have been charged with aggravated assault following a stabbing at an apartment complex earlier this week.

The incident in question took place on Ashberry Place Tuesday morning.

A 38-year-old man from Pimicikamak Cree Nation had serious injuries and had to be transported to Winnipeg for further treatment.

The suspects, a 48-year-old man and 25-year-old woman from Thompson, were arrested but have since been released pending a court date.

The provincial government was in town yesterday to announce they’re spending over 420 million dollars for transportation infrastructure in Northern Manitoba.

This includes the Thompson Regional Airport, which is getting 15 million dollars to build a new terminal building and redevelop both airside and landside infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk [pih-NOOK] explains while on the surface the airport looks fine, underneath the structure is where the signs of wear-and-tear are showing, attributing it to the muskeg the airport was built on.

The new terminal is also said to offer culturally sensitive air travel experience for Indigenous peoples, including a dedicated area for elders.

Airports in northern First Nations communities are also getting money to upgrade, including Gods Lake Narrows, Red Sucker Lake, Shamattawa, and St. Teresa Point.

Additionally, 8.5 million is going towards upgrading Provincial Road 620, which connects Provincial Road 391 to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and 4.5 million will be used to build a new airport access road off Provincial Road 391 for the Thompson airport.

On March 28, 2023, at approximately 8:00 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of human remains located in the dog park off Baffin Crescent in Thompson, Manitoba.

Officers responded and determined the remains were those of a 15-year-old female who had been reported missing the night before. It is believed she had been outside for a period of time, with the temperature going as low as -24C.

On March 27, 2023, at approximately 11:50 pm, the female had been reported missing after leaving the Thompson Recreational Community Centre grounds, where she had been with friends. She was last seen in the near vicinity of where her remains were located. All her friends returned home, but the female had not, prompting police to be called.

Extensive patrols and inquiries attempting to locate the female were made throughout the night.

An autopsy will be conducted. Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

During the three day period of March 10 to March 12, 2023, Manitoba North District RCMP conducted an initiative along the winter roads to disrupt and deter the bootlegging of alcohol and other contraband goods that enter many of the northern communities.

RCMP officers from Wabowden, Cross Lake, Norway House, the North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), Traffic Services and the Roving Traffic Unit conducted patrols along Highway 6, Highway 373, and the winter roads leading to Island Lake, God’s Lake Narrows, and their associated communities.

The initiative led to the significant seizure of liquor, including 26 bottles from one vehicle. Also, 75 tickets were issued for various Highway Traffic Act offences, 4 Warrants of Arrest were executed, 1 driver charged with Impaired Driving and 1 person charged with Trafficking under the Cannabis Act.

The Manitoba RCMP is committed to working with First Nation communities that have enacted by-laws to prohibit the sale and possession of alcohol and have asked to make enforcement a priority.  These enforcement actions will continue as per the expressed wishes of community leadership.

The Hub of the North has won the SledTown ShowDown provincial championship for their first time in the contest’s history.

Thompson won the fourth round against the reigning champ Flin Flon with over 65 per cent of the vote or just over 75 hundred votes.

Round five will see Thompson taking one of the other provincial sled town champs in Western Canada for the ultimate crown.

SnoRiders West, the publication that hosts the annual contest, states the winner of the 2023 SledTown ShowDown gets a trophy, bragging rights, and feature articles on its website.

It adds there’s also a chance to raise positive awareness of snowmobiling and to recognize local clubs.

On March 26, 2023, at approximately 5:30 pm, an officer with the Thompson RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, located on Mystery Lake Drive, in Thompson.

The officer approached the vehicle, with four occupants, and observed several large bags filled with liquor in plain view.

In speaking with the male driver, he advised that they were returning to Cross Lake, where the possession and sale of liquor is prohibited, to attend a wedding.

The driver (25), along with the three passengers, two males (21, 20) and a female (17), all from Cross Lake, were arrested for offences under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act (LGCCA).

A further search of the vehicle led to the seizure of an additional quantity of liquor.

The 25-year-old male driver was subsequently charged with the Unauthorized sale of liquor and Delivering liquor to a place where liquor may not lawfully be kept or possessed under the LGCCA. Each charge carries a fine of $2542.00.

The estimated street value of the liquor seized, for resale in the Community of Cross Lake, is in excess of $3600.00.

The Manitoba RCMP is committed to working with First Nation communities that have enacted by-laws to prohibit the sale and possession of alcohol and have asked to make enforcement a priority.  These enforcement actions will continue as per the expressed wishes of community leadership.

