The Manitoba RCMP has launched a new community notification system in Thompson and several other detachments.

 

The pilot project uses Rave Mobile Safety, a voluntary platform that lets local RCMP send targeted alerts directly to residents by text, email, or automated phone call.

 

The system is meant for important public safety information, including missing person updates, requests for public assistance, road condition alerts, crime prevention messaging, and other urgent need-to-know notices.

 

RCMP says it is meant to add to existing communication tools, including local detachment social media pages, not replace Alert Ready or emergency services.

 

The pilot project is expected to run for about three months while Manitoba RCMP gathers feedback and evaluates the program.

 

Residents interested in subscribing are encouraged to follow their local RCMP detachment’s social media pages for registration and launch details.

The City of Thompson says there are some encouraging signs in the latest RCMP policing report.

 

City of Thompson Communications Head Officer Ian Graham says crimes against persons — including assaults — are significantly down compared to this point last year, and so are death-related offences.

 

He says fewer people are also being lodged under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act, though Thompson is still seeing hundreds of people per month being held for intoxication.

 

 

Graham says the report also shows some areas where there is still work to do, including road safety.

 

Impaired operation offences and traffic accidents are both up compared to last year, and he says drivers need to follow the rules and plan a safe way home.

The City of Thompson is inviting residents to learn more about emergency preparedness this weekend in a family-friendly way.

 

A community barbecue and Emergency Preparedness Day is happening May 23rd from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the TRCC south parking lot.

 

The event includes free food, family activities, raffle prizes, equipment displays, and presentations from FireSmart Manitoba, Manitoba EMO, Manitoba Wildfire Service, and the City of Thompson.

 

Lawrence McDonald, Municipal Emergency Coordinator for the City of Thompson, says the goal is to make emergency planning feel practical and approachable.

 

 

McDonald says residents are asked to register for the morning presentations by contacting Thompson Fire and Emergency Services at 204-677-7916 or emailing TFES@thompson.ca.

 

For more on the Community Barbecue and Emergency Preparedness Day, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

On May 9, 2026, Chemawawin RCMP received information that two male individuals, believed to be affiliated with a known street gang, were in the community attempting to recruit future prospects.

The two suspects, who were believed to be armed, were both wanted by police.

With the information provided, multiple warrants to enter a dwelling were drafted for residences within the community.

Chemawawin RCMP, with the assistance of officers from Grand Rapids, Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team, executed the warrants at a number of residences where one of the suspects was apprehended.

Arnold Edward Bourassa, 42, of Chemawawin Cree Nation, was arrested without incident and was remanded into custody on his outstanding warrant of arrest.

The second suspect, Douglas Johnsen, 45, from Winnipeg, was not located. His wanted information can be found here… https://www.winnipeg.ca/media/6806

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Douglas Johnsen, can contact the Chemawawin RCMP at 204-329-2000, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com..

The Manitoba RCMP is introducing a new community notification system aimed at improving how important public safety information is shared with residents.

 

Beginning May 21, 2026, the Manitoba RCMP will launch a pilot project using Rave Mobile Safety, a voluntary mass notification platform that allows local RCMP detachments to send timely and targeted alerts directly to community members by text message, email, or automated phone call.

 

The pilot program will be introduced in the following detachments:

• Thompson  
• Norway House  
• Dauphin  
• Winnipegosis  
• Oakbank / Beausejour  
• Morris / Emerson  

 

The system will be used to share important community-focused information such as public safety advisories, missing person information, requests for public assistance, traffic or road condition alerts, crime prevention messaging, and other urgent “need-to-know” notifications.

Rave Mobile Safety will complement existing RCMP communication channels, including local detachment social media pages, by providing a more direct and accessible way for residents to receive timely updates.

 

“Strong communication is an important part of community safety,” said Cpl Terry Sundell, RCMP Community Engagement Services. “This new system will help us share important information quickly and directly with residents so they can stay informed and take appropriate action when needed.”

 

The platform is voluntary and designed with privacy and accessibility in mind. Residents can choose how they receive alerts and can update or remove their subscriptions at any time. Notifications will initially be available in English and French.

 

The Manitoba RCMP emphasizes that Rave Mobile Safety is not intended to replace the provincial Alert Ready system or emergency services. In an emergency, residents should still call 911 or their local police emergency line.

 

The pilot project is expected to run for approximately three months while the Manitoba RCMP gathers feedback and evaluates the program.

