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CKDM continues its profiles of the candidates seeking your vote on April 28th in the Riding Mountain constituency federal election.
Today it is NDP candidate Andy Maxwell, who says he was drawn into this race by the recent behaviour of U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Right now, with Trump changing his mind every five minutes with ridiculous things such as taking over Gaza or the Panama Canal or taking over Canada, he is a threat to our sovereignty. And it is a very dangerous time. So we need that team Canada approach and I would like to be a part of that."
A former dentist in Swan River, Maxwell ran for the NDP in the 2023 provincial election.
Now retired, Maxwell says he has plenty of time for the job, especially to learn the ins and outs of being a politician.
"I have not been paid (to be a politician) like (Swan River MLA) Rick Wowchuk and Dan Mazier so they are a little quicker on issues than I am. But they had to learn, so if they can, then I can."
Tariffs from both the U.S. and China on agricultural products, and improvements to health care are two key issues for Maxwell in this campaign.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
June 23, 2023, is a day that David and Valerie McInnes will never forget.
That's when they welcomed their first furry guest to Barkland Pet Resort & Crematorium. They have welcomed hundreds since, and David is looking forward to celebrating the second anniversary later this year.
"It has been an amazing experience, we have had our fair share of ups and downs, the learning curve was tremendous," said McInnes. "The rewards of all of the furry friends we get to meet are utterly amazing."
David and Valerie have always taken immense pride in taking care of people. Whether that be family or furry friends, they are two incredible people who love to lend a helping hand when they can. From 2011 to 2019, they fostered 13 children through the Child Welfare System, and also homed several Dauphin Kings players over the years. At one time, they had three goaltenders and their son in one home.
"When that came to an end, we were looking for another way to support our community," said McInnes. "Manitoba is in a bit of a pandemic with unhomed domestic pets, those looking for needs, care and medical attention. To support someone who can't speak for themselves and protect and care for them, it's something extremely close to our hearts."
Over the past two years, Barkland Resort & Crematorium has focused on enhancing the experience and comfort of its guests by adding value and new amenities, including having on-site kennel technicians from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
There are also expanded check-in and pick-up hours. While David and Valerie are the faces that are front and centre, David knows this couldn't be pulled off without his staff.
"We have a very passionate, very caring, and very emotional pack of support that comes along with us," continued McInnes. "Our team is utterly amazing, they care so much about our guests. I can't say enough about our team, they're such a special group."
As of June 1, 2025, there will be some changes for overnight stays.
- One Dog - $29.40 GST included;
- Two Dogs in the same suite - $35.00 GST included;
- One Cat - $19.00 GST included; and
- Two Cats in the same suite - $22.00 GST included.
The new rates include a Kuranda bed at no additional charge. David says they started looking at other kennels and what they charge, finding they are by far on the lower scale. Many are substantially more expensive, some charging upwards of $70 per night.
"We want to remain economical for people in our region so they can afford a pet, but still be able to go away when they need to, and when their pets can't go with them, they still have a safe place to stay," ended McInnes. "We want to be in a position where we can cover our costs and be sustainable moving forward."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
For the first time since 2019, Dauphin will host the Zirka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble this weekend.
The event runs on Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday.
"Definitely excited to have 19 dance groups from Manitoba and Saskatchewan coming to town this weekend," said Csversko. "It adds up to more than 850 dancers. It's a weekend packed with Ukrainian dancing. The entertainment is going to be incredible."
"To see all of the bright costumes, the high energy, and tempo," continued Csversko. "There's upbeat music. If you have yet to take part in any other Ukrainian dance performances, definitely come and check it out, you will be very impressed."
"We're very grateful to the Dauphin Kings and Parkland Rec Services for accommodating this," continued Csversko. "With the Kings being in the final now, we had to juggle around the schedule, and the three groups came together to make it happen."
"From beginners to advanced groups, dancers of all ages and skill levels," ended Csversko. "It's a great competition to watch."
For this year's event, day passes are $15, and weekend passes are $25. A 50/50 draw will be held, and local vendors will line the upper concourse.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Residents at the candidate's forum on Tuesday in Dauphin were asked what they thought about what the candidates had to say.
Ernie, from Dauphin, had this to say: "Well I think they provided a little bit of insight on what their parties were standing for, but the reality is in this particular riding is that its a forgone conclusion but I do however do give them a lot of credit for coming out here."
Jim, also from Dauphin, when asked to comment, said this "I would have liked some questions after to be answered by different candidates, and I was specifically going after our Liberal candidate for Dauphin." Both men had questions for the candidates after the forum concluded.
Executive Director of the chamber, Steven Chychota, had to say about the forum. "We had most of the candidates out today, unfortunately, not everyone could make it, but a good opportunity that we could have them out and answer some questions."
Chychota also explained why the Green Party and Conservative Party candidates couldn't make it out. "Weather was a factor, worrying about roads and how this was all gonna play out, and Environment Canada was saying something big was coming, and I guess we are still in the middle of it."
This was the last and only candidates' forum held in Dauphin before the election.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
New businesses or existing businesses looking to expand are encouraged to take part in Fusion Credit Union's Community Infusion program.
Applications are being accepted from now until June 8th, at which time a short list will be determined to send in business plans for their ideas.
A final short list will then be selected, with those entrepreneurs pitching their plan to a panel of judges at a live event on October 21st in Hamiota.
The finalists will then share in thirty thousand in grant money.
Fusion CEO Darwin Johns says they are proud to support economic development in the communities they serve.