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Physicians practicing medicine in rural, remote, and northern communities often provide a broader of care for their patients

Dr. Gavin Parker, a physician who works in Pincher Creek, Alberta, illustrates his experience, saying:

“This week, I have been involved in delivering babies, I work at a GP anesthetist so I’ve done anaesthesia for surgery, and I’ve looked after in-patients in hospital. I have taken care of patients in the emergency room; some were quite sick but have had to go to the ICU. In addition to maintaining a full office based family practise where I think my youngest patient is about a week and my oldest patient is 104 years old and everything in between”

Its instances like this that has led to the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada to launch a new program that provides training to rural physicians based on the needs of the communities they serve.

The goal of the National Advanced Skills and Training Program for Rural Practice is to support recruitment and retention and reduce physician shortages in underserved communities in Canada.

The full interview can be heard this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is probing into an arrest made by the Thompson RCMP last summer that resulted in an injury.

The incident took place July 28^th of last year on Elk Bay, where the complainant says he suffered a fractured skull as a result of the arrest.

The IIU is asking anyone who either witnessed the incident or has video footage that might assist in the investigation to come forward.

The Thompson Humane Society has partnered with its Winnipeg counterpart to bring a spay and neutering clinic to the Thompson area this weekend.

The Winnipeg Humane Society’s One Health Program, which was established last year, aims to deliver services that are lacking in northern and remote communities.

While this specific clinic is focused on spay and neuter services, the program also offer vaccine clinics, pet food donations, and campaigns about dog behaviour and health.

 Catch the full interview with Yvonne Kipling, the One Health Program specialist on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The MP for northern Manitoba brought up issues and concerns brought to her by First Nations in the region to the federal government.

Niki Ashton says northern Indigenous communities are in crisis, citing talks she’s had with leadership and members over the past few weeks.

“First Nations in our region are in crisis and the government is missing in action. In God’s River, God’s Lake Narrows and Oxford House, drugs are destroying people’s lives. In God’s River, the RCMP took up to two and a half days to respond to a serious incident. There is a housing crisis, a cost of living crisis and an unemployment crisis. First Nations leaders and members on the ground are clear. They have never seen it this bad. What will it take for this government to act on the humanitarian crisis that is destroying families and First Nations right now?”

Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu agreed with Ashton, saying these communities are -quote- “struggling under the weight of a colonial system that has not invested in their prosperity”.

Colorectal cancer continues to claim far too many lives in Canada, despite it being preventable, treatable, and beatable.

That’s according to Colorectal Cancer Canada’s President, Barry Stein, who notes if caught early enough, polyps can be removed before they become cancerous.

On average, 68 men and women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer everyday in the country.

It kills nearly ten thousand people in Canada, making it the second-deadliest cancer in men and third in women.

The Canadian Cancer Society states rate of new cases of colorectal cancer is declining in men and women in recent years, which may be due to increased cancer screening measures that are in place.

On March 19, 2023, at 8:25 pm, officers from God’s Lake Narrows RCMP received a report of an injured 18-year-old female at a residence located in Gods River.

She had been transported to the nursing station with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

On March 21, 2023, RCMP arrested a 17-year-old female, from Gods River, who was charged with Manslaughter. She was remanded into custody for a court appearance scheduled March 22, in Thompson Provincial Court.

The deceased and the accused were known to each other.

God’s Lake Narrows RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

On March 20, 2023, at approximately 8:20 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of several youth stealing items from businesses in the City Centre Mall in Thompson, Manitoba. The youth were asked to leave by employees, and the employees were threatened with bear spray. Then the youth fled.

The youths tried to gain entry at another point, but were banned by security, who were then threatened with knives. Police arrived on scene and a short foot pursuit ensued.

Officers apprehended five male youths, three aged 14, one 16-year-old and one 13-year-old. Weapons, including knives and brass knuckles were seized from the suspects. The youths remain in custody pending a court appearance.

Nobody was physically injured by the youths.

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Spring Break is fast approaching, and eye care experts are reminding travellers to be proactive in protecting their vision while on holiday.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society says this is especially true for those who have recently either undergone surgery or started treatment for a serious eye condition.

Organization President Doctor Phil Hooper says common eye complaints during air travel are dry eyes, itchy eyes, and watering eyes, which can be a typical reaction to changes in air pressure and temperature in air plane cabins.

Tips on avoiding this include staying hydrated, limiting alcohol consumption, refraining from using contact lenses, and closing air vents.

