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The Manitoba government has announced a COVID-19 sick leave benefit.

The Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program will provide employers with up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of COVID-19 related sick leave. Sick days do not have to be taken consecutively.

Eligible employees must live and work full or part-time jobs in Manitoba.

Those eligible for the benefit must provide a positive COVID-19 test, be showing cold or flu-like symptoms, or be caring for a loved one that is sick.

The eligibility period begins today and runs until at least Sept. 25.

More information and an application can be found here.

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May is motorcycle awareness month, and Manitoba Public Insurance is advising all motorists to stay safe on the roads.

MPI says fatal motorcycle crashes are on the rise on Manitoba’s rural public roadways, adding that over the last 2 years, nearly 300 motorists have been injured on Manitoba roads.

As the weather warms up MPI is reminding all drivers to watch closely for an increased amount of motorcyclists on our roads.

MPI has some safety tips for motorcyclists and drivers.

For motorcyclists:

  • Wear the right gear, including an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants and boots.
  • Try to be highly visible whenever possible by wearing bright or fluorescent colours such as yellow, red or orange to enhance visibility.
  • Ride with your headlight on and in a position on the roadway where you are visible to motorists and out of their blind spots.

For drivers:

  • Always look twice when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle or moped in the blind spot.
  • Watch for signals. It may be hard to see a motorcycle or moped’s turning signal so watch for other signs like shoulder checking which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or turn.
  • Keep your distance. Motorcycles and mopeds may stop faster than other vehicles. Maintain a following distance of at least four seconds and increase this distance at night or when it’s raining.
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As the temperatures continue to rise, so do the number of off-road vehicles (OVR's) that are out and about. 

While spending time on your ORV can make for a great day, the Manitoba RCMP is urging every rider to remain safe and not to drive faster than you are used to.

In 2020, RCMP responded to seven fatal collisions including ORVs and 46 collisions where serious injuries occurred. Although the RCMP couldn't provide any early numbers this year, Tara Seel did confirm that they have already responded to ORV collisions in the province.

So before you turn on your ORV next time, make sure you know what you can and can't do. 

  • Anyone under the age of 14 must-have direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who is a minimum of 18 years of age. Youth over the age of 14 can ride without parental supervision, but cannot cross a roadway until they obtain a valid driver’s license;
  • ORVs are not to be operated on roadways, shoulders, medians of divided roadways, or sidewalks;
  • ORVs are permitted to be in the ditch, provided travel is in the same direction as vehicle traffic, the ORV is to the right of the roadway and the shoulder, and the ORV is being operated in an area where ORV use is permitted. Always remember to be on the lookout for hazards in the ditch, such as culverts, driveway approaches, and road signs.

Even if you are an experienced driver in a vehicle, Seel says that may not be the case when on an off-road vehicle. 

"You might be great behind the wheel of a vehicle, but ORVs are different," said Seel. "They handle differently, there are tipping factors and the fact that your head isn't covered as it would be in a car. It's extremely important that you take the time to learn how to drive properly."

While you may drive in a ditch, there are several places that you can't take your off-road vehicle.

  • On privately owned or leased land without permission.
  • Within 30 metres of a playground or area set aside for recreation that is not fully fenced.
  • Environmentally sensitive areas and wetlands, and areas easily damaged by churning wheels.

You should always remember to use caution when conditions are dry as sparks from an ORV can ignite grass and branches, starting a fire.

Seel hopes everyone that uses an off-road vehicle enjoys their time this summer, as long as they are safe while doing so.

"We encourage everyone to get outdoors after spending so much time inside with everything going on," said Seel.

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RCMP have located and arrested Dillon Kelvin Lebel.

He was wanted on charges of assault x2 and failing to comply x2.

RCMP are thanking the public for their assistance.

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A man from Sandy Bay First Nation is facing charges after a stabbing on Monday.

On May 3rd, Manitoba First Nations Police Service officers responded to a report of a stabbing at a home on Sandy Bay First Nation.

When officers arrived at the home, they found a man suffering stab wounds to his upper torso.

The man said an argument broke out between himself and another man, when the suspect threw a knife and hit him in the torso.

The victim was transported to hospital.

The 33-year-old man from Sandy Bay First Nation was charged with aggravated assault and will appear in court.

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The Manitoba Government is looking for feedback on the priorities and future direction of the province’s agriculture and agri-food industry.

