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A local company is hosting a first-of-its-kind virtual summit called Immigration on the Prairies at the start of February. 100th Meridian Immigration is hosting the summit from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on February 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
The summit is designed for municipal council & staff, economic development offices, as well as businesses, and Owner Lindsay Rubeniuk, says it's a great opportunity for those who want to learn if immigration should be a part of their growth strategy.
"That's really what the conference will be about, is exploring immigration, and not only the pathways, because everybody can look up a pathway, but it's to see if they can actually commit to that pathway, and even if it's for them."
Rubeniuk says the summit will focus on four main details, why immigration should be considered essential in business and community development, how immigration can build a workforce and develop community capacity, federal and provincial pathways best suited for prairie immigration, and how communities and businesses implemented immigration strategies successfully.
"I've been getting phone calls from everybody asking, you know Lindsay do you have a staff person, or do you have somebody that you can recommend? So without labour then our small businesses can't run, without small businesses, we don't have great taxes, and without taxes, we don't have the community services that we all need and that we've grown to love."
The conference will feature presentations from Marylin Crewe, the Economic Development Officer at the Town of Neepawa, Ron Johnson from Wisen UP Canada, Doug Griffiths from 13 Ways Inc., and Leanne Bily from the Russell Inn and Conference Centre.
You can register and find out more about the summit on the 100th Meridian Immigration website, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba(IIU) is Investigating the death of a man following interactions with the Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP.
On December 3rd, Ste. Rose RCMP officers responded to a call for service and found a suspect vehicle with four people in it, in the ditch on Provincial Road 481, south of Crane River. One of the suspects fled the scene, and the other three were all arrested.
On January 4th, the RCMP received a missing person report for the 29-year-old male suspect that fled the scene. On January 5th, officers went to the last known location of the individual and found his body in the woods. He's believed to have suffered from hypothermia.
As the incident involves a death, the IIU is investigating the case, and a request for a civilian monitor will be made to the Manitoba Police Commission.
Witnesses or other individuals who have information or video footage that may assist the investigation are asked to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060. The investigation is ongoing so the IIU isn't giving more details at this time.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Parkland Chamber of Commerce held its first lunch series event of the year this afternoon, highlighted by a presentation by Jordan Pernarowski from MNP Dauphin. Pernarowski's presentation was about digital incentive programs and a subsidy for employers to help with the increases to minimum wage.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota says it's great to have the Lunch Series back for another year.
"Amazing to have a room full of people back together for an interesting topic and some networking, and a really great lunch. The first one is always fun, it's nice to get this thing rocking a rolling early out of the gate, kind of kicking off the new year."
Today's event also saw the return of remote locations for chamber events, with Community Futures in Grandview serving as a satellite location. Chychota says they know that people aren't always able to make it to events during the day, and they want to make it possible for everyone who wants to join, to be a part of the event.
"It's a little unrealistic to expect that everybody would come to Dauphin for a lunch presentation. They're small business owners, even the ones in Dauphin, it's tough to get away from the office, or your small business, you might be the only employee, and you can't really shut things down."
The Chamber also has an online option available for anyone that wants to see the presentation but isn't able to attend either location in person.
City of Dauphin Economic Development Manager Martijn van Luijn also gave a presentation at the event about the City's upcoming new tourism campaign, and we'll have more information about that campaign in a story on Friday.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Manitoba Ag Days returns to the Keystone Centre in Brandon from next Tuesday, January 17th, to Thursday the 19th. The theme of this year's event is Farmer Health, Safety, and Wellness says Media Coordinator Teresa Vallotton.
"With this theme, we have an interactive virtual reality experience. We will also have three keynote speakers, speaking to our theme, Jon Montgomery, Chris Beaudry, and Big Daddy Tazz."
There are countless other speakers throughout the event, and a full schedule is available here. Vallotton says they've also created Ag Days merchandise for this year's event, with proceeds from that going to a good cause.
"We'll be supporting the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program through the purchase of Ag Days shirts. So we have never had Ag Days Swag before, available for purchase, this will be the first year you can get an Ag Days shirt and the proceeds will go to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program."
There's also a 50/50 available with the proceeds going to Ag Days Gives Back, and the 2023 Innovation Showcase will be taking place at the event. Purchase tickets and find more information about Ag Days at their website here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
2022 was the busiest year on record dating back to 2012 for the Dauphin Fire Department.
The DFD responded to 236 calls for service which was an approximate increase of 17.5% compared to 2021. There was a total of 4,993 hours dedicated to the 236 incidents.
While the DFD has only had to respond to one call so far in 2023, this year will without a doubt be another very busy year for the department and that's where you come in. The Dauphin Fire Department is currently recruiting so if you have ever dreamt of being a firefighter, now could be your chance. Cam Abrey, Fire Chief, says the DFD is currently accepting applications.
"It's a very rewarding experience, many people come to become a firefighter because they want to help their friends, their neighbours, and their families," said Abrey. "In my opinion, there is no better way to get involved in helping others when they are possibly experiencing the worst day of their life."
Qualifications include needing to be 18 years old and you must have a Class 5 driver's license. You will also be required to get a criminal record clearance check along with a driver's abstract and you will also be given a doctor's clearance form to assure you are fit for the job.
Cam grew up idolizing his dad who was in the fire department in Grandview and 24 years later, Cam has risen up the ranks and is now the Fire Chief.
"It's something that I have always wanted to do," said Abrey. "Most days, it's an extremely humbling experience as well."
If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, you can call the DFD at 204-622-3100 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also head to the station to get a tour and get more information.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 27-year-old woman from Flin Flon, who was last seen on New Year's Eve, has been found deceased. Kara Fosseneuve left a residence on Dadson Row in Flin Flon on foot without her phone and was reported missing on January 5th.
