August 5 2016

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Nickel Belt News

Volume 56 Number 31

Friday, August 5, 2016

Thompson, Manitoba

Serving the Norman Region since 1961

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Going for glory Skateboarders converged at the Thompson skatepark July 31 to compete in the third-annual Straight Trashy skateboard competiton. See Page 12 for more photos and results.

Northern Manitoba communities have high crime severity and drastic rises from 2014 BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

Crime severity index scores for remote Northern Manitoba communities show just how different they are from the province’s and the country’s larger urban centres, especially in terms of violent crime severity. The top-ranked city of more than 10,000 people in terms of violent crime severity in the country in 2015 was North Battleford, Sask. with a score of 348.18, making it the only city in that category with a violent crime severity index of greater than 300. By contrast, Leaf Rapids had a violent crime severity index score of 1,001.25 in 2015 and the violent crime severity index score was 1,711.18 in Shamattawa, having risen nearly 41 per cent (495.21points) from 2014, when it was

1,215.97. The overall crime severity index in Shamattawa in 2015 was 760.02 and the non-violent crime severity index was 412.34. Those scores dwarf those of North Battleford, which was also ranked first among Canadian cities of 10,000 people or more in those categories for 2015, with an overall crime severity index of 320.94 and a non-violent crime severity index of 310.37, which were both the only index scores in the country greater than 300 in that population category. Chemawawin Cree Nation’s crime severity index score dropped 11.5 per cent from 2014 to 481.21 in 2015 and its violent crime severity index score decreased about 40 per cent to 600.15. The non-violent crime severity index score there in 2015 was 436.94, up almost 16

per cent from 2014. In Nelson House in 2015, the overall crime severity index was 483.93, the violent crime severity index was 864.70 and the non-violent crime severity index was 344.37, all of those values representing increases of more than 20 per cent from 2014. Crime severity index scores were also up from the previous year, though only by single digit percentages, in Noway House, which had a crime severity index of 443.75, a non-violent crime severity index of 585.44 and a non-violent crime severity index of 391.27. In Cross Lake, the violent crime severity index rose 66.66 per cent from 2014 to 2015, when it was 862.24. The overall crime severity index there was 444.08 in 2015, up almost 34 per cent from 2014 and the non-violent

crime severity index score was 290.99, up a little over 10 per cent from the previous year. The violent crime severity index in God’s Lake Narrows rose 103.57 per cent from 2014 to 818.87 in 2015, while the overall crime severity index was 382.98, up 48.87 per cent from 2014, and the non-violent crime severity index score was 223.58, up about 10 per cent from the previous year. Oxford House also saw a large increase in the violent crime severity index in 2015, with its score of 708.99 up 74 per cent from 2014 and the overall crime severity index up 20 per cent to 387.42, while the non-violent crime severity index score dropped 6.41 per cent to 269.61. The overall crime severity index in Leaf Rapids was up 22 per cent in 2015, with a score of

761.66, while the town’s non-violent crime severity index score was 672.92, up 40 per cent from 2014. The crime severity index is calculated by assigning crimes different weights based on seriousness as measured by each crime’s incarcera-

tion rate and the average prison sentence courts mete out for each crime. The weighted offences are then added up and divided by population. The CSI is standardized to a base of 100 which is derived from the index values for the year 2006.

Do you want to start your own business? Do you see an opportunity in your community to provide a product or service that is otherwise not available? Are you unsure about what the first steps are and what resources are available for you? The Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF) can be of assistance. CEDF has been investing in Manitoba Communities for over 43 years by helping local entrepreneurs start or expand their business. Please contact us today at (204) 778 4138 ext. 229 or toll free at 1-800-561-4315 ext. 229

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, August 5, 2016

News

Do something or stand pat: differing views on how to deal with Churchill port closure

Nickel Belt News ďŹ le photo Some want the government to step in in the wake of OmniTrax announcing that no grain will be shipped from the Port of Churchill this year, while others say that the enterprise should be left to succeed or fail on its own. BY IAN GRAHAM EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET

In the wake of OmniTrax Canada’s announcement in the last week of July that it was laying off workers and not shipping any grain out of Churchill this year, politicians and other interested parties have split into two camps: those who want the government to do something, even if they’re

not certain what, and those who would rather see the port succeed or fail without government intervention. Churchill-Keewatinook Aski NDP MP Niki Ashton told CBC News July 28 that OmniTrax’s announcement was a strong indication that the port could not function as a private enterprise. “It’s time for the federal government to realize that

the experiment no longer works, and it’s time for us to take Churchill back and recognize that it is such an important part of our economy,� said Ashton. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, however, said his government was not inclined to step in in the way he said that the previous NDP provincial government had and characterized

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OmniTrax’s decision as a pressure tactic designed to extract government assistance. “Levering on the fears and hopes and the security of Manitobans is never something that I would support and doing it to obtain a better business deal is not the way that we’re going to be engaging with corporations, now or in the future,� said Pallister at a July 28 press conference, during which he revealed that the Greg Selinger’s NDP government had signed a one-year subsidy deal that gave OmniTrax between $800,000 and $1 million of government funding in 2015, though he said a non-disclosure agreement prevented him from elaborating. The NDP caucus issued a statement saying that the previous provincial government had been committed to helping the transition of the port and railway to a sustainable ownership model. “By his comments today, Brian Pallister has made clear that even though he is prepared to provide a public subsidy to Bell Canada, one of the largest private corporations in Canada, he would not do so to ensure that the Port of Churchill remains open,� said the NDP statement. “We all know how valuable the port and railway are for families in Churchill, farmers, neighbouring communities and other provinces and territories. All parties, including the federal and provincial government, recognized the challenges that the loss of

