On June 24, 2025, at 4:40 am, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an assault where a 15-year-old male had been attacked by a large group of males, many of them carrying machetes, in an open area off of Duke Place in the City of Thompson.

The victim had been taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers attended to the area and located the scene of where the assault occurred.

Further investigation into this assault led to the arrest of three males, two of them youths (17,16) and an 18-year-old.

The 18-year-old, Zane Mercredi of Thompson, was charged with Aggravated Assault and remanded into custody. The two youths were released from custody for a future court date scheduled in Thompson.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate as further arrests are anticipated.
 

Hudbay has made a significant donation towards the Manitoba Wildfire Relief program, through the Canadian Red Cross.

 

In response to the devastating wildfires impacting communities across Northern Manitoba including Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach, Hudbay has donated $1.25 million dollars.

 

The contribution will go towards residents who have been affected by the wildfires and allocated in a wide range of areas.

 

They are Evacuation Assistance including shelter, food and transportation for displaced individuals and families;  support to help with the recovery and rebuilding process;  financial support for personal and household items;  Mental Health and Wellness support, as well as support for local businesses, Community Resilience Projects and long term recovery preparedness.

 

For more information on the Canadian Red Cross or to make a personal donation you can visit www.redcross.ca.

Shock and devastation have begun to sink in for residents of Denare Beach who have returned home to witness firsthand the destruction and loss as the result of a recent wildfire.

Denare Beach held a press conference at the Denareplex on Thursday  afternoon,  which allowed residents to show up and band together as they continue to look for answers and support.

Jennifer Hysert, a local resident who lost her home to the wildfire helped organize the press conference and is hoping the Saskatchewan Government gets the message.

 
“I want help.  I want our government to finally step up to the plate - acknowledge Denare Beach exists; acknowledge that we had potentially 300 homes burned, and that there is disaster relief in our country for situations like this.

We are faced with huge obstacles of removing everything that burned and then, as well as that, we have environmental issues where they won’t allow us to rebuild, to move anything or to start until they give us the go-ahead.

And they’re offering us no plan as to when that is going to happen, so we came together as a community to demand that help.”

Joining Hysert at the podium on Thursday was local firefighter Paul Rossington, Denare Beach Mayor Carl Lentowitcz and Jordan McPhail from the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.

Hysert says they will continue to lobby the Saskatchewan Government until they get answers and support,  so they can start to move ahead.

It was announced last week that the fire ban in the City of Thompson had been lifted.

However, on City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided some clarification on the ban.

“And the fireban, to be clear, isn’t totally lifted. It’s lifted from 8pm at night to 8 in the morning. You still can’t have fires during the day from 8am to 8pm because that’s when it’s dry and the winds are up. Just to be very clear, it’s still a partial fire ban on.”

And for those using fire pits or other similar units in their backyards, inspections and permits are still required.

Inspections and permits can be obtained through Thompson Fire and Emergency Services.

July is UV Safety Awareness month, the time to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while you still enjoy time spent outdoors.

 

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region provides the 5 S’s of sun protection.

 

“Slip on protective clothing, slop on some sunscreen  - so SPF 30 or higher, a broad spectrum water-resistant sunscreen - slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek some shade, especially during the peak sun hours, and slide on some sunglasses.”

 

Wraparound sunglasses are best to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.

 

With the extra hours of sunlight, be sure to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’ve spent some time in the water.

 

Also, whether you’re fishing, boating or swimming, any activity that takes you near or on the water comes with risks, so be prepared.

 

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region has some tips to help you with that.

“Have your life jackets on when you’re around the water.  If you’re swimming and other kids are swimming, keep an eye on each other.   If you’re going to be out on the water boating, let someone know where you are.   

The other one in the boat, make sure you designate a co-captain so you’ve got someone else in the boat who knows how to drive the boat and knows where you’re going and how to get home.”

Always carry an emergency kit with you,  along with extra food and water.

 

And, of course, avoid drinking and boating.

 

In Manitoba, there is no difference between driving under the influence and boating under the influence, with penalties the same for both.

 

On your first offence you face a minimum fine of $1,000 and with a second offence, you run the risk of serving jail time as well.

Thompson will have a summer-time parade after all.

 

While the Nickel Days parade was cancelled along with the other events and midway, there will be a Canada Day Parade on Tuesday.

 

The parade will start at the Heritage North Museum and will head west on Thompson Drive, ending up at the Thompson Public Library.

 

Scout out your favorite spot, or join in the parade with a float, bicycle or motorcycle.

 

The Canada Day Committee is looking for local groups, businesses and individuals to register a float to show off their national pride.

 

There are a variety of prize categories including Best Service Club, Best Commercial, Best Recreation Group, Best Ethnic, Best Organizational, Best Decorated Bicycle, Best Decorate Motorcycle and Best Overall.

 

Registration forms are available at the TRCC, City Hall and the Thompson Neighborhood Renewal Corporation office at 117 Commercial Place, across from Days Inn and Suites.