Update- Kara Fosseneuve has been located deceased. Criminality does not appear to be a factor. An autopsy will take...
Posted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba on Saturday, January 7, 2023
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Prairie Mountain Health is hosting a meeting in Neepawa this Thursday so people can look at the plans for the brand-new Neepawa Health Centre.
The meeting is from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Neepawa Legion Hall (424 Brown Ave.) and will feature a question period after the presentation, says Prairie Mountain Health CEO Brian Schoonbaert.
"The meeting is really to present to the public our plans to date on the new health facility. They've had a little bit of an idea of what it will all include, but this provides a lot more details. Some of the floor plans will be presented, also there'll be some exterior renderings, etc. Also, we hope to get a little bit into access, like the road access to the site, I think that's been discussed in the community as well."
Schoonbaert says the plans have been vetted by staff and physicians at the health centre, but they want to give the public an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
As more and more riders start hitting the trails this season, Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) wants people to be aware of restrictions regarding over-snow vehicle use.
It is prohibited in all areas of RMNP except:
- The ice surface of Clear Lake for the purpose of ice fishing only. Access to Clear Lake is only permitted from the following designated launch sites:
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- Boat Cove
- Frith Beach
- Spruces
- East End (by Clear Lake Golf Course)
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- b) the Russell Trail on the northwest corner of RMNP.
- c) certain sections of the park boundary authorized through agreements with Snoman Inc. Call 1-204-848-7275 for location details.
- Only single-track over-snow vehicles are permitted. Utility Terrain Vehicles and All-Terrain Vehicles with tracks are not permitted.
An over-snow vehicle is considered a vehicle that is designed to be driven by means other than muscular power, runs on tracks or skis, and operates on snow or ice.
Parks Canada also does not monitor natural ice surfaces for safety or mark potential hazards. The notice expires on April 2nd, 2023.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Ten of the 36 current Progressive Conservative MLAs have now announced they won't be seeking re-election this fall.
The most recent announcement came from Brandon West MLA, Minister of minister for Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services, Reg Helwer. Helwer has been the MLA for Brandon West since 2011 and is also the Minister responsible for the Civil Service Commission and the Public Utilities Board.
After 12 years of proudly representing Brandon West, I have decided to spend more time with my family and not seek re-election. I'm proud to have served alongside @HStefansonMB who is achieving great results for Manitobans. #mbpoli 1/2
— Reg Helwer (@reghelwer) January 6, 2023
Helwer joins nine other current MLAs who won't be running this October, including Agassiz MLA Eileen Clarke, Spruce Woods MLA Cliff Cullen, Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart, Selkirk MLA Alan Lagimodiere, Roblin MLA Myrna Driedger, Kildonan-River East MLA Cathy Cox, Lakeside MLA Ralph Eichler, Midland MLA Blaine Pedersen, and La Verendrye MLA Dennis Smook.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Update 3, Posted at 1:16 pm, January 6, 2023:
The Boil Water Advisory in the Gilbert Plains area is no longer in effect unless you have been otherwise notified. A representative from the municipality says there are only a handful of residents affected, and they have all been notified.
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Update 2, Posted at 4:12 pm, January 5, 2023:
There is now a boil water advisory in effect because of the water main break, which caused the Gilbert Plains Distribution System to lose pressure, affecting connections within Main Street North to Cutforth Street North and Gordon Avenue East to Grey Avenue East.
Until further notice, all water used for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before it is used for:
- Drinking and ice making
- Preparing beverages, such as infant formula
- Preparing food, including washing fruits and vegetables
- Brushing teeth
The Boil Water Advisory can be found here.
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Update 1, Posted at 3:08 pm, January 5, 2023:
The RM of Gilbert Plains has provided an update on the situation causing some residents to be without water since last night.
The Water Main Break will not be fixed until tomorrow, but those affected will have four opportunities to access water this evening and tomorrow.
Public works will be turning on the water for half-hour intervals at 5 pm, 7 pm, 9:30 pm, and 7 am so people have an opportunity to use water.
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Original Article Posted at 9:17 am, January 5, 2023:
If you live in Gilbert Plains and currently do not have water service, a water main break is a reason.
The Rural Municipality of Gilbert Plains says public works is trying to isolate the line break and get water restored to as many residents as possible.
There is no time frame at the moment for when it will be fully restored.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Manitoba government has issued a request for proposals, for the construction of a 6,300-sq.-ft. a multi-purpose room and performing arts space at the Swan Valley Regional Secondary School.
The project is part of the provincial government's work to improve student engagement and well-being says Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko.
“Performing arts education contributes to learning engagement and a wide range of positive academic, social, and emotional effects. Investing in this new performing arts space at Swan Valley Regional Secondary School will allow students to engage, understand and respond to their world to be successful no matter of their cultural background and personal circumstances.”
The project responds to recommendation number 15 of the final report from the Manitoba Commission on Kindergarten to 12 Education. The recommendation says that all schools should provide access to the arts so all children, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, can broaden their exploration of career-related and employment-ready experiences.
Labour, Consumer Protection, and Government Services Minister Reg Helwer joined Ewasko for the announcement and says they look forward to reviewing tenders and they hope to start construction as early as April.
“This new construction project will complement renovations recently completed at the school that modernized the existing performing arts spaces including the band room,”
Kathy Highmoor, board chair of Swan Valley School Division says the school is the centre of the community when it comes to sports, and many other activities. She says the renovation will ensure a well-rounded education for all students.
“The division has held consultation meetings with staff and our education partners throughout the design of the project. The design speaks to the opportunity for reconciliation and continuing success for all of our students in the future,”
The request for proposals is open until Jan. 26 and has been posted to MERX at www.merx.com.
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