April 21 2017 by Nickel Belt News

Nickel Belt News

Volume 57 Number 16

Friday, April 21, 2017

Thompson, Manitoba

Serving the Norman Region since 1961

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Gas station coming to Mystery Lake Hotel property but casino plans have been shelved

Nickel Belt News photo by Ian Graham From left to right, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Coun. Shirley Linklater, Coun. Ron D. Spence, Coun. Pat Linklater, Chief Marcel Moody, Coun. Joe Moose and Coun. Willie Moore April 12 at the Mystery Lake Hotel property where NCN has plans to construct a gas station beginning within the next few months. BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) chief and council were at the Mystery Lake Hotel in Thompson April 12 discussing future development plans for the property, which ﬁnally received urban reserve status last summer, 14 years after NCN bought the hotel. The ﬁrst addition planned for the property is a gas station and convenience store, NCN Chief Marcel Moody told the Nickel Belt News. “We’re going to proceed with a new gas station here to offer tax-free gas to aboriginal people and so that’s phase one of the plan,” said Moody. “We are going to pursue the gas station as soon as possible. We have to come up with some conceptual [ideas], some designs, but basically we’re ready to go with the gas station. We hope to start construction, maybe award the contract within the month and hopefully start the construction probably at the end of May, early June.”

Moody says the prospect of instant gas and tobacco tax rebates will be a draw for aboriginal customers but that the success of the business, like that of the NCN-owned Family Foods supermarket in the Thompson Plaza, will require drawing in non-aboriginal customers, too. “I think that’s a huge market for aboriginal customers here in Thompson, basically catering to our people,” Moody said. “That’s the market we’re targeting but obviously the more people we have, the more customers, the better.” For NCN chief and council, just opening the gas station is not enough. They also want to make sure that it is comparable to other competitors in Thompson. “We want to develop this property properly. We want to design it properly. We want a state-ofthe-art building. We want to do it right,” said Moody. “I think that’s really important for us. We want to show Thompson that we mean business. We’re serious about how our businesses develop and

succeed over time and we want to be a main competitor here in Thompson. We’ve been active in this market for a number of years since we bought the hotel so we want to expand those, diversify our economy here in Thompson and expand it to other regions in the near future.” Other plans for the future include refurbishment of NCN’s already-established businesses on their urban reserve. “We want to upgrade our hotel, especially our restaurant and bar,” Moody said. “We have some ideas like a pharmacy and maybe a convention centre, bingo place, maybe a retail outlet, we’re not quite sure.” One idea that’s no longer being considered is the possibility of developing a casino on the property. “We entertained the idea of a casino here but we did a [feasibility] study,” Moody says. “The study determined that a casino in Thompson’s not viable and we’re also restricted by the municipal service agreement whereby we

weren’t allowed to build a casino on that property anyway. When we did the study, it basically determined that a casino in Thompson’s not viable so that’s a non-issue anymore.” The process of establishing an urban reserve in Thompson was exceedingly long, but Moody says it was worth the wait and that he feels that NCN has established itself as a First Nation that achieves what it sets out to do. “We want to be a service leader for our clients and improve the image of NCN because when we started this whole process of buying the Mystery Lake Hotel property, converting the property, people thought this facility, these businesses, are not going to succeed, they’re going to be run-down facilities,” he says. “We were considered as rabblerousers throughout the whole process but we’re holding our own. We want to prove people wrong. Everything that we do we’ve got to prove ourselves twice over. Unfortunately that’s the way it is but that’s what we

have to do.” NCN is determined to play a role in the economy of Thompson now and in the future and to work with the city to the beneﬁt of both parties. “I think the City of Thompson has been really excellent as a partner in this whole initiative,” said Moody. “We have nothing but praise for the previous mayor Tim Johnston and [current mayor] Dennis Fenske. They’ve been really supportive and we acknowledge them as well. I think it’s a good relationship. It’s working well and we support each other.” Moody says that for NCN, as for any community, province or country, the key to success is economic development. “That’s fundamentally a key to our survival because we have so many programs and projects that we have to do in Nelson House and we need outside resources to fund all these things that we need in our community for our people and that’s the driving force behind what we do,” said Moody.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

News

Friday, April 21, 2017

Public Utilities Board getting access to information about Manitoba Hydro’s capital expenditures during rate application process The provincial government has given the Public Utilities Board (PUB) special authority to access information on Manitoba Hydro’s ﬁnancial situation and capital expenditure plans during the general rate application process for the ﬁrst time, provincial Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced April 18.

The authority, granted via an order-in-council, requires the Crown corporation to provide records relating to planned capital expenditures, project justiﬁcation, and revenues and income. Commercially sensitive information will be held in conﬁdence by the PUB under the terms of the order.

Tender OpportuniƟes Tenders will be received by the Purchasing Agent at City Hall, 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB. R8N 1S6. Tender details and closing dates are as follow: Friday, April 28, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. (CST)

“Serious concerns have been raised in recent months about the debt of Manitoba Hydro and its impact on both the corporation and the province’s finances,” Friesen said in a press release. “We are providing the PUB with the authority to review not only the financial health of the utility but also to delve deeply into its capital finances while assessing the potential impact of both factors on Manitoba Hydro rates.” The PUB is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal with oversight and supervisory powers over public utilities in Manitoba. One

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of its roles is to balance the financial health of a Crown corporation seeking a general rate increase with the best interests of consumers. Though it has authority over the capital expenditures of other public utilities in the province, this will be the first time it has had access to evidence regarding Manitoba Hydro’s financial and capital situation, including information on capital spending on the Bipole III transmission project. Capital expenditure information to be provided to the PUB will include details on new, committed and planned or forecast capital

expenditures such as copies of contracts, current and previous cost estimates, the justifications for cost overruns and project schedule changes. Records to be provided related to project justification include costbenefit analyses, business cases and other supporting information such as asset condition assessments for previous, current and proposed capital expenditures. Correspondence, agreements, term sheets, export contracts and internally produced or externally commissioned reports, studies or analyses must also be made available to the PUB. “Manitobans have ex-

Responsible recovery continues as government ends ﬁrst year in ofﬁce

Bid documents may be obtained from the oĸce of the Purchasing Agent, 120 Seal Road, Thompson, MB. Phone (204) 677-7974, email aadeyemi@thompson.ca between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The City shall have the right to disqualify Proponents from the bidding process if they have failed to complete their obligaƟons under any prior contract with the City of Thompson or have been involved in liƟgaƟon with the City. The lowest or any submission need not be accepted by the City of Thompson. The City shall have the right to evaluate compeƟng bids in accordance with its own criteria for evaluaƟon applied to the work being proposed, whether or not such criteria has been expressly related to the Proponents. The City of Thompson reserves the right to award work to the Proponent which it deems to be in the best interest of the City.

Northerners have to set priorities and make plans

$55 REWARD WOLF SIGHTINGS

If you have seen a wild wolf recently within 90 miles of Thompson, or taken a photo, please report it on: www.thompsonspiritway.ca The BEST wolf photo in the Thompson region & submitted monthly will win a $55 prize*. Any wolf photo submitted may be displayed on our website. Your text or photo of wolf sightings help Thompson and region build a wolf economy based on education, research, conservation, eco-tourism, art & culture, and conferences. “Developing excellence in all things wolf.” * Conditions apply.

based on what they can afford. They make decisions on their personal budgets every day, and they expect no less from their government. This week marks our government’s ﬁrst anniversary since being elected with an unprecedented majority, and we continue to listen to Northern Manitobans. Budget 2017 sets out our plan for a responsible recovery based on Manitobans’ priorities for our province. These are priorities to improve health care, rebuild our economy, invest in education, support families and protect front-line services and vulnerable Manitobans.

MLA Report kelly.bindle.mla.office@gmail.com Kelly Bindle Economic growth is central to our ongoing prosperity. Manitobans have told us they want us to focus on building opportunities and creating a more efﬁcient and effective economy. Our government is focused on ensuring an affordable and competitive environment that increases productivity and encourages economic

Faculty of Social Work

Northern Social Work Program

Business Planning Workshop Attend this three-day workshop and learn how to start or grow your business. Topics include: • Business registration

• Marketing and sales

• Licences, permits

• Business plans

• Taxation

• Accounting

Location: Thompson Dates: April 25, 26 and 27, 2017 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $75 (plus GST) Register at entrepreneurshipmb.ca or call 1-855-542-5113 (toll free).

pressed concern with the financial situation of Manitoba Hydro since reports revealed the corporation’s long-term debt is expected to nearly double to $25 billion within the next three or four years,” Friesen said. “Our government has been actively monitoring the ongoing efforts by Manitoba Hydro to address operational costs and we are confident that by allowing the PUB to review all of the corporation’s capital information, it will be better positioned to consider and set rates that balance the interests of Manitoba ratepayers with the financial health of Manitoba Hydro.”