the Canadian Wheat Board posed to the Port of Churchill. That’s why the federal and provincial governments provided tonnage subsidies for the transport of grain through the Port of Churchill, while it worked to transition to a post-CWB reality. Our government was resolved to ensure the port stayed open while transitioning to a new sustainable ownership model. We worked in good faith, and were prepared to be part of the solution.â€? The National Farmers Union (NFU) said in a press release that the actions of the two previous federal governments helped bring about the closure. “It was a previous Liberal government that privatized the railroads and allowed the sale of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay rail line to a Denver-based company called OmniTrax,â€? said the NFU press release. “The Harper government knew that the chance of the Churchill port surviving after the termination of the Canadian Wheat Board was nil. The Wheat Board directed almost 95 per cent of the grain going through the port.â€? “How can OmniTrax unilaterally decide to close a port that is of such strategic advantage? â€? said NFU president Jan Slomp in the press release. “The federal government should intervene.â€? The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), an advocacy group that ďŹ ghts for lower taxes and accountable government, said in a July 29 press release

that federal and provincial governments should stop subsidizing OmniTrax and refuse any future bailout demands from the company. “This is a tough situation for people in Churchill, but we have to be honest: millions of dollars from taxpayers won’t solve the problem,â€? said CTF prairie director Todd MacKay in the press release. “Both the federal and provincial governments are running significant deficits and we simply cannot afford to waste more money on failed corporate welfare schemes.â€? The CTF says OmniTrax, which also owns the Hudson Bay Railway from The Pas to Churchill, has received $25 million over ďŹ ve years from the federal government beginning in 2012 and that provincial and federal subsidies amount to $65,000 for every job at the port in 2015. The CTF also says that the 500,000 or so tonnes of grain shipped through Churchill on average in recent years was a minuscule fraction of the total of almost 40 million tonnes of grain shipped annually from Canada. “Even if governments doubled and redoubled the huge taxpayer-funded subsidies handed over to OmniTrax, is there any reason to believe jobs in Churchill would be any more secure than they are today?â€? said MacKay. “If customers are choosing other ports to ship grain, the reality is that more taxpayer dollars won’t solve the problem.â€?

Friday, August 5, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

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News

Indigenous organizations concerned about oil spill in Saskatchewan A pair of Manitoba indigenous organizations are concerned about the July 21 Husky Energy crude oil pipeline spill near Maidstone, Saskatchewan because of the possibility it could harm the North Saskatchewan River and bodies of water in Manitoba connected to it. “Our elders have told us that at its source, this water system is one of the purest arteries of freshwater anywhere in the world and that it must be protected in order to sustain life in the northern plains and the boreal forest,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, whose organization is calling for an immediate boycott and divestment of Husky Energy products and services until the company demonstrates that

its actions to mitigate the damage caused were timely and reasonable and that it is committed to preventing future spills. “Cultures and languages have been built on this watershed over tens of thousands of years and in less than a few decades of ‘development,’ the very life of the river is at risk. To poison this source of life for a great number of people, animals and plant life is a tragedy and we must hold the company to account for this. As a community of people from all over the world, whose children and grandchildren will inherit our decisions in this critical time we must be willing to protect the health of our families and communities. It is community action that will have to hold the company accountable as neither industry nor gov-

ernments appear willing to demonstrate leadership on this matter.” Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson said her organization, which represents 30 First Nations in Northern Manitoba, is watching the situation closely since the North Saskatchewan River flows into the Saskatchewan River, which enters Manitoba near Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and continues on into Lake Winnipeg near Misipawistik Cree Nation and Chemawawin Cree Nation at Grand Rapids. North Wilson said a situation update from the Saskatchewan government indicated that approximately two rail tanker cars’ worth, or 1,572 barrels, of heavy crude oil spilled into the river.

“With this kind of heavy crude oil, the ‘oil slick’ sheen that appears on the surface is mainly from the lighter diluent [a substance used to dilute something]or heavy oil mixed with diluent,” said North Wilson in a press release. “This type of crude oil is heavier that water and sinks under the surface when the lighter diluent evaporates. This means that booms will be increasingly less effective as the oil moves downstream from the spill. MKO is concerned that the heavy crude oil will break up into much smaller particles and attach to sediments in the water when passing through the turbines of the E.B. Campbell generating station. MKO is also concerned this finer oil-sediment mix will spread widely through the

Government names commissioners of missing and murdered women inquiry The federal government named the five commissioners who will head up the national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) Aug. 3. The inquiry will be headed by chief commissioner Judge Marion Buller of Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan, who was B.C.’s first female First Nations judge when she was appointed to the provincial court bench in 1994 and was instrumental in starting the First Nations Court of British Columbia in 2006. The other four commissioners are Michèle Audette, the former president of the Quebec Native Women’s Association who was born to a French father and an Innu mother in Mani Utenam, as well as Qajaq Robinson of Iqaluit, Nunavut, who served as a Crown prosecutor in Nunavut’s circuit court for four years and now lives in Ottawa, along with Marilyn Poitras, an assistant professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law, and Brian Eyolfson of Couchiching First Nation in Ontario, who is currently the deputy director of the legal services branch of the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “For over a decade, the families of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls have been demanding action,” said Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Carolyn Bennett. “Today, after meaningful engagement with the families, experts and those with lived

experience, I am proud that the prime minister, with the support of all provinces and territories, has appointed five outstanding commissioners, who will now be able to do the work needed for Canada to put in place the concrete actions necessary to put an end to this national tragedy.” The Liberal government announced the inquiry in December 2015 and followed it up with a three-month pre-inquiry engagement process that included 18 face-to-face meetings with more than 2,000 people and national indigenous organizations, provincial and territorial government representatives and input by phone, through the mail and online. “This team will bring a depth and mix of personal, academic and professional experiences to the task of listening, documenting and seeking to bring to light the systemic causes of violence against indigenous women and girls in Canada and to make recommendations for effective action,” said Patty Hajdu, minister of status of women. The government committed $53.86 million over two years for the inquiry, which is tasked with recommending concrete steps to address and prevent violence against indigenous women and girls. “The launch of the Inquiry represents a concrete expression of the government’s commitment to honouring the lives of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls,” said Justice Minis-