 

Residents interested in subscribing or learning more about the program are encouraged to follow their local RCMP detachment social media pages for upcoming registration information and launch details.

On May 20, 2026, at 2:20 am, Thompson RCMP were called to the report of a stabbing in an open area located off of Princeton Drive in Thompson.

The male victim was transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

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

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

On May 18, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a report that youths were causing a disturbance outside a residence on the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation.

 

Officers responded to the scene and learned there were three suspects – one armed with a pellet gun and the other two with machetes. The suspect carrying the pellet gun reportedly had shot at other people outside. Windows at a residence were also smashed.

 

The suspects then left the scene. No injuries were reported.

 

Later that day, at approximately noon, RCMP conducted a traffic stop in the community. All three suspects were located inside the vehicle and arrested.

 

A search of one suspect, a 25-year-old Brandon male, uncovered a machete and a loaded pellet gun pistol. A rifle and a hatchet were also found inside the vehicle.

 

Christian Thomas Cook, 25, of Brandon, is charged with:

• Carrying a concealed weapon x2;
• Illegal possession of a weapon;
• Weapon possession contrary to court order x4; and
• Failure to comply with release order conditions x2.

 

A 16-year-old male, from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation is charged with:

• Illegal possession of a weapon x2;
• Weapon possession contrary to court order x2; and
• Resisting a peace officer.

 

Cook and the 16-year-old suspect were remanded into custody.

 

A 14-year-old Swan River male youth was charged with possession of a weapon and three counts of failure to comply with release order conditions. Charges have resulted in the youth being sentenced earlier this week to probation by the court.

On May 18, 2026, at 5:05 pm, Flin Flon RCMP received a complaint of three subjects, one armed with a firearm, one with a machete and the other with bear spray, who were attempting to force their way into a residence located on Ross Street in Flin Flon.

Officers immediately attended to the scene and met with the victims who advised police that the suspects had just fled the scene in a silver colored Dodge Caravan.

Patrols in the area led officers to an address on Adams Street where the suspect vehicle was located parked in a driveway.

Officers made contact with the suspects inside who refused to surrender themselves to police. Within a short period of time, a 26-year-old female exited the home and was arrested without incident.

A warrant to enter a dwelling was drafted and, with the assistance of Police Dog Services, officers approached the residence and were prepared to enter when the two remaining suspects, a 46-year-old female and a 21-year-old male, exited the home and surrendered themselves to police.

The 26-year-old female, from Creighton, SK, was later released for court scheduled for September 3, 2026, in Flin Flon where she will face a charge of Resist arrest.

46-year-old Catherine Saam and 21-year-old Preston Saam-Ackegan, both from Flin Flon, were remanded into custody on charges including Resist arrest, Breaking and entering, Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose and Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.

Flin Flon RCMP continue to investigate.

The Manitoba government is increasing funding for adult learning and literacy programs.

 

The province says it is investing an additional two-and-a-half million dollars to strengthen and expand adult education programming, bringing total funding for adult learning and literacy to 24-point-9 million dollars.

 

That includes one million dollars dedicated to First Nations and northern communities.

Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable says the funding is meant to help more Manitobans earn high school credits and diplomas, improve literacy and numeracy skills, and prepare for in-demand jobs.

 

The province says the money will also help stabilize existing programs and support recruitment and retention of front-line staff.

Team Vale Thompson is being recognized after taking top honours at this year’s Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition.

 

The competition was hosted this past weekend in Snow Lake at Hudbay’s Lalor operations, bringing together mine rescue teams from across Manitoba.

 

Ashton Crone, Director of Business Planning for Hudbay Minerals Incorporated, says the event is about much more than a trophy.

 

 

Crone says Team Vale Thompson’s win shows the level of skill, training, and preparedness within Thompson’s mining community.

 

He says residents should be proud, because the team proved itself through two days of intense testing at the provincial level.

 

To hear more about the tournament and mine rescue tune into Thompson Today this afternoon, at 12:40 and 5:10

On May 13, 2026, at 11:44 p.m., Shamattawa RCMP received a report of an incident of intimate partner violence that had occurred in the community. The victim went to a safe place earlier in the day when her partner attended this place and subsequently assaulted her.

 

Police attended immediately and found an unresponsive female inside a residence. The victim, 32, was transported to the local nursing station with life-threatening injuries, then flown to hospital in Winnipeg for further care. On May 14, the victim died as a result of her injuries.