• Financial assistance programs

The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work at Thompson has EXTENDED the date for accepting applications to the Northern Social Work Program. The deadline for submitting applications is April 21, 2017. The program is scheduled to begin September 2017. Students may complete the Northern Social Work Program as a fulltime or part-time student. The program provides post-secondary education for Residents of Northern Manitoba, in particular those who have not had the opportunity due to economic and cultural reasons, lack of formal education, linguistic barriers or residence in remote areas. Relocation to Thompson will be required. Individuals can apply either under ACCESS or EXTERNAL categories. The ACCESS category is for mature students, 21 years or over, who have under 30 credit hours of university level courses. The EXTERNAL category is for regular students who have 30 credit hours or more of university level courses and are in good academic standing. For both categories, applicants must have resided in Northern Manitoba for 6 months or more prior to the application deadline or have been a long term resident of the North. For information or applications contact the Faculty of Social Work at Thompson at 204-677-1450 or No Charge Dial 1-866237-5509 or visit http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/social_work/ programs/ northern/591.html

growth and job creation. Budget 2017 includes provisions for one of the highest total infrastructure investments in Manitoba’s history, which is forecast to reach $1.7 billion in 201718. This includes investments in roads, highways, bridges, flood protection and health care, education and housing infrastructure, in addition to other provincial and municipal projects. Our budget includes provisions for enhanced tourism marketing by reinvesting revenue generated in the tourism sector, and for decreasing regulatory burdens for businesses, non-profit groups, local governments and residents while moving toward making Manitoba the first province to deliver a truly functional single-window funding application model. There are provisions for a focus on true community partnerships that will enable us to market Northern Manitoba as a place to visit, invest in and live, and which will engage indigenous communities in economic development. Along with many other benefits, the budget also includes tax relief with no tax increases and no new taxes, and continues to invest in the services that Northern Manitobans depend on.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

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News

Provincial Road 280 voted 10th worst road outside Winnipeg in annual poll Provincial Road 280 from Highway 391 north of Thompson to Split Lake and Gillam is the only Northern Manitoba road to earn a place of dishonour on CAA Manitoba’s sixth-annual worst road campaign. The results were announced April 18 and PR 280 ﬁnished 10th among roads outside of Winnipeg. The road voted the worst overall was Provincial Road 239 off Highway 6 near Ashern, with Provincial Road 353 in Brookdale coming second and Dugald Road in Anola in third. Four of the remaining seven among the top 10 overall were in Winnipeg, with roads in Carman, Minnedosa and Ochre River also earning the dubious distinction as being among the 10 worst. The other three roads on the top 10 outside of Winnipeg not among the top 10 overall were Provincial Road 307 in Oakbank, Provincial Road 450 in Goodlands and Mountain Avenue in Neepawa. “Worst Roads has achieved another personal best – or should I say worst? – as Manitobans voted on an historic number of roads. Clearly, many of us believe the routes on our commute are the roughest

roads around and deserve to be recognized as an area of concern,” said Mike Mager, president of CAA Manitoba, in a press release. “That’s why we’re pleased our elected officials are more willing than ever to receive our campaign results.” St. James Street was the most improved Winnipeg Road and the Trans-Canada Highway the most improved Manitoba road in a new category for praiseworthy efforts that was introduced this year. This year’s campaign saw 712 roads put forth as the province’s worst, with a total of about 8,400 votes cast in total. “It’s nice to see that Winnipeggers acknowledge how much work has been done on St. James Street since it was first given the top Worst Roads title in 2012,” said Mager. “And clearly, people have noticed the improvements on the TransCanada, specifically between Winnipeg and the Saskatchewan border, make the drive safer and more comfortable than ever before.” CAA Manitoba says results of the online voting campaign will be shared with Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman and Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure Blaine Pedersen.

2017 Worst Roads Campaign Results Winnipeg

Manitoba

Rank Road

Area

Chevrier Boulevard

Provincial Road 239

Faulkner

Empress Street

Provincial Road 353

Brookdale

Pembina Highway

Dugald Road

Anola

Fermor Avenue

Main Street South

Carman

Saskatchewan Avenue

Main Street South

Minnedosa

McGillivray Boulevard

Manitoba 20

Ochre

Henlow Bay

Provincial Road 307

Oakbank

Sherwin Road

Provincial Road 450

Goodlands

St. James Street

Mountain Avenue

Neepawa

McCreary Road

Provincial Road 280

Gillam

Most Improved Winnipeg Road: St. James Street

Murder charges laid April 7 in connection to missing Oxford House woman

Provincial Road 280 to Gillam ﬁnished 10th among roads outside Winnipeg in CAA Manitoba’s sixth-annual worst roads campaign. PRESENTED BY:

CEDAR LAKE CFDC

DAKOTA OJIBWAY CFDC

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Winnipeg police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information about Wood’s disappearance to

MALL HOURS: Monday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Tuesday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Wednesday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Thursday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Friday 9:30 - 9:00 pm Saturday 9:30 - 6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm *Some store hours may vary Mall Office Tel: (204) 677-2113 Fax: (204) 677-4611 www.shopcitycentremall.com

contact homicide investigators at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204786-TIPS (8477).

KYLE NOBESS

SINES

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D EC ON

Keynote Presenters

Winnipeg police laid second-degree murder charges against a 30-year-old man April 7 in connection with the disappearance of Christine Wood of Oxford House last August.

TI O

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A 30-year-old man was charged April 7 in connection to the homicide of Christine Wood, a 21-yearold woman from Oxford House who went missing in Winnipeg Aug. 19. Brett Overby of Winnipeg, who was arrested March 21 on an unrelated matter when police executed a search warrant at a Burrows Avenue residence, was charged with seconddegree murder after the Winnipeg Police Service’s Forensic Identification Unit spent several days at that residence gathering evidence. Wood was with her parents in Winnipeg to accompany another family member to a medical appointment at the time she went missing. The former University of Winnipeg student went out for the evening Aug. 19 and never returned, with calls and texts to her cell phone going unanswered. Members of the Winnipeg Police Service’s missing persons unit began collaborating with homicide investigators in January.

Most Improved Manitoba Road: TransCanada Highway 1

ADAM BEACH

facebook.com/VQconference @VQConference WWW.VQCONFERENCE.COM 1-800-557-8242

Annual General Meeting Thompson Regional Humane Society Date: Wednesday, May 10th Time: 12 noon to 1 pm Place: Wawatay Inn Please come to join us for a light lunch, hear about the results of our operations in 2016 and opportunities to get involved!!!

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Friday, April 21, 2017

News

CBC’s voice of the north calls it a career BY JONATHON NAYLOR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALE OF LANDS FOR ARREARS OF TAXES TOWN OF LYNN LAKE

FLIN FLON REMINDER

Pursuant to subsection 367(7) of The Municipal Act, notice is hereby given that unless the tax arrears for the designated year and costs in respect of the hereinafter described properties are paid in full to the Municipality prior to the commencement of the auction, the Municipality will on the 15th day of May, 2017, at the hour of 9:00 AM, at Town of Lynn Lake, 503 Sherritt Avenue, Lynn Lake, MB, proceed to sell by public auction the following described properties: Roll Number

Description

Assessed Value

Amount of Arrears & Costs for Which Property May be Offered for Sale

8100

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 3 BLOCK 9 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM EXC ALL MINES MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) 302 SHERRITT AVE

L -$1,100 B -$15,200

$6,529.68

8400

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 6 BLOCK 9 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) IN 9023 WPM - 318 SHERRITT AVE

L -$1,100 B -$8,000

$4,007.39

8500

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 7 BLOCK 9 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) 322 SHERRITT AVE

L -$1,100 B -$14,700

$4,101.77

9200

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 5 BLOCK 10 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) 360 SHERRITT AVE

L -$1,200 B -$19,700

$9,269.41

11300

LOT 10 BLOCK 11 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS AND OTHER MATTERS AS SET FORTH IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM - 318 ELDON AVE

L -$900 B -$21,500

$4,999.16

13400

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 17 BLOCK 12 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS AND OTHER MATTERS AS SET FORTH IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) IN 9023 WPM - 324 MCVEIGH AVE

L -$1,000 B -$10,100

$5,869.95

17200

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 11 BLOCK 14 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM EXC ALL MINES MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) 433 SILVER ST LOT 9 BLOCK 17 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) EXC ALL MINES MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM - 484 SHERRITT AVE

L -$1,000 B -$7,300

$2,639.55

L -$1,100 B -$26,200

$12,226.18

21900

25300

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 12 BLOCK 21 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS AND SPECIAL RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) IN 9023 WPM - 519 HALSTEAD AVE

L -$1,100

$1,595.49

35500

AT LYNN LAKE AND BEING LOT 4 BLOCK 31 PLAN 689 PLTO (N DIV) IN 90-23 WPM EXC ALL MINES MINERALS AND OTHER RESERVATIONS AS CONTAINED IN THE CROWN LANDS ACT AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 96599 PLTO (N DIV) 613 SHERRITT AVE

L -$1,000 B -$23,000

$9,786.55

The tax sale is subject to the following terms and conditions with respect to each property: x x x x x

x x x x

The purchaser of the property will be responsible for any property taxes not yet due. The Municipality may exercise its right to set a reserve bid in the amount of the arrears and costs. If the purchaser intends to bid by proxy, a letter of authorization form must be presented prior to the start of the auction. The Municipality makes no representations or warranties whatsoever concerning the properties being sold. The successful purchaser must, at the time of the sale, make payment in cash, certified cheque or bank draft to the Town of Lynn Lake as follows: i) The full purchase price if it is $10,000 or less; OR ii) If the purchase price is greater than $10,000, the purchaser must provide a nonrefundable deposit in the amount of $10,000 and the balance of the purchase price must be paid within 20 days of the sale. The risk for the property lies with the purchaser immediately following the auction. The purchaser is responsible for obtaining vacant possession. If the property is non-residential property, the purchaser must pay GST to the Municipality or, if a GST registrant, provide a GST Declaration. The purchaser will be responsible for registering the transfer of title in the land titles office, including the registration costs.

