Shared Health is offering a youth mental health and addiction education series.

This new resource is for people who are involved in the care and support of children or youth experiencing challenges with mental health or addictions.

Bruce Krentz with the Northern Health Region details here who took part in creating the program.

“Recent data shows that in 2022/2023, 1 in 17 hospital stays in Canada involved at least one harmful event and in the past, patient safety efforts often focused on potentially preventable physical harm but health care harm can come in many forms, such as psychological, spiritual and social harm.”  

Krentz said this online resource is available to parents, care-givers, foster parents, teachers and others.

To access this resource go to the Northern Health Region facebook page to find the link.

Fighting Blindness Canada, or FBC, was founded over 50 years ago and is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada.

They work with numerous vision-loss stakeholders in advocacy work.

Larissa Moniz, Director of Research and Mission programs for FBC, explains:

“There is a bill right now going to Parliament called Bill C284 which is to support a national eye care strategy. All of the groups like the Canadian Ophthalmology Society, Canadian Association of Optometrists, CNIB - there are over a dozen groups - we're all working together to put our voices behind this really important strategy."

Currently, FBC is creating awareness about an advanced form of dry, age-related macular degeneration call Geographic Atrophy, also known as G.A.

It is estimated there are around 200-thousand Canadians living with the condition.

Moniz says the only treatment in Canada right now are nutritional supplements.  The only other treatment is available in the U.S. and requires injections in the eye.

Learn more about Fighting Blindness Canada and their work with vision research.  Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Halloween is an exciting time for many of us.

And while we’re making plans for our costumes and trick-or-treating, there are things we shouldn’t overlook.

Constable Savannah Brant with the Thompson RCMP has some tips to share.

“There is safety in numbers, try and walk in groups and stay together. Do not go into other people’s houses, only accept their treats outside the door. Stay on the sidewalks and if there are no sidewalks, try and walk on the left hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.”   

Brant also warned against jay-walking and running back and forth across the streets.

Costumes shouldn’t drag on the ground as they can cause a tripping hazard and children should wear or carry something that makes them visible to traffic.

For more on how to keep safe and have fun this Halloween, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Last Thursday, Gypsumville RCMP located a stolen vehicle on Highway 6 south of Pinaymootang First Nation.

The vehicle was linked to a series of crimes that occurred overnight in Thompson.

The driver refused to pull over but, after a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped and the male suspect exited the stolen vehicle with a firearm.  While attempting to carjack another stopped car, he was struck by a shot from an officer’s firearm.

The suspect managed to drive the carjacked vehicle a short distance before stopping in the ditch.   He was then taken into custody.

The suspect, a 39-year-old man from Thompson, was provided immediate medical attention by officers and transported by STARS to hospital with serious injuries.

The officers involved did not sustain any physical injuries.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba has taken over the investigation.

Broken Windows and Broken Trust: The Impact of Rising Crime on Small Business.

This is the title of a report released during Small Business Week by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

It addresses the vandalism, theft, and lack of security business owners are currently dealing with across the country.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the CFIB says this rise in crime has affected how businesses are operating.

“They shift to appointment based only, locking their doors during business hours and leaving lights on overnight, which is obviously not cost effective and also deters your normal customers who want to come in during the day and feel safe around your business and they don’t come in as much anymore either.”

Slobogian says the CFIB was told 54 per cent of business owners consistently file police reports but only 33 per cent are satisfied with police responses.

Some instances of theft or vandalism were considered  - quote - “too small” for police to take action or response times could vary from hours to days.

Learn more about the impact of rising crime on small businesses. Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

The RCMP report at Monday’s Committee of the Whole Meeting at City Council included crime stats for various activities.

Of note, were the numbers for Drug Possession and Trafficking, which showed an increase in calls for service by almost 40 per cent over the past year.

On City Beat yesterday, Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino explained what those numbers mean.

“Seeing the number of drug crimes go up on the data, it’s a good thing because it’s actually taking the drugs off the street and potentially the dangerous people associated with them are being arrested. It means that department is working hard and being successful.”

A number of investigations lead to search warrants being executed in September that resulted in seizure of drugs, cash and weapons, and resulting in multiple arrests.