 

Other Canada Day events are in the works.  

 

More details are expected to follow sometime today.

National Fishing Week is not only a way to encourage people to try fishing, but to celebrate our country’s history with the pastime.

Chris Ferguson with the Fishin’ Hole in Winnipeg has details on where you can find the fishing regulations for the province.

"You can pick up copies of the Manitoba Fishing Guide at most outdoor stores.

You can also find it on the Government of Manitoba website.

There is also a Manitoba Master Anglers site and an app you can download on your phone, and all of those will have the Manitoba fishing regulations on them."

National Fishing Week has been celebrated for over 20 years and the dates for this year’s event are June 28th to July 6th.

With over 1 million lakes, rivers and streams, plus three oceans, Canada boasts one of the most diverse natural environments on the planet.

For more on National Fishing Week go to catchfishing DOT com.

 

Riding an off-road vehicle (ORV) is one of the most popular summer activities in Manitoba and, when done safely, can be a fun way to explore the province. However, an increasing number of young people are ending up in the Emergency Department with severe and life-altering injuries after riding ORVs.

“Like many Manitobans, I am an avid ORV rider, and part of being a responsible rider is knowing how quickly and tragically things can go wrong when these vehicles are misused,” said Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba and Minister Responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).

 

“Our government is committed to raising awareness for ORV safety and helping to prevent tragedies, especially the loss of young lives.”

MPI works closely with the provincial government on road safety initiatives in an effort to keep Manitoba’s roads safe for all users and prevent injuries and fatalities from occurring.

“The data we have offers a window into the severity of ORV-related injuries, reinforcing the urgent need for immediate action,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI.

“Understanding the risk involved when operating these very powerful vehicles will help educate adults on the importance of safe use and supervision when teaching children how to ride on, and off, Manitoba’s roadways.”

MPI, in partnership with Dr. Lynne Warda, a leading pediatric emergency physician in Winnipeg, has examined data around pediatric trauma cases, which shows a sharp rise in those linked to ORV use in Manitoba. The information shows that lack of adult supervision and lack of helmet use are large contributing factors to the injuries being seen in hospitals.

In the last five years, 12 people have been killed in ORV collisions and 220 people have been injured.

 

According to Dr. Warda, between 2011-2024, 633 children visited the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department at Health Sciences Centre with injuries sustained on an ORV. In the last four years, the number of annual injuries has been between 80-100 cases per year.  Of those cases, 32 per cent were admitted to the hospital, emphasizing the severity of the injuries.

“Children’s Hospital is the only trauma centre for children in Manitoba, so patients with serious injuries are sent to us from all over the province,” said Dr. Lynne Warda.

 

“ORV injuries are some of the most serious injuries we see. The speed and size of the vehicle leads to high impact collisions and rollovers, so the riders often have multiple injuries. This might include a head injury, broken bones, and lacerations, some needing surgery or admission to hospital. These injuries can lead to long-term disability when the head or spine is injured.”

According to the data, in Manitoba, male youths between the ages of 14-16 are suffering severe injuries on the weekends of June, July, and August. June marks ORV Safety Month, and the need to focus on safety in relation to ORVs continues to be important.

“We deliver off-road vehicle (ORV) safety presentations, funded by Manitoba Public Insurance, to youth in schools, First Nations communities, and local community clubs across the province,” said Terris Baran, Manager of Road Safety Programming at Safety Services Manitoba.

 

“In partnership with ATV Manitoba, we also offer hands-on training to ATV riding clubs and deliver customized ATV training for companies throughout Manitoba.”

MPI and SSM work together to deliver presentations across the province, many of which are aimed at youth. From Jan-Mar 2025, 44 ORV presentations were delivered to 2,135 youth in  communities and First Nations across Manitoba.

“ORVs are powerful machine, not toys,” said Baran. “Children under 16 often lack the size, strength, and judgment to operate them safely. That’s why we urge families to keep young riders off adult-sized ATVs and instead focus on supervised use of age-appropriate models, certified training, and proper safety gear, especially helmets. Our goal is to protect young lives and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

The information collected by MPI and by Dr. Warda shows that in many of the cases when youth are injured on ORVs, parents could not identify where the youth had been riding or what, exactly, happened, emphasizing that parental supervision is key to keeping youth safe on ORVs.

Under Manitoba law, youth 14-16 years of age must be supervised and accompanied by a parent or person at least 18 years old. If a youth is 15 ½ years of age and holds a valid Learner Stage driver’s licence, they can operate an ORV unsupervised but still are not permitted to travel or cross roadways, shoulders, or sidewalks.