Dated this 4th day of April, 2017. Managed by:

Velline Afuang Acting Chief Administrative Officer Town of Lynn Lake Phone: (204) 356-2418 Fax: (204) 356-8297

Nickel Belt News

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Four words are notably absent from the list of attributes afforded to Mark Szyszlo on his LinkedIn page: voice of Northern Manitoba. Now after 30-plus years on the airwaves, the personable radio journalist has hosted his final episode of CBC’s North Country. “I feel so privileged to have been part of northern history,” Szyszlo said in a phone interview from his Thompson studio on Friday, March 31, his last day on the air. “It’s really the end of an era. I… never realized until today that, yeah, that’s really quite a milestone. I’m really grateful to have seen it all and to have been a part of it. I’m really happy that my career rolled out that way. I’ve got no regrets.” Szyszlo, still amply energetic at 57, was something of an unusual choice when he joined CBC’s northern Manitoba radio bureau in 1986. For one, he hailed from Ottawa, a city better known for attracting journalists than shipping them to remote outposts like Thompson. For another, Szyszlo graduated from the University of Ottawa not with a degree in journalism or broadcasting, but in kinesiology and exercise science. While in university, he had gone behind the mic as a deejay at the campus radio station – and fallen in love with the profession. He brought a natural interest in people and knack for conversation to the job. In Thompson, Szyszlo started out as a freelance radio journalist. He was named host of the noon-hour edition of North Country and later took over the morning edition, too. Asked what he has enjoyed about covering northern Manitoba, he reverses the question. “What have I not enjoyed? ” Szyszlo said. “It’s a unique place. It’s special in this world, you know, going back to the cradle of the fur trade 300 years ago and we’ve got a huge First Nations heritage. It’s amazing. People here are special and they have special stories, and every time I think that I’ll just get the same old kind of boring reply, I’m surprised by what people have to say and just how much is really going on despite the fact that we’re disconnected physically from the world around us being here in the North.” Across his decades with CBC, Szyszlo travelled to most every community in Northern Manitoba. He covered, in person or from the studio, stories ranging from slice-of-life fare to more hardhitting material. One of his favourite news items came out of Lynn Lake in the late 1990s. A mining company was getting ready to leave town with its final gold bars despite allegedly owing back taxes to the town. As the story goes, the Mounties were summoned to prevent the company’s plane from taking off. Gold from the back of the mine manager’s pickup truck was said to be locked in a safe to ensure the town got the cash it was owed.

without notice. Conditions of editorial and advertisement content: The Nickel Belt News attempts to be accurate in editorial and advertising content; however no guarantee is given or implied. The Nickel Belt News reserves the right to revise or reject any or all editorial and advertising content as the newspaper’s principals see fit. The Nickel Belt News will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion of an advertisement, and is not responsible for errors or omissions in advertisements except for the space occupied by such errors. The Nickel Belt News will not be responsible for manuscripts, photographs, negatives and other related material that may be submitted

Mark Szyszlo “It was a pretty important gold heist, something that I honestly had never seen,” said Szyszlo. Szyszlo also covered many stories out of Flin Flon, including one of the most troubling of his career – the fatal 2000 explosion at the now-defunct HBM&S copper smelter. “It touched so many and a lot of people were just so shocked by it,” he said. While not nearly on the same scale as the smelter accident, another story that upset Szyszlo and his loyal listeners came in 2009 when CBC announced it would close its Thompson bureau. Northerners revolted with a petition that went straight to Ottawa. CBC backed down and kept North Country on the air. In recent years, Szyszlo gave thought to when he would step away from the microphone on his own terms. Having crossed the 30-year milestone, and with his wife already retired, he chose the spring of 2017 to bid adieu. His final day on the air did not go unnoticed. During a phone interview shortly before his radio swan song, Szyszlo took a brief break to serve as receptionist at the one-man Thompson studio. A listener had stopped by to give him a beautifully decorated, hollowed-out Easter egg on behalf of the local Ukrainian community. “I never expected to get gifts on my retirement, so it’s a bit of a surprise to be honest,” Szyszlo said. CBC had not named a replacement for Szyszlo as of his final show. Some listeners now worry the network may shutter the Thompson studio just as it closed its La Ronge studio following the retirement of its former northern-Saskatchewanbased host. Szyszlo knows he has no control over the future of North Country, but he is looking forward to the control he will have over his schedule. He looks forward to spending more time with family and perhaps visiting the few Northern Manitoba communities he has yet to see. And since he will no longer have to be on the air by 7:30 a.m. five days a week, he may just catch a few more z’s. “I could learn to sleep in,” Szyszlo said with a gentle laugh. “I can get into that kind of routine.”

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Friday, April 21, 2017

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Columnists

Neh hodeyah: A forgotten philosophy CODY KROEKER-TOM WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), global wildlife populations have decreased 58 per cent since 1970. We have to ask ourselves what is at the root of this decline. My “eureka” moment happened while researching human population growth. As of March 2017 it is just approximately 7.5 billion (that is 7,500,000,000) people. Every 30 minutes, there are three births for every passing soul. The result of this staggering concept has been an interesting phenomenon called urbanization. According to

the United Nations, 54 per cent of this human population now lives in urbanized centres which has brought about a disconnect between these inhabitants and the very environment we all depend on. This is evident nationally as many Canadians lack the knowledge of where their resources originate. In Scandinavian countries where there is a relatively unpopulated landscape and nature is close at hand to even urban citizens, there exists a concept known as friluftsliv. Hans Gelter, of the Luleä University of Technology in Sweden deﬁnes it as “free air life;” a “philosophical lifestyle based on experiences of the freedom in nature and the spiritual connectedness

with the landscape.” This worldview stems from the Scandinavian self-image as a nature-loving people. Friluftsliv is that exhilarating feeling or “ah ha!” moment you get paddling down a clear stream, or standing in a still forest with the morning dew glistening on the muskeg, or when you watch a feeding moose emerge from below still water. It is a “qualia;” generally not a feeling one can experience in the crowded conﬁnes of urban areas. The application of this philosophy into one’s life can result in a profound switch in the way that we see the world, where the preservation of all the Earth’s ecosystems becomes far more relatable to our lives.

It is not about tourism, which provides only a superﬁcial version of nature’s veneer, but rather something deeper, which instills an understanding that the natural environment is essential for any number of reasons. As a Sayisi Dene person who grew up in the urbanized south of Manitoba, I have been trying to realize and search for this feeling in my own life. My grandfather’s generation was still a nomadic one who relied on the local caribou herds for everything. While I do feel a connection to my heritage, I feel that my generation has lost our connection to the land; I know I feel as though I have. In Dene, there is a similar phrase which embodies the philosophy

of friluftsliv. This phrase is neh hodeyah (neehodayah), which means “the earth is beautiful.” As a young Dene, I have spent the past three years building my life around this paradigm, which ultimately led me to The Pas where I will graduate with my Natural Resources Management Technology diploma from University College of the North. While I do not believe that I will be living off the land in the way my grandparents were, I have experienced the feeling of elation which comes from studying in a place untouched by urbanization where you can breathe the clean air and hear nothing but the still sounds of the old forests. Studying wildlife and ﬁsheries concepts in the wild is nothing like

studying in a classroom and I feel that this opportunity is reconnecting me with my own heritage. As Canadians we proudly call our country the “true north strong and free” but it really is time we began actually caring about what it provides instead of exploiting it for short-term beneﬁt. The more time we spend in our available and beautiful wilderness, the more we will appreciate and value it as more than simply wallpaper images for our computers. Each of us needs to ﬁnd our own way to reconnect with the land and educate ourselves and others about environmental sustainability. If we fail at this, the land our grandparents knew may not be here for our grandchildren.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, April 21, 2017

News

OBITUARY MADELINE BARSALOUX It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend, Madeline Barsaloux on April 15, 2017 at the Thompson General Hospital. Madeline entered into her life of eternal peace at the age of 74. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her children Dee (Blaine), Colin (Marla), Grand Children Tanika (James), Robert (Kristen), Shaylene and Dougie, Great Grand Children Karis, and Mikayla. Along with numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her Mother Nora, Father Louis, Sisters Dorothy and Doreen, and her Brother Al. Besides her love for her family, Madeline loved the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre and her Friendship Centre family. Madeline was a proud woman who lived her life with selﬂessness, strength and dignity. Her exterior beauty was surpassed only by the beauty of her soul. Her strongest attributes and most admirable human characteristics were her empathy and compassion for others. Madeline always had a way of making everyone feel safe and special. We will all miss her kind and caring nature, her loving tenderness, and her infectious smile. Madeline’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 21, 2017 at 12:00 pm at the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre, 4 Nelson Road, Thompson, Manitoba.