Hooper adds those visiting sunny destinations should remember to bring sunglasses to avoid harmful UV rays.

The full interview with Hooper can be heard on Thompson Today this afternoon.

Nikan Awasisak Agency is hosting an open house this week.

The open house is free and open to the public, and provides an opportunity to community members who are interested in potentially being a foster parent or support worker.

Attendees will have a chance to meet Nikan staff, walk through the application process, and win some door prizes.

An alternative care worker for the agency, Jade Pierson, says there are currently 26 foster homes in Thompson with 29 children in care.

Nikan Awasisak Agency’s open house is this Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m.

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

EDIT: The number of foster families and children in care was corrected to reflect the statistics for the City of Thompson.

The leaders of two northern Indigenous organizations have expressed frustrations with the region’s health care body.

A press release from MKO and Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin states they’ve received reports of incidents of mistreatment of First Nations people seeking health care recently.

This was brought to the attention of the Northern Health Region’s board in a meeting earlier this month.

KIM CEO Doctor Barry Lavallee says while the response from the board was supportive at first, he alleges there was laughter when one of the Chiefs in the delegation was recounting their experience about the death of a family member.

While both organizations expect that they will continue to work with the NHR, they state a new governance arrangement where First Nations take the lead is essential to real transformation in the north.

Lavallee adds he’s optimistic that there are those in the system who are happy to work with them towards changes the people need in the north, and is looking forward to making an announcement about the work to end anti-Indigenous racism in the northern health care system “very soon”.

Flying Nickel Mining has signed an agreement with Norway House Cree Nation to advance the development of the Minago Nickel Project.

Chief Larson Anderson says the Minago Project will provide the community with jobs, contract opportunities, and a direct financial contribution.

Anderson adds it will enable the First Nation to become more independent from government and create a future for the youth.

The Impact and Benefit Agreement confirms the framework for Flying Nickel and Norway House to work together during all stages of the Minago project in its traditional territory.

A local high school student received an award presented by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during a pep rally yesterday.

Isabelle Carter is one-of-two students in Manitoba to get the Samantha Mason Friendship Award this year.

RD Parker Collegiate Principal Bonnie Remple says she nominated Carter because of her volunteerism and uplifting fellow students.

Carter told Arctic Radio the award came as a total surprise to her and that she and her family were excited to meet a few of the athletes.

The Samantha Mason Friendship Award was established in honour of its 15-year-old namesake, who died by suicide in 2015 following years of bullying.

It’s awarded to young people who take action to eliminate bullying in their schools and communities.

With employers continuing to figuring out the balance between in-person, remote, and hybrid workplace post-COVID-19 lockdowns, a business consultation firm says flexibility may be the best route to take.

Mike Shekhtman, a senior regional manager with Robert Half says remote jobs are here to stay, citing 85 per cent of respondents of a recent study said they are interested in hybrid or fully remote positions.

He adds that being in the office still has its benefits, with two-thirds of professionals noting they have more effective relationships with colleagues whom they’ve met face-to-face versus those who have not.

Regardless of where people get their job done, Shekhtman says those who work where and when they are most productive are putting in more hours and have reported higher job satisfaction.

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

If it seems too good to be true, it is.

That’s the main message for this year’s Fraud Prevention Month campaign.

Constable Sandy Deibert with the Thompson RCMP says the detachment received nearly 40 reports of fraud last year.

Here, she outlined some of major instances of fraud that were reported locally.

“These included calls involving a lost debit card that had been used and that happens not because someone had their pin but because the tap was enabled on their card so they were able to use up to one hundred dollars at a time without having a pin. Another complaint was that someone had met someone online and they were asked to send money so that person can come visit and then they, unfortunately, were out thousands of dollars before they realized that this was a scam. Another report involved someone looking to rent a house and wanted to check out the address and then found that the house wasn’t actually for rent.”

Deibert says signs of a scam include unsolicited emails or calls, urgency, threats, and emotional manipulation.

Visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website for more information.

Or catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The cause of the fire that broke out twice at the Burntwood Plaza yesterday is still under investigation.

The fire started twice early yesterday morning at the Northern Health Region Wellness Connection Centre, which spread to surrounding businesses along the strip mall.

Crews from the City of Thompson, Paint Lake, and Vale fire departments were on site most of yesterday extinguishing the fire.

Residents were advised to stay away from the immediate area, and the downtown and Juniper area in general, due to smoke.

