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Since the Manitoba government announced that birth control would be free last year, 288,150 prescriptions have been filled.
The government has now expanded pharmacists’ scope of practice, allowing them to assess for, prescribe and administer eligible birth control, making it easier for Manitobans to access reproductive health care close to home.
Uzoma Asagwara is Manitoba's Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister.
"Healthcare works best when every single member of a healthcare team can practice to their full scope," said Asagwara. "When they're able to use their full education and expertise."
Pharmacists must complete approved training before providing contraceptive assessments and prescribing contraceptives.
Pharmacists who have completed the required training can now assess for and prescribe eligible prescription contraceptives including:
- oral contraceptive pills,
- hormonal patches,
- vaginal rings, and
- intramuscular contraceptive injections.
Jennifer Hlynsky is the vice-president of Pharmacists Manitoba.
"The government is not only permitting highly-trained pharmacists to provide this type of patient care, but they're ensuring there is no cost to patients," she said.
Eligible Manitobans with a valid Manitoba Health card can receive up to three pharmacist-provided contraceptive assessments each benefit year and up to four pharmacist-administered contraceptive injections each benefit year at no cost.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba recorded the strongest job growth among the Prairie provinces and the second-highest increase nationally.
5,900 jobs were added in Manitoba last month.
Jamie Moses is the Minister of Mining, Trade, and Job Creation with the Manitoba Government.
"Yeah, we're very excited to see our work as a government is paying off," said Moses. "With having the lowest unemployment rate in the country and second-highest employment job growth."
Moses believes a strong economy leads to strong communities. He's praising small businesses as the lifeblood of regions here in the Parkland and across Manitoba.
"We're also seeing a lot of growth in our natural resource sectors. Like mining and agriculture," added Moses. "We will continue to support those industries so more Manitobans can continue working with good-paying jobs."
In July, Manitoba also had the strongest private-sector job growth in Canada and the second-lowest youth unemployment rate in Canada at 10.7 percent.
Moses knows Manitobans are some of the hardest working people anywhere.
"I'm so happy to see more Manitobans have opportunities to work in good-paying jobs," ended Moses. "We're seeing this in the private-sector. Whether that's in the resource area, manufacturing, information technology, or strong growth sectors."
Manitoba's labour market remains strong and continues to compare favourably with other provinces.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Rick Ebbers has been involved with the Ashern Museum since 2002. He's now Chairman of the Ashern Museum Board, and getting ready to hold their annual Threshing Day this weekend. It runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Sunday.
According to Ebbers, it'll be a very packed day, and there will be a few notable guests in attendance.
"We're going to have all our museum buildings open for touring, and we're going to have some speeches by our local MLA and Member of Parliament, and we'll be having a threshing demonstration going on in the afternoon...we had hoped to be doing a binding demonstration, but I don't think the grain at the field there is going to be ready for binding yet, it's still a little bit on the green side," said Ebbers.
If you haven't been to the Ashern Museum yet, Ebbers said you're missing out. It's a great way to get a glimpse into the area's past, especially with the variety and quality of the buildings and artifacts at the site.
"Well we have the original [Canadian National Railway] station which is our main building, and we have a united church that used to be in town here, we got the Hoffman House, which is a good example of a early log building from the area," said Ebbers.
Despite how well-kept a lot of their buildings are, their age shows through the fact there's almost always something to repair. The cost to attend the threshing day is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. That money goes right back into helping the Ashern Museum keep going.
"There's always some repairs to be done, we do have a student for the summer this year, and that's basically taken care of by usually a grant that we have from Canada Summer Jobs, but yeah, there's always repairs to be done, and in the future here there's a couple of buildings that we are going to have to put roofs on them pretty soon," said Ebbers.
For more details about the Ashern Museum and their upcoming Threshing Day on Sunday, visit their Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Sonja Blank is one of the nine school trustees in the Mountain View School Division.
"Despite having a very busy schedule, I decided that it was very important, as a former teacher, to continue to advocate for students, and to help create places and spaces within our schools where every student can succeed," said Blank. "Where we make space for kids to thrive and feel like their voices are being heard."
The deadline to become a candidate for school board trustee is September 22. Manitoba school trustee elections are slated for Wednesday, October 28. Prospective school trustee candidates must register with the Senior Election Official, Kirk Dawson.
If you have further questions about becoming a school trustee, you can contact MVSD at 638-3001 or Kirk at 621-7165.
She says it's all about having conversations.
"And to be representing community," Blank ended. "If you are passionate about strengthening and supporting students so they are successful and feel a sense of belonging in our communities and can contribute in their own unique ways, we encourage you to run for school board trustee."
