Cyber criminals are cashing in, according to CDW Canada’s 2026 cyber-security study.

It reveals an 80 per cent jump in cyber attacks for Canadian enterprises and the most vulnerable targets are organizations’ cloud environments.

Cloud infection rates hit a record high, jumping 12 per cent year over year since 2025.

Ivo Wiens, with CDW Canada, shares what’s behind the growing number of attacks.
 

There has also been an increase in denial of service where cyber criminals slow down internet access to a company, making it difficult for them to operate.

Once again, the main goal of these criminals is to get a payoff from the company to restore their websites and other digital platforms.

Learn more about the cybersecurity challenges we face in our ever-growing digital world.
Check out the study at cdw canada DOT ca / security study,  and catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

The Manitoba government is bringing back specialized menopause care with a new clinic planned for south Winnipeg.

 

A $5.2 million investment will fund the Manitoba Menopause Clinic, restoring services that were lost when the Mature Women’s Centre closed in 2017.

 

The clinic will offer menopause and gynecological care, along with counselling and support, all in one location.

 

The goal is to improve access and reduce wait times for patients across the province.

 

It’s expected to open in early fall 2027.

Canada is facing what’s being called an “entrepreneurial drought,” with more businesses closing than opening for six straight quarters.

 

According to a new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, this trend began in early 2024 and has continued across the country, raising concerns about long-term economic growth.

 

The situation isn’t just national — it’s hitting Manitoba as well, where business closures have also outpaced openings over that same stretch.

 

Brianna Solberg, Provincial Director of Legislative Affairs for the Prairies and Northern Canada with CFIB, explains what’s behind the trend.

 

the report also found that more than half of small business owners wouldn’t recommend starting a business right now, pointing to growing pressure and uncertainty in the current environment.

 

If the trend continues, experts warn it could lead to fewer jobs, less innovation, and a weaker overall economy.

 

To hear more, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

A major conservation effort in northern Manitoba is now moving into the public consultation phase—and it’s one that could have long-term impacts for communities across the North, including here in Thompson.

 

The Seal River Watershed Alliance, alongside the governments of Canada and Manitoba, has released a proposal to protect the Seal River Watershed—an area just northeast of Thompson that stretches over 50,000 square kilometres.

 

The plan would see the entire region designated as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, led by four First Nations in the region: Sayisi Dene, Northlands Denesuline, Barren Lands and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation.

 

The watershed is one of the last in the world that still flows freely into Hudson Bay, untouched by dams or major industrial development, and supports wildlife like caribou, polar bears and wolverines.

 

A joint management board made up of Indigenous leadership, Manitoba and Canada would oversee the area moving forward.

 

Manitobans are now being invited to share their feedback on the proposal before a final agreement is reached, with submissions open until June 2nd.

The City of Thompson is updating its fire prevention and emergency services bylaw, with changes that will affect how fire alarms are handled after emergency calls.

 

The amendment shifts responsibility away from fire crews and toward trained technicians and property owners.

 

City of Thompson Communications Officer Ian Graham explains how the process will now work.

 

 

The change is meant to ensure fire alarm systems are handled safely by qualified professionals, while also making sure costs are directed back to property owners.

Small businesses across Manitoba are raising concerns about how the province’s new PST grocery exemption is being applied, with some saying it could put them at a disadvantage.

 

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has launched a petition calling for changes, arguing the current policy could create an uneven playing field between large retailers and smaller, local shops.

 

Provincial Director of Legislative Affairs for the Prairies and Northern Canada with CFIB, Brianna Solberg, explains where the concern comes from.

 

 

Solberg says the difference in how the tax is applied could influence where people choose to shop, potentially pulling business away from local operators and toward larger chains.

 

The policy is currently set to take effect July 1st, with CFIB urging the province to make adjustments before then.

 

To hear more, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Even with a smaller turnout at this week’s planning open house, the City of Thompson says residents will still have opportunities to weigh in on future development plans.

 

The open house is part of ongoing work with HTFC Planning and Design to update the Thompson District Development Plan and zoning bylaws for both the city and the LGD of Mystery Lake.

 

Communications Head Officer for the City of Thompson, Ian Graham, explains how residents can still share feedback moving forward.

 

City officials say those who did attend showed strong interest in the future of Thompson, and that feedback—along with input gathered online—will help shape the final version of the plan.

The Thompson Festival of the Arts is marking a major milestone this month, celebrating its 60th anniversary with a special Jamboree event.

 

The mid-season celebration is set for Saturday, April 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mall of the Arts inside City Centre Mall. Organizers say the event is meant to bring the community together while highlighting local talent and creativity.