This is Respiratory Therapists week.

Also known as RT’s, these medical professionals provide a vital service to patients.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, outlines their roles here.

“They provide care to individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, TOPD, as well as those suffering from acute repertory illness like influenza.”

A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine and work with people who have any of the conditions Krentz mentioned.

Currently, the University of Winnipeg offers a one-year program that leads into the University of Manitoba’s three-year respiratory Therapy program.

Steps to Success at the YWCA Thompson will kick off Career and Workplace Development Month with an event on November 1st.

It’s called “Men can be sensitive - Women can be strong” and is aimed at dispelling common gender myths in the workplace.

Cat Cogle, Program Coordinator for Essential Skills has more.

“We see a lot of people with the idea that some jobs are designed just for specific genders. Women are nurses, men are pilots. We are kind of conditioned along those lines and we are just trying to break that down. There is no gender in careers, you can be anything you want to be.”

Drop by to try out the various myth-busting stations and learn more about how to move forward in a career that interests you.

This free event runs from 1 to 3 pm in the Steps to Success classroom in the basement at the YWCA at 39 Nickel Road.

Hear more from Cogle. Catch the full interview on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Falls are something we all experience, at any age of life.

But most of them are preventable, according to Pamela Fuselli, President and CEO of Parachute Canada, an injury prevention charity.

Fuselli says that November is Fall Prevention Month and it’s important to draw awareness to it.

“Falls are not a part of normal aging. The majority of the falls are predictable and that means that we can actually prevent them. Unfortunately falls are a real and growing risk to older adult’s health, wellness and independence.”

A fall can cause injuries that may be life-changing and require a change to a person’s living arrangements, especially if modifications to their present home aren’t possible.

For the full interview with Fuselli catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

The City of Thompson and Vale Manitoba Operations have entered into a formal fire protection agreement.

The resolution was passed at Tuesday’s regular meeting of council.

Ian Graham, Communications Manager for the City, explains how the agreement works.

“That agreement spells out how Thompson Fire and Emergency Services and Vale Manitoba Operations Emergency Services can request each other’s assistance, who will be in command of equipment in different circumstances, how long assistance can last and then the duration of the agreement as well as how either party can opt out of it if they wanted too.”   

Over the years, both entities have called on one another to assist with emergencies.

Those include the 2008 Mill Fire at Vale, the 2018 Interior Inn Fire, the 2023 fires at Shoppers Drug Mart and McMunn and Yates, and the 2024 Westwood Elementary School Fire.

The role of health care aids and health care support workers was front and centre during the pandemic.

And tomorrow is a day that recognizes both roles and all the people who carry out essential duties every day.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region talks about their roles here in Thompson.

“We have some people over at the personal care home, on the psychiatric acute care unit over at our Hope North Crisis Stabilization Unit and, of course, in the hospital and through acute care and all of the support services that wrap around us as well.”

Currently the NHR is recruiting more health care aids and support workers.

Just go to their website at northernhealthregion.com under Careers for more details.

Northern Health Region Influenza and COVID-19 immunization clinics begin in Thompson next Wednesday at the St. Lawrence Hall on Cree Road.

In the meantime, similar clinics have already begun at other northern Manitoba locations and are scheduled to continue well into November.

To check for dates and times of clinics in your area, go to the Northern Health Region facebook page.

No appointments are necessary for these clinics.

You are asked to bring your provincial health card and wear a short sleeve shirt when attending a clinic.

If you’re ill, please stay home.

Thompson RCMP are investigating two stabbings that occurred in the City last Friday evening.

The first took place outside a business on Kelsey Bay.  RCMP responded and found an injured 33-year-old woman.

EMS arrived and the victim was transported to the hospital, where she remains in stable condition.

Investigation showed that a group of between four to six female youth were involved in the assault.

RCMP were flagged down and found another woman injured after an assault on Station Road.   She was taken to hospital, treated and released.

Police believe the two assaults are related and are asking anyone with information to call 204-677-6909 or go to manitobacrimestoppers.com.

THOMPSON, MB – City of Thompson Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino will serve as the Association of Manitoba
Municipalities Executive Committee Interim President following the resignation of President Kam Blight.