Safety tips to remember for ORV riders of any age:
• Manufacturers include age guidelines based on the size and power of each ORV. These guidelines should always be followed to help prevent injury. A child should never operate a full-size ORV meant for adults.
• Young riders should always have hands-on adult supervision. Parents and caregivers play a big role by modelling safe riding and making sure children are trained. Enrolling children in certified safety training courses, such as those offered by SSM, is a great way to teach them about handling, speed control, and terrain
awareness.
• A DOT-approved helmet is required for all riders and passengers. Other recommended gear includes eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and chest and shoulder protection.
• Farm work should always match the rider’s age and the machine’s capabilities. Youth-sized ORVs are not built for towing or hauling.
• Don’t carry passengers on single-rider ORVs.
• Avoid paved roads unless absolutely necessary and legal.
• Ride in daylight, on familiar terrain, and at safe speeds.
• Always slow down on hills, corners, and rough patches. Most rollovers happen when going too fast on these types of terrain.
• Be cautious with unpredictable terrain like mud, loose gravel, or steep slopes as they can quickly lead to loss of control.
• Stick to designated trails or areas where permission has been granted.
• Avoid environmentally sensitive spots like wetlands or wildlife zones.

The Manitoba government has opened a permanent office in Washington, D.C.

It’s to be led by former White House news correspondent Richard Madan, with the aim to build on trade and economic relationships with the U.S. that support Manitoba jobs.

Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday that Manitoba has what America needs and a trade office in the heart of the Capitol will strengthen trade ties and protect Manitoba jobs.

Madan is in Manitoba this week to meet with local business, labour representatives, Indigenous leaders and government leaders including cabinet ministers and Manitoba’s advisor on Canada-U.S. relations, Gary Doer.

A trade office was recommended by the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council, which was created in December 2023.

For those in the tourism industry,  this summer could mean boom or bust.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business explains.

"Some businesses are seeing a silver lining as more Canadians are travelling domestically.

But for others, especially in wildfire prone or rural areas, bookings are down and uncertainty is high.  

For operators in areas under watch or evacuation, even a small drop in summer revenue can jeopardize their survival into the winter."

To help the tourism industry, the CFIB urges all three levels of government to reduce permit and licencing requirements, while actively promoting buying local and travelling within and to Canada.

Meanwhile, Slobogian says of those who have finalized their travel plans, 56 per cent plan to travel within their province, 51 per cent elsewhere in Canada, and 21 per cent elsewhere in the world other than the U.S.

Only 11 per cent are travelling or looking to travel to the U.S. this summer.

For the full interview with Slobogian, check out thompsononline.ca on our Home Page under AUDIO.

The Grad Class of 2025 is celebrating their Grad Parade today.

Those participating in the parade are asked to meet in the front loop at R.D. Parker Collegiate at 12:45.

After some uncertainty over the past couple weeks regarding this year’s Grad ceremony, it’s been confirmed that it will take place this Thursday in the C.A. Nesbitt Arena at the TRCC as usual.

The ceremony will begin at 4 pm, with the doors to the TRCC opening at 3 p.m.

Family and friends are advised that it is rush seating, as there is limited seating available on the arena floor.

There is seating in the bleachers and standing room on the walking track.

The school will provide a YouTube live-stream link next week on both the School Division website and facebook page for those who are unable to attend in person.

The ceremony is expected to last around 3 hours.

 

 

On June 20, 2025, at 9:50 pm, officers from The Pas RCMP responded to a report of a house fire located on Hunter Drive in Cormorant.

As officers were enroute to the scene, a further report was received that a firefighter had been assaulted by a 29-year-old male during the execution of his firefighting duties.

The fight had been stopped by other firefighters and the two parties separated with the 29-year-old fleeing the scene.

The fire was then extinguished with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Pas RCMP have issued a Warrant of Arrest out for 29-year-old Scott Wishart who is wanted for Assault and Uttering Threats.

 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6204, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

The Rylen Solski Memorial Fishing Derby is on now, with all proceeds from registrations going to Kawasaki Disease Canada.

 

Kawasaki Disease is a rare condition that typically hits children and has a small 10-day window for diagnosis and treatment. 

 

 Left untreated the condition can lead to heart problems and has been attributed to a number of sudden deaths among children.

 

Due to Rylen’s undiagnosed Kawasaki Disease, he passed away unexpectedly 5 years ago.

 

The fishing derby is a tribute to Rylen’s love of fishing.

 

 To enter the derby, download the FishDonkey App on any smart phone and search Rylen Solski.

 

The Fishing Derby began last Friday and runs until this Sunday.

 

 

 

For the tenth time in four years, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak has called on the  Province of Manitoba to cancel the Moose Licence Draw.

 

MKO supports recent letters from Chief David Monias of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Chief Heidi Cook of Misipawistik Cree Nation, which object to the 2025 moose licence draw.

 

They say the wildfires in the Grand Rapids and Cross Lake trapline areas have caused catastrophic losses to moose habitat and populations, yet Manitoba has increased the number of moose licences,  relying on months old aerial surveys which they haven’t shared with the Chiefs or MKO leadership.