 

Visitors can expect a variety of interactive art stations, giving people of all ages the chance to get hands-on and explore different forms of art. There will also be live performances from festival participants, along with appearances from alumni who’ve been part of the festival over the years.

 

The Jamboree is part of a larger celebration recognizing six decades of arts and culture in Thompson, showcasing both emerging and experienced performers.

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Manitoba RCMP placed billboards and posters in various locations across Thompson to raise awareness about the unsolved case of Steven Seela who was murdered in Thompson in November of 2024.

 

The investigation surrounding his death has never stopped, but additional information is needed to move the investigation forward.

 

Investigators believe people within the community have information about his death and are hoping the billboards might assist in bringing that new information to light.

 

“We are committed to finding the person or persons responsible for his death,” said Corporal Gennifer Furkalo of the Manitoba RCMP’s Major Crime Services. “Sometimes people think the information they have is not important or that police already know – don’t assume anything. If you have any information about Steven’s death, please call the tipline so that it can be fully investigated.”

 

Manitoba RCMP asking anyone who may have details to call the RCMP Tipline at: 431-489-8106.

 

The Defeat Depression event is returning to Thompson later this month, bringing the community together in support of mental health.

 

The national campaign encourages people to get active while raising awareness and support for mental health initiatives across Canada.

 

This year’s event takes place Friday, May 29th at the Thompson Regional Community Centre, running from noon until 2.

 

Mental Health Promotions Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, Jennifer Whalen, explains what the event is all about.

 

 

Organizers are encouraging individuals, workplaces, and groups of friends to sign up and take part.

 

To register or learn more, you can visit thompson.defeatdepression.ca.

Burnout is becoming a growing concern across Canada, and new data shows just how widespread it is.

 

A recent national survey found nearly 40 percent of Canadian workers report feeling burned out — with some groups, including women, seeing even higher numbers.

 

Dr. Natalie Mota, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba, says burnout goes beyond just feeling stressed after a long day.

 

She explains how it’s officially defined.

 

 

Dr. Mota says burnout can be caused by a range of factors — including heavy workloads, long hours, lack of support, and feeling like your work no longer has meaning.

 

She adds that while burnout can affect anyone, it’s often seen more in high-pressure roles like healthcare, teaching, and first responders.

 

To hear more about burnout and how it’s impacting Canadians, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10

Young scientists from northern Manitoba took part in the Northern Regional Science Fair this past Saturday at Ecole Riverside School.

Grade 4 to 8 students were eligible to participate, with representatives at the fair determined by earlier science fairs at their elementary schools.

Jeremy Jonathan,  a Grade 8 student from Westwood Elementary School, won Best in Fair and will represent the north at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton from May 23rd to 30th.

His project was in the Health Science Category and was called “Kidneys at Work.”

Last month, Mervat Yehia, a teacher at Ecole Riverside School received a Distinguished Service Award from Youth Science Canada, which oversees science fairs throughout the country and runs the Canada Wide Science Fair.

She has been involved with the organization of the local, citywide and regional science fairs for many years and was recognized for that work in the National Science Fairs Program.

Mental Health Week is coming up May 4th to 10th, and the Canadian Mental Health Association in Thompson has a number of events planned.

 

That includes a kickoff barbecue, presentations, cultural teachings, and opportunities for people to connect throughout the week.

 

Canadian Mental Health Association Education and Training Coordinator Iris Chan says this year’s Mental Health Week is focused on connection.

 

 

The week is part of a national effort to raise awareness around mental health, with local events aimed at bringing people together here in Thompson.

On April 12, 2026, at 3:05 pm, The Pas RCMP received a report of a robbery that had occurred the previous day.

Officers immediately attended to meet with the victim to obtain information as to what had taken place.

The victim, a 55-year-old female from The Pas, reported to police she was with two other women, a 32-year-old from The Pas and a 24-year-old from Pukatawagan, on April 11 and that they made plans to travel to Winnipeg.

The victim later advised the two women that she had a family emergency and was not able to make the trip. The two women responded later that day by striking her in the face with bear mace and robbing her of the cash in her possession.

The victim was later taken to an ATM machine where she was forced to withdraw a sum of money and turn it over to the two women. They then returned to a residence in The Pas, where the victim is believed to have been drugged, and had fallen asleep. When she awoke, the suspects had left and she noted her car keys, wallet and cellphone were missing. When she checked outside, her vehicle was gone.

The investigation has uncovered that the stolen vehicle had been located and stopped in Winnipeg on April 13 with the two female suspects in possession of it. They were both arrested.

The 32-year-old was later released from police custody for a court appearance scheduled for June 23 in The Pas where she will face charges of Robbery, Forcible confinement, Theft of a vehicle over $5000 and Possess prohibited weapon.