 

Keith Miles, 27, was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with aggravated assault. That charge has since been upgraded to manslaughter.

 

He remains in custody.

 

Shamattawa RCMP, along with the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

Safe Boating Awareness Week is launching across Canada as Manitobans prepare to get back on the water for the first long weekend of the season.

 

The campaign runs from May 16th to 22nd and is being promoted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council, the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters and Lifesaving Society Manitoba.

 

They’re reminding boaters about five key safety messages: wear your lifejacket, boat sober, be prepared, take a boating course and be cold-water safe.

 

Officials say more than 12 million Canadians spend time on the water each year, and the goal is to reduce preventable boating incidents through awareness and education.

The City of Thompson is encouraging residents to download the new MB Ready app as wildfire season gets underway.

 

The app provides real-time, location-based emergency information for things like severe weather, wildfires, floods, road closures, and other hazards.

 

The province says MB Ready is meant to bring emergency alerts and public safety updates into one place.  

 

Lawrence McDonald, Municipal Emergency Coordinator for the City of Thompson, says the app is different from the emergency alerts people may already receive on their phones.

 

 

McDonald says the app is available now, and residents can also set watch zones for different areas of Manitoba, which can be helpful for people travelling or keeping an eye on conditions elsewhere in the province.

A recent Hantavirus exposure connected to a cruise ship has raised questions for Canadians — especially after the experience of COVID-19.

 

But a Manitoba researcher says this is a very different situation.

 

Dr. Hannah Wallace, lead research associate at the Kindrachuk Lab in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba, says Hantavirus is serious, but it is not spreading the same way COVID-19 did.

 

 

Dr. Wallace says public health officials are monitoring people who may have been exposed, but for the general public, there is no reason to panic.

 

To hear more, tune into Thompson Today tomorrow at 12:40 and 5:10 on 102.9 CHTM.

Some Thompson residents are raising concerns after basement flooding on streets including Mallard Crescent, Westwood Drive and Juniper.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says the city has received some complaints, and she has personally checked in on some affected homeowners.

 

She says part of the issue is the amount of snow around homes, combined with a fast spring melt and frozen ground that can’t absorb the water.

 

Smook says the heavy April snowfall and sudden thaw have put extra pressure on drainage systems.
 

 

Smook says residents should also check around their homes where possible, especially near window wells, to help keep melt water from getting into basements.

On May 4, 2026, at 11:40 am, Norway House RCMP received a report that a firearm had been pointed at a 16-year-old female youth at a residence located on Hart Drive in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation. The incident is believed to have occurred the night before.

Officers attended to this residence and placed a 17-year-old female youth under arrest for pointing a firearm. She was taken to the Norway House RCMP Detachment and later released from police custody for a court appearance scheduled for July 17 in the community.

Further investigation into this incident led officers to believe that the firearm used in this offence was now at a residence located on Walter Margaret Road in the community.

On May 8, 2026, a search warrant was executed within this residence where officers located and seized seven firearms and various rounds of ammunition for each of the firearms.

Additional charges are anticipated in relation to the unsafe storage of firearms.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

On May 12, 2026, at 4:15 am, Moose Lake RCMP responded to a report of an injured person at a residence located on Stagg Crescent in Mosakahiken Cree Nation.

Officers attended to the address and located a 17-year-old female who was pronounced deceased on scene. Her death is being investigated as a homicide. 

Anyone with information in relation to this homicide is asked to contact the Moose Lake RCMP at 204-678-2399, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Moose Lake RCMP, along with the RCMP Major Crimes Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Premier Wab Kinew says Indigenous participation will be key as Manitoba continues work on the Churchill Plus project with the federal government.

 

Kinew met with TC Energy leadership and the company’s Indigenous Advisory Council to discuss major infrastructure development, including the proposed expansion tied to Churchill.

 

The province says Churchill Plus could include upgrades to the port and rail line, an energy corridor, year-round icebreaking support, and an all-weather road.

 

The Northern Health Region is marking Allied Health Professionals Week by recognizing the many workers who support patients beyond the first step of their health care journey.

 

Bruce Krentz with the Northern Health Region says allied health covers a wide range of roles, including social workers, dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, speech-language pathologists and more.

 

He says one familiar local voice is also being recognized in a major way.

 

Krentz says Northern Health Region Mental Health Promotion Specialist Jennifer Whalen recently received a national honour.