• Large 1-bedroom available • Smart card onsite laundry • Fully equipped fitness room • All utilities included • Onsite security 7 days a week

SPRING PROMOTION

Man and dog rescued near The Pas after snowmobile goes through ice A 40-year-old man whose snowmobile went through the ice near Landry Lake was rescued using amphibious vehicles on April 9. The Pas RCMP were alerted around 1 p.m. April 9 that the man and his dog were stranded on unstable ice several miles from safety and unable to walk to shore after his snowmobile broke through the ice on a waterway connected to Landry Lake. A rescue team including Moose Lake RCMP, Manitoba Conservation ofﬁcers from The Pas, the Opaskwayak Cree Nation ﬁre department and OCN council representatives headed out to the lake and followed the snowmobile tracks to where it had gone through the ice and then used amphibious vehicles to retrieve the man and his dog. They were transferred to an off-road rescue pod behind a snowmobile and taken the rest of the way to shore after reaching stable ice. “We felt a surge of relief when we were able to put eyes on the two of them and saw that they were OK,” said The Pas RCMP Cpl. Colin Stark, who led the rescue effort. “Thankfully, we were able to co-ordinate a complex rescue in a short time because everyone pitched in. Working together equipped with the proper resources, we were able to have a successful outcome, and everyone made it home safely.” RCMP advise people to use extreme caution around lakes, rivers and creeks because of unsafe ice conditions at this time of year.

A 40-year-old man whose snowmobile went through the ice near Landry Lake was rescued using amphibious vehicles on April 9. RCMP photos

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Railway yard fire in The Pas causes estimated $1 million in damage

LOCAL 6166 A Memorial Service for the National Day of Mourning will be held at 7 pm on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the USW Local 6166 Union Hall, 19 Elizabeth Drive. We invite you to join us in remembering workers, across our nation, who have been injured or lost their lives in the workplace. PO/db/ cope 342

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204-677-6995

The Pas RCMP are investigating a suspected arson at the Hudson Bay Railway yard that caused an estimated $1 million of damage. Police were called around 5:40 a.m. on April 10 with a report that a stack of railway ties at the yard was on ﬁre. Anyone with information about this can call The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6204 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800222-8477. Tips can also be submitted securely online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or by texting “TIPMAN” plus a message to CRIMES (274637). Police continue to investigate.

RCMP photos A suspected arson at the Hudson Bay Railway yard in The Pas April 10 caused an estimated $1 million of damage.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 7

Columnists

Lalor Mine Rescue picks their team

Nickel Belt News photo by Marc Jackson Lalor Mine’s Provincial Mine Rescue competiton team, from left to right: vice-captain Jordan Galloway, #4 man Jeremy Campbell, #3 man Judd Fey, #2 man Jodi Brasch and captain Jonathon Young. (Missing: director of operations Tony Butt)

My Take on Snow Lake mjaxon@gillamnet.com Marc Jackson Another day in the depths, or so it seemed as the Saturday, April 1 day shift began at Snow Lake’s Lalor Mine. Forty-two workers tagged in to go underground at the outset of the shift; however, shortly after 8 a.m. several workers reported seeing smoke on the 835m level of the mine. There was a request to have stench gas released and it was at 8:07 a.m. Lalor’s three mine rescue teams were notiﬁed immediately. Such were the circumstances under which Lalor’s rescue teams would be tested during this local competition. An event that decides which team will be rewarded with the right to represent the mine at the Provincial Mine Rescue Competition, that just so happens to be scheduled for this same mine May 12-13. Geared up and ready for their

brieﬁng, each of the three crews were sequentially apprised of the scenario. Their directors of operations explained that of the 42 people underground at the outset of the shift, 39 were safe inside the mine’s various refuge stations and the cagetender was on surface. There were no injuries to any of the workers who checked in. Nevertheless, sensors underground were picking up CO readings; there were 10 ppm on 810m level and 15 ppm on 840m level, with nothing showing up on surface. The vent fans and pumps were running normal, and if need be, the team(s) would be able to shut them down. The two men missing were heavy duty mechanics: Johnny Bigwrench and Randy Wrongwrench. The last call the men made was for a tire for their Toyota; they had a ﬂat going to

By Samantha Weaver

service the tele-remote scooptram on 875m level. They had not been heard from since. The directive for the rescuers was to travel to 835m level, search for the missing workers and deal with a fire or anything else they encountered in their mission. The teams asked questions of clarification. They confirmed their channels of communication and asked about any usable equipment underground; they then synchronized their watches and re-established that the safety of the team was of prime importance. After marshalling equipment into their stretcher, they marched to the headframe, donned their facemasks and “under air” the time clock started for the assignment. They had 90 minutes to complete it. In addition to being judged on the underground scenario, over the period of the competition, all teams were assessed on their first aid proficiency, their skill in readying their equipment, and their aptitude on a written test. Teams were scored on what they did wrong, with negative points assessed when they made any mistake on the assignment. The team with the lowest score at the end of the annual competition would be declared the winner.

• It was beloved poet William Wordsworth, best know for helping to launch the Romantic age in English literature, who made the following sage observation: “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” • The world’s largest bird, the ostrich, may not be able to fly, but that doesn’t mean its wings are useless. As the

With the help of base man Stephen Reid, I found the proper gear and met up with the group I would travel underground with as they left for the headframe. It was Team #1, and team captain Jonathon Young led his charges – #2 man Jodi Brasch, #3 man Judd Fey, #4 man Jeremy Campbell and vice-captain Jordan Galloway – into the cage and from there into the unknown of the underground scenario. Shortly after leaving the cage on the 835m level, the team began calling out to the missing men as they made their way to the level’s refuge station. Checked and found empty, they proceeded. As they cleared each cutout along their journey they roped it off with ﬂagging tape, so that they weren’t “chasing their tails.” Constantly checking in and seeking advice from their director of operations – Tony Butt on surface – the team was aware of their surroundings, ruled by their training, and wary of the hands on the clock. Many metres into their expedition they were accosted by thick smoke. This was simulated by placing masking tape eye level on their facemasks. It made the journey precarious, to say the least. They tethered themselves to the stretcher and to each other, if

fastest bird on land, the ostrich uses its wings for balance while slowing down and making turns as it runs at speeds of up to 45 mph. • In 1994, a man named Robert Puelo started cursing and shouting at employees in a convenience store. When the employees (understandably) threatened to call the police, the man stole a hot dog and ran out.

The police were called, and upon arrival, they discovered Puelo outside the store, unconscious and turning purple. Paramedics were called, but by the time they arrived, it was too late; the man had choked to death on his stolen sausage. • Some gourmets claim that the most delicious meat they’ve ever eaten is roast monkey.

they needed to stray from it in order to rope off an area already checked. In the main drift, they found one of the missing men and, after checking his vitals, they determined he was deceased and moved him off the haulage to the edge of the drift. Carrying on, they found the second man. He was conscious, but it appeared his leg was injured. Working well together under these extremes, the team members administered an air pack, immediate ﬁrst aid and a splint to the injured leg. They then loaded him on their stretcher and whisked him back down the drift, to the cage and up to surface. Finished with just 13 seconds left in their allotted time, the team headed to the rescue trailer for lunch, all the while mulling over where they thought they did well and not so well. As each of the two other teams went through the same procedure, the feelings and results were somewhat the same. What varied was their reaction; however, reaction is what would determine the difference between them during this competition … and captain Jonathon Young’s “J Team” was the victorious group this day. As such, they will represent Lalor Mine and the community at the provincial contest on May 12-13 in Snow Lake. • Those who study such things say that when a man and a woman who have been romantically involved break up, the pair are more likely to remain friends if it’s the woman who initiated the split. • You might be surprised to learn that light doesn’t always travel at the speed of light. In fact, light has been recorded traveling as slow as 38 mph.