Charges for the second suspect, the 24-year-old, are pending.

The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

A recent report released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows that small businesses in the country are struggling due to crime.

Shoplifting, vandalism and threat of assault for themselves and their staff are adding stress to businesses already dealing with growing operating costs.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the CFIB, has details here.
 
Slobogian added that many owners don’t always report crimes because of slow police response and the added costs of insurance when they make claims.

Instead, they bare the added costs of repairs, cleanup and increased security measures.

For more on the latest CFIB report, go to cfib.ca.   You can also catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On April 7, 2026, at 12:50 am, Oxford House RCMP were advised by First Nation Safety Officers, who were conducting patrols on the winter road via snowmobile, that they came across two snowmobilers who attempted to flee as the FNSO’s approached.

The FNSO’s advised police that the two suspects, a 46-year-old and a 22-year-old, did not make it far as their snowmobiles broke down while attempting to flee. As they approached the two suspects, they noted several small and large jerry cans on the snowmobile which the suspects attempted to throw onto the side of the winter road. Upon closer examination of the jerry cans, the FNSO’s noted each was filled with alcohol.

Bunibonibee Cree Nation has by-laws in place that prohibits the sale and possession of alcohol and drugs in the community, which they have asked the RCMP to make enforcement a priority.

The two suspects were detained and upon their search, the FNSO’s located a large quantity of cash and a small quantity of drugs, believed to be cocaine.

The two suspects were transported to the Oxford House RCMP Detachment where they were turned over to police and re-arrested for Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of property obtained by crime as well as offences under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act.

Nathaniel Grieves, 22, was charged and later released by a Judicial Justice of the Peace whereas the 46-year-old male was released on a Release Order for a future court date scheduled in the community.

 

Oxford House RCMP continue to investigate.

 

Building community connections while continuing their medical education.

That’s just one aspect of the Rural and Remote Learner Experiences of students from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

Melissa Balness, Managing Director of the program, provides details on how extensive the program is.
 
Balness indicated that work placements can vary  between 4 and 12 weeks in length, depending on the program they are in.

These placements provide students with meaningful exposure to rural and remote practice.

You can learn more about the work placements by tuning in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

A sobering centre that’s been in development in Thompson for several years is now moving a step closer to completion.

 

Council has approved the release of $2.8 million in provincial funding that had been held in trust while planning and renovations moved forward.

 

MKO, which operates the existing sobriety centre, has been leading that work and will also run the new facility.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook explains how the project has progressed to this point.

 

 

With funding now being released, the project is entering its final phase as work continues toward opening the facility.

If you have a budding entrepreneur in your home, help them introduce their goods or services to the community as part of the second annual Children’s Business Fair.

This year’s fair  takes place Saturday, May 9th from 10 am to noon at the Roy H. Johnston Arena.

Sandra Shapiro with Community Futures Cedar Lake Region has more.
 
Registration deadline is today at 4:30 pm.

To sign up, go to the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region facebook page, or scan the QR code on the posters around town.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 19 here in The Pas is closed indefinitely due to a major flood last Wednesday.

It was the result of a water main break inside the building.

All regular programming at the facility has been suspended, including the bingo.
Local member, Angie Nikolychuk, addresses the situation here.
 

Nicolychuk added they made Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries aware of the situation and its impact on the bingo.

She added they are looking for a different venue so the Legion can resume the bingo.

Legion members and the public are asked to stay away from the branch as work continues.

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN), Nelson House, Manitoba- April 7, 2026

 

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) has formally declared a State of Emergency in response to a devastating and ongoing mental health crisis marked by multiple recent suicides, suicide attempts, and widespread suicidal ideation within the community.

 

In the recent past:

• Three lives have been lost to suicide in the last two weeks
• Four lives in the last month
• Five lives in the last six months
•  

We want to express our deepest condolences to our community and to everyone who lost a loved one. We are all impacted by all the losses.

 

These tragic losses are compounded by numerous incidents of self-harm, increasing reports of suicidal ideation (people who are having thoughts of suicide), and an ongoing strain on emergency services, with RCMP responding to approximately 500 mental health related calls annually. In 80% of those calls, individuals expressed suicidal ideation.

 

Our community is deeply grieving, and the pain is being felt across every family, every generation, and every part of our Nation.  Chief and Council are expressing serious concern about the risk of further loss of life, noting that suicide clusters can create a domino effect within communities already experiencing layered trauma and grief.

 

Call for Immediate Action and Support

 

NCN is urgently calling for immediate, coordinated, and sustained intervention from provincial, federal, and First Nations partners.