ter Jody Wilson-Raybould. “By examining the root causes that have contributed to this national tragedy, including past and present systemic and institutional barriers, the commission of inquiry will play a pivotal role in helping all of us to define where best to continue to act to protect the human rights of all indigenous women and girls in Canada.” Manitoba NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine, the Opposition critic for missing and murdered indigenous women, said in a statement Aug. 3 that it was the duty of Manitoba’s government to appropriately fund and fully cooperate with the national inquiry in every way possible. “It’s so important for Canadians to fully appreciate and understand this may be the only opportunity some MMIWG families ever get in respect of a sense of justice and recognition for their loved ones,” said Fontaine’s statement. “This national inquiry may be the only opportunity where MMIWG families can share their loved one’s story and their own personal journey as part of the official record. As someone who has worked on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls for the last 18 years, I recognize this as an important moment in our collective history to create real and tangible change in the lives of indigenous women and girls.” Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Sheila North Wil-

son, speaking for the 30 Northern Manitoba First Nations the organization represents, also welcomed the announcement of the inquiry commissioners. “An inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is something that I and many family members and advocates have long advocated for, and to hear that it will finally begin brings a sense of relief,” North Wilson said in an Aug. 3 press release. “MKO will be closely monitoring the inquiry on behalf of the Northern Manitoba First Nations to ensure that all societal and criminal justice aspects and contexts are considered in order to achieve justice and reconciliation for all MKO citizens and indigenous peoples who have been affected by this national tragedy.” “I also hold up and acknowledge the families of the missing and murdered women and girls, who are the true advocates for this inquiry,” said the grand chief. “Without their tireless work across the country from all the regions, we would not be in a position to finally examine the underlying and systemic causes of the disproportionate violence experience by indigenous women and girls, and to implement any findings and recommendations that may result from the inquiry.” North Wilson also said that she hoped the commissioners would thoroughly examine the relationship between indigenous people and police in Canada.

Cumberland Marsh and travel downstream into Manitoba.” The MKO grand chief said women of OCN were holding a water ceremony to pray for the healing of the sacred waters of the North Saskatchewan River Aug. 3 and that a permanent body to monitor waterways should be established. “MKO is issuing a demand to be part of the monitoring teams to ensure timely access to updated information and to establish permanent interprovincial First Nation-government co-ordination units

to monitor water quality, contaminants and spills to ensure safety for our people, waters and territory,” she said. The Manitoba government said July 26 that the oil spill posed no immediate threat to Manitoba waterways, although high water and floating debris had been hindering containment efforts. The province was also in discussions with the town of The Pas about alternative sources of drinking water should the oil reach the Saskatchewan River, which the town uses as the source of its drinking water.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Development of Financial Administration Law Project – Development of Financial Administration law for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. The project is to research and develop a bylaw that will set general financial and administrative standards applicable to all OCN controlled and owned organizations. Interested people should submit the following, no later than August 26, 2016. A detailed Request for Proposal maybe requested for information from the finance office at Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Any interested parties may submit submissions to Darryl Bauer, Director of Finance and Administration OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION Box 10880 Opaskwayak, Mb R0B 2J0 Email: Darryl.Bauer@opaskwayak.ca

FRONTIER SCHOOL DIVISION FRONTIER SCHOOL DIVISION requires

HOST FAMILIES IN THOMPSON

FRONTIER SCHOOL DIVISION 16 Kelsey Bay Thompson, MB R8N 0L7 Phone: (204) 677-6744 Fax: (204) 677-6878

The Home Placement Program is looking for families (house parents) to provide room and board for high school students attending R.D. Parker Collegiate in Thompson for the 2016-2017 school year. We require families who can provide a welcoming and safe environment for high school students. Please direct inquiries to:

Nora Ross Home Placement Program Frontier School Division 16 Kelsey Bay Thompson, MB R8N 0L7 Phone: (204) 677-6744 Individuals will be required to complete a criminal record check and child abuse registry check by the appropriate agencies.

thompsoncitizen.net your source for news in the north

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, August 5, 2016

Columnists

Hunger is a sign I am one of those who like to eat when hungry; food tastes better. I am also aware of a valid contrary opinion. There are people who prefer to eat so that they would not get hungry; to avoid the pain of hunger. Whether one chooses to eat when hungry or in order to avoid hunger, it points to one fact: hunger is a desire and draws us to the food. Food is not the only thing we can desire. Jesus speaks about people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness and justice. He then promises that they shall be filled. I was an atheist from my childhood days until my mid twenties. The reason for that was God was not detectable in any tangible way and I am not going to persuade myself into believing the existence of a God who cannot be tangibly felt. I refuse to fool myself into believing a philosophical concept in regards to the existence of God. If there is God he has to be a person, if person then it must be possible to encounter Him somehow. Well, I celebrate with joy today that I was right. When I was in deep trouble – a health issue and only God could rescue me from – I was invited by my Christian friends to give my life to Jesus so that

God’s principles being practiced such as forgiveness. His anointing presence combined with a healthy fear of God is necessary to prevent corruption. It is the awareness of our weaknesses as well as the uplifting encounters of His love make us dependent on the anointing presence of the Holy Spirit. There can be some dry times in our lives without the felt presence of God. I noticed that my unquenchable thirst for more of His anointing presence have kept God’s anointing in my life alive. Though I have lived more dry times than periods of communion with Him, the unending hunger in my heart for more of His presence has kept me going closer to Him. It is our hunger for God’s presence and our appreciation of His presence will keep the anointing with us. God, our Father, Jesus our master, saviour and brother, the Holy Spirit, our comforter and strength are persons and like all persons they also like to be desired. Just like you like to have good friends and like to be friends with certain people, how much more your Father in heaven desires that you hunger for His presence. Why? Because you are precious to Him! Murat Kuntel is the pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Spiritual Thoughts mkuntel@shaw.ca

