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The federal government has announced some changes that will be made to the Canadian Passport, including the ability to renew passports online.

The announcement was made by Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development this morning.

Starting this fall, the government of Canada will be offering Canadians more online options for passport services. This includes the ability to renew passports, pay fees, and upload photographs securely and conveniently online.

The passport itself will include new state-of-the-art security features, like a polycarbonate data page, which is a similar technology to what is used in driver's licenses. The data on that page will now be laser engraved, instead of printed, making it more durable and resistant to tampering.

New Passport Data Page via www.canada.ca

The new passports will also feature artwork celebrating Canada's natural beauty throughout all four seasons says Minister Fraser in a press release.

"The new Canadian passport is more than a travel document; it is a representation of our national identity and values. It is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Canada, and it reflects the country's commitment to welcoming people from all around the world."

Visa pages in the new passports will have seasonal art that changes under ultraviolet light, which adds to the art and is an enhanced security feature.

Sample New Passport Visa Pages via www.canada.ca

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 10, 2023 - 10:50 am

A plan for Dauphin's growth was laid out yesterday at the State Of the City.

Over lunch, both the City of Dauphin and The Parkland Chamber Of Commerce made presentations on how they're planning to guide the city's expansion.

Stephen Chychota of the Chamber highlighted the Dauphin and District Community Foundation, which contributed nearly $75,000 to local organizations, including The Almost New store, Dauphin & District Handi-van, the Food for Thought Program, and several recreational facilities.

Mayor David Bosiak spoke on several key items that he believes are crucial to the growth of the city, and broke them down into 6 pillars:

• Community & Innovation
• Climate Action & Leadership
• Housing & Neighborhoods
• Truth & Reconciliation 
• Public Health & Wellbeing 
• And Local Tourism

Before diving into all of these points, Bosiak brought up the financial situation of the town coffers. 

He noted the city is in a perfect situation to make some big moves, as the financial reserves are well stocked, and the city's debt is nearly non-existent.

Bosiak was very thankful for the groundwork laid by his predecessors that will allow him and his council to make the big positive changes he's got planned.

"It's that combination of preparation, planning, and the ability to strike while the iron is hot, and I think we're there."

As the presentation progressed, Mayor Bosiak spoke on the new businesses in Dauphin that will begin ramping up, and how the Provincial Nominee Program will help.

"The interesting challenge that we have is we don't have a large industry like Steinbach or Winkler, that needs 50 of a certain kind of worker. We've had to take a more strategic approach and work with the farmer that needs 1 or 2 workers, or other industries that need the 1 or 2 specific skill sets."

There were a lot of talks focused on developing infrastructure, both in new housing developments and ecologically friendly means to power them. Developments in low-income housing have already made 3 domiciles for people to live in, and the Dauphin and District Community Foundation is looking to keep making that number rise.

The importance of community was not understated, as Bosiak also spoke on the importance of developing the city's relationships with its neighbors in the Parkland area. He referenced the recent land signing between Dauphin, Ebb And Flow, and Pinecreek as a prime example of steps towards strengthening these bonds. 

Tourism was another hot topic, as the many festivals in the area create a lot of revenue for the town. There was discussion on expanding outside of these festivals, and Bosiak presented a promotional video for Dauphin tourism entitled "Dauphin: Adventure From Here On Out". It showcased the many natural areas, trails, campsites, and experiences one can find around Dauphin and the area. 

The Address wrapped up on the themes of coming together as a community and making Dauphin a place that isn't just a place to live in, but a place to experience.

Details

Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 10, 2023 - 6:00 am

Update #4: posted at 7:00 am on May 10th, 2023

Emergency Response Team officers, who were brought in to assist with the search for the escaped inmates, were conducting patrols in The Pas earlier this morning and located Kelly Castel near Halcrow Avenue. Castel fled on foot and additional police units including Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit (drone) and The Pas detachment members immediately responded to the area.

A police dog led officers to Castel who was hiding a short distance away. He was arrested and is now in custody.

The Manitoba RCMP recognizes that this was a difficult time for the affected communities and thanks the residents for their understanding and assistance.

Update #3: posted at 4:31 pm on May 9th, 2023

The RCMP has released further details about the search for escaped inmates near the Pas. Police are still searching for the third and final escaped inmate, Kelly Castel.

The full RCMP release is below:

The RCMP continues to investigate and remains committed to following up on any information received that may help locate Kelly Castel.

The RCMP is asking all residents in The Pas, Flin Flon and surrounding areas to stay vigilant, to check on their neighbours and to report anything suspicious to police. Motorists are reminded not to pick up any hitchhikers in the area.

