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The way our rural communities have responded to COVID-19 is being applauded by Dan Mazier.

The MP for Dauphin - Swan River - Neepawa says he’s witnessed lots of patience and understanding, especially with snowbirds coming home from the US and following public health orders to self-isolate for 14 days. 

The impact of COVID-19 can be especially difficult for rural communities. From Mazier’s point of view, the closing of Service Canada buildings is a big concern, especially in this riding.

 “In a riding this size, you close those three Service Canada offices, that probably impacts the people that need these services the most. Those are the people that don’t have internet service and don’t have access to computers." 

Mazier says he's on the phone daily, looking to work out a solution to continue the delivery of essential Service Canada programs in the Parkland. 

Many of the financial assistance measures from the federal government have been laid out in Bill C-13. Mazier says it’s a complex bill, and he is happy with the 75% wage subsidy designed to help Canadian businesses keep employees on staff through this challenging time.

If you’re thinking of getting on Employment Insurance, Mazier has a bit of advice for you.

“I would advise everybody, if you know you’re going to be applying for EI, to open up a CRA account as well. That’s where the money is going to come through.”

Mazier, as a former president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is keeping a close eye on agriculture assistance programs. He takes issue with a few aspects of the federal liberal’s measures, especially the increases for Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

“The problem with [that] particular announcement was it’s just allowing people to get more debt; defer your payments, things like that. It’s just kind of a band-aid, kicking things down the path.”

Mazier predicts agriculture will be one of the leading industries once the country comes out on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mazier is opening the door for all of his constituents to contact him and his office, saying “if I can be of any help. Please phone the office, don’t be scared to email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). That’s what I’m here for, I’m here to serve.”

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Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Apr 2, 2020 - 5:56 pm

The Manitoba government is working to keep some child-care centres operating during the fight against COVID-19, in order to support the heroes on the frontlines.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson says there are still health-care and other emergency service employees in need of child care.

The province is calling on licensed child-care facilities that want to re-open, or that have spaces available, to reach out by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“It is not too late to step up and help out, whether you are operating in a child-care centre or in your own home,” said Stefanson.  “Our government is providing financial support to child-care centres and early childhood educators during this difficult time, and we will continue to support the child-care sector so that we can help ensure health-care and other emergency services workers can continue working during this pandemic.”

In support of social distancing guidelines, child-care facilities are limited to only 16 spaces, however, some larger centres with separated rooms can be allowed more.

To apply for child-care space, you can fill out the form here. All requests should be submitted by Wednesday, April 8, so that they can be prioritized for placement. Keep in mind, this is only for health-care and other emergency services workers, such as:

• health-care providers, 
• emergency service providers, 
• corrections workers, 
• law enforcement workers, 
• and direct social services and child protection workers.

Beginning Tuesday, April 14th, the province is opening up child-care space requests to parents that work in critical services. This includes: 

• support staff at hospitals and clinics, 
• grocery store staff, 
• farmers and farm workers, 
• construction workers, 
• bank or credit union employees.  

As of April 14th, parents in the sectors listed above that have been unable to find childcare space will be able to find out which facilities have availability by visiting the Manitoba government website.

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Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Apr 2, 2020 - 3:33 pm

With healthcare workers and provinces seeing shortages of medical supplies, the Manitoba government is encouraging Canadians to donate.

The following supplies are needed: 
-N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial-grade
-surgical/procedure masks
-gloves
-disposable gowns
-disinfectants and cleaners.

Supplies must be in the original packaging, clean and in useable condition. 

Expired supplies are not able to be accepted.

For more information on donating, you can call (toll-free) 1-833-408-0101 or visit Manitoba.ca/covid19.

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Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Apr 2, 2020 - 1:30 pm

Forty additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Manitoba.

The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is now 167.

Five individuals are currently hospitalized including four in intensive care.

PMH is reporting a total of 23 people have been tested at Dauphin's designated testing site. 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.

The number of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region is now up to 11.

At least one staff member at the Betel Home in Gimli an hour north of Winnipeg has tested positive for the virus. Public health officials are also investigating a respiratory illness outbreak among residents there.  Nine residents showing symptoms of respiratory illness are being tested to determine the cause of their illness.

Eleven individuals have recovered from the virus, and the total number of deaths in Manitoba remains at one.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

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Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Apr 2, 2020 - 1:18 pm

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced earlier this week that K-12 schools in Manitoba will remain closed indefinitely. Superintendent of Mountain View School Division Dan Ward says they will work through this tough time and they have a plan in place to support all students and staff.

When it comes to the Turtle River School Division, Superintendent Bev Szymesko has the same message. The TRSD includes schools in Alonsa, Glenella, Grass River School, Ecole Laurier, McCreary, and Ste. Rose.

Szymesko understands this is a tough time; however, she knows the decision that Minister Goertzen announced was the right one.