Pastor Murat Kuntel He might rescue me. Exhausted of my options, I had to give Jesus an opportunity to show Himself as real, and He did just that. Day by day, year by year, as I submitted to Him, freedom came and I tangibly felt His rescuing and loving presence in various ways. I understood that at my conversion the Holy Spirit came to me, and I felt His coming in a tangible way. Right after my conversion I would go to church in order to be with Christians in whom the Holy Spirit was dwelling as well. I thought in the church when people-hungry-for-God get together, God would honour their hunger and thirst and would fill them to satisfy. Therefore, I did not miss church on Sundays and I tried to find churches where people hungry for God’s presence

were attending and this strategy worked. I felt God’s presence and my heart would be lifted towards His heart and I would feel loved, comforted and strengthened by Him in churches where people had similar desires and focus. As I hungered more of Him, at certain intervals my hunger and thirst was satisfied by deeper and more tangible encounters of His presence which then triggered more hunger for the Lord and is a sign of life. Injustice, pain, disappointment and heartache are inevitable in life and all of us get hit time to time. That’s why it is important that we do not lean on our own strength alone when we have a Father who is God. Righteousness and justice cannot be obtained through political legislation alone, but they require

Dangerous Waterway Zone Construction of the Keeyask Generating Station is underway near Gull Rapids on the Nelson River. This can cause speed and depth of water in the area to change very quickly and may also result in an increased risk to public safety. Watch for signs, buoys and booms marking the dangerous waterway zone and avoid the area at all times during construction. Be alert, don’t get hurt.

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Friday, August 5, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 5

Columnists

Subsidies won’t help Churchill BY TODD MACKAY It is impossible to be helpful, truly helpful, without being honest. Real help requires an accurate assessment of the problem and an ability to address it. Pretending to help by applying a pseudo-solution to the wrong problem is not only dishonest, it’s thoroughly unhelpful. Here’s some hard honesty: we cannot help Churchill by flooding OmniTrax with tax dollars. This is not a pleasant point. The spectre of losing such a large employer in such a small community is hard. Hopefully there are other ways we can help the 90 people losing their jobs. However, there are some simple realities at play. Both the federal and provincial government are running significant deficits and can’t afford to speculate on a failing business. But even if the governments Ottawa

and Winnipeg were awash in cash, bailouts and subsidies haven’t helped in the past and they won’t help now. OmniTrax took over the railway and port in Churchill in 1997. It shipped 525,200 metric tonnes of grain in 2014-15. The port’s peak volume came in 1977 with 735,000 metric tonnes. Context on this point is important. Canada’s total grain exports in 2014-15 were nearly 39.7 million metric tonnes. Ports on the St. Lawrence Seaway shipped 6.8 million metric tonnes. Vancouver handled 26.7 million metric tonnes. The reality is that Churchill has never handled more than a tiny fraction of the huge crops produced by Canadian farmers. Millions of tax dollars that have poured into the Churchill port over the years have not changed that reality.

Governments combined to spend $150 million on the Churchill port between 1977 and 1994. The flow of taxpayers’ money didn’t stop when OmniTrax took over. The federal government announced $25 million to subsidize the port over five years starting in 2012. In 2015, the provincial government provided between $800,000 and $1 million in subsidies. Consider the subsidies poured into Churchill just last year. It totals about $6 million. Divide that number by the 90 jobs and it comes to about $65,000 per job. Even if those subsidies were doubled and redoubled, would those jobs be any more secure? Would there be any guarantee that customers would start choosing to ship grain through Churchill rather than Thunder Bay or Vancouver? The honest answer

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THOMPSON HERITAGE NORTH MUSEUM is now accepting donations for the annual yard sale. Call 204-677-2216. ENGLISH CLASSES FOR NEWCOMERS at University College of the North. Registration is every Thursday, at 5:30 second floor room 213 at UCN. Talk to us about our classes. PRENATAL CLASSES are free and held every other month on Wednesday evenings at the Northern Health Region building (next to the Hospital). We welcome all pregnant women and a support person to join us in learning about the birthing process, tour our hospital and discuss breastfeeding. All classes are facilitated by a Public Health Nurse. Please contact Angela, a Public Health Nurse at (204) 778-1550 to register or for more information. OPEN ADULT VOLUNTEER GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - Meets every second Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the Northern Spirit Manor, 879 Thompson Drive South. These sessions are free. For more info call 204679-1660 or 204-679-6339. SUFFER FROM ANXIETY/DEPRESSION? A support group will be starting again, can you give an hour or two of your time to get some help? Learning and helping each other does work. Let’s join together and get back our health. Phone Barbara at 204-778-6306 at Anxiety Disorders of Manitoba. ARE YOU PREGNANT? STRUGGLING WITH USE OF EITHER ALCOHOL OR DRUGS? InSight Mentoring can help. This is a free service available to women that are pregnant or may have given birth in the past year. InSight Mentoring can help you identify your goals and help you achieve them. Please call 204-677-5372 or 204-778-1521 between 8:304:30 pm for more information. IF YOUR LOVED ONE or friend has a problem with alcohol, and you need help, join the Alanon group meeting at 1079 Cree Rd at the Nickel Group trailer, across from Co-op Gas, Wed at 8 pm. Call Wendy at 204-778-7841 for information. DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY? Are you looking for employment or work experience and have a disability? The Thompson Supported Employment Program (TSEP) provides a comprehensive variety of quality employment services to persons with disabilities as well as acting as a resource to local progressive employers. For more information or to book an appointment: contact Thompson Supported Employment Program at 204-677-8322. BABIES BEST START Nutrition program for pregnant women and new moms (Post natal new moms Wednesdays 1:30- 3:30 pm. Pregnant moms (pre-natal) Thursday 1:30 - 3:30 pm. High school Tuesday 12 pm - 1:10 pm. Phone 204-677-4431. 125 Commercial Place, Thompson.