In response to the three escaped inmates from The Pas Correctional Centre, the Manitoba RCMP deployed specialized police units and resources to The Pas, Flin Flon, and surrounding areas. This included the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team, Crime Reduction Enforcement Team, Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit (Drone), and Air Services. A number of officers from surrounding detachments were also deployed to the area to assist in the search.

In addition, the Saskatchewan RCMP increased its presence in Cumberland and adjoining areas near the Manitoba border as one suspect was known to have connections to the region.

This extensive response resulted in two of the three inmates being safely taken into custody.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kelly Castel should immediately call The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6200 or their local police of jurisdiction.

Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Manitoba or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Update #2: posted at 2:35 am on May 9th, 2023

Xander Tardiff has been located and arrested without incident.

RCMP is still searching for the remaining missing inmate Kelly Castel.

Anyone with information in relation to Kelly Castel is asked to contact The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6200.

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Update #1: posted at 5:00 am on May 9th, 2023

The Manitoba RCMP continues to search for the two inmates who escaped earlier this evening from the Correctional Centre located in The Pas.

The Manitoba RCMP has also issued an Alert Ready message to residents in The Pas, Flin Flon and surrounding areas. The Saskatchewan RCMP has issued a Sask Alert message to residents in Creighton, Saskatchewan, and nearby areas. The Alerts were issued as new information was received late on the evening of May 8, this included:

• The possibility that Xander Tardiff may attempt to harm individuals known to him.
• A report of an attempted break and enter into a residence in The Pas.

Both Xander Tardiff and Kelly Castel are considered dangerous and a risk to the public. The Manitoba RCMP is advising residents in The Pas and Flin Flon to lock all doors and windows and to report anything suspicious to the RCMP immediately.

More info and pictures of suspects here:https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2023/the-pas-rcmp-searching-two-escaped-inmates. If you have any information that can assist this investigation, you’re asked to contact The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6200.

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Original story below:

On Monday, May 8, 2023, at 6:45 pm, the RCMP received a report of three missing inmates from The Pas Correctional Centre, located on 3 Street East, in The Pas. Officers attended and were advised that the three inmates were last seen at 6:40 pm and escaped from the Correctional Centre moments later. The inmates fled the area on foot.

A number of additional police resources were immediately deployed, including Police Dog Services, to assist with the search. At 8:05pm, one of the escaped inmates was located and safely taken into custody.

The Pas and surrounding communities can expect an increased police presence as well as roadblocks in the area as the search continues. RCMP are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the following escaped inmates:

• Xander William Tardiff, 19, is 5’11”, and weighs 180 lbs.
• Kelly John Castel, 21, is 5’09”, and weighs 135 lbs.

Both have a history of violence and should not be approached. If you’ve seen them or have any information on their current whereabouts, please call The Pas RCMP immediately at 204-627-6200. The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

Details

Contributed by 730 CKDM

Published: May 9, 2023 - 4:31 pm

The National Public Alerting System, Alert Ready, has an emergency alert test scheduled for Wednesday, May 10th, at 1:55 pm.

The test alert will go out on radio, TV, and compatible wireless devices across the province. Not all mobile devices will get the alert due to device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell tower coverage, and device software and settings.

Alert Ready is the National Public Alerting System, which is used for anything from Amber Alerts to Natural Disaster Warnings. The test is to ensure the system is working properly and identify any areas that need improvement.

More information on the Alert Ready system, including what phones are compatible, can be found here.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 9, 2023 - 11:29 am

A 52-year-old woman had to be air-lifted to the hospital after she was attacked by several dogs on Peguis First Nation.

Fisher Branch RCMP responded to a report of an injured female at a residence in the community, around 12:25 am on Sunday, May 7th.

Officers were told that the female was walking on Peguis First Nation when she was attacked. She was able to get to a nearby residence for help but had already suffered serious injuries.

The RCMP say they have been informed by Peguis First Nation Chief and Council that the dogs thought to be responsible have been killed.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 9, 2023 - 10:06 am

Dauphin Rec Services(DRS) are getting a financial boost for the construction of Maamawi Park.

Fusion Credit Union gave DRS $40,000 dollars as part of its Full Circle Grant program. DRS Assistant GM Lindsey Kyle says Fusion is an incredible organization, as they always give back to the community.

"They continuously give to community projects. There isn't much that comes to my mind that Fusion hasn't sponsored, or hasn't given to, or contributed funds, or volunteer efforts, that sort of thing."

Kyle says the money will go towards the construction of phase one of the park, which is an accessible toboggan hill says

"With that snowfall, we got in late April, it kind of delayed things a bit, so we are just kind of doing the site prep now, and the actual toboggan hill, the construction, will begin into the summer."