Page 8

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

603 • TENDERS NOTICE OF TENDER

CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET 201 • SERVICES

Tire Sales & Service Passenger - Light Truck - ATV Trailer - RV - Golf Carts - Forestry - Retreads - Section Repairs - Tubes Wheel Balancing - Repairs

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301 • HELP WANTED

183 Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 FAX: 204-677-4087

Looking for a kitchen helper and cook. Experience preferred. Apply at the front desk 15-2-nb

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BOSTON PIZZA 4 Moak Crescent, Thompson, MB R8N 2B7 Wanted: Full time cooks to prepare and cook menu items. Minimum one year experience with cooking certiﬁcate. Starting wage $12-13/hour depending on experience and training. Apply within. TREE SUNS is looking for a class 3 driver with air. pay up to $25 an hour. Please fax resume to 204-778-4168 or contact Jason at 204-677-4801. 16nb-1-nb

505 • HOUSES FOR SALE DEERWOOD AREA three bedroom, one level home. Recently renovated and painted. Yard backs onto ravine. Asking $150,000. Please call 204-778-4271. 16nb-GCD-21-d FOR SALE BY OWNER 4 Minago Bay. Reduced to $100,000. If interested, call 204-348-7493. 34nb-tfn-nb

510 • RETAIL/ OFFICE SPACE WAREHOUSE--STORAGE SPACE for rent, 73 Hayes Rd., 600 sq. ft. of storage or work space. Available Sept. 1/2016. Off of main hallway with access to washroom, next door Iron Fitness. Hydro included. Tenant cost shares water. For more info, contact: Carolyn Turpie, 31 Oak St., Ph: 204-677-3516. Friuli Suite Rentals/Bianchini Warehousing. Email: manager@friulirentals.com. 28-tfn-nb4 COMBO WAREHOUSE/GARAGE/OFFICE Spaces for rent 16- Beren’s Rd., Bay 2, 1380 sq ft. Available Oct. 1/2016 Behind Eric’s Plumbing – garage space with washroom. Commercial sized overhead door in back with man door. For more info, contact: Carolyn Turpie, 31 Oak St., Ph: 204-677-3516 Friuli Suite Rentals/Bianchini Warehousing email: manager@friulirentals.com. 48-tfn-nb OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 500-5000 sq ft. available. Cameron/Hoe building 81 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto. 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306477-5668. 19nb-tfn-nb COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT AT SOUTHWOOD PLAZA. CALL 1-250491-3946 OR 204-677-2957. 06-tfn-d

606 • GENERAL NOTICES Beaver Flooring will be in town the week of April 17, 2017. Are your hardwood ﬂoors water stained, looking in rough shape? Call for a free estimate. Toll free 1-877-287-3567. Cell 204-791-0032 HOPE LOTTERY GROUP When the lotto Max reaches $60 million we play! members wanted. Contact 204-307-1945. 12nb-gcd-17-d

NOTICE OF TENDER

Non-Bonded Tender (Construction Order) No.X05960 Loading, Hauling, Depositing Trafﬁc Gravel in the Vicinity of The Pas-Cranberry Portage- Snow Lake The work involves loading, hauling, and depositing trafﬁc gravel on PRs 287, 384, 395, Sherridon Road TENDERS MAY BE OBTAINED AT: Manitoba Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance 11 Nelson Road Thompson MB R8N 0B3 (204) 677-6540 BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017 Public bid opening will be held at the Bid Submission Location immediately after the Bid Submission Deadline. The lowest or any bid may not necessarily be accepted.

ST. JAMES ANGLICAN Rev. Jean Arthurson-Ouskan 10 Caribou 677-4652 11 am Sundays ST. JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC 340 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC Fr Shantha Gandamalla and Fr Guna Sekhar 114 Cree R. 677-0160 Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy Youth Pastor Colton Murphy Children’s Pastor Karen O’Gilvie 126 Goldeye 677-3435 thompsonchurch.ca Sunday school 9:45 am, coffee time at 10:40 am Church Service at 11:00 am ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN 249 Thompson Drive 204-677-2799 Pastor Murat Kuntel Regular Hours: 11 am Church service CHRISTIAN CENTRE FELLOWSHIP 328 Thompson Dr. N. 677-4457 Pastor: Arnold (Arnie) Pedersen Sun. School 9:45 am • service 11 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 456 Westwood Dr. S. Ph. 778-8037 service @ 11 am LUTHERAN - UNITED CHURCH OF THOMPSON Congregations worship at 52 Caribou Rd. at 10:30 am Sundays. Phone 204-677-4495 LIVING WATER CHURCH Pastor Archie McKay Ph: 677-2469 Sunday services @ 7:00pm.

LIGHT OF THE NORTH CHURCH 32 Nelson Road GATEWAY BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Dave Cook 159 Cree Rd 204-677-3000 Sunday school 10:00 am AM Service at 11, PM Service at 7 Prayer meeting - Wednesday 7 pm THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS everyone welcome Sundays at 10 AM 83 Copper Rd For more information, church tours or home visits call the missionaries at 204-939-4382 or visit Mormon.org THE SALVATION ARMY Thompson Corps (Church) 305 Thompson Dr. - 204-677-3658 Worship services every Sunday at 11 am APOSTOLIC FAITH CHURCH 111 Goldeye Crescent Sunday 11:00 am Worship Service 3:00 pm Sunday school 7:00 pm evening service Wednesday: 7:00 pm bible study followed by prayer time. Contact us at 204-679-2693 or 204-677-5003 BURNTWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH 39 Beaver Crescent Thompson MB R8N 1C5 204-778-4494 Pastor Lee Pickett Sunday morning service 11:15 a.m Sunday evening service 7:00 p.m Wednesday prayer meeting 7:00 p.m

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 12:00 Noon WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2017 Public bid opening will be held at the Bid Submission Location immediately after the Bid Submission Deadline. The lowest or any bid may not necessarily be accepted.

NOTICE OF TENDER

Non-Bonded Tender (Construction Order) No. X05968 Loading, Hauling, and Depositing Trafﬁc Gravel PR 280 and PR 290 North of the Split Lake Access Road The work involves loading, hauling, and depositing trafﬁc gravel on PR 280 and 290 North of the Split Lake Access Road. TENDERS MAY BE OBTAINED AT: Manitoba Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance 11 Nelson Road Thompson MB R8N 0B3 (204) 677-6540

Church Services

Non-Bonded Tender (Construction Order) No.X05967 Loading, Hauling, Depositing Trafﬁc Gravel on PR 280 Km 0 - Km 126 The work involves loading, hauling, and depositing trafﬁc gravel on PR 280 from Km 0 to Km 126 (excluding Km 74 to Km 104) TENDERS MAY BE OBTAINED AT: Manitoba Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance 11 Nelson Road Thompson MB R8N 0B3 (204) 677-6540

Non-Bonded Tender (Construction Order) No.X05972 Dragging The work involves dragging PR 391 and PR 620, for a total distance of 41 km during the Department’s 2017 summer season. TENDERS MAY BE OBTAINED AT: Manitoba Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance 11 Nelson Road Thompson MB R8N 0B3 (204) 677-6540 BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 12:00 Noon FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017 Public bid opening will be held at the Bid Submission Location immediately after the Bid Submission Deadline. The lowest or any bid may not necessarily be accepted.

For Sale By Tender One used Cleveland Steamcraft V, Model #CET16. 208 volt, 3 phase, 46 amp. Serial #1077-90G-02. Countertop must be plumbed in water and drain. Unit is sold as is where is, with no implied warranties. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders will close at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017 and should be forwarded, in a sealed envelope, to: Kelly Knott, Secretary-Treasurer SDML Board Office 408 Thompson Drive ,Thompson MB, R8N OC8 Inquiries can be made by contacting Kelly Knott at the Board Office 204-677-6150

Success for All

Friday, April 21, 2017

Local Angle: STC an important public service BY JONATHON NAYLOR FLIN FLON REMINDER

The good news ? Left-wingers and rightwingers finally agree on something. The bad news? It’s a policy that makes life less equitable in Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In 2012, Manitoba’s then-NDP government terminated an annual subsidy of about $4 million to keep Greyhound bus service running at an adequate level, mainly in the northern region. In rough terms, the tab came to 0.04 per cent of total provincial spending. The NDP knew full well that northerners relied on the Greyhound service to attend medical appointments in Winnipeg and to visit family and friends in other communities. They just didn’t care. The idea of propping up a major company like Greyhound was anathema to the party’s anti-corporate values – which is kind of silly since the NDP had no problem handing out exploration subsidies to the deep-pocketed Hudbay. Greyhound service in Northern Manitoba is a shadow of its former self. If you want to take the bus from Flin Flon to Winnipeg, or vice-versa, your only option is a nearly 12hour overnight ride on a weekday. There is no longer a Flin Flon-Thompson bus or a Flin Flon-Snow Lake bus, despite the fact that both pairings of communities have long-established familial and business ties. During the 2016 election campaign, Flin Flon PC MLA candidate Angela Enright rightly took aim at the NDP for yanking the Greyhound subsidy. Yet it should be noted that even though Enright lost the election, there is nothing preventing her friends in the PC government from reviving the subsidy. Across the border, the right-leaning Saskatchewan Party government just announced plans to shut down Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) on May 31. The Saskatchewan Party government points to low STC ridership and a need to reduce spending as its rationale. The closure of STC, a Crown corporation, is expected to save some $17 million a year, or

about 0.12 per cent of total provincial spending. STC runs regular buses between Creighton and Prince Albert. From Prince Albert, riders can hop a bus to other points across Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Party government knows full well that northerners rely on STC to attend medical appointments in Saskatoon and to visit family and friends in other communities. They just don’t care. The idea of the government owning an unprofitable bus company is anathema to the party’s anti-socialist values – which is kind of silly since the Sask Party has no problem operating governmentowned telephone and electricity companies. There you have it. Two philosophies, the same result: northern residents, especially those with low incomes or mobility issues, lose out. Cutting bus service in Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan is particularly heartless considering the obvious, ongoing need for northerners to visit large southern centres for medical care. For many patients, the NDP cuts in Manitoba have turned the need to see a specialist into nearly 24 hours on an overnight bus. One wonders whether patients are ignoring symptoms to avoid such an ordeal. But at least patients in Flin Flon and Northern Manitoba still have an option. Unless a private company steps in, Creighton will soon have no transit connection to the rest of the province. How will Creighton area residents get to medical appointments then? If the Saskatchewan Party government cares about their plight, they’re not showing it. The Saskatchewan government has a duty to maintain STC. The Manitoba government has an obligation to restore full bus services against the wishes of the now-opposition NDP. Not everything the government does needs to turn a profit or impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Sometimes spending is required not because of popular demand, but because it’s the right thing to do. This is one of those times.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 9