 

The Nation is requesting:

• Deployment of mobile crisis response teams
• Access to mental health clinicians, therapists, and cultural support workers
• Child and youth-specific mental health services
• Long-term, sustainable investments in prevention and community healing

 

Our frontline workers and health staff are exhausted and grieving alongside the community. We need additional support to address this crisis. Our people cannot carry this alone.

 

Community Impact and Collective Responsibility

The ongoing crisis has placed immense emotional and psychological strain on community members, leadership, and service providers alike. NCN leadership is urging all members to come together in support of one another.

 

We must check on each other, speak openly, and encourage our people to seek help without fear or shame. There is strength in asking for help.

 

NCN’s response will be rooted in the teachings of Mithopimatisiwin (living a good life), emphasizing holistic wellness through cultural practices, ceremony, and community connection.

 

Chief and Council are actively working with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and regional partners to coordinate immediate crisis response and to develop immediate short and long-term strategies to support healing and prevention.

 

Supports Available:

 

Community members and others in need of support are encouraged to reach out:

• NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre: 204-484-2341
• NCN Family & Community Wellness Centre Counseling on-call number: 431-354-1270
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
• Hope for Wellness Helpline (First Nations & Inuit): 1-855-242-3310
• Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
• Lifeline: 1–800-273-8255 or free text 988

 

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call the RCMP at 204-484-2288, the NCN FNSOs at 204-307-0912 (Checkstop), or the NCN Community Patrol at 204-679-0226  or 431-354-2026 or go to the NCN nursing station.

 

Our Nation has always carried strength, resilience, and love for one another. In this moment, we must stand together to protect our people and remind every single person that they are valued, they are loved, and they belong here.

Green Shirt Day may have passed, but the message behind it is still being shared across Canada.

 

Observed every April 7th, the day honours Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet, whose decision to become an organ donor left a lasting impact nationwide.

 

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotions Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, explains how Logan Boulet’s story inspired organ donation across the country.

 

 

Health officials say while support for organ donation remains high, registration rates still lag behind.

 

They encourage Manitobans to talk with their families and register their intent through the province’s official donor registry.

Running yellow or red traffic lights, not stopping for pedestrians, and not properly using your vehicle’s signal lights.

These are just a few of the traffic infractions that can see you receiving a ticket if you are caught committing them.

Rob Cleveland, Special Constable with the Thompson RCMP Detachment shares other behaviours that drivers need to be more mindful of.
 
Other infractions drivers can be ticketed for include passing school buses when they have their stop sign out, not having licence plates properly displayed on the front and back of your vehicle and not clearing your vehicle of snow or anything else that is obstructing your view.

For more on how you can be a safer driver and avoid tickets, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On April 4, 2026, at 2:05 am, Norway House RCMP received a report of shots being fired from a suspect operating an ATV on Osborne Street in the community.

Officers immediately attended to the area and conducted patrols but could not locate the suspect who fled the scene.

The investigation has uncovered that a 19-year-old female had been the victim of an assault earlier that evening at a residence in the community and that a firearm had been pointed in her direction and discharged, narrowly missing her. She described the firearm as being a sawed-off double-barreled shotgun.

In the afternoon of April 4, with the assistance of the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team, a Search Warrant was drafted and executed at a residence, located on Jean Folster Drive, in the community.

Inside the home, officers located and arrested two suspects, a 21-year-old female from Thompson, and an 18-year-old male, from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, in relation to this incident. The sawed-off shotgun was not recovered.

RCMP have charged 21-year-old Tanis Crait with Discharge firearm while being reckless, Careless use of a firearm, Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and Assault. She was remanded into custody.

The 19-year-old male was released on an Undertaking for court scheduled for June 5, in the community, where he will face a charge of Assault.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

 

 

On April 2, 2026, at 5:45 pm, Shamattawa RCMP received a report of First Nation Safety Officers being threatened at a residence in the community.

 

Officers attended to the location and noted two FNSO’s taking cover behind their emergency vehicle.

Information provided to officers on scene was that the FNSO’s were at the residence on allegations of alcohol and drug possession in the home. In speaking with the residents, a request was made to speak with the Chief or with one of the Councillors. The FNSO’s then exited the home to wait for their arrival.

While the FNSO’s were outside, a firearm was then observed being pointed at them, via a bedroom window, to which they took cover behind their vehicle.

While speaking with the FNSO’s on scene, one of the male suspects exited the home and was arrested without incident.

Commands were then given to the remaining two suspects inside to exit the home to which they complied with and were arrested without incident.

The property was then secured and a search warrant was drafted and later executed which led to the seizure of seven unsecured firearms, along with ammunition, from the residence.

The three males who were arrested (47, 27, 18) were later released for court scheduled for July 22 in the community.

Shamattawa RCMP continue to investigate.