Submit your own community events to events@thompsoncitizen.net

is almost certainly no. The reality is that corporate welfare doesn’t work. Either it isn’t enough to paper over deeper problems, as is case for OmniTrax. Or the business doesn’t actually need the cash, as is the case with the $500,000 in taxpayer cash Maple Leaf used to buy bacon-making equipment (Maple Leaf would have gone through with its $34-million expansion even without the handout). Even more importantly, those subsidies have to come from somewhere: taxpayers. Imagine what taxpayers could do with this money if their governments didn’t hand it out in corporate welfare. How many plumbers could have hired an apprentice and helped more customers? How many families could have made an extra mortgage payment? Even worse, cutting this

Todd MacKay kind of corporate welfare wouldn’t immediately translate into tax relief for local businesses and families because it would get swallowed by gapping deficits. Manitoba is running a $911-million deficit this year. It is an objective fact that the Manitoba government cannot afford to indulge in corporate wel-

fare that simply does not work. We have to be honest. There should be no tax dollars for OmniTrax. To say anything else would be a lie to the people of Churchill. Todd MacKay is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Federal government funding design and planning of high-speed Internet for 63 Manitoba First Nations Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) announced $4.2 million in funding July 28 for a plan to connect 63 Manitoba First Nations to a highspeed Internet network. The money will go towards the planning and design of the network, which will also connect 189 other communities in the province. This phase of the project, which will begin with planning for the extension of Manitoba Hydro’s existing fibre optic infrastructure, is scheduled to be completed in 2016-17. Once the fibre optic network is extended, Internet service providers can use it to deliver Internet services. Currently, less than a third of Manitoba’s

63 First Nations have sufficient Internet capability for email, texting or online applications. “This project will provide access to key educational, health, social and community development resources, and will connect Manitoba First Nations people with the Canadian and global community,” said INAC Minister Carolyn Bennett in a press release. “This investment is essential to the success of the entire community, especially indigenous youth.” The project is a partnership between INAC and the Manitoba First Nations Technology Council (MFNTC) under Nanaandawewigamig, the First Nations Health and Social

Secretariat of Manitoba, which oversees all former Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) health and social programs as of July 2015.It began in 201415 when INAC, AMC and the MFNTC conducted an $800,000 feasibility study on bringing high-speed Internet to First Nations Communities. “In order for all Manitoba First Nations to benefit and progress for the future, we need to be connected to the world,” said Sapotaweyak Cree Nation Chief Nelson Genaille, MFNTC co-chair. “We will no longer be left behind,” said Pimicikamak Cree Nation Chief Cathy Merrick, Nanaandawewigamig chairperson.

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, August 5, 2016

Columnists

Nickel Belt News photo by Marc Jackson From left to right, Don and Anne Stringer, Jim Stringer and his mother Betty Stringer with 100-year-old Jerry Stringer in front.

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One hundred years is a short period of time in respect to the 4.5 billion years the Earth has been around. However, in relation to how long a single person lives upon the planet; well, it is indeed a very impressive stay! Jerry Stringer, who is a brother to former Snow Laker the late Adolph Stringer, was born on July 16, 1916 in Brooksby, Saskatchewan. He celebrated his 100th birthday in the presence of family and friends at the Snow Lake Health Centre (where he is a resident) on the afternoon of Saturday, July 16. Mr. Stringer’s younger brother Don, 80, acted as emcee for the afternoon and invited everyone to rise and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jerry as nephew Jim escorted the elder Stringer into the Health Centre Boardroom. Once seated, he asked Coun. Brenda Forsyth to rise and say a few words. Forsyth stated that she was representing the Town of Snow Lake and there to bestow a

Marc Jackson

My Take on Snow Lake mjaxon@gillamnet.com certificate on behalf of Mayor Kim Stephen. She presented it to Mr. Stringer along with the community’s collective congratulations. The mayor’s greeting was not the only felicitation received this day, there were also certificates and good cheer from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gov.-Gen. David Johnston and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. However, the one that garnered Jerry Stringer’s attention when it was announced was from someone

who almost equalled him in age - Queen Elizabeth II. Don Stringer stated that this was something that his brother had looked forward to in his 100th year. When one looks at Mr. Stringer’s age in relation to world events, it is then that the number really hits home. He was a mere babe of seven months when the Russian Revolution took place and a boy of 10 (almost 11) when Charles Lindbergh made the world’s first non-stop transatlantic flight. He was 13 when the “Black Tuesday” stock market crash sent western countries spiralling into the Great Depression and 23 when Germany invaded Poland at the outset of World War II. As a young man, Stringer enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces and served as a signalman (a person responsible for sending and receiving naval or military signals) in England, Italy, France and Holland. Another day that evokes memories in many is Nov. 22,

Recreation - Summer Camps

NEW LOCATION IN AUGUST! The Summer Camp is changing locations as of August 2nd, 2016. The camps are currently being held at Juniper and Burntwood Schools, and will be moving to the TRCC facility for the entire month of August.

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159 Cree Rd., Thompson, MB (204) 677-3000

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The camps will remain at both Juniper and Burntwood Schools for the week of July 25th 2016 - July 29th 2016. August 1st is a Civic Holiday so Camp will resume August 2nd at the TRCC facility. If you have any quesƟons or concerns please call the Camp Coordinator at (204)-677-7985. Thanks and have a great day!

Ages 6+, the prices are the following: One afternoon or morning is $2, if your child requires the full day the cost will be $5. Campers can stay over lunch but must provide.

1963, the day President John Kennedy was assassinated … Stringer likely remembers it well as he was 47 years old on that date. Throughout his working life, Jerry Stringer had been employed as a chef for HBM&S in Flin Flon, and then in 1966 moved to Island Falls where he became a radio technician in the electrical department. When the cards had all been opened and read, a beautiful Norma Johnson cake was brought forward with 11 candles placed upon it (one as the multiplier and ten to mark his decades). With two mighty breaths Mr. Stringer snuffed them all and sat as everyone once again sang to him. Jerry rose to the occasion and voiced his thanks to the people for attending and jested that he didn’t know if there would be many more. Those in attendance enjoyed coffee, a piece of cake and ice cream to accompany it. The man of the hour even opted for a second helping of ice cream and a chocolate bar that friend Jackie Brew had purchased for him. His brother Don noted that Jerry’s blood pressure was excellent and cholesterol was not a problem … so an extra helping of ice cream was well deserved. Don also noted that since the age of 18, he would send his brother a cheque in the amount of his age each year on his birthday and Jerry would return the favour and send him one the same on his own birthday. “Me being 20 years younger, he was making money,” the younger Stringer joked. “I told him that I was looking forward to writing him a cheque for $100,” he added. Amazingly, only two of the cards Jerry Stringer received from friends and family on this day were the same … which is a feat in itself when one considers how many cards would be manufactured (or purchased) for 100-year-olds.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 7

