A suspect is facing a number of charges after allegedly assaulting three people, including a police officer.

The incident is stated to have taken place at a business on Mystery Lake Road Wednesday evening, where the suspect is said to have assaulted two employees.

One of the victims was able to be treated at the scene, but the other was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The suspect fled the scene, and police were eventually able to take him into custody after one of the arresting officers was allegedly kicked during the arrest.

Thompson RCMP says bystanders provided assistance to the arresting officer, with Staff Sergeant Shane Flanagan thanking both the bystanders and the witnesses for helping the investigation.

Thompson’s mayor says she hopes to get shovels in the ground for the new pool by late June or July.

This comes as the City of Thompson released the tender for the aquatic facility.

When asked about whether there still would be public consultations for the new pool, Smook had this to say.

“When the tenders come back, there definitely will be. Even if you go to the Trade Show, it’s going to show what the renderings of the new pool is looking like. I know there were different promises made and some things just hadn’t happened and for that I apologise but I think, moving forward, we’ll definitely get as much information out as we can about the new aquatic facility.”

The city says it along with their architectural consultants will review proposals once the tender closes at the end of May.

It adds the review process will identify the final cost for the construction for the pool, which will then be presented to city council at the Committee of the Whole.

Tomorrow is the National Day of Mourning, which recognizes workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.

The Workers Mourning Day Act was passed in Canadian parliament in 1990, which was brought forward by then Churchill MP Rod Murphy.

It’s since expanded to around the globe.

The United Steel Workers Local 6-1-6-6 will be hosting a small service at the union hall tomorrow morning beginning at 10.

Union President Warren Luky encourages Thompsonites to have a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to remember local workers who have lost their lives while on the job.

Learn more about the National Day of Mourning on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals says the there are only three lab techs left in Thompson, a position that currently has a 75 per cent vacancy rate.

The union says the critical staffing shortages at the Thompson General Hospital threaten to shut down ER services altogether, citing closures in Roblin and Ericksdale as examples.

Since 2020, six medical laboratory technologists have left positions in Thompson, with workload assessment data indicating lab techs in the city have been forced to work up to 47 hours straight, including full shifts and on-call.

This comes as MAHCP members participated in an information picket yesterday at the hospital after 99 per cent of them voted in favour of a strike mandate.

Flin Flon is having their information picket today, with The Pas participating tomorrow.

In a statement to Arctic Radio, Shared Health says MLT recruitment is underway, with careers fairs scheduled to be held next month in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas.

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

It was a somewhat return to normal for the Northern Manitoba Regional Science Fair this past weekend at Ecole Riverside School.

Students in grades four to eight from the School District of Mystery Lake’s six elementary schools participated in the first regional science fair in three years, which was halted due to COVID-19.

All students who participated in the very least received a bronze medal at the science fair on Saturday, which consisted of research projects this year.

Best in Fair awards included a tie for second for Leo Moose and Levi White for the grade seven and eight category, as well as sixth graders Ravnoor Dhadial and Bella Moose having won first and second respectively at their grade level.

Murvat Yehia, a science teacher and organizer for this year’s event, says Flin Flon and The Pas were not at the science fair this year, noting that they may have skipped due to travel costs.

Next year’s Northern Manitoba Regional Science Fair will be held in The Pas.

The Safer Highway 6 Citizens Action Group recently sent a letter to the province’s transportation minister about their petition to improve the highway between Thompson and Winnipeg.

It says the letter includes a resolution that was adopted and supported by northern Manitoba towns, First Nations And Chambers of Commerce.

They include Churchill, Flin Flon, The Pas, Grand Rapids, Snow Lake, Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, as well the Chambers of Commerce of Flin Flon and Thompson.

The group says MPI stats show an average of 40 accidents per month occurs on Highway 6 that results in roll-overs, collisions, and fatal head-on accidents.

Some recommendations Safer Highway 6 presented to the minister include wider shoulders, passing lanes, a 2+1 lane system, stronger cell service, and rest stops.

The CEO of the Thompson Regional Airport Authority says the new terminal will be more than a place to pick up or drop off people travelling to and from the community.

Curtis Ross explains the more spacious terminal will address accessibility, allow multiple flights come and go at the same time, have more retail space, and give opportunities for local and Indigenous artisans to showcase their work.

Ross specifically says the vision is for the new terminal to be a place for people in the community to go out to socialize and take in the sights.

“We’re going to make the terminal a meeting place. If you want to go out for a Sunday afternoon drive and have a coffee or sit and eat with your friends, you will have that opportunity within the facility. Also the opportunity comes for businesses that are within the community, they can have a satellite like Robin’s Donuts does, but it will have more than just venue available. It will be a really nice, comfortable space for people to come out and an opportunity for them just to do something different. Come and watch airplanes, take a drive and enjoy it.”    

Late last month, provincial government ministers announced in Thompson that the airport authority would receive 15 million dollars to build a new terminal, which Ross says will likely begin construction sometime either late May or early June.

He anticipates it could take between 2 to 2 and a half years for the new terminal to be complete.

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

The lead researcher looking into improving the accuracy of homelessness numbers in Canada says there is a wider spectrum of people experiencing homelessness across the country.