"It is an absolute privilege to step into this role and help build on the incredible work Kam has done for
Manitoba's 137 municipalities,” says Valentino. “Together with our Board of Directors and staff, we will
continue to advocate for the priorities of all municipalities at both provincial and federal levels.”

Valentino had been one of the AMM’s two Executive Committee Vice-Presidents since being elected in 2022.
Her Vice-President role will remain vacant until the association’s fall convention, taking place November 25-
27. Vice-President Brad Saluk will serve as the organization’s only vice-president until then.

“I am incredibly honoured to have worked alongside municipal leaders across Manitoba and Canada as well as
our dedicated staff committed to the advancement of municipal interests in Manitoba,” said Blight. “I am
confident that the AMM is well-positioned for future success, and the next president will continue to grow our
association.”

Valentino, who also serves as 3rd Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is currently the
only nominated candidate for AMM President in the upcoming Executive Committee elections.

Lost or misplaced your ID?

Then you should attend today’s ID & Financial Access Event at the TRCC.

It runs from 11 am to 7 pm today. 

MKO will be on hand for Status Card applications; MPI will help with photo ID cards, and Service Canada will provide service regarding social insurance numbers, CPP, old age security and CPP disability applications.

Other organizations include the Canada Revenue Agency, the Northern Health Region and Assiniboine Credit Union.

Drop by if you have questions.

The Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association, or CBCRA, has been asking us to Recycle Everywhere since 2010 and do our part to grow recycling numbers.

Recycling our beverage containers keeps valuable resources out of the landfill,  helps  reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enables new products to be made.

Now, the CBCRA is reaching out to schools with their Cleanest Playground Challenge, as Jaclyn Diduck with the association explains.

“For Sustainability Month, we have the Cleanest Playground Challenge contest that is open to all schools and all classrooms across the province. We are challenging schools to join and when they join, they will receive a free cleanup kit that can be used to safely pick up litter in their neighbourhood.”

Diduck said the cleanup kits have garbage bags, recycling bags, gloves and educational material.

Classes can sign up for their kits and send in their results by the end of the month.  They will be entered for the draw for the grand prize of 5-thousand dollars or one of several pizza parties.

Learn more about the challenge and the CBCRA.   Tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

At Monday’s Committee of the Whole Meeting, an update on road and water main projects was provided by Director of Development and Technical Services, Lyle Safronetz.

Maple Leaf is working to complete the remainder of the planned 2024 work, including the paving on Westwood Drive, Mallard Crescent, Public Lane, and Seal Road.

They will also be completing driveway restoration and back-of-curb restoration on Westwood, and the base work for the multi-use pathway on Westwood.

The water main line installation for Centennial Drive  East is now complete.

Currently, Al-San Underground are working to complete the remaining service installs to the properties.   They will return in the spring to complete phase 3 & 4 of the project.

Work on the roads and water main renewal is expected to wrap-up by mid-October.

Traffic safety is a year-round issue and one that’s top of mind for Thompson RCMP.

Once school resumes in September, speed limit reductions in most school zones and the need to pay extra attention around school buses, are factors drivers must consider.

Failure to do either can result in fines ranging from $182 and upwards.

Constable Savannah Brant with the Thompson detachment shares some other penalties drivers may face.

“We also want to remind people that using a cellular telephone, or other handheld operated device, while driving is a $672 fine. Your insurance goes up, you receive demerits and you lose your licence for three days on your first offence.”  

Brant also reminds drivers to move over whenever they hear or see any emergency vehicles with their sirens or lights on.

For more on traffic safety do’s and don’ts, catch the full interview with Brant and Special Constable Rob Cleveland at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon on Thompson Today.

Mental health wasn’t a class at school, so how can adults learn about it?

The Canadian Mental Health Association offers a Recovery College program that provides free courses that promote recovery and well-being.

Recovery Colleges actively support students in their efforts to move on in their lives, achieve their goals, and explore different opportunities.

They offer free courses, webinars, workshops, and events to learn, gain new skills and connect with others.

The CMHA Thompson will hold its first bi-weekly Recovery College class tomorrow at 1:30 pm in the Connections Club house at 43 Fox Bay.

It is open to anyone interested in attending.