Vale’s health and safety personnel were on site monitoring air quality.

The NHR says the Wellness Connection Centre will be temporarily relocated to the Thompson Clinic.

Clients of the centre needing to speak with a public health nurse can call 204-677-5350 for more information.

Residents are being told to avoid the area around Selkirk Avenue as the local fire department work to extinguish the blaze.

RCMP says they responded to the fire at the downtown storefront clinic at 15 Selkirk Avenue just before 2 a.m, and set up a perimeter around the area as Thompson Fire and EMS brought down the fire.

The fire started up again in the same location at around 5 a.m. and several business at the strip mall have since been engulfed in flames. The city's fire crews are attending to the building with three pumper trucks on site. Eye witness reports state the Vale fire department have arrived at the scene to assist as well.

The Northern Health Region recently opened the NHR Wellness Connection Clinic, which houses the STBBI and reproductive health programming under Public Health. It previously served as a COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic over the course of the pandemic.

The health authority says all equipment and supplies have been destroyed and no injuries have been reported. It adds staff are in the process of relocating to the Thompson Clinic until a more permanent contingent space can be found.

The NHR states walk-in appointments for the Wellness Connection Centre will be available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are not required. Clients of the clinic needing to speak with a public health murse can call 204-677-5350 for more information.

Police say the fire doesn’t appear suspicious in nature and the Office of the Fire Commissioner was notified.

The city has closed Selkirk Avenue to traffic until the area is safe.

Two youths were arrested in Thompson after allegedly stealing a vehicle.

RCMP says the vehicle, which was left running in a driveway, was stolen Tuesday afternoon before 1.

While the vehicle was fleeing it got stuck in a snowbank at Waterloo Avenue and Brandon Crescent. A vehicle stopped to assist, and the stolen vehicle managed to get out of the snowbank and sideswiped the other vehicle. A passenger in the vehicle received minor injuries.

The detachment says they got a number of calls of an erratic driver since the theft was reported. They were also notified of a vehicle that was stuck on the shoulder of Highway 6 that matched the description of the one that was stolen, but it was able to get out and continued to drive erratically towards the city.

Police eventually found the vehicle stuck in the snow on Station Road, and two females were arrested without incident.
 

A twelve year-old girl is facing a numerous charges, which include:

- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle causing Bodily Harm

- Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

- Flight from Police

-Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

-Theft of Motor Vehicle

The other girl alleged to be involved could not be charged because she’s eleven-years-old.

A suspect has been arrested in connection to the death of a woman from a northern Manitoba First Nation.

Manitoba RCMP say officers in O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation have arrested 50-year-old Philip Soulier as a suspect in the homicide of 47-year-old Noreen Tait.

Soulier has been charged with manslaughter and remains in custody.

Tait died last month in Winnipeg after being transported there due to having life-threatening injuries caused by assault.

Chief Shirley Ducharme says Tait’s death is one of many “critical incidents” that have occurred on the First Nation.

OPCN declared a state of emergency this week, saying the community doesn’t have the adequate resources to address the mental health and addictions issues they’re contending with.

Both Ducharme and Tait’s family are urging all levels of government to provide resources such as nursing staff and a wellness centre to help address these issues.

Local authorities have arrested a man suspected to have succumbed to road rage in three separate occasions these past few weeks.

Between February 10^th and March 4^th, Thompson RCMP received reports of three separate people stating they were harassed by a driver on the road.

These incidents ranged from having coffee thrown at one of the victim’s vehicles, punching the passenger mirror on two of the victim’s cars, and yelling at both the drivers and pedestrians crossing the road.

The road rage suspect is also said to have assaulted one of the drivers.

The suspect was arrested at his home on Sunday and faces multiple charges, including three counts of uttering threats and mischief, as well as a count of assault and careless driving.

The Northern Health Region has appointed a new CEO.

The board has appointed Raj Sewda, a registered nurse who the NRHA say has served in leadership and managerial in Ontario and BC.

Sewda recently worked as a clinic partner providing support to long term care communities across the two provinces.

He succeeds outgoing CEO Helga Bryant, who remains in the position until the end of the month.

Bryant is to serve as University College of the North’s Dean of Health beginning in May.

Sewda will start his new position with the health authority April 1^st.

With the southbound lane on the Miles Hart Bridge now closed for reconstruction, Mayor Colleen Smook recommends motorists driving through the construction zone to add a few more minutes to their commute.

Smook says with the temporary traffic lights, the average wait time is nearly four minutes.