 

MKO says the scheduled announcement of draw “winners” on June 21—coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day—is not only tone-deaf but deeply disrespectful to the First Nations where the rights and lands are being disregarded.

A 22-year-old woman has been arrested after a robbery on Wednesday afternoon.

Thompson RCMP were advised that a woman had approached a 9-year-old girl who was on a bicycle and asked for the bag of food she was carrying.

A bystander saw the incident, intervened by chasing the suspect away, and brought the child to safety.

The victim and witness were able to provide an accurate description of the suspect to police and she was later located and arrested.

Judith Robinson, 22, has been charged with Robbery, Resisting Arrest and Causing a Disturbance. She has been remanded in custody.

The 9-year-old girl sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

As of Thursday, the City’s fire ban has been lifted.

Deputy Mayor Louis Fitzpatrick shared those details on City Beat yesterday.

“Fires are now permitted in approved backyard fire pits, only if you have a permit of course, between the hours of 8am and 8pm. The ban on ATVs and dirt bikes has also been lifted.”  

There are still level 2 fire and travel restrictions outside the city.

The province is allowing campfires in provincial parks from 8 pm to 8 am.

You can keep up-to-date on this and other City notices at thompson.ca.

Fitzpatrick said the city’s website is also a good source for those wanting information on emergency preparedness.

The Summer Reading Challenge at the Thompson Public Library is coming back.

And this year, readers of all ages are invited to participate.

Alannah McGrath, Programmer for the Library has more on the challenge.

“Our theme this year is reading around the world so we do have a beautiful map up in the kid’s area where you will be moving around the map as you read your books and whoever reads the most books by the end of the summer in your age group, you’ll be receiving a prize at the end of the year.”  

McGrath said the challenge begins on July 2nd.

That’s when you can drop by the library to register and pick up all your supplies to take part.

The wrap up party and awarding of prizes will take place on August 27th.

For more on other summer programs at the library, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On June 16, 2025, at approximately 11:30 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 23-year-old male from Leaf Rapids.

 

Noah Thomas was last heard from on May 30, 2025, while he was visiting a residence in Thompson.

 

RCMP and Noah’s family are concerned about his well-being.

 

Noah is described as 5’7” tall, approximately 160 lbs., with black hair and green eyes. It is believed he is still in the Thompson area.

 

If you have any information on his whereabouts, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-697-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Hotter temperatures, higher UV indexes and wildfire smoke are presenting risks to our eye health and even more so for seniors.

That’s partly because they may already be dealing with age-related conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Dr. David Plemel, an eye surgeon who is a member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society shares the impacts of wildfire smoke here.

“Exposure to wildfire smoke, it’s an irritant and it’s also an allergen so having wildfire smoke can lead to irritation, redness, a burning sensation or even a dryness in the eyes in people who are experiencing severe symptoms of it. It can even exasperate existing eye conditions like dry eye or conjunctivitis and this can lead to blurring or decreased vision.”

Plemel said symptoms will typically disappear once the smoke dissipates but, if that’s not the case, he recommends a visit to your eye care professional.

Short term, he advises staying indoors with doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the area, using air filters in your home, and using lubricating eye drops to help with dry and irritated eyes.

For more on how to protect your vision during the summer months, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

If you’re uncertain of the services and programs offered at the Canadian Mental Health Association of Thompson, there’s a resource close at hand.

The Canadian Mental Health Association Thompson Region facebook page is easy to access and join.

Stephanie Hysert with the CMHA encourages people to check it out.

“On our Facebook page, we just announces our services and program, what kind of events and whatnot we have going on for that month. Please go check it out and join the page, we post a lot of stuff on there.”

As the CMHA is a non-profit organization, they are holding a cookbook fund raiser to help them offset costs of their programs.

Cookbooks are available at the CMHA office at 43 Fox Bay and are $20 each.

You can also call 204-677-6051.

On June 16, 2025, at 9:20 am, Cranberry Portage RCMP received a report of a suspicious device found within a dorm room located at an educational facility in Cranberry Portage.

Staff members were on site preparing for the return of students, who had been evacuated from the community since May 31, when they made the discovery.

The device was described to police as a metal pipe with tape and resembled a pipe bomb.

The RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) attended to the scene and examined the device which was subsequently taken to a remote location and safely destroyed.

The device was found not to contain any explosive material.

Cranberry Portage RCMP continue to investigate.

 

Everyone needs a safe place where they can get together with other like-minded individuals, including older men.

And that’s how Men’s Sheds came to be.

Here, Fred Bobrowski with the Manitoba association explains what they are.

“Men Sheds are basically a community hub where men can gather to share skills, learn and support each other in a welcoming environment. They are places where men can belong, grow and contribute whether to others or to their community.”

This grassroots organization started in Australia in the late 1990s and expanded to Canada in the early 2000s.

There are over 150 Men’s Sheds in Canada so far, with provincial associations in B.C, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.