She says they hope that the toboggan hill will be done by the end of the fall, so it's usable this summer.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 9, 2023 - 9:23 am

As of Monday (May 8th) morning, the Municipality of Roblin is under a burn ban.

All open fires, whether rural or urban, are currently not allowed. There is an exception for personal BBQs and stoves. If you have a covered personal fire pit, they can be used between the hours of 8 pm to 8 am.

The ban will stay in effect until further notice.

Details

Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: May 8, 2023 - 8:46 am

National Nursing Week kicked off with a sizable donation to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

The RBC Foundation put forward $10,000 dollars to support the retention and professional development of nurses at the Health Centre.

This support comes at an opportune time, as Statistics Canada notes many healthcare workers are feeling the strain of an overloaded system.

RBC Community Manager, Kent Nordin says RBC acknowledges the difficulties the Healthcare field has faced over the last several years and is glad the foundation can help.

"We're giving a lot to hospital foundations to support nurses, to help develop more and train more, and to get more ready. A lot of the shortages came during the pandemic, so that was recognized as a need and RBC stepped up."

This donation will be going towards the center's Delha Cort Education fund, which encourages existing staff to further their education, with a focus on facility-related education and personal development.

In July of last year, Statistics Canada reported 23,620 vacant nursing positions in the first quarter of 2022 and a shocking all-time high of 136,800 job vacancies within the health sector in that same period.

Nursing Week is held in honor of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale and is designed to raise awareness of the massive contribution that nurses make to the well-being of Canadians.

Nation Nursing Week begins today, May 8^th, and continues through to May 14^th.

Details

Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 8, 2023 - 6:00 am

The Aquatic Invasive Species program will see some new restrictions on boaters after test results from earlier this year.

Environmental DNA of zebra muscles was detected in Clear Lake, and the AIS program will respond with more inspections and more precautions around watercraft entering the lake.

According to announcements from Riding Mountain National Park, permits will be required for trailered water vehicles.

Obtaining a permit will require that the boat had not been in any other bodies of water in 2023 and that it passes an initial inspection before June 15^th.

Boats that meet this requirement will be equipped with a tag where the boat meets the trailer to ensure that the vessel has not been in any other bodies of water.

The statement from RMNP noted that if the tag is removed, cut, or otherwise tampered with, the boat will be not allowed to launch in Clear Lake for the remaining 2023 season.

Parks Canada also will be conducting more inspections and decontamination protocols for smaller watercrafts such as kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and even inflatable beach toys

Three informational sessions will be taking place for lake users to learn how this affects them:

• Tuesday, May 9, 7:00 pm– Dauphin Best Western Plus, 50 Eric Irwin Way, Dauphin, MB
• Wednesday, May 10, 7:00 pm - Onanole Recreation Centre, 386 Central Rd, Onanole, MB
• Thursday, May 11, 7:00 pm– Brandon University, 270 18th St, Brandon, MB (Room CHO 212 is in the Clark Hall building on campus.)

Zebra mussels are an extremely invasive species that can devastate ecosystems. While the presence of environmental DNA is not a guarantee the mussels are present in Clear Lake, it is a strong warning sign that contamination is a very real risk. 

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 6, 2023 - 12:54 pm

A new art piece by local artist Patrick Paul will transform the Main Street Side of the Dauphin Public Library this June.

On Tuesday, May 9th, at 6:30 pm, the Library is holding an event to acknowledge and thank the community groups who have helped make this project possible. Alison Moss, the Director of Parkland Regional Library, says those groups have helped with the project's evolution.

"The project has really evolved over the past year to become far more sophisticated. We started out thinking we'd do crosswalk art or sidewalk art, and then we thought about the library garage door, doing a mural on it, and because we've had support through some really great community sponsors and funders, we were able to take this project to the next level."

Further plans for the project itself will be released at the event this week, but Paul and Moss have been working with The Graphic Factory out of Onanole, to turn the art into something that will stand the test of time says Moss.

"We are actually having the artwork fabricated by The Graphic Factory, which is run by Derek Boyd out of Onanole. He's done the Northgate sign and some City Hall signs, so we know he does beautiful work, so we're combining forces. Patrick's amazing art, but on this medium that will stand the test of time, and really change the landscape of Main Street, and really, the exterior of our Library."

Moss says the library is a place for everyone, and visual art is one way they can show people that.

"We welcome everyone, from all walks of life. We're one of the last places in our community where everything's free, and we have a little something for everyone. We're very diverse, and we want to continue to be that special spot in our community. I think visual imagery is an important part of that too. It captivates the curiosity and attention of people, and hopefully will draw them in, and welcome people."

Paul has done a lot of work around the community and is currently working on a mural in the Bearpit at the DRCSS.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 6, 2023 - 6:13 am