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The province is taking steps to relieve the financial burden on Manitobans that have invested in post-secondary education.
Premier Brian Pallister announced that the province is suspending the repayment of student loans for six months.
The temporary stoppage of repayments is similar to a measure put in place by the federal government under the Canada Student Loan Program.
From April 1st to September 30th, the Department of Economic Development and Training has suspended all repayments of loans under the Manitoba Student Aid Program.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Prairie Mountain Health CEO Penny Gilson is reflecting on the remarkable effort of front line staff during this challenging time.
She’s also reminding everyone to continue following public health orders, as it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep our front line providers safe.
The health authority is currently focused on guidelines for personal protective equipment (PPE), and are working to ensure equipment is sourced and available for staff. For most PMH sites at this time, it’s business as usual, but the health authority is planning ahead in case things change. The PMH CEO says it's one of the most intense aspects of the planning that’s happening right now.
Testing has been going pretty smoothly at Prairie Mountain’s two testing locations, according to Gilson. There is one testing site in Dauphin, and another in Brandon.
When it comes to things like limitations to visitation policies at long-term care homes, Gilson thanks everyone for their patience and understanding, and says these are critical measures we have to have in place right now.
Ultimately, these measures are meant to give front line staff the best opportunity to continue getting patients and residents the care they need.
You can access the latest COVID information from the provincial government, as well as the online screening tool, by visiting www.Manitoba.ca/covid19.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Thirteen new cases of COVID-19 have been announced today, bringing the total number of cases in Manitoba to 217.
There have been no new cases identified in the Prairie Mountian Health region, where the number of cases remains at eleven.
Officials have also announced Manitoba’s 3rd COVID related death.
Twelve individuals are currently being hospitalized.
So far, there have been twenty-one individuals recovered.
While many families get together for Easter or Passover celebrations, health officials remind people to not let their guard down by gathering this year.
If you are concerned about your exposure to, or risk of having COVID-19 you should call health links at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Parcel delivery in the Parkland has been able to continue relatively smoothly during the COVID outbreak.
Darcy from Dawson Logistics tells CKDM his company is making some significant changes to package delivery, in order to meet social distancing guidelines.
The signing of parcels is no longer required, which helps delivery staff and customers stay safe by avoiding contact closer than 6 feet. Darcy explains that his staff can now simply ring a doorbell, drop the package off and walk away. The company is also taking extra measures to ensure important packages are received.
Delivery vehicles are now equipped with disinfectant wipes, gloves, and sanitizer. Darcy says it’s important to educate staff on their role in ensuring their safety, and the safety of customers.
Dawson Logistics regularly functions as a pick-up point for Maple Bus Lines, however, Darcy explains bus line service has been suspended now since early March. He says that particular company often uses 15-seat vans, which can not safely transport passengers at this time.
All in all, Darcy says he’s pleased with the way his business and staff have adjusted to the new health guidelines. He says it’s been a big wakeup call for everybody.
Dawson Logistics have a fleet of delivery vehicles that cover the Parkland, and service four major courier companies, including UPS and DHL.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Fusion Credit Union has announced that Darwin Johns will become the financial cooperative’s Chief Executive Officer. Johns will take over for Ron Hedley who is set to retire.
Johns is currently the Chief Risk Officer and he will assume his role as CEO on May 4.
Guy Huberdeau is the President of the Board of Directors and he had this to say on Johns becoming the CEO of Fusion Credit Union.
"He's worked in every different field of this organization over the years," said Huberdeau. "He's very strong in the financial end of the industry and especially in the time of chaos right now, the board thought it was very important to hire someone with a strong financial background."
When they were in search of a new CEO, Fusion Credit Union made it a point to hire someone who could take over and continue with what Ron has done over his lengthy career. Guy says Johns may not have the same characteristics as Ron; however, he's a great fit.
"It's honestly pretty hard to hire a guy just like Ron," he added. "He did a tremendous job and we know that Darwin will continue with that, he's going to do an excellent job."
Johns’ professional experience is extensive, going back to 2000 when he began as a Member Services Representative for Vanguard Credit Union while he was still a student at Brandon University.
After ten years as a lender he was appointed Vice-President Finance and Technology in 2010, and later Vice-President Finance and Risk Management. In conjunction with the Fusion Credit Union amalgamation in 2018, he was named Chief Risk Officer.
"I've known Darwin since he started in the Credit Union system and it was always his goal to climb up the ladder," concluded Huberdeau. "Once he became a Vice-President, he made it well known that his next goal was to become the Chief Executive Officer and he has now achieved that goal."
Johns has pursued ongoing education and achieved professional designations through the Credit Union Institute of Canada at Dalhousie University and a bachelor’s degree from Brandon University.
He’s also active in the community, coaching hockey and baseball and serving on a number of volunteer boards over the years, including his current position on the Hamiota Education Stakeholders Committee. He lives near Kenton with his wife Erin, son Kyle and twin daughters Addison and Haily.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Jasper's TV has become one of the newest YouTube pages started and it's all thanks to a Dauphin family. Led by Jasper, the Rauliuk's have put together the channel which now has nine videos.
In those videos, you'll see Jasper and Mitchell videotape what they're doing these days as both are off school because of COVID-19. They started the channel as something to do in a time where everyone is practicing social distancing and aren't spending perhaps as much time as they would like with their family and friends.
Thanks to Jasper's TV, everyone is able to stay up to date with what the Rauliuk's are doing.
"I just told them it would be a good and fun idea to make some videos with what they're doing every day," said Ryan Rauliuk. "We had to convince Jasper that he's okay to be on the camera and once we did that, they've done a great job with it."