Learn more about Men’s Sheds and how to attend an upcoming virtual meeting on June 25th. Catch the details on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Doug Horn, a teen driver safety advocate and motor-vehicle crash lawyer, has made it his mission to educate parents on how to educate their teens about safe driving.

His Teen Driver Protection Guide promotes the A-B-C-D’s of driver safety, as he explains here.

“As parents, we need to make safe driving a household priority and so we start early with our kids as passengers, training them to be alert, buckled, cautious and defensive. You know, it’s not just a matter of training them to be good drivers, we want them to be good passengers especially when they are in the vehicle of somebody else. They need to demand that also of their driver.”

Horn says modelling good driving behaviour and explaining various driving scenarios as they happen will help provide context for what their teens may experience as drivers.

To download the free Guide, go to hornlaw.com.

For the full interview with Horn, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 pm.

For evacuees of the wildfires, the Northern Health Region has added two walk-in clinics.

Bruce Krentz from the Northern Health Region provides details on who is eligible to drop in.

“Due to the wildfires, infants aged six months to twelve months who have been evacuated from their home communities are eligible for measles vaccines, no appointment needed.”

The clinic in Thompson is in the Thompson Public Health office in the building next to the hospital.

Clinics are open Monday to Friday from 2 to 3 pm.   You can call 204-677-5350 for more information.

In The Pas, the clinic is in The Pas Primary Health Care Centre between 1-4 on Wednesdays at 111 Cooke Avenue. 204- 623-5690 is the number to call there.

The cancellation of Nickel Days was announced last week.

Mayor Colleen Smook said on City Beat yesterday that, while we’ll miss the summer festival, the TRCC is needed more by the wildfire evacuees.

She talks here about the status of a couple other local events.

“The organizations of the National Indigenous Peoples Day say those events will proceed on June 21st. Canada Day celebrations are a little bit harder to predict. The staff that’s in charge, they sort of got everything on hold because right now, with the fire ban, they can’t even have the fireworks.”

Smook said it could be another week or so before a final decision can be made regarding local Canada Day celebrations.

Watch the City’s facebook page and website for updates on that.

Reduce your chance of stroke by eating well, exercising, living smoke-free and taking care of your diabetes.

Knowing signs of stroke is important in getting immediate help and reducing the impact of a stroke.

Bruce Krentz with the Northern Health Region provides the signs to watch for.

“The little thing that we use to help us remember is FAST. F is for Face, is the person’s face drooping especially on one side? Arms, can you raise both of them? Speech, is your speech slurred or jumbled? T is for time, as fast as you can call 911 and get some people some help.”

Krentz says that we usually equate stroke with the aging population, but that anyone of any age can experience one.

In fact, the risk of stroke in children is greatest in the weeks after their birth.

Every day in Canada one baby has a stroke and currently there are more than 10-thousand children between the ages of newborn and 18 living with the effect of stroke.

Learn more about Stroke Month at Heart and Stroke.ca.

The Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters  held a demonstration last week to show how drivers and passengers can escape from a vehicle submerged in water.

It was to mark the anniversary of the death of Brittany Storey, a 29-year-old woman whose body was recovered from a submerged vehicle northeast of Winnipeg a year ago.

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, a vehicle submersion expert, tells us there is a short time in which to escape a vehicle once it’s in the water.

“The reality is, you’ve really only got a minute or so to get out. It’s going to continue to sink lower in the water and then once the water gets up against the windows, you have no chance to open doors, windows or anything else. So you need to get out! Don’t call 911 because there is no emergency response that’s going to get to you within the period in which you can be saved.”

Giesbrecht encourages us to remember S for seatbelts - undo them, W for windows - open them, O - for outside immediately and C - children first.

He said of anything you need to remember to save your life, remember this.

Nickel Days was scheduled to take place June 19th to 22nd but, unfortunately, this year’s event has been cancelled.

Jenn Thackeray, President of the Nickel Days Corporation explains the reason for the decision.

“We made the decision last week to cancel Nickel Days. We have had unprecedented wildfires and evacuations in Northern Manitoba early in the wildfire season and because of that, we felt that the safety and wellbeing of other residents in Northern Manitoba to cancel Nickel Days.”  

Nickel Days started in the early 1960s and was only cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event includes a midway with rides and games, stage shows, family games, a parade, a social, and the National King Miner competition.

On June 9, 2025, at 12:50 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 21-year-old male from an address located on Beaver Crescent in Thompson.

Jamie Marcel Captain, 21, was last seen at his home earlier in the day and his family is concerned for his wellbeing.

He's described as being 6’2’’, 195 lbs with brown hair & brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, brown khaki pants and black and white sandals.

If you’ve seen Jamie Captain or have any information on his whereabouts, please call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Ongoing staffing issues at Thompson Fire and Emergency Services were addressed by the Mayor on City Beat last Thursday.

Currently 10 of 24 fire-paramedic positions are filled and there is one vacant dispatcher position.