Columnists

Can $11 billion end homelessness in Canada? BY JINO DISTASIO In North American cities like New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto and countless others, we have grown accustomed to seeing people who are homeless walk among us, often in the shadows, often with visible signs of duress from addiction, mental illness or basic hopelessness. Simply put, we’ve become desensitized to the everyday experiences of persons visibly homeless in our cities and communities. There is also little difference in cities in Europe or Australia that share North America’s inability to address chronic homelessness through policy, programs or funding that offer long-term solutions to improve wellbeing and improve housing stability. But change is possible. Budget 2017 earmarked a whopping $11 billion for housing and homelessness across the country. There’s no doubt, this will have a big impact. However, these funds must not only build affordable housing, they must align with poverty reduction strategies and mental health and recovery initiatives currently underway if we are to truly reduce long-term homelessness. A meaningful impact requires funding a broad range of supports to ensure fewer Canadians are among the estimated 35,000 who have no place to call home on any given night. Perhaps this his-

There’s reason for hope toric funding and the pending release of the National Housing Strategy (NHS) give reason for hope. It’s important to consider where we have come from. There is little doubt this federal investment will change lives simply by reinvesting in a depleted affordable housing stock that, from a national standpoint, has had little attention since the 1990s. This is the same period when Canada’s homeless population increased rapidly in cities that failed to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Why did earlier programs fail? By not considering the root causes, we too often took a narrow approach to homelessness such as building shelters but not investing in ancillary services. The preliminary vision of the NHS is that all Canadians have access to housing that “meets their needs and they can afford” with housing described as ‘the cornerstone’ of inclusive and economically prosperous communities. This vision is a good start but it needs to ensure that no Canadian is left behind -- especially those struggling with chronic homelessness. There is a successful model for tackling homelessness. In the At Home/Chez Soi (AHCS) project that examined mental health and homelessness in Canada, we followed

2,150 people over a period of six years (2008-2014). By working to bring together a range of supports and housing, we ended homelessness for a signiﬁcant number of persons previously struggling with health and shelter needs. This landmark study pioneered the AHCS Housing First model in Canada which expanded from the original ﬁve cities to over 60. This proven intervention has also become the global standard for supporting persons struggling with mental illness and homelessness as hundreds of cities in multiple countries have now followed the evidence. So why are we slow to end homelessness? We have done a good job with new policies and organizations tasked with “ending homelessness” in Canada – but strongly worded plans have often been weakly supported with money and resources. Let’s not forget that the erosion of the welfare state, austerity measures, deinstitutionalization, increased globalization, and the growing wage gap that so profoundly raised the level of income inequality in Canada, have all increased homelessness and poverty in our country. Indigenous Canadians

also remain disproportionally represented among the homeless population. We know that the impacts of colonization, residential schools and interactions with child and family services have greatly inﬂuenced the present circumstances of indigenous communities. These are deep wounds we bare as Canadians. Let us acknowledge that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided “the calls to action to advance reconciliation in Canada.” So where do we go from here? $11 billion dollars can go a long way toward healing the lives of those most in need in Canada. With these funds and a strong National Housing Strategy we can make change happen. Let’s not allow shifting political winds globally toward austerity to derail our efforts to be forward thinking and caring. We have evidence and no lack of effort. So let’s use this investment not only for housing, but also to improve health, end poverty and put us on the path to reconciliation. Let’s end homelessness, one Canadian at a time. Jino Distasio is an expert advisor with EvidenceNetwork.ca, an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Winnipeg and Director of the Institute of Urban Studies.

Equipment Operator II Full-Ɵme PosiƟon The City of Thompson invites qualiĮed applicants to submit a resume for consideraƟon: The successful candidate will have Grade 12 or higher and hold a Valid Class 1 MB Driver’s Licence with Air Brake Endorsement, and have the ability to operate all equipment as per the job descripƟon. The successful candidate requires demonstrated experience operaƟng a variety of equipment, with speciĮc emphasis on loaders, garbage truck, semi-truck, roller and sweeper. The City of Thompson oīers an extensive beneĮts package for this full-Ɵme posiƟon, with a starƟng rate of $26.47 per hour. Please send detailed resumes outlining experience, educaƟon, qualiĮcaƟons and references by Monday, May 1, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. to: Deanna Kondakor, HR Manager City of Thompson - 226 Mystery Lake Road, Thompson, MB R8N 1S6 Fax: 204-677-7981 dkondakor@thompson.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The City of Thompson is commiƩed to providing a superior quality of life and unlimited opportuniƟes. We are dedicated to supporƟng healthy growth and our northern urban lifestyle while providing our residents with high quality municipal services and faciliƟes.

Opaskwayak Health Authority Beatrice Wilson Health Centre Health Care Aide (Disability) – 4 Positions Opaskwayak Health Authority is seeking a qualiﬁed individual to fulﬁll the role of Health Care Aide to work in a newly developed disability program area. Job Summary

PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY DIABETES INTEGRATION PROJECT NURSE (RN/LPN) – 2 FULL TIME THOMPSON, MANITOBA

WELLNESS COORDINATOR Under the general direction of Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) Director of Health, the Wellness Coordinator will assist member First Nations in developing their own Wellness Teams, supporting and participating in current Mental Wellness programming and capacity building, providing guidance and mentorship to community based workers. The Wellness Coordinator will provide assistance to all KTC member bands as requested by the KTC communities and will assist with developing of a cultural appropriate assessment and treatment approaches. QUALIFICATIONS: • Must possess a Degree/Diploma from a post-secondary institution in a health related or social work field with a demonstrated ability in counseling skills; experience with First Nations, community health planning, policy development and ability to build capacity within the communities; • Additional training or certification an asset i.e.: ASSIST, Critical Incident Stress Management, Mental Health First Aid First Nations and/or Psychological First Aid. Effective interpersonal and critical thinking skills required. Ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients, and consultants preferred; • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with maturity and poise to interact with executives at the highest levels of government, business, and academia; • Knowledge of government policies related to self-determination of First Nations people and how these policies have affected them; • Ability to work independently and take initiative; • Minimum of 2 years of experience in management and supervision; • Strong organizational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to set priorities; • Knowledge of Microsoft Office 2010 applications required; • The incumbent must possess effective communication and conflictresolution skills; • Must be willing to travel on short notice to remote fly-in communities; • Ability to speak Cree or Dene would be a definite asset; • A valid Driver’s license required and access to a reliable vehicle; • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Checks; • Child Abuse Registry Check. A written application with detailed resume, including at least two (2) references with written permission to contact the references and your latest immediate supervisor should be submitted to: Lisa Beardy, Office Manager 23 Nickel Road Thompson, Manitoba R8N OY4 Email: lbeardy@ktc.ca Fax: 204 677-0256 Closing Date: April 21, 2017 Late applications will not be accepted Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, April 21, 2017. We would like to thank those that apply for the position but only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. For further information or a full job description contact Lisa Beardy, KTC Office Manager.

Are you a nurse who would enjoy providing excellent care to Manitoba’s First Nations people? Do you have a desire to support individuals living with Type 2 Diabetes? Then this is the opportunity for you. Under the auspices of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, the Mobile Diabetes Health Care Service Delivery Team nurse (Thompson Team) will work collectively with the Diabetes Integration Project staff to implement diabetes care, screening and treatment services in First Nation Communities in the Thompson Region. POSITION SUMMARY: • The Diabetes Health Care Team Nurse will provide mobile diabetes care and treatment services to individuals living with Type 2 Diabetes within First Nation communities including the following: • Diabetes Complication and Risk Factor Assessment; • Medication Review/Foot Inspection/Footwear Inspection; • Assess Emotional Wellness, Nutrition and Physical Activity Screening; • Diabetes Education Counselling Services; • Capacity Building – Community Health Staff and Clients; • Referral Services/Data Entry. The work involves extensive travel to the First Nation communities in the Keewatin Tribal Council/North Region. The incumbent must be flexible and be able to travel upon request for overnight travel up to 4 days per week. Travelling alone may be required at times as well as occasional travel to the Southern Region. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Completion of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Registered Nurse, or • Licensed Practical Nurse with relevant experience from a recognized educational institution and current registration from their respective College regulatory body; • Knowledge of 2013 Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines; • Familiarity with and ability to apply care algorithms; • Proficiency in computer software programs; • Must be professional and must maintain confidentiality at all times; • Excellent verbal/written communication skills; • Must have a valid Manitoba Driver’s License; • Must be able to lift approximately 50 lbs of equipment; • Knowledge of First Nation customs, values and traditions.