 

 

Krentz says Whalen’s work has made a meaningful difference in the community, and the week is also a chance to thank all allied health professionals across the region.

Warm weather is creating some localized flooding in Thompson as rapid melting puts extra pressure on the city’s storm drain system.

 

The City of Thompson says Public Works crews were out Tuesday evening clearing debris from catch basins, flushing storm drainage lines, checking outflows, and removing some storm drain grates to help standing water drain faster.

 

Crews are expected to continue that work through the day and into the evening today.

Drivers are being asked to watch for flooded areas, including Cree Road between Deerwood Drive and Juniper Drive, and to use alternate routes if their vehicles can’t safely make it through.

 

The Thompson Chamber of Commerce says the proposed Thompson Port Corridor Task Force is about making sure the city is ready if major northern trade projects move forward.

 

Recent federal and provincial announcements have pointed to upgrades around the Port of Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway, critical minerals, energy, and northern supply chains.

 

Chamber Board President Jason Fryza says Thompson is not just watching that conversation from the sidelines.

 

 

Fryza says the Chamber is now looking for feedback from the presentation as it considers next steps.

 

To hear more, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Nurse shortages are impacting service in the Special Care Unit at the Thompson General Hospital.

The Manitoba Nurses Union shared that the SCU was closed last Friday afternoon and won’t reopen until this Friday evening at 7 pm.

Meanwhile, patients that require SCU level of care will be assessed and transferred to another facility as appropriate.

A Northern Health Region spokesperson indicated that the Special Care Unit is an internal department that may have temporary closures at times, but that does not impede access to services.

They report that the Emergency department remains open and available 24/7 at the Thompson General Hospital and they encourage patients to seek the appropriate level of care depending on their health needs.

Information about Northern Health Region Emergency departments, facilities, locations, and programs available can be found at northernhealthregion.com.

Over the weekend of May 9/10, 2026, God’s Lake Narrows RCMP officers, along with assistance of local First Nations Safety Officers and Anishinaabe Peace Keepers, conducted a coordinated crime reduction initiative with the goal of apprehending a number of wanted individuals within the community of God’s Lake Narrows.

Over the two day enforcement period, officers located and executed warrants of arrests out on 24 individuals who were taken into custody without incident. Patrols made in the community led to two drivers being stopped and subsequently arrested for impaired driving.

Two additional persons were arrested as a result of two reports received involving an assault with weapon, including a 35-year-old male who struck a 30-year-old female with what was described to officers as a very dull axe. The female did not require medical attention.
 

In another incident, an 18-year-old female was assaulted by a 20-year-old female with a cellphone. This victim was taken to the Nursing Station where she was treated and released.

“This joint operation, between the RCMP and our partner agencies, demonstrates the continued commitment we all have in reducing crime and enhancing public safety within the God’s Lake Narrows and Manto Sipi Cree Nation communities,” said Sgt. Corbin Allingham, Detachment Commander of the God’s Lake Narrows RCMP.

The Manitoba government is reminding drivers to slow down and share the road as Canada Road Safety Week begins.

 

The campaign runs from May 12th to 18th, with this year’s theme being Every Road. Every Day. Everyone.

 

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor says spring means more traffic returning to streets and highways, and drivers need to stay alert around motorcycles, bicycles, emergency vehicles, tow truck operators, and roadside crews.

 

The province is also reminding drivers they must leave at least one metre of space when passing a bicycle or power-assisted bicycle.

 

A Thompson team is bringing home top honours from this year’s Manitoba Provincial Mine Rescue Competition.

 

Team Vale Thompson took first place at the 63rd annual event, held May 8th and 9th in Snow Lake.

 

More than 30 mine rescue personnel from across the province competed in a series of demanding emergency simulations designed to mirror real underground incidents.

 

The competition tested teams in areas like underground rescue, firefighting, first aid, written exams, and hands-on technical skills.

 

On April 11, 2026, at 1:40 am, Gypsumville RCMP responded to a firearms complaint in Lake St. Martin First Nation. A male had threatened a community member with bear spray and was in the possession of a handgun.

The suspect was not located immediately which led to an arrest warrant being issued for the arrest of Brayden McKay, 24, from Lake St. Martin First Nation.

Further investigation led officers to the execution of a search warrant for firearms at a residence within Lake St. Martin First Nation.