Dr. Cheryl Forchuk explains that the federal government used to oversee housing and homelessness until 1990, when it was then relegated to the provinces and territories.

Forchuk says public housing went from 100, 000 units being built per year to one thousand units across Canada, which limited the housing stock.

Lack of housing is one of the issues plaguing rural and remote communities when it comes to addressing homelessness, in addition to limited supports in housing and social support services and limited data infrastructure.

Forchuk says when it comes to data sources, Microsoft Excel is the most common method used for tracking shelter-less people due to organizations not being able to afford case management software.

She adds methods like the Pit Counts, By-Name Lists, and HIFIS [high-fihs] can lead to underestimated numbers of people experiencing homelessness due to the small number of communities that use them.

Catch part two of the interview with Forchuk this afternoon on Thompson Today.

A local organization is having a block party this afternoon to celebrate the Winnipeg Jets making it to the NHL playoffs

The Keewatin Tribal Council’s white-out party comes ahead of game two of the Jets’ series against the Vegas Golden Knights this evening.

Residents are encouraged to get decked out in their white-out or Jets gear and to bring noise makers. There will also be music and a barbeque.

The block party will be on Nickel Road just outside the KTC building.

The organization says this will be a drugs and alcohol free event.

A national study on homelessness has entered its fourth and final year, and the research team is in Thompson for a final forum on the topic.

The project is being led by Dr. Cheryl Forchuk with Ontario’s Lawson Health Research Institute in partnership with federal government agencies.

The objective of the study is to find ways to determine more accurate numbers for homelessness in Canada, particularly in rural and northern areas.

The research team previously held a forum in Thompson last year to gather data on the situation in the city, and Forchuk says the purpose of today’s forum is get feedback on what the team has learned so far and if there are things they missed the first time around.

Once the final round of forums concludes, the team will write a report on their findings, which is expected to be published by March of next year.

Learn more about the national homelessness study on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 today and tomorrow.

Pimicikamak Cree Nation’s Chief is calling on Manitoba’s police watchdog to look into an incident involving an RCMP officer and a group of girls in the community.

The press release from MKO says the incident happened Friday night where a constable unholstered his sidearm and pointed it at a group of young girls on the First Nation.

Chief David Monias demanded an apology from the police agency and an investigation from the Independent Investigation Unit, saying the girls were traumatized and there was no imminent threat to the officer that would have warranted drawing the firearm.

Monias adds this is the latest of a number of issues his community has had with RCMP in Cross Lake, as he says there’s lack of drug trafficking enforcement and an apparent refusal to respond to some calls.

The Manitoba RCMP told Arctic Radio says the Cross Lake RCMP officer mistook a telescope as a long gun as they were driving past a residence and apologized to the homeowner and the youths for the misunderstanding as a result of the incident.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak says they have deployed workers from its MMIWG Liaison Unit to provide counselling to the girls.

A local artist revealed a mural they created for the City Centre Mall yesterday.

Christine McKay’s acrylic painting features an Indigenous woman in cultural clothing, which incorporates the seven sacred teachings, standing in a field with her face detached from her body. Inside the space where the face was detached features a night scene with a camp fire.

McKay says the piece was inspired by a recent experience where she felt disconnected from her culture and identity.

Strathallen, which owns the mall, partnered with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak for the mural project.

McKay grew up in Cross Lake and Norway House and is studying to become a teacher.

The mural has been placed on a wall near the entrance by the dollar store.

Local authorities are investigating after a man was allegedly assaulted Tuesday morning on Hayes Road.

Manitoba RCMP says the 70-year-old victim was reported to have been assaulted by an unknown male.

The victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

No further details about the case have been provided at this time.

Thompson’s MLA says he was saddened but not surprised at the provincial government’s apparent lack of support for a resolution to restore the return of a foot care clinic in the community.

Debate on the resolution was held last week in the legislature, where Eric Redhead introduced it and explained how the return of the preventative foot care program would benefit seniors and people with diabetes in the north.

In his report, Redhead says the province closed the foot care clinic in 2019 and has not made an effort to reopen it despite the local seniors group expressing there is a need for the service.

This comes after the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council made the trip down to Winnipeg last month to meet with government officials about bringing the program back.

Redhead says the PCs need to improve health care across northern Manitoba, pointing to birthing services, temporary closures of ERs, and the lack of a brain injury unit as examples.

On April 5, 2023, at 10:10 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive male with serious injuries in the parking lot of a business located on Station Road in the City of Thompson.

Officers arrived and located a 32-year-old-male, from Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), with life threatening injuries. The male was transported to hospital where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thompson RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

Where You From? The Building of a Northern City chronicles the early stages of the community that would become the City of Thompson.

Written by long-time resident Wayne Hall, the book covers the period between 1955 and 1970 when the Inco mining company brought in workers from across the country to the area.

Hall says he wrote the book because he felt the history of the early days was slowly being lost and wanted to record a timeline of what took place during that period.

A book signing event will be held at the Thompson Public Library this Saturday afternoon, where people can chat with Hall and ask questions about it.