Yogifoodipreneur

Body confidence - quit judging and start loving! BY KYLIE MATECHUK It’s summertime in Northern Manitoba – our days are long, the sun is neverending, and we know in a few short months the snow will fly, so we need to take advantage of the heat and sunshine. But for some of us, this is the worst time of year. It’s hot and uncomfortable, we don’t want to remove layers and come out from the shelter of the winter months that hid our bodies. Our kids or friends want to go to the beach or to the pool, and we hum and haw on that final decision to go because of how we look in a bathing suit. Women and men alike. “My skin isn’t tan enough,” “my thighs have cellulite,” “my love handles spill over my bottoms.” For others it’s acne, back hair or round bellies. The list is sadly endless on the negative judgment we give ourselves. I see this locally, and everywhere – women of all ages flocking to the perfect beach body or weight loss program, makeup to hide their “flaws” on their faces, and men trying hard to trim up and build muscle seemingly overnight. Losing weight and building muscle takes time, patience and lifestyle changes. If your health is consider-

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ably suffering because you are overweight, there are healthy ways to lose fat and build muscle that, more importantly, will improve the health of your internal systems. I am much more concerned on the health of my heart than the definition of my abdominal muscles. There is no such thing as a perfect body or the perfect beach body. How your body looks at a beach is a beach body. Have you ever just people watched on a beach or pool in town or on vacation? Chances are you were surprised with the different shapes and sizes of bodies! Bodies housing beautiful and passionate minds and souls, having fun in their activity, not caring at all about how they look. Well guess what? That can be you with a little body confidence exercises. We need to make the shift in our mentality. How your body feels is priority. How your body looks is irrelevant. Completely irrelevant! Ask yourself, if you had your “ideal body” how would you feel? Would your life completely be changed for the better? Would you be happy beyond measure? Would your life be complete? No! That satisfaction would be temporary and would soon wear off

Kylie Matechuk and you’d be unhappy with something else. The memories you make in your life have to do with spending time with people you love and doing what you love, and loving yourself entirely for who you are. I practise yoga every day. I practise because it makes me feel good and therefore helps me be a better person. Not because of how my body will look after regular practice. I wear makeup when I want to, not because I need to cover something up. If you’re the type of person that can’t handle seeing themselves in pictures or videos, or how your voice

sounds on an answering machine, I have some exercises for you. If you have a smart phone, camera, or just the voicemail on your telephone, record yourself for one minute talking about someone who you admire or think highly of. This could be a pet, child, spouse, parent, friend, teacher, etc. Pretend you are talking to someone else in the room about all the wonderful things about this special person. Then play it back. Play it over and over and over again. Listen to how you sound. You’ll get used to hearing how your

voice sounds. Then record yourself pretending to talk to someone else, except this time saying the same wonderful things about yourself. Play it over and over and pay attention to how you sound. Keep recording yourself and playing It back until the same passion and love in your voice for describing the person you love, comes out when talking about yourself. This is a small step for body confidence and working on that self love that works for me! I was severely overweight in childhood; I birthed two children. I know how damaging it is to live with body image struggles. So let’s get out of that mentality! Two other small but effective exercises? 1) When someone compliments you, say “thank you” and that’s it. Nothing else. It’s time to accept the fact that you are a beautiful person inside and out, and someone recognized it. 2) If you’re one that always apologizes for every little thing, that in reality is not your fault, quit saying sorry! It is unnecessary and is damaging to your character. Remember, we do not choose the bodies we have. We do have to take care of them though. How

we look does not ever define who we are. Remember that when looking at other people as well. Listen to your body, and treat it well, but treat the person inside the body even better. If you don’t, you’re going to miss out on some pretty amazing experiences this life had to offer. You have a purpose in this life to live with passion and intention. You deserve happiness and love, but you need to show yourself that first before expecting others to show it towards you. Love your body entirely, every hair, freckle, dark circle, padding and wrinkle! As always, check with your doctor or health practitioner for any medical related questions. This information is to be used as a guide and not to replace medical advice. Kylie Matechuk is a certified, experienced yoga teacher, registered in gold status with the Canadian Yoga Alliance, and director of teacher training at Mo Tus Nua Wellness, the yoga studio she owns and manages in Northern Manitoba. She is also studying at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition towards her designation as a Holistic Nutritionist with a passion for pediatric and digestive health.

OBITUARIES It’s Manitoba Hydro’s

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CHERYL ANN ONOOK

(Nee Strid) June 19th 1949 – July 22nd 2016 It is with heartfelt sorrow to announce the unexpected passing of our loving wife, mother and grandmother. Cheryl passed peacefully on July 22nd 2016, in the comfort of her home with her loving husband Dave by her side. Cheryl was born in Edmonton, AB in 1949. She married the love of her life, Dave in 1967, and moved to Thompson. Cheryl spent the majority of her career working for the School District of Mystery Lake. She was the most passionate and dedicated mother of three strong daughters, whom she guided and encouraged in special ways. She was blessed to the endless joys of watching all of her grandchildren grow with great splendor and pride. You would often ¿nd Cheryl gardening with precision and grace. She found the beauty in everything, and this was expressed not only in her gardens, but in her photography. Cheryl had many passions in life, but it was always family ¿rst.

There will be a giveaway for the children and Louie the Lightning Bug will be visiting!