On May 3, 2026, Gypsumville RCMP, along with the RCMP Manitoba East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team and General Investigative Section, executed the search warrant.

Brayden McKay was located within the residence and was arrested without incident.

RCMP located and seized a sawed-off rifle, ammunition, a BB gun, parts of a dismantled firearm and possible drugs.

McKay has been remanded into custody and charged with:

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purposes x 2
• Fail to comply with conditions of an Undertaking x 3
• Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition without a licence
• Possession of a firearm without a licence knowing its possession is unauthorised
• Unlawful storage of firearm
• Possession of ammunition contrary to order

Gypsumville RCMP continue to investigate.

Manitoba is looking at the Port of Churchill as a way to grow trade with India.

 

Premier Wab Kinew met today with India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, to discuss export opportunities between Manitoba and India.

 

The province says the talks focused on moving more goods through Churchill, including liquefied natural gas, agricultural products, critical minerals, and other Manitoba exports.

 

Kinew says the port could help Manitoba reach global markets faster, while creating new opportunities for workers and businesses.

 

On May 9, 2026, at 12:35 am, Cross Lake RCMP received a report of a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred on Island Park Drive, near Beardy’s Point, in Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Officers attended and located a 43-year-old male, from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, with life-threatening-injuries. Cross Lake EMS transported the victim to the nursing station where he was pronounced deceased.

In speaking with a number of witnesses from the scene, it was reported that a pickup truck had struck the victim earlier and failed to remain at the scene.

Anyone with information, or may have witnessed this collision, is asked to contact the Cross Lake RCMP at 204-676-2600.

Cross Lake RCMP, with assistance of RCMP Traffic Services, continue to investigate.

The Thompson Community Choir is looking for more people in the community to join in and sing.

 

The group first started in 2016 after a Facebook post brought together people who wanted a local choir in Thompson.

 

Since then, the choir has performed at community events like Remembrance Day, Christmas concerts, and the Festival of the Arts.

 

Olga Abbing, a member of the Thompson Community Choir, says people don’t need to be professionals — they just need to enjoy singing with others.

 

 

The choir rehearses most Sundays during the school year from 2 to 3 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church across from R.D. Parker Collegiate.

 

Anyone interested can find the group on Facebook by searching Thompson Community Choir Manitoba, or emailThompsonCommunityChoir@gmail.com.

A crime prevention proposal is being brought forward in Thompson, with input from the RCMP and outside expertise.

 

It’s called CPTED — which stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

 

The approach looks at how things like lighting, sightlines, landscaping, cameras, doors and windows can make public places and properties safer.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook explains what CPTED is and how the training could be used locally.

 

 

The proposal is expected to help guide how Thompson looks at public spaces, buildings and areas where residents have raised concerns.

Manitobans gearing up to climbing onto their off-road vehicle (ORV) over the next several months are encouraged to have their fun while keeping safety top of mind.

 

ORVs – which include all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and utility terrain vehicles – are an important part of outdoor life for many Manitobans. They're fun to ride, have practical uses and can get you places that you otherwise might not have access to. These machines can be very powerful and require the operator's complete attention. Every spring, RCMP officers respond to reports of Manitobans being injured, or worse, because of mistakes made while operating their ORV.

The Manitoba RCMP would like to remind the public of the following rules and safety tips regarding their ORV usage:

• Learn about the area you will ride in and ensure you carry your cellphone and/or GPS device.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. It’s always safer to ride in a group of two or more.
• No person under the age of 14 is allowed to operate an ORV unless supervised and accompanied by an adult.
• You must wear your seat belt if your ORV is equipped.
• No person should be operating an ORV without a helmet – and it MUST be securely fastened.
• You cannot carry a passenger unless your ORV is designed for two riders.
• You are not allowed to travel on or thru private property, including farmland and gravel pits.
• Operating an ORV on a roadway is strictly prohibited. Crossing a roadway is permitted if you hold a valid driver’s licence.
• Riders should never operate an ORV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Every ORV must be equipped with a noise muffler in good working order.
• Carry the proper safety equipment related to the type of ORV you’re operating.

 

For further information regarding ORV safety, visit: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/off-road-vehicle-safety/

The Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU) arrested seven people earlier this week as part of ongoing efforts to remove violent and repeat offenders from communities.

 

The unit, consisting of RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) members, deployed to Gypsumville on May 5. With the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services and the RCMP Emergency Response Team, MIVOAU officers executed multiple entry warrants in the community.