She explains that wait can be longer with higher traffic volumes, such as when going to or from the airport.

The lane is expected to be closed until November 15^th, and the entire project is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024.

With the final sitting of the Legislature before the fall provincial election beginning this week, Thompson’s MLA says the governing PCs are in -quote- “damage control mode”.

Eric Redhead says the Manitoba NDP will hold Premier Heather Stefanson to account, citing the closure of birthing services in some communities and the privatization of Lifeflight as examples of cuts made to northern health care.

A press release from the party says staffing health care facilities in the region is something they’re calling on the government to do, saying the Thompson General Hospital is seeing nurse vacancy rates are as high as 25 per cent and personal care homes lack adequate staff for seniors.

This comes as the PCs are set to unveil their upcoming fiscal budget this spring.

On March 1, 2023, at approximately 8:00 am, Island Lake RCMP responded to a report of two female youths found outside a residence on St. Theresa Point First Nation.

The two females, both 14-years-of-age, were taken to the nursing station where they were pronounced deceased.

It is believed the two youths were outside for a period of time. The temperature was approximately -23 degree Celsius overnight in the community.

Autopsies will be conducted and Island Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

On February 28, 2023, at approximately 3:50 pm, Cross Lake RCMP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant at a residence in Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Upon entering the residence, police located three young children, aged two, three, and four, as well as five adult females, four adult males, and a 17-year-old male youth.

Officers arrested the four adult males and the female homeowner. All others were identified and released at the scene.

A search of the residence revealed a large amount of Canadian currency, cell phones, approximately 200 grams of cocaine, numerous individually wrapped cracked cocaine packets, a quantity of pills, and a black BB handgun. Assorted drug paraphernalia, such as scales, packing supplies, and a grinder were also located inside the residence.

Kiebron Misgna Issak, 23, of Winnipeg, and Melissa Megan Muskego, 37, of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, are both charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

Filmon Hagos Woldemariam, 21, of Winnipeg, is charged with Possession for Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and Fail to Comply with Undertaking Condition – not to possess or consume any drugs.

Yonas Bokretsion Kidane, 32, of Winnipeg, is charged with Possession for Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and Disobeying Lawful Order.

Eseyas Rezene, 33, of Winnipeg, is charged with Possession for Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Crime, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and Fail to Comply with Probation Order.

“What we are seeing here is four individuals who have absolutely no ties or affiliation with the community coming here and selling drugs,” said Cross Lake RCMP Detachment Commander Jon Greer. “We remain completely committed to combatting the drug trade as it has been shown time and time again that those who produce and traffic illicit drugs destroy lives, homes, and communities. The RCMP continues to work with Pimicikamak Cree Nation to ensure that doesn’t happen here.”

The five arrested individuals remain in custody.

The investigation continues with the assistance of the North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST).

Families looking for something to do after school tomorrow may want to check out an event being held at the TRCC.

The LINK and the Thompson Crisis Centre are hosting “Families Having Fun Together”, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m.

Organizer Mary Demare explains the purpose for the event.

“The event is to bring people together and to have fun and that’s why everything is free because sometimes we’re not able to get out and do things with our families.”

Learn more this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

Thompson Rural RCMP is investigating an alleged assault that took place last weekend.

On Saturday morning, police responded to a report of an assault that allegedly occurred at a housing complex in Tataskweyak Cree Nation.

Officers arrived and learned the assault had actually taken place Friday morning when the victim was involved in an altercation with another man.

The 45-year-old male victim had returned to his room where he was later found the following morning requiring medical treatment.

He was taken to the nursing station and was later transported to Winnipeg with life-threatening injuries where he remains in critical condition.

42-year-old Darwin Beardy was arrested on Saturday and has been charged with aggravated assault.

O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation is urging immediate support from all levels of government following the death of one of its community members, which is being investigated as a homicide.

Arla Tait-Linklater told a news conference on Monday that her sister, Noreen Tait, was violently assaulted in the community, also known as South Indian Lake, on February 19^th.

She succumbed to her injuries a few days later.

OPCN Chief Shirley Ducharme expressed her frustration during the conference, saying the First Nation is in crisis and is contending with an increase in violence, med-evacs, and mental health issues and addictions issues.

Ducharme adds the impact of the Churchill river diversion license is attributing to the current state of the community.

Tait-Linklater and Ducharme called on the government to provide more resources, including more nursing staff at the nursing station and a wellness centre to address mental health and addictions issues.