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Left with heart-felt memories is her loving husband, children and their families. Dave Onook - “I will love and cherish you, Cheryl, forever, till we meet again.” Kim Onook (Arnold) grandchildren: Nicole, Armand, Aramis, Lori Pilling (Bruce) grandchildren: Lorice, Cheryce, great-granddaughter Anika,Tara Perchaluk (Andrew) grandchildren: Anya, Gemma Siblings: Bonnie McBride (Chester), Kenny Strid (Phyllis), Tim Strid, Doug Strid, and numerous nieces and nephews. Cheryl was predeceased by her mother Irene Bernice Strid and father Roy Strid. The family will host a Celebration of Life, a causal come and go visit: Aug. 6th 2016 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Juniper Centre, Thompson, MB (108 Nelson Rd.) An online Book of Memories can be found at www. boardmanfh.com In lieu of Àowers, donations can be made to: Northern Regional Health Authority, Thompson General Hospital 867 Thompson Dr. South, Thompson, MB R8N 1Z4

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, August 5, 2016

Columnists

‘Dad’s Army’ remembered BY DANIEL MCSWEENEY

It wouldn’t be right to live in Great Britain and not write about the iconic “Dad’s Army.” It is a part of United Kingdom history that speaks volumes of the positive human spirit rising to the surface in times of great troubles. It has been immortalized in popular culture including television, books and movies. In fact, our first movie night in England took us to The High Street where we watched the 2016 Dad’s Army British flick about this World War II volunteer service. It is a nostalgic and humorous remembrance of a dark, and yet unifying time in U.K. history. It’s based on a 1960-70s television series rated as the fourth most popular British sitcom. The characters are priceless and the themes of bungling and misadventure are hilarious. It’s hard to think of someone else, though, other than Arthur Lowe playing the iconic Captain George Mainwaring or Ian Lavender as”stupid boy” Private Pike. The 2016 movie cast members, however, all render stellar performances. Some will argue the movie is not as good as the original sitcom. They are probably right. Our expectations were lower; we just hoped the movie would have the same general appeal as the TV series. We saw the movie a stone’s throw away from

the old Manor House on The High Street where Solihull’s Home Guard used to meet. As we walked home, we pictured guard members reporting for an evening’s military drill. We thought about how men and boys spread out into the community to man their posts as German bombers attacked nearby industrial Birmingham and Coventry. We reflected on how they looked up at the night sky as searchlights scanned for bombers and anti-aircraft boomed away at the planes above them. And while Solihull was not a major target, rogue bombs and attacks on local industries took their toll. And throughout this wartime trauma, volunteers stepped forward to do their duties across the United Kingdom. And what’s more, they had to be prepared for combat and slow the enemy down while the military re-grouped for the bigger fight. 1.5 million volunteers Dad’s Army was comprised of 1.5 million men unable to join the fight overseas. Perhaps they were too young, too old, had health issues or were in jobs requiring them to remain at their posts at home. When work was finished at the office or in the factory, young boys and old men (and all those in between) donned military garb and carried weapons to defend the homeland. Just like other soldiers, they oper-

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ated in a military-type system with a commanding officer and subordinate ranks. They were trained in the basics of street fighting and guerilla warfare. Some manned antiaircraft guns and are credited with shooting down Luftwaffe aircraft during the Blitz in 1940-41. Their principal job though was to “watch and warn” and slow down any invaders. They were, though, an amateur force and might not have fared well against battlehardened German troops. A writer by the name of Norman Longmate wrote a book titled The Real Dad’s Army (Amberley Publishing). Norman joined the Home Guard in 1940 as a tender 17-yearold. Over the years he gathered stories about the Home Guard, many like those depicted in television and in the movie. Norman is now in his 90s and in many ways he is the real-life Private Pike in the television series and movie. He tells how a Home Guarder shot a scarecrow thinking it was a German paratrooper. Another accidentally set his pants on fire while teaching trainees to throw Molotov cocktails. One senior volunteer got his moustache caught in the bolt action of his rifle. My favourite yarn tells how one night an HG commander tripped over an amorous couple engaged in some rather serious hokey-pokeying. “Do you know you have been in a prohibited area?” he asked the startled young lovers. And in reply, the indignant young lady is reported to have replied: “Oh no he hasn’t.” Our version of ‘Dad’s Army’ Dad’s Army is legendary in Great Britain. Similar sorts of volunteerism in wartime Canada don’t seem to have the same high profile. They were admittedly not operating in the same dangerous environment, perhaps explaining why they are less remembered. Volunteers, though, in other parts of the world made significant contributions to the war effort distant from the battlefields.

THOMPSON NEWCOMER SETTLEMENT SERVICES Presents

A FREE Family Event for Newcomers to Canada! PR

2 - 4 pm, Saturday, August 13, 2016 KS C Heritage North Museum A S SN 162 Princeton Drive

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History of Thompson Mining Tour Heritage Museum Tour For more info or to RSVP, Contact: TAMMY COBER, Settlement Services Coordinator PH: 204-677-1490 tcober@northcentraldevelopment.ca (Children to be supervised by parents)

Daniel McSweeney Consider my hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia where 6,000 volunteers served in the Halifax Civil Emergency Defence Committee. Some were wardens, auxiliary firefighters and police, first aid workers, rescue workers and messengers. They were there to help keep the city operating in challenging times and take care of wartime emergencies. Even though Halifax was distant from the battlefront, war loomed large in its everyday life. It was especially vulnerable because of its role as a supply depot and transit point in the war. Halifax’s vast Bedford Basin sheltered hundreds of ships at a time carrying supplies and men overseas as German submarines lurked outside the harbour. My parents regaled me with stories of the night lighting up as ships fell prey to German wolf packs. My father told me about rowing home in the silence of the night across Halifax’s Northwest Arm as U-boats roamed nearby. There were also rumours of spies posted along the Nova Scotia coastline reporting

ship movements to U-boat skippers. There is even a 1943 story of spies slipping off a submarine to go to the movies in Halifax. And while a “subversive threat” was perhaps remote, anything was possible. Consider that eight saboteurs slipped ashore in Florida and New Jersey in 1942, their mission to blow up power stations and railroads. Wartime in Canada though was hardly dangerous compared with the United Kingdom. During the Blitz, cities from London to Belfast were bombed. Birmingham near us here in Solihull was hit the hardest next to London. More than 2,000 died and another 7,000 were injured in the Birmingham bombing raids. And one night in nearby Coventry, a wave of 400 German bombers destroyed approximately 50,000 buildings killing more than 600 people. I was not surprised to learn many bombing casualties across the U.K. were members of Dad’s Army, unable to hunker down

in underground shelters as bombs fell from the sky. Both the TV series and movie about Dad’s Army don’t deal with such gritty, tragic realities of war. Neither are intended to do that; those are stories best left to documentaries. The 2016 movie and the old classic comedy TV series, however, are crafted to make people laugh creating a more gentle view of wartime through rose-coloured glasses. If you want to watch a movie that captures more of the serious side of this legendary group of wartime volunteers, Joe Maddison’s War just might be the ticket. Dan McSweeney, a Halifax native, first worked as a reporter at the old Halifax Herald, then got a taste of public relations work at Canadian National Railway in Moncton, before coming to Thompson in 1980 to work for Inco. He retired back home to Bridgewater on Nova Scotia’s south shore in June 2007 after 27½ years with Inco here. He blogs at mcsweeneysdiversion.wordpress.com.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