"By encouraging these small businesses and start-ups through our Community Infusion program. And chatting with a number of the participants in the past, they see a lot of value in the process, not just simply the grant money. The local economic development promotes community resilience, enhances community identity, and ensures residents take pride in our local products\ and services."
Application forms and more details can be found online at www.fusioncu.com.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 37-year-old man was arrested and faces several charges after hitting a home in Dauphin while driving impaired.
On April 14 at 8:20 p.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a possible impaired driver near Main Street in Dauphin. While they were responding, the vehicle hit a home at Triangle Trailer Court.
When officers arrived, the man was in the driver's seat and had a strong odour of alcohol on his breath. An open bottle of alcohol was also within reach of the driver's seat, along with a bag of unstamped cigarettes.
Once arrested, he refused to comply with a breath demand for alcohol.
His charges include:
- Failure or refusal to comply with the demand (alcohol);
- Operation while impaired (alcohol) of a motor vehicle;
- Dangerous Operation of a motor vehicle;
- Mischief over $5,000 – Damage to Property;
- Carry Liquor in Vehicle Contrary to the LGCC Act; and
- Possesses fewer than 25 units of unmarked tobacco.
The vehicle was towed and impounded for 180 days, no physical injuries were reported to the driver not the occupants of the home.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
With the federal election now less than a week away, local voters will have a chance tonight to hear where the candidates in the Riding Mountain constituency sit on a number of issues.
An all-candidates forum is being organized by the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and is set for 6 pm tonight at the Dauphin Active Living Centre.
The event has been moved ahead by an hour to allow people to attend both it and the Dauphin Kings playoff game, which begins at 7:30 at nearby Credit Union Place.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota says no questions or comments will be taken from the floor during the forum, but voters are encouraged to chat with the candidates before or after the event.
"We will have the doors open early and hopefully have the candidates there early enough so that you can meet and talk with them then. Even after the event, they are encouraged to stick around, so if there are questions that you are holding on to or if something pops up during the event itself and you want more clarification, you will have that opportunity to network with them."
This is the only all-candidates forum being planned for Dauphin during the campaign.
Election day is Monday, April 28th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
CKDM News Now is continuing its profiles of each of the candidates in the Riding Mountain Constituency for Monday's federal election.
The last time that the Parkland region was represented in Ottawa by the Liberal party was from 1993 to 1997, when Marlene Cowling served as the Member of Parliament for what was at the time known as the Dauphin-Swan River constituency.
Terry Hayward is hoping to change that as of April 28th.
"The Liberal party has always been interested in this riding. But to be honest, rural candidates in Manitoba have always been difficult to find. I have been a candidate before. This is my fifth run as a candidate in a rural Manitoba riding. Riding Mountain is a beautiful riding, great people, and I see change happening here."
Hayward last ran federally for the Liberals in the 2019 federal election in the Brandon-Souris riding.
A resident of Anola, Hayward may not live in the Riding Mountain riding, but he knows the issues here are similar to his home area.
"This is a rural riding, and we share all of the same issues concerning rural ridings, anywhere small towns and rural ridings. We have housing issues, crime issues, food price issues, the common issue of what is happening to us south of the U-S border and people travelling. So I think there is a commonality there."
The Manitoba Election Readiness chair for the Liberal Party, Hayward is also a substitute teacher at an elementary school in the Sunrise School Division.
Hayward says it is time once again for the Riding Mountain constituency to be represented within a Liberal government, this time headed by Mark Carney.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Neepawa is set to be coloured in all the brightest colours on May 24.
Rotary - The New Wave Neepawa will host a colour run starting at 10:00 a.m. at Rotary Park in that community. You can choose either a one-kilometre or a five-kilometre walk or run.
"At different checkpoints, you'll be blasted with powered colour," said Jenna Lowry, organizer. "By the end of your run, everyone will be all colourful. It's a fun way to get everyone together to raise funds for a new playground at Rotary Park."
Early bird pricing is in effect until Friday. It's $40 for those aged 16 and older, $20 for those aged between five and 15. Four and under are free. Lowry encourages those of all ages to attend.
"That's why we did either the one-kilometre or five-kilometre route, it's for anyone," ended Lowry. "You can walk, run, bike, anything you want. Bring the dog, whatever you want."
Prices after Friday will increase. To register, head to Colour Run Neepawa.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Town of Swan River is gearing up for a community-wide clean-up on Thursday.
From 11 to 1, community members will go around town picking up garbage, recycling, and any needles they find. Hosted by the Swan River Sharps Committee, everyone in Swan River is encouraged to lend a helping hand.
If you have time, you're asked to meet at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre at the Outdoor Pavilion on Thursday just before 11:00 a.m.
There will be prizes and snacks as well for those who help.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Job seekers are encouraged to polish up their resumes and bring it with them to the Parkland Business Expo next month.
Dauphin's Countryfest is managing this year's expo, and President Duane McMaster says they will be allowing exhibitors to post signs at their booths, announcing that they are hiring.
"We are very pleased to be able to continue to offer that option there. We want our exhibitors to be able to show off everything they make, what they have for sale, and the services that they provide. And also, that they can let people know that they are hiring, and that way maybe that way people will be able to reach out and introduce themselves and find out a little bit about the organization, and maybe we might be able to connect some job seekers with employers."
Job seekers and exhibitors can find out more information at the Community Resources table during the Business Expo, which takes place May 3rd and 4th at the Parkland Rec Complex.
The table will be located in Credit Union Place, next to the Assiniboine College Parkland Campus booth.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