 

Two of the seven arrests occurred at one location, after a MIVOAU officer located a suspect walking across a field and into a residence while speaking with a community member. The suspects barricaded themselves into the home when officers arrived.

 

A warrant of entry was drafted and approved, allowing officers to enter the residence. Two suspects were safely into custody, including one who was found by officers inside a clothes dryer. They are:

• Harley James Sinclair, 34, who was wanted on multiple warrants relating to a number of charges, including forcible confinement, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault, two counts of uttering threats, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, multiple failures to comply and failing to appear in court. Sinclair was located by officers inside a clothes dryer.
• Clint Charles Marsden-Traverse, 27, who was wanted on warrants for assault, two counts of mischief, two counts of uttering threats, three counts of failure to comply and a failure to appear in court.

Other suspects apprehended by MIVOAU officers include:

• Douglas George Traverse, 45, who was wanted for the theft of an ATV and failure to comply. Traverse was found by officers inside a walled space behind a bathroom shower.
• Lee Thomas Woodhouse, 41, who was wanted on warrants for assault, possessing proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000, failing to stop a motorized vehicle when pursued by police, failing to attend court and three counts of failure to comply.
• Alvina Ardele Beardy, 46, who was wanted on warrants for criminal harassment and failure to comply.

These five suspects were remanded into custody.

Additionally, Waylon Noel Houle, 33, was arrested in connection with warrants for pointing a firearm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats. Houle was released from custody with conditions.

A 50-year-old female was also arrested after being wanted for failing to attend court and failing to attend for identification. She was released on an appearance notice.

Manitoba is on track to have the lowest deficit-to-GDP ratio in the country, according to the province’s latest update on its financial outlook.

 

Finance Minister Adrien Sala says that projection reflects what he calls a disciplined approach to spending, with a focus on balancing the books while still investing in priorities like health care, affordability, and job creation.
 

The government says it has been working to stabilize finances through targeted investments and steady deficit reduction, even as economic uncertainty continues across Canada.

 

Officials also point to growing interest from investors, highlighting opportunities tied to the Port of Churchill and the province’s critical minerals sector as part of Manitoba’s long-term economic outlook.

Five people have been charged as part of a sustained police investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in northern Manitoba.

 

Project Darling was launched by the RCMP’s Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET), which in January began investigating illegal drug shipments between Winnipeg and several northern communities – including Island Lake, Split Lake, Oxford House and Thompson.

 

The investigation led officers to a residential address on the 3000-block of Pembina Highway, in Winnipeg. On April 29, members of MILET North executed a search warrant at the address. Approximately $58,000 in cash was found inside the residence and was seized by officers.

 

Five people inside the residence were arrested.

 

Project Darling follows Project Derry, another MILET-led investigation that resulted in drug-trafficking related charges being laid late last year against 27 people across three Manitoba communities – the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Winnipeg and Thompson. Project Darling’s investigation focused on the same criminal network.

 

“The success of Project Darling and Project Derry underscores the unrelenting determination of our officers to uncovering, impairing and dismantling a criminal organization that brings harm and violence to northern communities,” said RCMP Supt. Jeff Asmundson, who oversees MILET. “These efforts remain ongoing as part of our commitment to making Manitoba safer for all residents.”

 

Carlita Vasquez, 28, of Winnipeg has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance;
• Trafficking a controlled substance; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

 

Natneal Arefaine, 26, of Calgary has been charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and
• Failure to comply with a release order.

 

Three Ontario males – 24-year-old Ayub Abdi, 27-year-old Jabril Farah and 22-year-old Alex Keng – have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

 

Vasquez, Arefaine and Keng remain in custody. Abdi and Farah were released on an undertaking.

Job seekers in northern Manitoba will have a chance to connect directly with employers at a pair of upcoming career fairs.

 

The events, hosted by University College of the North, are open to the public and will feature a wide range of industries and job opportunities.

 

Career Resources Coordinator with University College of the North, Kelly House, outlines when and where the events will take place.
 

 

Organizers say the career fair is designed to connect job seekers with employers across multiple sectors.

 

Industries represented include healthcare, education, mining, transportation, hospitality, and more.

 

Positions range from full-time and part-time roles to casual and seasonal employment.

 

Attendees are encouraged to bring updated resumes and be ready to speak with a variety of employers.