The page which is open to anyone has 13 subscribers. The first video was published six days ago and it's called "1st video that Jasper does on YouTube". This is where Jasper rides his bike three times around his cul-de-sac to see how fast he can get it done. That video has already been viewed more than 165 times.
"It's slowly taking off here and people are tuning in to check it out," Rauliuk added.
Another video shows off Jasper's sweet hands as he continues to enjoy the game of hockey more and more every day.
"You will probably see more hockey videos down the road, Jasper is really enjoying those," said Rauliuk.
Just as Ryan says, you can expect more videos moving forward. You can also check out all of the nine current videos by heading to Jasper's TV which is available on your favourite device, 24/7, 365.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It was a tall order for Dauphin's ICT Manager, Justin Tokarchuk, but a job well done.
The first virtual city council meeting went off without a hitch, as council members convened using Microsoft Team software, instead of in-person.
Deputy City Manager Renee Sigurdson remarked council is very fortunate to have the technological means to continue government operations.
One item of note on the agenda was a proposal to defer the Accommodation Tax, a 5% tax at hotels designed to support the growth of tourism and the local economy. However, city staff acknowledge it’s a difficult time for hotels that have been classified as non-essential businesses, and have decided that 2020 is not the right time to introduce the new tax.
The Accommodation Tax was originally submitted to the Province for approval to begin May 1, 2020, and has now been delayed to January 1st, 2021 to allow more time for review.
You can watch the full meeting here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
All 18 Fusion Credit Union branches will be making changes to best suit the needs of their community.
For our location here in Dauphin, that means limiting in-person transactions as much as possible.
CEO Ron Hedley explains Fusion is restricting access and encouraging people to do as much as they can online, without face to face contact.
This can be a challenge for those of us that don’t have access to the internet, and older folks that may not be as comfortable with online banking. But Ron tells us Fusion Credit Union is looking out for all their customers.
“Our older members are as important as anyone. We have been accommodating them with cash withdrawals. We will deliver cash to them too, if they require. It’s all working out well.”
If you need assistance, you can call the Dauphin branch at (204) 622-4500.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Almost all of the Dauphin Senior Centre’s services have been temporarily put on hold.
Program co-ordinator Kim Armstrong says they're continuing with their congregate meal program, but as per government instructions, can only operate only on a take-out basis. Kim says it’s scary to think of how many seniors in our community will resort to a “tea & toast” diet without the Centre’s meal delivery program.
Earlier in March, the Centre’s doors were unlocked, and seniors were still able to come in and exchange books and puzzles.
Now the doors are locked. Seniors can come ring the bell at the Centre and get some assistance, but services are very limited right now. The congregate meal program is one of the only services still running.
“We’re keeping the meal program as a service to the seniors that are able to participate in it. People may come in and pick up their meal, but they have to leave. There is no congregating here.”
According to Kim, all of the Centre’s objectives have ground to a halt. They still offer support where they can, but are not able to provide that essential 1-on-1, in-person service.
“We are concerned about our seniors being isolated. We understand the distancing directives, but these people are already at risk of isolation, and this is putting them into a whole new category.
“It’s something we were not prepared for. I don’t know how anyone could have prepared for this.”
For now, Kim is playing the waiting game, and says she’s thinking ahead to when the Centre can get back to doing what they do. At the same time, safe delivery of services is going to remain the priority.
The Dauphin Senior Center is still taking phone calls at this time to offer support however they can, at 204-638-6485.
You can also email get in touch by email, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and visit the Senior Centre website here.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
We hope to see more daily COVID updates like this.
There is just one additional case of COVID-19 identified in Manitoba today.
Public health officials tell us the total number of probable and lab-confirmed cases in our province is now 204.
17 people are listed as recovered from the virus. The number of deaths remains at 2.
In the Prairie Mountain Health region, there are 11 lab-confirmed cases.
Yesterday there were 11 COVID screening tests conducted at the Dauphin drive-thru location. Since the first day of testing on April 2nd, Dauphin's COVID screening site has tested a total of 56 people.
Dr. Brent Roussin, our chief provincial public health officer, says if you’re heading outside to enjoy the spring weather, you need to be mindful of social distancing guidelines.
“It’s natural to want to get out and enjoy this weather," he says, "but we need to maintain physical distancing at all times. If you go to the park and you see many cars there, many people and it’s getting crowded, you need to turn back."
"We need to stay active, but not in large groups of people.”
Dr. Roussin notes the virus is mainly transferred through large droplets from the lungs. However, new evidence suggests people who have COVID-19 but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus.
With that being said, Canadian medical experts now agree that wearing a non-medical, homemade mask can help you protect others.
Keep in mind, you should not be using medical-grade masks, as they need to be reserved for our frontline medical professionals.
Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The fall of gas prices has slowed down or even stopped in some places.
Manitoba’s average dropped by 1.2 cents per litre in the past week, while gas in Dauphin hasn’t changed from the 74.9 c/L price last week on Monday.
According to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy gas prices might be at their lowest.
“Average gasoline prices in Canada are showing signs they are near a bottom, holding at nearly the same level from a week ago, the lowest level since 2008, while crude oil prices have risen marginally. While a meeting between Saudi Arabia and Russia scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled, it appears possible the meeting will happen later in the week. The two parties have been expected to meet to discuss an oil production cut, which boosted oil prices nearly $7 per barrel last week on hopes it would materialize and eat into the global glut of crude oil. The outcome of the meeting has a potential to put a floor on gas prices, but without knowing what may happen, it's a bit premature to say with certainty that prices have bottomed out or not."
Including the change in gas prices in Manitoba during the past week, prices yesterday were 54.2 c/L lower than the same day a year ago, and 31.5 c/L lower than a month ago.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