Reporting to Disability Services Coordinator, the Health Care Aide (HCA) is responsible for providing personal care & home support services; and related general administration. The HCA follows OHA policies & procedures; provincial & federal standards; works in a multidisciplinary team & may be called upon to assist with other duties within the scope of the department. Position Requirements: •

Grade 12 or GED equivalent & Health Care Aide Certiﬁcate

•

CPR, First Aid, Food Safety, Lifts & Transfers, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, WHMIS (preferred)

•

1 year of experience

•

Proﬁciency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

•

Valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License & daily access to a vehicle

•

Satisfactory employment record including attendance at work

Closing Date: Open until ﬁlled Applications Must Include: • A cover letter that clearly indicates how you meet the position requirements • Resume • Copy of credentials (licenses, training, education) • Three professional letters of reference (colleague, supervisor or manager) – or – contact information for same (include position / title, current place of employment, phone number & email • Criminal record check & child abuse registry checks (or indication that they have been applied for) • Personal contact information (phone & email) Your application will not proceed to interview without the above information. To obtain a complete job description, for additional information or to apply for this position please contact or submit your application to: Carol A. Buchberger, Human Resource Manager Opaskwayak Health Authority Box 10280, 245 Waller Road, Opaskwayak, MB R0B 2J0 Email: carol.buchberger@ocnhealth.com Please mark all correspondence “CONFIDENTIAL”

CLOSING DATE: April 21, 2017 AT 4:30 P.M. (CST) Please submit a cover letter and resume identifying your qualiﬁcations, salary expectations to the attention of: Deborah Simmons, Human Resources Generalist/Governance Strategist Email: dsimmons@fnhssm.com We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter if they are from any of the following groups: women, aboriginal people, visible minorities and individuals with disabilities

Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, April 21, 2017

Careers EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Career Opportunity – Maintenance Person

TIPI Insurance Partners is a Manitoba-based, First Nations-owned insurance operation specializing in all lines of insurance including property, liability, pension and benefits and many specialty products. We provide what we call, Total Community Coverage. We are an economic development initiative of, and for, the communities. We invest heavily in training and career development from within our member communities. TIPI provides the highest quality products and services to our members. And, importantly, we are owned by many of the groups we serve. JOB OVERVIEW Reporting to the Senior Member Service Representative (SMSR), the incumbent is responsible for operating and maintaining the Northern Manitoba Regional Office in the Thompson KTC Building. This position will appeal to those with solid organization and administrative qualities. Training for the role will be provided. SKILLS AND DUTIES THE INCUMBENT: • must have experience working with MS Office and Excel • will be required to liaise with TIPI personnel in order to resolve issues with members • must have sound interpersonal and oral communication and service skills • will be required to maintain an up-to-date filing system • will be required to speak regularly with SMSR to review procedures • will be required to assist in organizing new member applications • will be trained for the position and be offered the opportunity to become licensed KEY COMPETENCIES: • Post Secondary Education with a diploma/certificate in business administration and/or equivalent combination of experience and education • High organization and multi-tasking skills • Energetic, self-motivated and results-oriented Interested applicants are requested to submit a personal résumé and cover letter and three references to: info@tipipartners.com or fax to 204 949 3503 Attention: Human Resources by May 1, 2017. We thank all those who apply. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Snow Lake Manitoba The Town of Snow Lake is seeking a qualiﬁed individual for the position of Maintenance Person.

Sales Representative

Arctic Beverages Limited 201 Hayes Road, Thompson, MB - www.arcticbev.com Arctic Beverages services communities in Northern Manitoba, Northern Saskatchewan, Northwest Ontario and Nunavut. Arctic Beverages sells billion dollar brands. Including; Pepsi, 7UP, Gatorade, Lays & Doritos through our exclusive partnership with PepsiCo Canada. We also sell and distribute Jack Links beef jerky, Nestle ice cream, Paramalat dairies and Canada Bread products. Arctic Beverages LP is hiring for the position of Salesperson in the Thompson and Surrounding Region. This candidate will have unique skills for hunting for new business while retaining and growing our existing customers. Arctic Beverages is in its expansion phase and is motivated and excited to add to the sales team. The candidate must be aggressive, creative, well organized, energetic, enthusiastic, and have the ability to work well independently and in a team atmosphere. Qualifications: • Minimum Grade 12 education • Class 5 driver’s licence • Working experience will be an asset • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, as well as Internet and email • Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team Arctic Beverages LP offers very competitive salaries, excellent benefits and a company matched pension plan. Arctic Beverages LP will also cover all sales related expenses such as travel, cell phone and vehicle.

Reporting to the Recreation Maintenance Supervisor, the position will assist with all recreation and public works functions of the Town. Arena operation, mechanical training and equipment operator experience are important assets. Refrigeration Class 2 Power Engineer is a requirement. A Class 3 drivers licence is an asset, or a willingness to obtain one. Remuneration and beneﬁts will commensurate in accordance with the IBEW 2034 Collective Agreement. The rate of pay is $31.40 per hour. Interested applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume, via mail, fax or e-mail by May 5, 2017 at 5:00 PM. Applications can be sent to: The Town of Snow Lake PO Box 40 Snow Lake, MB R0B 1M0 snowlake_ofﬁce@mymts.net Fax: 204-358-2112 The Town of Snow Lake thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please send your resume to: mtaylor@arcticbev.com We would like to thank all applicants in advance, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA LOCATION: THOMPSON

Position: Program & Services Administrative Clerk – Thompson Central Office Full-Time Permanent The Program & Services Administrative Clerk is responsible to provide administrative support services to the Agency staff and projects. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative and independent judgement in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed and action to be taken on matters. Qualifications: • Related post-secondary education such as a diploma or certificate in an administrative/office course or a combination of education/experience will be considered • Minimum of 2 years in administration required • Effective written and verbal communication skills • Computer literacy, including effective working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required • Ability to use general office equipment efficiently and effectively • Superior time management and multitasking skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision • Pro-active with an ability to work under own initiative with minimal direction, as well as within a team setting • Willingness and ability to undertake training needed in order to fulfill the changing requirements of the job • Motivated individual with proven initiative Working Conditions: • Must be able to work in fast paced environment • Must demonstrate strong work ethic and be reliable • Must adhere to confidentiality when working with sensitive information Must have satisfactory Prior Contact, Child Abuse Registry • Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA LOCATION: SPLIT LAKE SUB-OFFICE SPLIT LAKE, MB

Position: Family Enhancement Worker One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position Summary of Position: The Family Enhancement Worker will be responsible for providing supports to families in crisis, in order to address risk and strengthen family functioning. The Family Enhancement Worker undertakes thorough assessments and comprehensive planning with families, and follows a solution focused, strength based approach to making change. The Family Enhancement Worker will utilize services, develop service plans, coordinate the services needed and arrange connections to community resources. The Family Enhancement Worker will ensure that services are being delivered in accordance with provincial legislation and standards and that all programs and services are also in accordance with the policies, procedures and specific directions/ directives of Awasis Agency. Qualifications: • Knowledge of CFS legislation, issues and standards • Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills • Demonstrated ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • BSW Degree preferred with experience in child welfare or combination of education and experience in a related field • Enrolled or interest in the BSW program is ideal • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values Ability to speak the Cree language would be considered an asset • Working Conditions: • Must be able to work in a fast paced environment • Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and be reliable • Must be willing to travel • Must have satisfactory Prior Contact, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a • vehicle

Closing date: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Salary: Salary will commensurate with education and experience Employment equity is a factor in the selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resume if they are from any of the following groups: women, indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. A cover letter indicating the position applying for and updated resume can be sent to: Human Resources Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba 100 – 701 Thompson Drive Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca Awasis Agency provides continuous training and a great benefits package to employees We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date:

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

A cover letter indicating the position applying for and updated resume can be sent to: Human Resources Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba 100-701 Thompson Drive Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca Awasis Agency provides continuous training and a great benefits package to employees. We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 11

Careers

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Salesperson Seeking a highly motivated permanent, full-time salesperson for busy retail store.