If you’ve ever thought about making a difference in public education, now could be the time to take the next step.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
There is much work to be done, but the cleanup is progressing well at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
In a release, Prairie Mountain Health said its deeply grateful for the dedication, hard work, and support of everyone helping restore the DRHC.
They thank the dedicated staff, partners, volunteers, and community members for your commitment and patience as this important work continues.
In the meantime, a temporary shared health diagnostic patient service Centre has been set up in the Dauphin Provincial Building.
It's on Level 1, in Room 111, at 27 Second Avenue Southwest. It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call 622-3582. The Centre offers walk-in X-ray, urine collection, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) & Holter monitoring services.
Around the Parkland, the Ste. Rose Emergency Department continues to be staffed 24/7 to provide ED services to support the needs of Dauphin and surrounding area residents. This includes staff who can support those struggling with their mental health and addictions.
The Grandview Emergency Department remains open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. Additionally, an outpatient treatment clinic is open in the Community Health Services Building.
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The Dauphin and District Handivan transports seniors and those with disabilities.
Drivers take clients to and from home, to medical appointments, shopping, and to church. They will also take them to visit family or friends out of town. They have two large pro master vans, two regular vans for wheelchairs, and one Chevy Equinox for those who can still climb in and out of a vehicle.
They do dialysis trips to Russell six days a week because of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre closure. Drivers are also taking clients to Swan River, Grandview, Gilbert Plains, and Brandon for Cancer Care.
Ann Wagner, office manager, says operations have been very busy.
Last month's devastating flood has impacted operations.
"We get lots of requests from different agencies. We're still doing some transports for Prairie Mountain Health. When someone needs to go get an X-ray or something, we're transporting those people," said Wagner. "I'm really juggling vehicles and drivers the best I can to accommodate everyone as much as possible. I try not to say no to a trip; they're all important."
They just got a new vehicle about three weeks ago. It's a van with bus doors and a ramp. It's quicker and easier for the driver to get clients in and out.
It's a faster loading process, which, in turn, helps the bottom line. The cost of the vehicle was $178,000. To help ease the burden, the RM of Dauphin has stepped up in a big way. They contributed $20,000 towards the new van.
Wagner says they're grateful to have received the funds from the RM.
"We're doing a raffle right now to raise money to help pay for the van. My goal was to sell the 2,000 tickets, which would have been $40,000," continued Wagner. "With the flood and the cancellation of the Street Fair, it dampened our raffle sales. I think we're only sitting at $10,000 in raffle sales right now. So the $20,000 from the RM will really help pay for the van."
The draw will be done on August 20. The first prize is the gift of flight. It includes one round-trip flight for two guests to any scheduled WestJet destination. The second prize is the ultimate golf pack, and the third prize is the Stay-Cation. If you want to purchase a ticket, click here.
If you require transportation from the Dauphin and District HandiVan, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
"You can call the office at 204-638-8884, and you can also text that number," ended Wagner. "After hours, you can leave a text or voicemail, and we will get back to folks the next morning."
The hours of operation 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On Wednesdays and Fridays, they operate from 8:00 to 5:00. Saturday is 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
During the second world war, Dauphin was home to Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dauphin, which housed the No. 10 Service Flying Training School. Through the Commonwealth Air Training Plan, Dauphin saw around 9,000 pilots trained at the school. The station is now the Lt. Col W.G. (Billy) Barker VC Airport, just south of Dauphin.
It's a big part of Dauphin and the area's rich history, one that several groups look to preserve. On August 23rd from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon will be flying a few of their WWII trainer aircraft north to Dauphin for the day.
Event organizer Darrell Inkster helped put on the event last year, and it went fairly well, and he's looking forward to having Dauphin's history on display again.
"They're second world war era, they're trainers, some of which were stationed here in Dauphin when the commonwealth training airport was going here...I've been in touch with the Brandon museum for quite a few years, and got this idea last year to do this, and we went ahead full bore and it was very successful. We had a lot of people show up, no complaints, everything went pretty good other than the weather," said Inkster.
From his side, Inkster's job has been pretty simple: find a place for the planes to land, and spread the word. Last year had a bit more than just the planes, including what Inkster called a 'fly-in breakfast', so you can expect a full-fledged event from the day.
"[The Museum has] it all planned out pretty good at their end, I just have to give them a place to land, and look after getting people in, and feed everybody, and it's just like a big picnic sort of thing, that's what we're looking to do again," said Inkster.