For more details, call Stephanie at 204 677-6051.

A Kwaguilth totem pole that has welcomed visitors to the Manitoba Legislative Building since 1971, will be laid to rest.

Premier Wab Kinew made the announcement Monday.

The 16-foot totem pole depicting a legend of the Kwaguilth Indigenous Peoples from the West Coast, has naturally deteriorated over the years.

The totem pole’s condition was inspected in September 2022 by Richard Hunt, a traditional Kwaguilth carver and the son of the totem pole’s original carver, Henry Hunt.

Based on that assessment and in keeping with Kwaguilth tradition, it was recommended the totem pole be laid to rest.

It will be placed in an east-west orientation in a nearby raised planter bed during the traditional dedication ceremony led by Richard Hunt.

The totem pole commemorated the centenary of the province of British Columbia entering Confederation.

This week, Engage Manitoba will hold poverty reduction strategy consultations in northern Manitoba.

The first will take place here in Thompson tomorrow at the Ma Mow We Tak Friendship Centre.

Starting at 9 am is the Stakeholder Engagement.  In this roundtable discussion, participants from front-line service providers will learn about the poverty reduction strategy renewal process, ask questions and share their perspectives.

At 1 pm, the Indigenous Engagement session begins.   Indigenous rights holders,  stakeholders, Elders, Knowledge keepers and community members are encouraged to participate and share their insights.

The public engagement session runs from 6 to 8 pm and is open to all community members.

Another consultation takes place on Thursday at the Kikiwak Inn.    The schedule is the same.

For those who wish to add their input but can’t attend in person, go to engagemb.ca.

 

On October 1, 2024, at approximately 5:00 pm, Nelson House RCMP received a report that two adult males were missing.

 

A 20-year-old male and a 36-year-old male were last seen on September 30, 2024, at approximately 1:30 pm walking into a forested area from a camp along Provincial Road 391 near Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. RCMP, First Nation Safety Officers, and local search teams immediately began a search.

 

On October 2, 2024, at approximately 11:30 am, the 20-year-old male emerged from the forested area safe, but suffering non-life threatening injuries related to the cold temperatures. He was treated at the Nursing Station and released.

 

The teams continued the search for the 36-year-old male.

 

On October 3, 2024, Nelson House RCMP continued the search with Police Service Dog Phlex, RCMP Search and Rescue, First Nation Safety Officers, Winnipeg Search and Rescue, the Office of the Fire Commissioner search team, and community members.

 

At approximately 10:30 am, PSD Phlex located the male deceased in a marshy, wooded area approximately 300 metres from where he was last seen. It does not appear criminal at this time, but an autopsy will be performed. The RCMP continue to investigate.

On October 4, 2024, at approximately 1:55 am, Lynn Lake RCMP received a report of an assault in progress involving two teens outside a residence located in Black Sturgeon Falls.

Officers attended and located a 16-year-old male, who was pronounced deceased, outside the residence.

A 16-year-old male was arrested and remains in police custody.

Lynn Lake RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Mayor Colleen Smook shared on City Beat yesterday, that Thompson residents will have the chance to see the Grey Cup firsthand tomorrow.

From 11 am to 3 pm Saturday, the Grey Cup will be displayed in the TRCC front lobby.

It will be escorted by the “Keeper of the Cup” Jeff McWhinney, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers mascot,  and members of the Blue Bomber team.

The players are kicker, Sergio Castillo and wide receiver, Dalton Schoen.

The visit is a collaboration between the RCMP and the CFL, who have joined forces to amplify RCP recruiting initiatives across the country.

Fire Prevention Week begins this Sunday, with the theme being “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you.”

Steve Molloy, Fire Chief for Thompson Fire and Emergency Services, explains where smoke alarms should be located in our homes.

“Smoke alarms in residential homes with basements should be placed  on every level of your home but also in your sleeping quarters so smoke alarms should be installed in the bedrooms where you and your family sleep. They can either be mounted on the ceiling or mounted on the wall no less then 12 inches from the ceiling.”

Molloy said smoke alarms provide the early detection that is needed to help people escape a fire.

Hear more about fire prevention week and how to make smoke alarms work for you.  Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers are being celebrated during National Breastfeeding Week in Canada.

