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With a growing urban population, some believe there is an increasing disconnect between people and knowing where their food comes from.
One way to better inform the public, according to Dauphin MLA Brad Michaleski, is through provincial government supported livestock education. Michaleski introduced a private member’s resolution with this in mind.
In a media release, Michaleski says Manitobans have traditionally understood where their food comes from and that they are proud of the farming process. He noted that there are changing lifestyles in the province leading to the disconnect.
“Our hard-working livestock producers deserve support and recognition for their contributions to our province. It’s important that we highlight the essential education and appreciation of our diverse agricultural supply chain that feeds people around the world,” said Michaleski.
The resolution was prevented from going to a vote because Opposition MLAs used their allotted speaking time to run out the clock and prevent it from going to a vote.
Since 2016, the private sector has invested more than $1.2 billion in Manitoba’s food processing industry.
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The Dauphin Fire Department is looking for new members.
Fire chief Cam Abrey says he thinks being a part of the fire service is the most rewarding way to give back to the community.
Being a firefighter is very demanding physically and mentally.
Firefighters also have to be prepared to see things normal people wouldn’t during a tragedy. There are processes in place to assist members when it comes to critical incident stress.
There are some requirements to begin the interview process. You must be at least 18 years of age, completed Grade 12 or equivalent, possess the mental and physical health to adequately perform the duties of a firefighter, have a valid Class 5F license, and submit a criminal record check, vulnerable sector inquiry, and a Manitoba drivers license abstract.
The fire department is allowed to have a maximum of 36 members to ensure enough people will be available to respond to a call and limit the number of calls for help to surrounding fire departments.
If you would like to be a part of the fire department you can contact Abrey at 204-622-3100 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation is getting rid of nine positions.
Jared Munro, the president of MASC, wrote in a letter to employees that five positions would be cut this year with four others in the next fiscal year.
Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler says these positions were vacant even before the current government took power. Noting no one has held any of the positions since before April 2016.
“Let me be real clear that these are not cuts they are actually red tape. These positions were vacant prior to us coming into government. Part of our dialogue that we’ve had and commitment to the people that elected us, we wanted to make sure that we have the right size of public service.”
In 2016, a Fiscal Performance Review was done where it recommended a reduction of staff positions in the private sector by eight per cent.
“There’s less and less people actually going to rural offices, a lot of them do it online. It’s far more efficient for their time. Of course, we’re happy to sit down with any producer to assist them. But most of them are pretty good at technology anyway. Certainly, a new generation we see younger and younger farmers move forward will have the opportunity to help them help us and provide the best service that we can for our farm families,” Eichler said.
In the letter, Munro wrote he noted it will ‘require a strong commitment’ to adopt innovative ideas that streamline the work MASC does.
The list of the first five positions includes Senior Credit Assistant, Program Analyst, Administrative Assistant, Regional Credit Assistant, and Records Officer.
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Two employees at the Beach Road Service in Sandy Bay First Nation were victims of an armed robbery.
Around 11:06 last night Manitoba First Nations Police responded to an Armed Robbery alarm.
The employees told police that two masked males came into the store through the back door and pointed firearms at the workers while they robbed the store.
The thieves took an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes. They fled the scene using an ATV.
Police looked around the area but were not able to find the suspects.
They are asking for information about the suspects. You can call the Sandy Bay Detachment at 204-843-7705 or Crime Stoppers.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
Stonewall RCMP are investigating a Stony Mountain Institution homicide.
On Saturday, a 27-year-old man was stabbed during an altercation with three other inmates.
The man received life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene later on.
Three males have been arrested and charged in relation to the incident.
31-year-old Stephen Wilfred Wood has been charged with second-degree murder, 36-year-old Stephen Michael Konowalchuk has been charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and 27-year-old Adrian Joseph Sefa has been charged with assault.
Officers from the Stonewall Detachment, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, are continuing the investigation.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The government of Manitoba is investing in a number of health care initiatives as they partner with the federal government.
The two governments announced the bilateral agreement on home and community care, and mental health and addiction services.
Some of the initiatives include enhancing supports for rural palliative care and increasing access to co-ordinated care for mental health and addiction services.
The provincial government will invest federal funding of around $182 million over five years.
“The Government of Canada is committed to working collaboratively with the provinces and territories to ensure that Canadians have timely access to the health-care services they need,” said Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr.
Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living Cameron Friesen says the agreement will help build on initiatives already being undertaken to improve mental health and addictions services. It will also improve home care services that Manitobans increasingly need as the population gets older.
Other initiatives include implementing peer support in formal health-care settings for patients with mental health and addiction issues and developing intensive, community-based home care and supports to help avoid hospitalizations and long-term care admissions.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
Protected bike lanes are being installed in Dauphin.
The 4 kilometres of bike lanes will increase safety for children on bikes.