In a Facebook post, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum said there will be a few different trainers in Dauphin for the day, including the DeHavilland Tiger Moth, the Boeing Stearman, and the main event according to Inkster, the Harvard Mk II.
"[The Harvard is] the main attraction, I went up in it myself last year, and yeah, that big girl is gonna be here for sure," said Inkster.
The event is very much dependent on the weather. You are able to book flights in each of the trainer aircraft by contacting the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report highlights excellent crop development across the Province and in the Northwest region, with harvest getting underway for some fall rye and winter wheat crops in the Northwest.
Soil crusting still continues as soils dry. Both field and infrastructure repair continue across the region, and while field access is still a challenge in some areas with washouts, many roads are passable again.
Fall rye and winter wheat are mature for the most part, with harvest starting in some parts of the region. Pre-harvest applications have started in winter cereals.
Field peas range from the R5 to R6 stage, and continue moving towards maturity. Canola fields still range in stages, with most crops now in the podding stage. Later seeded fields and fields under excess moisture still catch up, with fields that experienced excess moisture having some patches of delayed growth. The most advanced soybean crops in the region have moved to R4 stage, with the rest of crops following behind.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The City of Dauphin is offering graffiti removal kits to residents to help remove graffiti from their properties and restore Dauphin's community pride.
In a Facebook post, the City says there are three different kinds of kits available. One designed for painted and sensitive surfaces; one for use on bricks, concrete, and stone; and one for small and fresh tags on signs and other surfaces.
"Each kit includes professional-grade graffiti removal products, along with the tools and safety equipment needed to get the job done," read part of the post.
You're able to apply on the City of Dauphin's website if you're a resident. If you're a tenant, you can still apply, but you need permission from your landlord. For more details about Dauphin's Graffiti Removal Support Program, you can get in touch with Bylaw Enforcement at 204-633-3225, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Fusion Credit Union is all about giving back to the members it serves.
The Full Circle Fund was founded in 2019. Since that, Fusion has invested over $1.06 million to community-driven projects that improve local infrastructure, promote wellbeing, and create opportunities for residents of all ages.
Michelle Mazurkewich is the Chief Strategy and Governance Officer at Fusion Credit Union.
"We named it the Full Circle Fund because it really does represent the complete cycle," said Mazurkewich. "Our members invest in us. So for us to be able to invest those resources back into the projects within our communities that matter is really important to us."
Fusion Credit Union's latest intake for the Fund has committed a total of $56,000 to eight community organizations, providing support to projects that will have lasting benefits for residents.
École St. Lazare will receive $20,000 to support the development of a new school and community fitness area, providing students and residents with greater access to health and wellness opportunities.
When deciding what organizations receive funds, Michelle says they look at what the project is, what value it will have, and how it ties into Fusion's values.
"For that project, the support from the school, and community to get that underway really tied into giving back," added Mazurkewich. "It's a need for that community as a spot to come together for physical activity and encourage that outdoor space."
In addition, Fusion is committing $20,000 to Lil Eagles Nursery School in Ethelbert for the development of a new playground for children to learn, play and grow.
Washroom renovations at the Angusville Community Centre will get $4,000, while $2,500 is going to interior renovations at the Bield Community Centre. The Lions Club of Gilbert Plains is getting $2,500 for the Gilbert Plains outdoor pickle ball and tennis courts. Both the Roblin Ag Society for bleacher covers and the Warm and Safe Sanctuary for a dog home is getting $1,000.
In Dauphin, the Little Neighbours Indoor Playground Project at the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is getting $5,000.
"I think for us when we see the presentations come forward from the community groups, it gives us a good sense of what the projects are, and how they'll contribute back to the community," ended Mazurkewich.
There will be another intake on October 1. If your community organization wants to apply for funding, head here.
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Residents in the City of Dauphin are being reminded to ensure their sump pump discharge is being properly directed.
With the rainfall and flooding experienced last month, many residents temporarily discharged sump pump water towards streets and other areas to protect their homes. Sump pump water should not be discharged onto City streets or in a manner that causes ponding, flooding, erosion, or other drainage problems.
When setting up your sump pump discharge, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Direct water to the rear of your property or onto a landscaped area of your own property where it can safely drain or absorb into the ground;
- Keep discharge away from neighbouring properties;
- Do not direct water onto streets, sidewalks, boulevards, or other public areas where it may pool or cause erosion; and
- Make sure your discharge does not create standing water or other drainage problems.
"Proper drainage helps protect streets and other municipal infrastructure from erosion and deterioration while preventing standing water and drainage issues on neighbouring properties," said the City in a release.
The City thanks you for helping keep water where it belongs and protecting our streets and neighbourhoods.
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