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The Manitoba government is set to invest $8 million in the development of a two-year pilot bridge program to serve families that are eligible for Children's Disability Services.

The money will go towards families that can no longer provide care but do not want to place their children in Child and Family Services care. 

“Out-of-home residential supports and in-home family supports enhance the crucial services available to families of children with disabilities outside of the child welfare system,” said Families Minister Rochelle Squires. “This pilot project will provide the right level of support to families experiencing caregiver fatigue and ensure their children are safely supported in fostering arrangements, with access to specialized services. These arrangements will include family involvement, which will reduce the need for Child and Family Services care.”

The program aims to support approximately 20 families per year with flexible service options, the minister noted. Children’s Disability Services (CDS) currently provides a range of services and supports to approximately 6,000 families caring for children with developmental disabilities.

CDS allocates family supports, like respite, according to families’ assessed needs and the availability of resources. Services are intended to strengthen and support families, so more costly, out-of-home placements within the CFS system are avoided, delayed or shortened. In August 2021, the department announced the development of a two-year out-of-home respite initiative.

The pilot bridge program will be established for two years, with dedicated funding of $4 million per year, for a total project cost of $8 million. The government has said they'll release more information about exactly who is available and how to apply in the near future. 

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The backlog for diagnostic and surgical procedures in the province continues to rise.

As of Thursday, the backlog is estimated at 161,585 cases, a surge of nearly 8,000 cases since last month. 

In a release, Dr. Kristjan Thompson had this to say.

"The Omicron wave has been hugely disruptive to hospital care in Manitoba," Dr. Kristjan Thompson, president of Doctors Manitoba and an emergency medicine physician at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

The backlog breakdown now consists of:

  • 52,327 surgeries, up 2,168 over the last month.
  • 42,524 diagnostic imaging procedures — MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, a decrease of 35 cases since last month.
  • 66,786 other diagnostic procedures, including allergy tests, endoscopies, mammograms, sleep disorder studies and lung function tests, an increase of 5,615.

The backlog numbers are expected to continue to rise, despite the province announcing their plans to open back up the economy. 

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This afternoon the Government of Manitoba announced that they’re launching a new program to boost mental health support in the province called "A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba"

Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard made the announcement at a press conference earlier today.

Minister Guillemard also announced that the province is investing 23.7 million dollars to support ongoing initiatives that align with the priorities of the roadmap as well as 17.1 million dollars in funding to support year one of the plan.

For more on this initiative head to the Government of Manitoba's website here.

The government also announced funding through the United Way to help with post-pandemic Mental Health and Addiction supports to community-based organizations across the province.

For more on the second initiative head to the website here.

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Jordan Chartrand and Mitchell Hunter, the final two suspects that were wanted for an armed robbery in Portage la Prairie on January 17th have been arrested. RCMP had already arrested Maurice Merrick on January 18th in relation to the robbery.

More Information about the robbery can be found here.

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The provincial government has announced $750,000 in funding for the Manitoba Camping Association. The money will go towards a COVID-19 economic recovery plan for eligible overnight camps throughout Manitoba.

Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke made the announcement today. She pointed out the economic impact that closures and implementation of services under health measures, had on camps during the Pandemic. She also talked about the benefit these camps have.

“Manitoba children benefit from the exposure to the outdoors and the learning experiences overnight camps offer, and we recognize the importance of community-based organizations in building thriving and sustainable communities across the province"

For additional information on Manitoba Camping Association activities and to inquire about funding support, call 204-784-1130 or visit their website here.

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UPDATE:

Brandon Fire Crews are still on scene at a large structure fire in the city.

Multiple roads in the area continue to be blocked off by the Brandon Police Service after the building currently under construction went up in flames this morning.

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services Chief Terry Parlow says the building is a complete loss after the fire ripped through it this morning. He went on to say that the fire was under control earlier and said it is thanks to not having to deal with much of a wind which made it easier to battle the smoke and flames.

He also said no other buildings were affected by the fire and no residents in the nearby area had to be forced to evacuate. 

The building is near Victoria Avenue and E.Fotheringham Drive.

Residents are being asked to avoid the area if possible to give crews space to continue to work on the site.

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If you're heading up north this weekend, a stop in The Pas would be a great idea.

The Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival is underway after the opening ceremonies and it will run until Sunday. Premier Heather Stefanson was in attendance for the ceremonies, marking the first time in more than a dozen years that Manitoba's premier has taken part in the festivities.

And as the event rolls on, organizers have received a generous boost as the Manitoba government has provided the festival with $25,000.00.

Dog-sled racing and trapping skills competitions are featured during the festival, which attracts up to 5000 people over the five days.

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Extreme cold temperatures are expected to stick around until tomorrow afternoon. Environment Canada put an extreme cold warning into effect for the parkland this afternoon. Wind chills are expected to reach -41 overnight and into the morning.

With these extreme temperatures, frostbite can develop on exposed skin within minutes. Environment Canada suggests watching for shortness of breath, chest pain, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, and color change in fingers and toes. Remember, if it's too cold for you to stay outside, it's also too cold for your pets.

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Two residents from Dauphin were back in court yesterday after their arrests last April.

26-year-old Germaine Beaulieu and 41-year-old Katie Schabler face multiple charges and had their court cases adjourned to March 15th.

The charges come after the RCMP searched a home in Dauphin last April and seized about 60 grams of cocaine, numerous illicit pills, cash, a firearm, and drug-related paraphernalia.

More information about their arrests can be found here.

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The price of fuel in the province is expected to continue to rise over the next few months.

Manitoba is currently sitting at record highs at the pumps of around $1.50/L and experts say that it will only go higher as we approach the changeover from winter gas to summer gas.

Patrick De Haan, the head of Petroleum Analysis for Gas Buddy, said that there’s an expectation that gas prices could go up by 15 to 25 or 30 cents a litre by early summer because of the refineries ability to produce fuel temporarily due to regular maintenance at the changeover from winter to summer fuel as well as the demand for fuel as summer approaches and more people travel.

Patrick went on to say that the best way to make sure you get the best price at the pumps is to always price check on apps like Gas Buddy which could save you up to several hundred dollars by the end of the year.

For more on gas prices head to the Gas Buddy website here.

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Starting February 28th, the federal government will no longer be requiring PCR tests for fully vaccinated travelers entering the country. Those with at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will only need a rapid antigen test, approved by the country they're coming from, within 24 hours of their flight.

Vaccinated travelers can still be selected for a random test when they arrive, but will not be required to quarantine while waiting for the results. The antigen tests are often much less expensive than a PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to take a PCR test and quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival.

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