The project is being called the Safe Schools Route. The purpose is to connect all the schools in the city within a few blocks by bike lanes.
Steve Sobering, community energy manager for the City of Dauphin, says the first phase of the project should be completed in a few weeks. The rest of the project will be completed next year.
According to Sobering, one of the biggest criticisms for bike infrastructure is, we don’t see cyclists so why should we build infrastructure for them.
“The reason you don’t see cyclists is that cyclists don’t feel safe. If you have children or you’ve ever been in my scenario where you’re teaching your kid how to ride a bike, you’ve got a couple of kids behind you ‘ducky’ style and you’re travelling anywhere, there’s a high level of anxiety when you’re interacting with traffic and cars. The issue becomes it’s very obvious that sidewalks are for pedestrians, roads are for motorists and cyclists aren’t welcome in either of the spaces.”
The bike lanes can also be utilized by seniors on mobility scooters.
You can find out more by clicking here.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The Dauphin Food Bank has seen an increase in the number of people who use the service.
A hunger count the group did for Food Banks Canada in March found they served 111 families. That breaks down to 107 children and 141 adults.
In 2018 the Dauphin Food Bank gave out 32,374 pounds of food. Robin Gambler, Chair of the group, says they received 26 thousand pounds of donations. Noting the rest of the food had to be purchased.
Gambler says March was a typical month. They often see months with higher usage, noting it depends a lot on when people receive checks. Individuals might need to use the resource depending on how long they have to wait to shop.
There are several reasons for the increase in participation, with housing being one of the biggest.
“A lot of it is people on minimum wage and trying to pay high rent. Single people, people with disabilities, even seniors paying high rent, like if they’re not fortunate enough to get into lower housing, then they have to pay quite a bit,” Gambler said.
They would not be able to do what they do without help from the community. 128 volunteers shared 1780 hours of their time at the Food Bank over the last year.
Gambler notes they do all sorts of important things. “Fundraisers, sorting foods, stocking shelves, picking up bread, portioning, being there at the actual intake, and intake prep.”
According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2018 there were 1.1 million visits to food banks in March 2018. 35 percent of those who visit food banks across the country are children under the age of 18, yet they make up only 20 percent of Canada’s population.
The food bank is located at Parkland Crossing and runs every second Thursday.
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Grandview is getting ready to host a major concert next month.
The community won Countryfest’s ‘Our Birthday Your Party’ contest.
Rob Waloschuck, General Manager, says the community is excited and it’s going to be a great event.
“From here on they have to take over and prepare the facility, prepare ticket sales, all the kinds of things that go along with an event like this, making everyone comfortable, getting things ready for the bands to arrive.”
Waloschuck went to Grandview to make the official announcement last night.
Grandview is helping Countryfest celebrate their 30th anniversary.
“We decided when we began celebrating our 30th, what do we do to give back to the communities in Manitoba who supported Countryfest over the years. We decided to come up with this idea of a concert. We couldn’t do one in every town, but all the towns can rally around trying to get it to come to their town.”
Tickets to see Charlie Major and George Canyon, on May 18th, go on sale this Saturday. They will be available at various locations in Grandview as well as online.
The final vote tallies are below:
Grandview- 5952
Oakville - 5741
Arborg - 1491
The Pas - 1433
Oak Bank - 1339
Hamiota -1104
Boissevain -821
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
A Brandon man was stabbed in Dauphin over the weekend.
On Saturday, the 35- year- male was assaulted with a weapon on 4th Avenue SW. RCMP say it occurred around 4:35 in the afternoon.
He was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police say he is being uncooperative.
RCMP are continuing to investigate.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
New night hunting laws are in effect for Manitoba Métis Citizens.
Some of the changes include the prohibition on dangerous night spotlighting throughout the province, a ban on night hunting in “agro Manitoba” and permission to night hunt in “non-agro Manitoba.”
The Manitoba Metis Federation made the changes effective April 10th.
In a news release, the MMF said the changes are a result of Métis Citizens expressing their concerns with dangerous night hunting practices.
MMF President David Chartrand says the Métis People have relied on the land for generations and that the governance traditions of the Métis Nation emphasize sustainable, safe harvesting.
“Our People spoke, and the Manitoba Métis Government listened with these new night hunting laws. As founders of the Province of Manitoba, we take our role as partners in Confederation seriously. I am proud to enact legislation that protects the safety of all Manitobans,” stated MMF President David Chartrand.
The MMF hosted several sessions to get the feel and the thoughts of Métis Citizens. These new laws are a direct result of the consensus from the meetings.
These new night-hunting laws amend the Metis Laws of the Harvest 3rd Edition. The MMF established the Laws of the Harvest in 2012.
Night Hunting is hunting from dusk to dawn using natural light or artificial light when stationary. Night Spotlighting is the use of artificial light while night hunting.
The new night-hunting laws, Metis Laws of the Harvest, relevant maps, and definitions can be found here.
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