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Yesterday we reported on the Dauphin Correctional Centre Coalition getting a response from Justice Minister Cliff Cullen.
A part of that letter said an agreement has been reached with the MGEU regarding the jobs at the DCC.
MGEU President, Michelle Gawronsky shares her thoughts.
“We’ve reached the best deal we could at this point. It’s still not an agreement that’s satisfactory to justice in Manitoba and what is needed. There is a jail and that healing centre is desperately needed in our province. The government has not reversed that decision, we’re still calling on the government to do that.”
Gawronsky says the deal provides options.
“Which range from displacing junior members in Dauphin according to the collective agreement, taking a position at another correctional facility if they choose to relocate, others are feeling they can’t do either, they’re going to be forced to leave the service, either through retirement or by accepting a permanent layoff. Like I said, this is not meeting the needs of justice, it’s not meeting the needs of the members, and it’s certainly not meeting the needs or having any consideration for the community.”
Gawronsky says that even though there’s an agreement in place for the jobs, they won’t give up in the fight to change the government’s decision.
“We will still call on this government to reverse that decision, maintain the jail in Dauphin, build the new jail and build the new healing centre as was promised. On Thursday, March 5th, we will be presenting the petition that has been signed by hundreds and hundreds of Manitobans to support this decision in reversing the government’s decision.”
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
A national recall is in effect for certain types of diabetes medications due to the concerns that it could be linked to cancer. The recall is for certain brands that contain metformin, one of the main drugs you would be prescribed to take if you were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The drug helps control blood sugar levels.
However, the recall doesn't affect customers who go through Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy or the Winnipegosis Clinic Pharmacy.
"We're definitely getting a lot of questions and we're monitoring the situation pretty closely," said Barret Procyshyn, Pharmacist at the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy and Winnipegosis Clinic Pharmacy. "We're happy to report that it doesn't affect the metformin that we use at both of our stores."
Some of the certain brands are linked to contain high levels of an organic compound called N-Nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA. Although the recall hasn't hit the WCP or DCP just yet, Barett can't confirm that it won't indeed in the future.
"There could be some shortages down the line, but that hasn't happened yet," continued Procyshyn. "We have seen this type of thing happen in the past where a certain type of medication is taken off the market somewhere and then right here at home."
Staff at the WCP and DCP has been instructed to order as much supply as possible so they don't run out.
"That's because Metformin is such a commonly used medication," he continued.
If you are on metformin and you're concerned about the shortage, it's recommended that you talk with your pharmacist so a plan can be made.
"Don't run out of your medication before you re-order it, that's really important," Procyshyn concluded.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Correctional Centre Coalition group had sent a letter to Justice Minister Cliff Cullen to get more information about the closure of the jail.
In Cliff Cullen’s response, he says an agreement has been reached with the union regarding those with jobs at the DCC.
The province will be offering employment to the staff at the DCC and have a plan to support the staff who choose to relocate as well as those staying in Dauphin.
Cullen says the employees have been informed of all the options available to them and there’ll be support available for retraining if they choose to stay in the Dauphin area.
Cullen says he recognizes the significant impact that the DCC closure will have and that the government remains committed to assisting all the staff during this difficult time.
According to Cullen, a commitment has been made to work with the City of Dauphin, RM of Dauphin, and all the municipalities within the region to attract new investments to the Parkland and Dauphin.
In addition, Cullen says the government recognizes that Dauphin is a significant regional hub and will continue to be a major centre for delivering government services.
“That is why we have invested $47M in the City of Dauphin to build the new Emergency Department and the new MRI at Dauphin Health Centre. It is why we announced that we are opening a new Kidney Dialysis Centre in Dauphin. We will continue to make investments in the region to help Dauphin and the Parkland grow.”
Cullen finished the letter by saying his office will be reaching out to schedule an appointment with the coalition group.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Four years later, the RCMP still looks for answers in the missing persons case of Lorlene Bone, from Indian Birch First Nation.
Bone was 31-years-old when she went missing on February 29th, 2016 and on that day, she called her mother from Shoal River.
She is described as approximately 5’5” tall, 155 lbs with brown eyes and black hair, but was known to often dye her hair red or blonde.
Lorlene spent her last few days in Indian Birch First Nation, Swan River and Shoal River.
On February 25, 2016, Lorlene was in Indian Birch First Nation, on February 26, 2016, Lorlene was in Swan River and then headed to Shoal River, on February 27 or 28, 2016, Lorlene made a day trip to Swan River and then back to Shoal River, and on February 29, 2016, Lorlene was last seen in Shoal River.
The RCMP are urging anyone with information regarding Lorlene’s whereabouts to contact the Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Secure online tips can also be made at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Months of preparation and consultation has led to Manitoba deciding when to reveal their 2020 budget.
Wednesday, March 11, Finance Minister Scott Fielding will present the budget.
“We have compiled a fiscal plan for the year ahead that focuses on the issues that matter most to Manitobans,” said Fielding in a press release. “Our priorities continue to be making life more affordable in our province, while strengthening the public services they depend on and building a brighter future for all Manitobans.”
Fielding notes the province is still on the right track to lower the deficit, as the mid-year fiscal update for 2019-20 projected a lowered deficit of $350 million, slightly ahead of plan.
In the lead-up to the budget, the province spoke to 18,000 people across the province. Public meetings were held in Altona, Brandon Flin Flon, Gimli, Steinbach, Swan River, The Pas, Thompson and Winnipeg as well as stakeholder sessions and two telephone town hall forums.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The province's first spring flood outlook report has been released.
