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Yesterday the Dauphin Fire Department saluted those working on the front lines.
Fire Chief Cam Abrey got the idea from a social media post asking people to step out on their front doorstep and make some noise for the front line workers.
“We thought, you know what, we’re going to pull all the firetrucks out and we’re going to sound the sirens for 30 seconds. So we did that and broadcasted it on our social media outlets, on Twitter and Facebook and had quite the reaction. I’m looking around and I’m seeing a lot of other communities, a lot of other departments that are doing some things to pay their thanks to everybody in the public and we thought, let’s do something in our area. So I sent the message out to our mutual aid partners, the other departments within the Parkland, Riding Mountain mutual aid district and Ste. Rose, Grandview, Gilbert Plains all participated last night where they did drive-bys to their health care facilities.”
Some of the communities don’t have health care facilities, Ochre River, for example, so they hung a sign in their fire station in support of the workers.
Abrey says they invited the RCMP and EMS to join them.
“We had quite the parade where we went by the hospital and just took a step out onto the front ramp and we had a little banner that we showed everyone that was inside, showing why we are thankful for them.”
Abrey says even though they drove by the hospital, the salute is for everyone in the medical field and everyone else still working with the public.
As the only full-time staff member at the Dauphin Fire Department, Abrey has been able to follow social distancing rules while still being at the fire station every day. The coronavirus has changed how things work, but even before self-isolation came into play, Abrey says they asked their members to stay home if they’re sick.
“We have moved to an app where we’re able to determine how many firefighters are able to attend, so when the emergency call comes out, they’re able to press a number on the app and it tells us here at the station how many people are able to respond. That gives us the option of moving to mutual aid and calling in assisting fire departments if need be.”
Since the fire department is an essential service, they must still train. Abrey says in the classroom, they obey social distancing, he adds that it’s hard to do on an emergency call, but they are wearing their personal protective equipment.
Over the weekend, the fire department might pull some trucks out and sound the sirens.
“We’ve heard that some people are thinking there’s major calls happening when they hear the sirens, but we’re just trying to make some noise to thank some people that are still out there working.”
Cam Abrey says if you’d like to take part, stand on your front step and make some noise, clap, or grab some pots and pans. He also says to look for when people are going to be doing this because there are people planning it and trying to make it nationwide.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The United States won't be providing Canada with any more N95 respirators, effective immediately. U.S.-based company 3M which supplies the respirators will no longer.
Donald Trump has ordered the company based in Minnesota to produce and sell as many medical-grade masks as the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it needs.
If you have some extra N95 respirators, the Manitoba government is encouraging you to donate them.
They are also urging Canadians to donate the following:
-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 donate.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19, you can apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
The program offers $500 a week for up to 16 weeks, to eligible Canadians.
Beginning next week, the CRA will be accepting applications. They want you to apply on a specific day of the week in order to limit the volume of applications they receive at one time.
Anyone born in January, February, and March are scheduled to apply on Monday.
Anyone born in April, May, and June applies on Tuesday.
Anyone born in July, August, and September should apply on Wednesday.
Anyone born in October, November, and December can apply on Thursday.
For anyone who missed their day to apply, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be open for all applications.
To be eligible for the benefit, you must be a Canadian resident that’s at least 15 years old, and has stopped working because of COVID-19; not because you voluntarily quit your job.
You also must have an income of at least $5,000 in 2019, or in the 12 months prior to the date of application.
For more information on applying, and to find a list of FAQ’s, visit the government CERB website.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