For more information about Where You From?, catch the full interview today and tomorrow on Thompson Today.

On March 26, 2023, at approximately 11:50 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a robbery complaint located in the parking lot of a business on Public Road in the City of Thompson.

Officers were advised that a 43-year-old male had been robbed by an unknown male suspect who was armed with a sawed-off shotgun. The suspect fled the scene with another male and female.

No injuries were reported.

The suspect, who was armed with the sawed-off shotgun, was described as wearing a black and grey sweater, red ball cap, and runners. The other two suspects were wearing dark clothing.

RCMP are requesting assistance in identifying the three suspects who were captured on surveillance video at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information on the identity of any of these suspects is asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

Photos attached.
 

One person who signs up to become an organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives or improve the lives of up to 75 people.

That statistic is from the David Foster Foundation, which is encouraging Canadians to have conversations and take the leap into becoming a donor as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month.

Michael Ravenhill, the foundation’s CEO, says just over four thousand people are currently on the waitlist for an organ or tissue transplant in the country.

He adds that while Canada’s donor registration rate has improved over the past ten years, we still have a lower rate when compared to other developed countries.

Here, Ravenhill highlights the most needed transplant procedures that need to be done across Canada.

“It’s heart, liver, lung, kidney, and multi visceral. Those are the major ones and those are the ones that are often the most needed. Every province is different with those on the registration list and what they need but those are the major ones.”

Hear the full interview this afternoon on Thompson Today.

On March 24, 2023, at approximately 9:55 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive female at a residence located on Grey Wolf Bay in Thompson.

Officers arrived on scene and located a 36-year-old female who was pronounced deceased. An autopsy took place, and on April 4, 2023, investigators confirmed that her death was the result of a homicide.

Anyone with information in relation to this death is asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure a tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thompson RCMP, along with Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

An ID Clinic will be held in town later this month for those who need help with the application process.

The clinic will be at the RD Parker Collegiate gym April 18th from 1:30 to 4:30.

Representatives from MPI, Service Canada, MKO, and MMF will be present to assist applicants in filling out forms for various types of ID.

They include SIN numbers, birth certificates, health cards, Indigenous status cards, and Manitoba ID cards.

The federal NDP says the Liberal government needs to address staffing shortages in the healthcare sector in Indigenous communities.

Local MP Niki Ashton says there is a humanitarian crisis happening in First Nations, particularly in remote and fly-in communities like Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Shamattawa First Nation.

Ashton discussed information obtained by the NDP, including how remote and isolated nursing stations managed by Indigenous Services Canada in Manitoba and Ontario have experienced reduced capacity due to staffing shortages in the past two months.

Additionally, the party cites a 68 per cent operational vacancy rate of public nursing jobs.

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout says the federal government must find more nurses to live and work in First Nations communities immediately.

A suspect is in police custody following a shooting in Wasagamack First Nation.

Island Lake RCMP was notified Monday afternoon that a man had been shot in the community.

The 27-year-old man was transported to the nursing station before being taken to Winnipeg in stable condition.

An investigation led officers to a 35-year-old male suspect.

Manitoba RCMP says the victim and suspect are known to each other.

On April 3, 2023, at approximately 12:40 am, Island Lake RCMP received a report of three individuals being attacked and injured in Garden Hill First Nation. Officers attended the Nursing Station immediately, where three victims were being treated for slash wounds.

Initial investigation has determined that a party was being held at a residence in the community when a female was asked to leave the party. The 33-year-old female left and then returned with a box cutter, slashing a 26-year-old female, a 24-year-old female, and a 39-year-old male. All three have life-altering injuries.

The suspect was located and arrested. She is charged with Aggravated Assault x3, Uttering Threats x2, and Possess Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. She was released from custody pending a May court appearance.

The acting chairperson of the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council spoke to Arctic Radio about their preventative foot care advocacy.

Molly Stapleton says a delegation from Thompson had a 30 minute meeting with the provincial health minister Audrey Gordon and seniors minister Scott Johnston on March 7^th about return of the foot care clinic to the region.

Stapleton explains during the meeting, which was arranged by Thompson MLA Eric Redhead, the group cited research done last year regarding preventative foot care, provided testimonials from community members, and showed a video interview.

Although the ministers made no commitments, Stapleton says Johnston asked several questions and said he look into the matter.

The ad hoc committee says they will continue calling on the province to bring the service back to Thompson, which Stapleton says was disbanded a few years ago due to the foot care nurses being re-deployed during the early parts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A man was rescued by RCMP after being in medical distress near Suwannee Lake last week.

The 85-year-old and his friend were at a remote cabin around 40 kilometres south of Leaf Rapids, which is only accessible by snowmobile, last Tuesday evening when they called for help.

The friend met up with Leaf Rapids RCMP at the road and escorted them to the cabin via snowmobile.

The man was transported to hospital by EMS with non-life threatening injuries.

Leaf Rapids Detachment Commander Lisa Wowchuk says it can be a challenge to respond to emergency situations in remote areas.

She adds in this instance, RCMP officers, EMS, and community members worked together and were able to get the man the medical assistance he needed.