Mayor Colleen Smook said the City has been aware of staffing issues for a number of years.

“We’ve had concern with the staffing and have been working on it since back in 2018-2019. We worked on having a fire-paramedic program in Thompson, worked with all the outside Northern partners, had everything funded and ready to go and then at the last minute, it didn’t happen.”

Smook said there should be some relief in sight, as the City has a new Deputy Fire Chief arriving mid-July, along with 4 firefighter-paramedics.

Two firefighters from the Whiteshell are also working along TFES members on a 7-day rotation through an agreement with the City that’s been extended until the end of July.

Broadcasters from across Manitoba have raised over $400-thousand in their Manitoba Day of Caring for Wildfire Evacuees Campaign.

Last Thursday, more than 30 radio stations across the province joined forces to support those displaced by wildfires with donations to the Red Cross Manitoba Wildfires Appeal.

So far, over 14-thousand people have registered with the Canadian Red Cross after being forced from their homes due to ongoing wildfires.

Many are currently being housed in emergency shelters in Winnipeg, Thompson, Winkler and Portage la Prairie.

Thanks to a matching initiative from both the federal and Manitoba governments, every dollar donated is tripled.

The matching program continues through June 27.

Donations can still be made online at redcross.ca or by texting RADIO to 20222 to donate $10.

Early Friday morning, Gillam RCMP responded to a report of an injured man at a residence in the community.

Officers, along with EMS, responded immediately and located a 65-year-old man with critical injuries who was later pronounced dead on scene.

A 22-year-old female was arrested on scene. Both were known to each other.

Later that day,  Jodi Ann Ouskan, from Gillam, was charged with Second Degree Murder and remanded into custody for a scheduled court appearance yesterday.

Gillam RCMP, along with assistance of RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

According to the Canadian Climate Institute, Canada is warming twice as fast as the global average due to accelerating climate change.

And as we’re home to more than a quarter of the world’s boreal forests, we can see the effects in the resulting wildfires currently raging across the country.

Pat Wally, Chair of Seniors for Climate Manitoba, speaks to the impact of climate change on wildfires.

“Fire season is starting earlier, lasting longer and it’s harder to contain. The fires are becoming bigger, more fierce and more destructive. Because the climate is warming, unfortunately that’s just going to get worse.”

Already, in Manitoba alone, over 733-thousand hectares has burned in 2025, as compared to 266-thousand hectares in the province for all of 2024.

Overheating climate is making Canadian summers hotter, windier and with more erratic rainfall, particularly in the summer.

For more on the impact of climate change on wildfires and the results from them, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Making the call to evacuate Flin Flon was easy according to Mayor George Fontaine.

He said as he drove down the highway that day, he could see the flames on the outskirts of the City.

He was then met by conservation officers who said they were uncertain they could hold the fire back.

Fontaine talks here about what he did find difficult.

“It’s tough on your mind when you realize what it is that you are asking people to do. We ask them to leave their residences and everything that they know and that they are comfortable with. Not having a chance to grab a whole lot of anything and not knowing how long they are going to be gone so in that respect, it’s very difficult.”

The evacuation order came through last Thursday and all 5-thousand Flin Flon residents are still out of their community.

There are currently 15 communities under mandatory evacuation orders and another three under voluntary evacuation.

Three others — Snow Lake, Norway House and Chemawawin Cree Nation (Easterville) — are under evacuation alerts or notices, with people ordered to be ready to leave with short notice.

The residents from a number of northern Manitoba communities and First Nations have been evacuated from their homes due to raging wildfires.

While their physical well-being and safety was top of mind, their mental health is also a concern.

Dr. Adegoke Adelufosi, a psychiatrist with the Northern Health Region, shares some ways evacuees may exhibit signs of stress.

“For example, people may have difficulty with sleeping, so insomnia, anxiety that can manifest as distress or just panic attacks. Some may have even nightmares as part of the reaction and also depression.”

Adelufosi said these are normal reactions in the early stage of stress, but that for some who already have mental health issues or earlier trauma, these symptoms could become so intense that they may develop PTSD or major depressive disorder.

For those experiencing extreme anxiety or distress due to the wildfire evacuations, call the Mental Health intake at 204-677-5350.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon to learn more about evacuation stress and the resources available.

As wildfires continue to displace families and threaten communities across Manitoba, broadcasters from across the province are coming together today for a province-wide Radiothon in support of the Canadian Red Cross and wildfire evacuees.

Manitoba Day Of Caring For Wildfire Evacuees is a collaborative effort that will see more than 30 radio stations across Manitoba creating awareness and raising funds for those impacted by the 2025 Manitoba wildfires.

Funds raised during the Radiothon will go directly to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal.

To donate, go to redcross.ca, text the word RADIO to 20222 to donate $10 or share via social media using #MBDayOfCaring.

Northern Manitoba communities are particularly hard hit due to the wildfires, so please show your support for the Manitoba Day of Caring.