2017-2018 TMHA Representative Coaching Positions TMHA is now accepting applications for representative coaches for the 2017-2018 season. Applications can be found at www.thompsonminorhockey.ca/page/ show/747662-coaching-resources They should be submitted to TMHA President Matthew Steeves at 175 Westwood. The deadline for submission is April 24, 2017.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA LOCATION: THOMPSON SERVICE DELIVERY OFFICE (TSDO) THOMPSON, MB Position: Child & Family Services Worker One (1) Full-Time Term Position (to March 30, 2018) Reporting to a Unit Supervisor the Child & Family Services Worker is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific directions/directives of Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in the field of child protection. The duties would include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/ follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, developing long/short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services. Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work Degree with experience in child welfare preferred or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered • Strong commitment to community based service delivery • Knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) • Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Good organizational and time management skills • Demonstrated ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree and/or Dene language would be an asset Working Conditions: • Must be able to work in a fast paced environment • Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and be reliable • Must adhere to confidentiality when working with sensitive information • Must be willing to travel • Must have satisfactory Prior Contact, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Salary: Salary will commensurate with education and experience Closing date: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resume if they are from any of the following groups: women, indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. A cover letter indicating the position applying for and updated resume can be sent to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba 100-701 Thompson Drive Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca Awasis Agency provides continuous training and a great benefits package to employees We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Optical Assistant Thompson Eye Care is looking for a hardworking, fashion-forward individual to join our team. The successful candidate will be friendly and have excellent communications skills, in person, in writing and on the phone. We are willing to train, however, office and/or retail experience is an asset. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Successful applicant will be well groomed, outgoing, personable and able to keep pace with rapidly changing technology. Wireless Solution/MTS Connect offers an above industry average compensation package plus benefits plan. Must be available to work during store hours which are from 9:00 - 6:00 weekdays and 9:30 - 5:00 on Saturdays. Please apply in person with resume and cover letter.

Competitive wages and some flexibility in hours to the right candidate. Approx. 30hrs/week. Resumes can be dropped off at Thompson Eye Care in the Westwood Mall or emailed to tammie@thompsoneyecare.ca.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AWASIS AGENCY OF NORTHERN MANITOBA LOCATION: SPLIT LAKE SUB-OFFICE SPLIT LAKE, MB Position: Child & Family Services Worker One (1) Full-Time Permanent Position Reporting to a Unit Supervisor the Child & Family Services Worker is responsible to implement the policies, procedures and specific directions/directives of Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba when working with families and children in the field of child protection. The duties would include managing a case load, conducting interviews and assessments, compiling case particulars for Court, investigating/ follow up on allegations of child protection issues, maintaining regular visits, ensuring accurate and timely documentation, developing long/ short term case plans, developing/facilitating workshops, community education and networking with collateral resources/services. Qualifications: Bachelor of Social Work Degree with experience in child welfare • preferred or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered • Strong commitment to community based service delivery • Knowledge of CFS legislation, standards and issues • Knowledge of Child & Family Services Information System (CFSIS) • Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Good organizational and time management skills • Demonstrated ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook • Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as a team setting • Sensitivity to and an understanding of First Nations culture and values • Ability to speak and/or understand the Cree and/or Dene language would be an asset Working Conditions: • Must be able to work in a fast paced environment • Must demonstrate a strong work ethic and be reliable • Must adhere to confidentiality when working with sensitive information • Must be willing to travel • Must have satisfactory Prior Contact, Child Abuse Registry Check, Criminal Record Check and Driver’s Abstract • Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle Salary: Salary will commensurate with education and experience Closing date: Open Until Filled Employment Equity is a factor in selection. Applicants are requested to indicate in their covering letter or resume if they are from any of the following groups: women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. A cover letter indicating the position applying for and updated resume can be sent to: Human Resources Department Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba 100-701 Thompson Drive Thompson, MB R8N 2A2 Fax: (204) 778-8428 Email: hr@awasisagency.ca

Awasis Agency provides continuous training and a great benefits package to employees We thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Thompsoncitizen.net

Wireless Solutions/MTS Connect Thompson 10 -50 Selkirk Avenue Thompson, MB R8N 0M7

Program Coordinator Competition # PC17-34 Youth at Risk North (YARN) - Marymound North Permanent Full-time, 80 hours bi-weekly, Days This position is responsible to oversee the day-to-day operation of the programs including client care, community-based service delivery, staffing, and fiscal management. Primary responsibilities of the position include: • Coordinates and disseminates information from participating agencies, including determining which agencies are or should be a part of the client’s team and requesting their involvement • Complete an initial assessment of the client at the first case conference with the case conference team and create the action plan • Orientation and case history review with new case conference team members prior to them joining the case conference team • Develop and maintain a supportive relationship with the client and their parents/guardians; providing a direction when requested • Assisting parents in accessing supports and resources for their youth. (i.e.: YASU, Mental Health, AFM), including researching and requesting services for clients and their parents • Accepts referrals and gathers information from involved agencies, parents, and guardians to present a complete view of the issues surrounding the referred youth to the Screening Committee • Evaluate the effectiveness of the program on an ongoing basis and recommend shifts in the philosophy/management of the program to the Screening Committee. • Liaise between case workers of participating agencies to ensure appropriate planning and follow-up of team plans • All other duties as outlined on the job description. Qualifications: • Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent combination of education and experience • 5 years experience working with high risk youth • 3 years experience in a supervisory position preferred • Ability to effectively communicate with excellent oral and written communication skills • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead healthy teams • Demonstrated cultural proficiency • Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities and take initiative • Ability to identify issues and problem-solve • Ability to build effective work relationships as well as partnerships with external individuals and organizations • Competence working with computers • Excellent physical and emotional health • Valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driver abstract • Emergency First Aid • Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, a clear Child Abuse Registry Check, and acceptable Prior Contact checks • ASIST Certificate (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), NCVI, Mental Health First Aid, Safe Talk preferred. • Knowledge of Indigenous customs, traditions, and beliefs will be considered an asset. Deadline for applications: By 4:00pm, April 25, 2017 Wage Range: A8 $23.37 - $28.44 Internal Applicants: Submit ‘Internal Application Form’ with cover letter and current resume Please note that an employee is not permitted to hold two or more EFT positions greater than 1.0 (80 hours bi-weekly) combined across Marymound. Consider this prior to applying for positions, as employees in this situation cannot be awarded an additional position that will put them over full-time (1.0 EFT). External Applicants: Submit a cover letter and résumé quoting Competition # to: Competition # PC17-34 Human Resources 442 Scotia Street Winnipeg, MB R2V 1X4 Or e-mail: careers@marymound.com or online at www.marymound.com We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Employment opportunities are advertised on our website at www.marymound.com

WORK WITH US & GROW A CAREER Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, April 21, 2017

News

Despite cutbacks, need for tradespeople anticipated in region BY JONATHON NAYLOR FLIN FLON REMINDER

Even as the region’s key employers plan hundreds of job cuts in the coming years, there will still be a market for skilled labour in Northern Manitoba. That’s the assessment of the Northern Manitoba Sector Council (NMSC), a notfor-profit corporation that helps foster a sufficiently skilled pool of applicants for the mining, forestry and hydro sectors. “There will always be a need for new hires,” said Doug Lauvstad, executive director of NMSC. Just not as significant of a need as before. In 2013, NMSC projected the major industries in Northern Manitoba and Swan River would require up to 2,500 new tradespeople by 2018. Then came the bad news. Vale confirmed a previous announcement it would shed 500-plus jobs by closing its Thompson surface operations in 2018. Hudbay would reduce either 500, 800 or 900 jobs in Flin Flon by late 2020. And Manitoba Hydro would eliminate at least 900 positions, ostensibly in and around 2017. Three caveats are worth mentioning. First, many of these 1,900 to 2,300plus jobs will be eliminated through attrition as workers retire or resign.

Second, not all of the Manitoba Hydro jobs are based in Northern Manitoba. Third, only some of the positions being cut – it’s unclear how many – are considered skilled. The rest of the jobs are unskilled, making them easier for employers to fill. Yet there’s no doubt the dynamics have changed since NMSC’s initial jobs projection. Lauvstad can’t say how many new tradespeople the region will now need, as he does not have statistics such as the number of pending retirements. Lauvstad said NMSC’s focus remains the same: training employed people for better jobs, new workers for jobs in resource industries, and people of all backgrounds to fill critical skill shortages. Examples of the latter include a powerengineering course in The Pas and a heavy-duty mechanics course in Swan River. “There’s always going to be those type of requirements for filling sort of those hard-to-fill or high-demand skill sets,” he said. Yet not everyone will find work in those high-demand fields, including the industrial employees who will be laid off in the coming years. On that front, Lauvstad, who is based in The Pas, said NMSC has been looking at retraining opportunities. “Certainly there will be

a dynamic that happens where there will be people who have been laid off that are looking for work or looking to reskill or upskill, so we’ve actually been looking at projects, maybe training people for jobs in the health sector,” he said. Lauvstad said health care, including emergency medical response, is one field in need of more workers. Other in-demand fields include corrections, information technology and accounting. He also views tourism as a growth industry. Despite the planned reductions in industry, Lauvstad believes there is still strong potential in the Northern Manitoba resource sector. “We are not using the forest resource to anywhere near what’s allowed, so there’s room for growth there,” he said, adding that he also believes there are viable mineral deposits yet to be found in Flin Flon and Thompson. “In spite of all of the bad news, I don’t think the potential has diminished, so we need to focus on realizing that potential.” Funded by government and the region’s major employers, NMSC identifies potential workplace vacancies and then works with government and the education system to ensure training offered to students aligns with demand.

Relay reaching out to survivors

Nickel Belt News ﬁle photo The Thompson Relay for Life committee is inviting cancer survivors and those who are still battling the disease to take part in the survivors’ lap that will kick off the relay at the Vale Regional Community Centre on April 29.

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