Today Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced an online public engagement to get Manitobans thoughts on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development says they want to better understand Manitobans experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program, thoughts on existing Ag Action Manitoba priority areas, and thoughts on new and emerging issues and opportunities in the sector.

The deadline for public feedback is Thursday, May 27th.

If you'd like to provide your feedback, click here.

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Assiniboine Community College’s Parkland Campus is offering three new programs this fall.

Applications are now being accepted for Office Management, Office Skills, and Medical Administration.

Director of the Parkland Campus, Gabe Mercier says these new programs have been a long time coming.

“We did a market research and a needs assessment for employers around six years ago. These programs will round things up very well.”

Collectively the three programs will offer 25 seats, 10 are available for Office Management, 10 for Medical Administration, and five for Office Skills.

Mercier says the goal is for Parkland residents to be able to take courses here rather than needing to live in Brandon or Winnipeg.

“I think the whole region will benefit from it. The employers will be hiring the graduates, and the graduates themselves will save money, and the money spent will remain in the Parkland region.”

The college will be hosting a free office programs online information session on Tuesday, May 25th and Monday, June 7th. More information can be found here.

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You've been waiting to get back on the water and the sport fishing season is nearly here in the Parkland. The season will open in the southern division on May 15. 

This includes Dauphin, Swan River, and Brandon areas. And while you book your fishing trip in the area, it's a good time to brush up on some safety tips while out on the water. On average, in Manitoba over the past five years, 22 people lose their life to drowning. That number is down slightly from the 10-year average of 24.

Dr. Christopher Love with the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba says preparing for the worst possible scenario will allow you to have a great day. 

"The biggest thing that we stress is wearing lifejackets, it really is the most important thing that can save you," said Dr. Love. "If you do happen to fall into the water, your lifejacket can save your life."

With the colder water temperatures, your body will suffer a cold shock if you do fall into the water. Your heart will start racing and if you aren't wearing a lifejacket, you could potentially get water in your system which could cause you to drown. Love says another safety tip is to never head on the water under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"When we do see injuries or fatalities, alcohol or drug involvement is a big factor in those cases," said Dr. Love. "We want everyone to have a ton of fun on the water, but we want everyone to do so while sober."

While the fishing season opens in the southern division this weekend, fishing in the northwest and north-central divisions of the province will be permitted on May 22. It's also highly recommended that you tell other family members or friends where you are going and when you plan on returning. 

Additional information can be seen at Manitoba's angler's guide.

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On Wednesday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. Sifton Fire Department responded to a report of a field and bush on fire.

Because of the size of the fire, Dauphin Fire Department was also requested and arrived to assist.

The fire started with a burning barrel where embers carried into some grass.

The owners were present and helped extinguish the fire by using their equipment to make a fire break to stop the flames from spreading.

Fire Chief Cam Abrey says with the owners and departments working together, the fire was contained quickly and there was no damage to any structures. 

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The City of Dauphin recently announced its 2021 financial and strategic plans.

On Monday city council released Dauphin’s 2021 budget plans, which City Manager Sharla Griffiths says will bring a 4.6% decrease in property taxes collected, with no decrease in services.

“$501,000 was provided to the city if Dauphin based on a per capita. $301,000 has gone to reduce taxes this year, with the remaining money to reduce taxes in 2022.”

The city also has plans to upgrade public recreation.

 “Council has committed up to $300,000 for the rejuvenation of Meadow Lark Park. That will look to create not only tennis courts, but a pickleball court, and a basketball court.”

Council has also committed to spending up to $125,000 on an addition to the active transportation route along 1st Avenue SE in the city.

Griffiths says the city’s 2021-2024 strategic plan focuses on providing a safe and healthy community.

 “It talks about the vision and mission of our community, as well as five goals identified. Those goals would be to be a sustainable community, to have community growth, to have public engagement and awareness, to promote some tourism opportunities, and to have a healthy and safe community.”

For more information on the city’s strategic plan, click here.

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Constable Jason Kitzul -- who went to trial in connection with multiple alleged assaults -- has had his charges stayed by the Crown.

In December of 2018, the Roblin RCMP received a report from a third party that a woman may be the victim of an assault. Following a lengthy investigation, Kitzul was arrested in June of 2019, in relation to off-duty incidents that took place in 2017 and 2018.

Ultimately, the Crown decided to stay any charges against Kitzul, bringing the case to a close.

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