The smoke from the wildfires here in the north has been intermittent here in Thompson, but once we can see and smell it, we should head indoors.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Northern Health Region has more on what we can experience when impacted by the smoke.

“Mild symptoms are eyes, nose and throat irritation, headaches, a mild cough. Sometimes you can get a little bit of chest pain or some more coughing. If some of those more severe symptoms start to show up, you should probably seek some medical help.”

Some people who are at higher risk from the effects of smoke are those 65-plus, pregnant women, young children, those with chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors.

Krentz advises to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, use air filters if you have them and during extreme heat and smoke events prioritize staying cool and maintaining the air quality of your home.

To help ensure the safety and security of evacuees who are away from their home communities, the Manitoba RCMP, Winnipeg Police Service, Brandon Police Service and the Manitoba First Nation Police Service have developed a pamphlet that will be distributed to evacuation centres across the province. This includes Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Dauphin and Thompson among others.

The pamphlet highlights important information on how to stay safe while away from home along with key phone numbers for evacuees. The information will also be available online and shared via social media.

The pamphlet is an important resource for evacuees who find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, as criminals will often target and take advantage of people who are going through difficult situations and who may be vulnerable. This can range from scammers tricking the elderly into giving them money to human traffickers offering gifts or money to youth as grooming tactics.

“To all our relatives who have had to leave their northern homes because of the fires, I want you to know we are thinking of you and praying for your safety. Winnipeg and Brandon are very different places from our communities — they are fast moving and carry risks we don’t face back home. Please be cautious, look out for one another, and stay connected. Your safety and well-being remain our top priority.”

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee

"During this state of emergency when situations are unfolding quickly, you can find factual information in this pamphlet to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The MMF - National Government of the Red River Métis - has mobilized to support Citizens and the wider community impacted by this natural disaster and you can feel confident knowing we are working with the RCMP and other government agencies to make sure you remain safe.”

MMF President David Chartrand

“This is an extremely challenging time for all evacuees, unfortunately, we also know this presents an opportunity for criminals who want nothing more but to enrich themselves. This pamphlet provides very basic but also very important information that we hope will help evacuees to stay safe while living away from home.”

Inspector Catherine Light, Officer in Charge of Community Engagement Services, Manitoba RCMP

“There is a great deal of disruption, stress and uncertainty for evacuees and we know being relocated to a larger centre like Winnipeg can present additional challenges. Clear communication is essential. We want evacuees to have access to crime prevention tips, as well as information on who to contact and when, should they need support.  We will be providing a proactive presence to the congregate shelters and hotels, we are here to help and hopefully be a reassuring presence.”

Superintendent Bonnie Emerson, Community Engagement, Winnipeg Police Service

“On behalf of the Brandon Police Service, our hearts are with all those displaced by the wildfires — we stand with you during this difficult time. We are committed to supporting a safe and respectful environment here in Brandon, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the frontline workers courageously battling the blaze and protecting lives and property with unwavering dedication.”

Chief Tyler Bates – Brandon Police Service

Wildfire Fighting and Information for Evacuees, June 4, 2025, 8:36am:

Currently, 200-250 personnel are fighting the fire. At this time, Flin Flon has not seen any structural fires, and as of 11:30pm, Creighton has not either.

Equipment has been deployed to protect the airport and structures at Baker’s Narrows. Although airport staff have been evacuated, no structures have been lost, and the airport remains secure and operational for emergency aircraft, thanks to the help of trained emergency staff.

It is not safe for residents to return to Flin Flon at this time. Evacuees should prepare for the possibility that it will be some time until the situation has stabilized to the point that returning is safe.

We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for everyone who has had to leave their homes, and our priority is first the preservation of life, then the preservation of property.

If you haven’t yet, register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582 or online at https://www.redcross.ca/.../manitoba-wildfires-response-2025.

For individuals with home insurance, many insurance companies offer support in the event of evacuations.

For support with basic healthcare needs including refilling prescriptions, contact Flin Flon primary care providers through QDoc at https://qdoc.ca/. For help with the platform, please contact 1 833 736 2362.

Over 500 people have registered as evacuees at the TRCC since the wildfire evacuations began, with around 400 cots occupied there over the past few nights.

While most evacuees are from Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation, there have also been people from Split Lake/Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Cross Lake and Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Fox Lake, Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation-Pukatawagan, Norway House and Denare Beach.

Among those assisting with the evacuees are MKO,  Province of Manitoba Emergency Social Services, Service Canada, NRHA Public Health, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Families departments.

The Thompson Crisis Centre has been assisting with the clothing donation drive and distribution, and Vale was on site to cook hot dogs and burgers for lunch Tuesday.

Private security as well as First Nation Safety Officers from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Waywayseecappo First Nation and Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation are helping out with security along with Thompson’s CSOs.

On Monday, there was a three-hour period in the morning when Thompson Fire and Emergency Services did not have an ambulance staffed by their members.