Bruce Krentz with the Northern Health Regions shares some of them here.

“Breastmilk has just the right amount of fats, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals for optimal infant growth. Breastmilk also contains antibodies, and other immune factors to help protect against infections and disease. There is just a lot of health benefits both short and long term for mothers and for babies and the special relationship between the two of them.”

Krentz added that since 2015 the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to 6 months has grown from 38 per cent to 48 per cent in 2021.

The goal is to reach 50 per cent by 2025.

This year’s theme for the week is ““Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”

Municipal leaders from Manitoba's 10 cities gathered in Thompson last Thursday.

The purpose was to discuss critical topics such as infrastructure, public safety, healthcare, and housing.

AMM President Kam Blight stated that Manitoba’s cities are facing similar pressures and when they present a united front to the provincial and federal governments they can advocate for stronger support.

Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook, who serves as the Cities Caucus Chair, said hosting the meeting in northern Manitoba was a vital opportunity to shine a light on the unique challenges facing our northern communities.

Whether it’s housing or public safety, it’s believed the discussions at this meeting will help shape the future of all municipalities across Manitoba.

The meeting also served as a platform to share best practices ahead of the upcoming AMM Fall Convention in November, where a new Cities Caucus Chair will be elected.

Thompson’s Safety Operations Manager, Lawrence McDonald, also serves as the Municipal Emergency Coordinator.

He has been the M-E-C since October 2022 and, in his role, helps with the response to large-scale emergency events.

One such event was the recent Bunibonibee Cree Nation evacuation due to wildfires.

McDonald said that while it was challenging at times, everyone involved put in a solid effort to make sure the evacuation went smoothly.

McDonald was featured in the September issue of Manitoba EM Quarterly, a newsletter published by the Province of Manitoba Emergency Management Organization.

On September 28, 2024, at approximately 7:00 pm Thompson RCMP responded to a call of gunshots outside a residence on Duke Place.

 

Officers responded immediately and, upon arrival, discovered a residence with a bullet hole through the window. The lone occupant of the residence was not injured.

 

Witnesses reported seeing a male run from the area, and officers began a search for the suspect.

 

At approximately 7:50 pm, officers responded to a second report of gunshots in the area of Brandon Crescent. Officers responded and began extensive patrols.

 

Thompson RCMP believe these two shootings were targeted, and are linked to an on-going investigation involving 21-year-old Tyrell Porter who is WANTED for multiple firearms offences from a previous shooting.

 

Porter may still be in the Thompson area. He is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com if you have any information on his location. Do not approach.

The investigation continues.

A new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows small businesses in Manitoba have been hit hard by property taxes in some municipalities.

A CFIB survey showed 70 per cent of small businesses have seen an increase in their property taxes in the past year,  and over half of them identify these taxes as one of the most harmful costs to their operations.

Hayley Bassett, an Intern with Legislative affairs with the CFIB, adds more.

“The burden of property taxes is particularly challenging for small businesses because their profit incentive, meaning that they pay these taxes regardless of how much revenue they are making.”

The CFIB identifies Winnipeg and Thompson as two municipalities that don’t put a higher tax burden on businesses.

The municipalities of Hanover and Tache (Tashay) are considered to have unfair tax ratios because businesses pay 1.3 times more for property taxes than  home owners.

Bassett says this disparity results in challenges for these businesses.

Catch the full interview with Bassett today at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today

Property tax bills were sent out a little later in September than usual.

Despite today being the official due date for payment, there’s some leeway being given to property owners.

Ian Graham, Communications Manager for the City of Thompson explains.

“When the tax levy by-law, the by-law that sets the mill rates for the current tax year, was passed back in June, it set October 1st as the due date. Then for some computer and accounting system reasons, there was a delay and us and some other municipalities were able to prepare and print the tax bills and send them out. Because they got sent out later then we were anticipating, there has been a grace period so as long as you pay your taxes by October 31st, there won’t be any late payment penalties applied to those.”

Taxes can be paid in person at City Hall or by mailing a cheque with the tear-off stub from the statement.

Taxes can be paid on-line by electronic fund transfer and through Telpay.   Taxes can also be paid by pre-authorized debit.