The Manitoba government is rolling out a new tool aimed at helping people stay informed during emergencies.

 

The MB Ready app officially launched this week, marking Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 3rd to 9th.

 

The province says the goal is to encourage Manitobans to take steps now to protect themselves, their families, and their communities before an emergency happens.

 

The app provides real-time, location-based alerts for things like severe weather, wildfires, floods, road closures and power outages.

 

Users can customize notifications based on their home, workplace, or other important locations.

 

It also includes guidance on building emergency kits, creating household plans, and understanding local risks.

 

The province says the app is designed to make emergency information clear, accessible, and up to date.

 

Officials are encouraging Manitobans to use this week as a reminder to review or create an emergency plan and make sure they’re prepared.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is releasing new information in the ongoing homicide investigation into the death of Steven Seela in Thompson.

 

Investigators with Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services were in the community between April 20th and 22nd, speaking with more than 110 residents as part of the investigation.

 

Police are now asking for the public’s help identifying two dark-coloured trucks believed to have been in the area of the shooting on Pipe Road in the trailer park area on Nov. 24, 2024.

 

Investigators say people inside the vehicles may have information connected to the case, Steven Seela’s sister, Kendra Seela, is also urging anyone with information to come forward, saying the family continues searching for answers.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP tip line at 431-489-8106.

Mental health experts are continuing to raise concerns about the impact social media may be having on young people, as Manitoba looks at possible new restrictions tied to youth online activity and AI chatbots.

 

Wab Kinew recently announced the province is exploring options aimed at protecting kids online, with discussions focusing on screen time, social media use and overall mental health.

 

Dr. Joanne Unger, a clinical psychologist with Shared Health and assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, says one of the biggest concerns is when online activity starts replacing healthy real-world connection.
 

 

To hear more about the effects social media and AI may be having on youth mental health, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 on 102.9 CHTM.

Mental Health Week is now underway, and Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook says it’s an important reminder for residents to keep checking in with one another and speaking openly about mental health.

 

Smook says conversations around mental health and addictions have become more common in recent years, but northern communities still face challenges when it comes to access to care and long-term support.

 

She also stressed the importance of reaching out for help and reminding people they are not alone if they’re struggling.

 

 

Smook says residents can contact Northern Regional Health’s public health office at 204-677-5350, the Canadian Mental Health Association in Thompson at 204-677-6056, or Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for support.

Following the installation of billboards and posters in the community of Thompson, Manitoba, RCMP Major Crime Services is releasing new details in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Steven Seela.

 

Investigators were in the community April 20-22, 2026, canvassing numerous residences as part of the investigation where they spoke with over 110 residents.

 

Police are now releasing images of two trucks, both dark in colour, that were in the vicinity of the shooting that occurred on Pipe Road, in the trailer park area of Thompson, on November 24, 2024.

 

Individuals in these vehicles are believed to have information related to the investigation and police are urging the public to come forward with any information which may help identify who was in these vehicles on November 24, 2024.

 

The sister of Steven Seela is hoping the billboards convince someone to come forward. “How would you feel if it was your sibling, your son, that was murdered? It wouldn’t feel good weighing on your heart if you had information,” said Kendra Seela. “He didn’t get enough time with his son Evi, but he really loved his son and was proud to be a dad.”

 

If anyone has any information regarding the two trucks including who was in them, or the Steven Seela case, they are asked to contact the RCMP Tipline at: 431-489-8106.

The City of Thompson says this spring’s snow and road conditions have created a much tougher season for public works crews than usual.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says unlike last year, crews are still dealing with snow clearing well into late April while also trying to respond to potholes and standing water issues across the city.

 

 

Smook says crews continue prioritizing school routes, major roads and sidewalks before moving into neighbourhood problem areas.

 

She also acknowledged frustrations from residents dealing with potholes and flooding, especially in lower-lying areas and gravel roads.

 

The mayor adds warmer temperatures expected over the next several days should help thaw catch basins and improve drainage conditions around the city.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says governments across the country need to act quickly if they want to reverse what it calls an “entrepreneurial drought” in Canada.

 

Senior Policy Analyst Kayode Southwood says the organization’s latest report focuses on solutions aimed at helping small businesses survive and grow.

 

 

Southwood says high taxes, staffing shortages, red tape, and difficulties accessing financing are all putting pressure on businesses across the country, including in northern communities like Thompson.

 

To hear more from Kayode Southwood with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.