Fortunately, Shared Health was available to provide paramedic services in the community during the brief interruption.

A notice from the City said administration and Council are working to alleviate staff shortages affecting TFES.

In the past few months, the City has hired Chief Dennis Benson, recruited multiple new auxiliary members, and started training them to support career firefighter-paramedics when fires occur.

A new Deputy Chief will be joining the department in mid-July, as will four new firefighter-paramedics.

The City of Thompson is actively recruiting new firefighter/paramedics from within Manitoba and across the country and continues negotiating with Shared Health to secure additional provincial funding for local ambulance services.

BGC Thompson, formerly the Boys and Girls Club, provides supports to local youth.

Lianne Denysuik Maynard, the Executive Director of BGC Thompson, outlines what their program offers to their 25 registrants.

“The purpose of our club is to provide a safe environment where children and youth can have fun and be themselves. We hope to teach them a new skill or two along the way. We have recreational activities such as crafts, outdoor activities, educational games and reading time. We also provide a nutritional snack and supper every day, Monday to Friday.”

The limit on participants is to ensure the kids receive lots of attention and there is plenty of one-on-one time, as well.

There is also a set staff-to-child ratio to be observed.

Currently, BGC Thompson is looking to expand their facility. There are two phases to the project, with the first getting underway this month and completion expected around November.

For more on BGC Thompson and their expansion plans, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:`10.

Manitoba RCMP officers continue to assist with the evacuation of Black Sturgeon Falls. The evacuations of the communities of Flin Flon and surrounding areas, Lynn Lake, Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation have been completed.

RCMP officers, along with firefighters and EMS, remain in these communities to ensure home and properties are secure, while maintaining road closures and roadblocks.

The Manitoba RCMP thanks all residents of evacuated communities for their continued cooperation and everyone who is providing assistance and support to those in need.

As many evacuees are traveling south towards safer destinations, motorists are urged to drive with caution.    If you come across a checkpoint, please be patient and await further instructions from the officers on scene.

Anyone needing information in regards to road closures in the wildfire zones are asked to check with the Manitoba 511 website at manitoba511.ca for the latest updates on what’s open and what’s closed.

With smoke from Manitoba and Saskatchewan wildfires blanketing the community at times and dry, windy weather conditions with little rain in the forecast, it is shaping up to be an unprecedented wildfire season in our province.

 

As numerous communities in the North have been evacuated due to smoke or encroaching fires over the past week and others are in the process of evacuating, it is natural to wonder whether Thompson is at risk from this year’s wildfires.

 

Fortunately, there are no active fires with less than 80 kilometres of Thompson at this time and local impacts have been limited to poor air quality due to smoke from distant wildfires and the closure of the TRCC to provide temporary shelter to people displaced from Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation.

 

As of Sunday, June 1, there were 5 active fires burning in Manitoba’s northern fire region, including the one by Lynn Lake, another west of Split Lake/Tataskweyak Cree Nation, two in the Pimicikamak Cree Nation/Cross Lake area and one near Wabowden.

 

The Wabowden fire was under control while the other four were out of control and have resulted in mandatory evacuation orders for residents of nearby communities and First Nations.

 

Numerous fires are also burning in the northwest area of Manitoba, including fires near Flin Flon, Sherridon and Pukatawagan/Mathias Colomb Cree Nation that have resulted in mandatory evacuation orders for those communities as well as for Cranberry Portage.

 

Wildfire information is available on the Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures website at https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/wildfire_program/

 

While Thompson is currently not under threat from any wildfires, it is still necessary to take precautions. A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Thompson and there is also an ATV/dirt bike ban as well. Dry and windy conditions mean the fire risk remains very high and it is possible that there will be fires closer to Thompson as the wildfire season progresses.

 

Residents should be prepared in the event that the local situation changes later this spring or summer.

Emergency preparedness materials and information are available on the City of Thompson website at: www.thompson.ca/p/emergency-preparedness

 

Staying informed is also critical in the event of an emergency. Register to receive text and email notifications from the City of Thompson by signing up for Thompson Connect at www.thompson.ca/p/connect

Provinces are looking to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers and while that’s seeing some benefits for goods and services, it’s lagging when it comes to labour mobility.

Bradlee Whidden, a Senior Policy Analyst for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business explains why it’s important for workers to be able to move from province-to-province without a ton of red tape.

“We’re in a productivity crisis right now, which means we are not producing as many goods or services as we should be given the amount of effort that we are putting in. That causes higher prices and lower wages. Reducing labour mobility barriers would allow workers to more easily relocate to areas where their skills are in higher demand.”

Whidden said it would also help businesses fill vacancies more quickly and ultimately address both labour shortages and unemployment simultaneously.

Labour mobility barriers can come from the time it takes for a licenced professional to get re-certified in a different jurisdiction and differing occupational health and safety requirements, for example.

Learn more about labour mobility issue.  Tune in to Thompson Today at thompsononline.ca.