The report states the only rivers running at above normal flows are the Red; Souris; and Saskatchewan rivers, while the Dauphin river, along with Lake Winnipegosis and Dauphin Lake are at near-normal levels.
If you like numbers, the report shows the current level of Dauphin Lake at 260.34 meters (854.14 feet), and Lake Winnipegosis is at 253.19 meters (830.68 feet).
Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said the focus is currently on the Red River, where they are expecting a significant inflow of water from the northern United States, but with favourable weather conditions in Manitoba, they would expect water levels similar to last spring.
He added that the Assiniboine River basin and other rivers are expected to remain mostly in bank, with possible over-bank high water covering agricultural land.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre plans to release a second Spring Thaw Outlook in late March. You can view the current report here.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
In the past week, the RCMP has responded to two snowmobile collisions resulting in a fatality.
Last week on Thursday RCMP responded to a snowmobile collision on the side of Highway 45 near Road 126 W, west of Elphinstone.
After an investigation, it was determined both drivers were travelling next to each other in a field, went over a steep embankment and collided with the ground causing serious injuries.
A 44-year-old male from Strathclair, and a 20-year-old male from the RM of Yellowhead, were both taken to hospital with serious injuries.
On February 24, the 20-year-old male succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
The other incident happened last Saturday night.
The RCMP responded to a snowmobile collision near Rocky Lake East Road, just north of The Pas. A 26-year-old man from The Pas was pronounced dead on the scene, while a 22-year-old female was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The initial investigation determined both were on the snowmobile when it hit a tree. In a press release, the RCMP reminds everyone to take precautions when riding a snowmobile, and remember to;
- Ride sober
- Always wear a helmet and protective clothing
- Know your abilities and ride within your limits
- Be alert and slow down when operating on unfamiliar terrain
- Always ride in groups and ensure people know your route and when you are expected to return
- Be cautious of ice thickness when crossing frozen bodies of water
- Stay on the trails and in areas where snowmobiling is permitted
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Tomorrow (Friday) marks the last day to apply for the Dauphin Community Foundation spring grant intake.
Applications can be made for any organizations that are registered or affiliated with a charity.
Kit Daley, executive director of Dauphin and District Community Foundation says that she is eager to get involved with the projects.
"If there are any projects or organizations that have something in mind that could use some financial assistance we say absolutely, submit it and our board will review it and see if we can financially support it. We are anxious to receive applications because we always get excited to get behind projects that are going to benefit our community.”
This year they have roughly $90,000 available in grant money.
Funds are accepted towards charities, scholarships, organizations and more.
She adds that the beauty of donating to the Community Foundation is that the donation will continue to give forever because they are investing in it and helping it to continue to grow year after year while interest is given back to the community.
For more information or to apply go to dauphincommunityfoundation.ca
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
The Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce had their second Breakfast Series day today and the presentation was done by Mick Lautt on working with teams.
Lautt explored the dynamics of a high-performance team and broke down what the foundation would look like, the stages of working together, and how to get to collective success.
“So we looked at some pieces about how we build trust in relationships, we looked at how we communicate clearly around how we are moving forward and where we’re going, we looked at having a commitment to a plan and have clarity around what that plan looks like, we moved into looking at a culture of accountability, and then finally, just reiterating that this focus is on collective success and on results that allow everyone to be successful and achieve their goals.”
To create a high-performance team, Lautt says there has to be a foundation about why we’re working together in the first place.
“With that foundation, we look at how we want to operate, so what are some of the values and cultural pieces we want to have, and then the relationships we need to build in order to do that difficult work to get to that level. I think that’s really a part of it, having a strong foundation, working together with individuals, what are the pieces there to have strong relationships, and then focusing on that collective goal in the end.”
One of the most important factors in having a high-performance team is having a good leader.
“I think a good leader understands these dynamics and is actively managing them every day. So part of leadership is setting a foundation, to work for them, and part of leadership is making sure that everybody has clarity on where we’re going and how we’re going to get there, so having clarity around roles, clarity around process and procedure, and then just guiding and role-modelling along the way, but guiding your team through these 5 different stages of human dynamics that allow us to achieve those goals. That’s a big part of leadership.”
Those 5 stages of human dynamics are trust, effective communication, commitment, accountability and desired results.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
If you heard an alarm going off at Credit Union Place Wednesday night, that's because there was an amonia leak.
The Dauphin Fire Department responded to reports of the leak around 9:15. When they arrived, they were met by Dauphin Recreation staff who told them there was a concentration in the compressor room area of 300 parts per million. A concentration of 500 ppm is considered immediately dangerous to life and health.
Fire fighters then entered Credit Union Place to activate the emergency shut off, while others made sure there was no one else still in the facility.
The building was ventilated and once readings returned to normal, things were turned back over to facility staff. In a release, the Dauphin Fire Department commended Dauphin Rec Services for their quick response to the incident and for how they were able to evacuate the public safely.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Mountain View School Division is seeking to be considered in the mental health in schools initiative.
The initiative was announced by the Province of Manitoba in December.
MVSD has been hosting mental health first aid training for staff.
Some of the topics in the training include eating disorders, substance-related disorders, and self-harm.
Psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are also discussed.
The superintendent of MVSD Dan Ward says that mental health is something that should be recognized by all schools.
“Students, who are supported in their schools to attain positive mental health, not only perform better academically, but by and large, are happier children and young people. I think that’s an essential role that schools play.”
While Ward says the schools' staff doesn’t replace any medical professional, they have the skills to recognize concerns in students.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