"Our staff is ready for any challenge that comes ahead and our students are resilient and they will get through this," said Szymesko. "We're going to work to provide support for students and all staff members will be provided with the resources they need."

It does also add a sense of uncertainty within the TRSD and questions are already being asked. The biggest question being asked is how will staff assure distance learning continues.

"We're working constantly with our division level staff to come up with new methods and ways to reach out to our students," continued Szymesko.

The Turtle River School Division is looking at printed material for students who don't have access to a computer at home. Those who do will continue to work through programs online. 

Although it is a tough time, the TRSD will be strong and they are working to battle through this while being 100 percent available to students.

"Our staff, parents, and students are the most important thing right now," she concluded. "We're prepared to provide any materials that are needed."

If a staff member needs a resource that is within their school, they are able to enter the school; however, all schools remain closed to students. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Apr 2, 2020 - 12:33 pm

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the shipment of one million masks to Canadian provinces and territories. 

He adds that the province has secured millions of pieces of vital equipment from companies.

 Trudeau says too many Canadians are still going on needless outings, potentially encouraging the spread of COVID-19.

He says that puts health workers at risk, and that threatens everyone who might need medical care.

Trudeau says none of the lost jobs, or the efforts to crank up the national systems for distributing goods, will be worth it if Canadians don't stay home as much as possible.

Trudeau will speak with premiers later today to work out an approach to get critical medical supplies to communities that need them.

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Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Apr 2, 2020 - 11:07 am

We’ll be seeing a slightly different update from the province tomorrow morning.

Manitoba health officials will be fielding questions from children, during a special Youtube livestream at 11am on Thursday.

If your kids are wondering why they can’t go to school, or maybe they’re not sure whether or not they can play outside; this is their chance to ask.

All questions must be submitted beforehand at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Kids are asked to include their name, grade, school, and maybe even their teacher’s name for extra credit.

Dr. William Li and chief nursing officer for Shared Health Lanette Siragusa will be answering questions and giving out information.

You can tune in live at youtube.com/ManitobaGovernment.

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Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Apr 1, 2020 - 5:13 pm

To get more hands on deck in the fight against COVID-19, the province is making it easier for former nurses to become registered again.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen is issuing the order to expedite the process of getting nurses registered. That includes waiving the application and registration fees.

Former registrants of the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba that are interested should visit the College website.

The minister noted the order will remain in place until there is no longer a serious and immediate threat to public health.

For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

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Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Apr 1, 2020 - 3:08 pm

Changes are being made to the garbage and recycling pick up for the week of April 6^th.

The following schedule will apply:
Monday, April 6^th- Day 1

Tuesday, April 7^th- Day 2

Wednesday, April 8^th- Day 3

Thursday, April 9^th- Day 4

Friday, April 10^th- No pick-up

Yard waste container pickup is set to begin Tuesday, April 14^th.

Regular Collection days will resume the week of April 21^st.

For more information, contact city hall at (204) 622-3200.

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Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Apr 1, 2020 - 1:32 pm

Manitoba public health officials identified 24 additional cases of COVID-19 in today's update.

The total number of cases in the province is now 127. There are 9 confirmed cases in the Prarie Mountian Health region.

Four individuals are listed as recovered, and there are currently 3 individuals in intensive care.

The total number of deaths in Manitoba remains at 1.

Today there will be new screening procedures implemented for staff working in acute and long-term care facilities. The new measures require all staff to arrive an hour before their shift to have their temperature taken, and answer questions about any symptoms or possible exposures to the virus. 

The chief provincial public health officer also has a message for non-critical businesses, and how they could still operate during the state of emergency. All non-exempt businesses may:

•continue to operate where customers can order goods online or by telephone; however, customers cannot attend the businesses’ premises or property to order goods;
•continue to sell goods to customers where those goods can be picked up ‘curbside’ or delivered to customers; however, customers cannot pick up goods at businesses’ premises or on its property;
•allow staff to attend the businesses’ premises, without a limitation on the number of staff, as long as staff take measures to keep social distancing of one to two metres apart from each other; and
•accept delivery of goods and may allow services, such as construction, repairs, maintenance and cleaning to occur at their premises and on their property.

More information for businesses can be found at EngageMB.ca.

The province is also continuing the call for donations of the following supplies: 

•    N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade; 
•    surgical/procedure masks; 
•    gloves; 
•    disposable gowns; and
•    disinfectants and cleaners. 

For more information on donating supplies, click here, or call (toll-free) 1-833-408-0101.

There are now 16 community testing sites in Manitoba, including one in Dauphin at the MPI Service Centre. You need to call Health-Links for a referral to be tested at these sites. More information on locations and hours of operation are available here. 

Prairie Mountain Health says after going through the appropriate steps with Health Links, individuals still need to have an appointment before presenting at a designated testing site.

"They will need to wait for the official call to come from the PMH Call Centre telling them what time to come for testing."

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.

Details

Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Apr 1, 2020 - 1:31 pm