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 START YOUR CAREER NOW McKay GM is hiring. Preference Female automotive sales person! For your personal interview email or call Rick Leger. rleger@mckaygm.com, 204-778-7081.29nb-tfn-nb MYSTERY LAKE BODY SHOP is looking for a full time prepper/painter to start ASAP. Busy shop and must have experience. Call danny 204-677-1950 or email mlbs1@mymts.net. 29nb-tfn-nb BOARDMAN/NORTHLAND Funeral Home is looking for a full time funeral director’s Assistant/Apprentice. Individual must be a self-motivated team player who possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to assist in creating meaningful services. Ability to multitask, detail orientated, organized and strong time management skills are considered an asset. Computer proficiency is required. Individual must hold a valid Driver’s Licence and be available to work evenings and weekends on an on-call rotation. Please submit resume and cover letter ATTN: Chris Boardman, to 28 Nelson Road in Thompson, or by email at boardmanfuneralhome@outlook. com 23nb-tfn-nb RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT 7-50 Selkirk Ave, Thompson, MB Requires one full time chef to cook menu items, create new recipes, and manage our kitchen. Min 5 years of experience with cooking certificate. Experience in Szechuan or Cantonese cuisine is an asset, starting $20/hour for 40 hours a week. Apply within or email your qualifications to laboursolutions@yahoo.com. 28nb-4-nb

301 • HELP WANTED ARE YOU WORTH $35 TO $50 PER HOUR as a Service Technician? The most customer-focused plumbing and heating service company in Thompson has immediate openings for HVAC and plumbing service technicians. If you have more than 4 years experience, we offer high pay, company truck, job security, paid training, health insurance, bonuses, paid holidays and a fun workplace. Submit resumes to service@paulsplumbing.ca. All applicants considered will be background checked, drug tested and require a clean driving record. 31nb-4-nb THUMPER AUTO is looking for a service writer/bookkeeper. Must know simply accounting. Drop off resume to Derek in person at 3-33 Severn Cres. 27nb-tfn-nb

302 • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CHICKEN CHEF FRANCHISE AVAILABLE. For more information contact Jeff at Chicken Chef Canada Limited. 204-694-1984 or email jeff@chickenchef.ca 29-4-nb

510 • RETAIL/ OFFICE SPACE OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE 500-5000 sq ft. available. Cameron/Hoe building 81 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto. 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306-477-5668. 19nb-tfn-nb 2 COMMERCIAL SPACES for rent. One - 1,300 sq ft with storefront location, retail or office Two - 1,600 sq ft, ideal for light industrial or commercial use, easy load & unload & parking access, very reasonable rates. Call 204-677-2957 or 250-491-3946. 19nb-tfn-nb

Church Services

ST. JAMES ANGLICAN Rev. Jean Arthurson-Ouskan 10 Caribou 677-4652 11 am Sundays also 7 pm 1st & 3rd Sundays ST. JOSEPH UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC 340 Juniper Drive 778-7547 ST. LAWRENCE ROMAN CATHOLIC Fr Subhash Joseph and Fr Guna Sekhar 114 Cree R. 677-0160 Sat. 6:30 pm & Sun. 10 am THOMPSON PENTECOSTAL Pastor Dan Murphy Youth Pastor Lawrence Stratton Children’s Pastor Karen O’Gilvie 126 Goldeye 677-3435 Sunday Service at 10:30 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 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

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Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Careers University College of the North (UCN) is committed to building a workforce that is representative of the populations we serve. Applications are invited from individuals who have a demonstrated interest and ability to work with Aboriginal learners and mature students. Preference will be given to Aboriginal candidates.

PREP FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION ACADEMIC COACH

Classification: Educational Assistant 3 Full-Time Term Position: A.S.A.P. to August 22, 2018 Thompson or The Pas, Manitoba Competition No. 16-084 Closing Date: August 10, 2016 Please visit our website for more detailed information about UCN and this employment opportunity. At http://www.ucn.ca, select “UCN Careers”, and select from the list of positions to view. Thank you for your interest in UCN.

Thompson (866) 677.6450

JOB OPPORTUNITIES BURNTWOOD HOTEL • • • • • • •

MANAGER ON DUTY FRONT DESK SECURITY BARTENDER HOUSEKEEPING HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ASSISTANT MANAGER

THOMPSON INN • • • • • • •

VENDOR MAINTENANCE SECURITY BARTENDER HOUSEKEEPING HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR FRONT DESK

For the Burntwood , please apply in person at 146 Selkirk Avenue or by e-mail to ffenton@burntwoodhotel.com For the Thompson Inn , please apply in person at 1 Public Road or by e-mail to kwickdahl@yahoo.com

SETTARC WELDING LDING is looking for a:

HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC NIC • Truck & Trailer Transport Experience required • Must have Red Seal • Benefits available • Wages $35 - $45 per hour depending upon experience Please send resume to settarc@mymts.net

The School District of Mystery Lake invites applications for Substitute Teacher Positions Job Posting #TE071216001041 Applications for substitute teacher positions are invited: Preferred qualifications include:

is looking for a SEPTIC DRIVER • Class 3 driver’s licence with air required • Benefits available • Wages $20 - $27 per hour depending upon experience Please send resume to settarc@mymts.net

• • • • • • • •

Undergraduate degree from approved university with a major or minor in the subject area Substitute teachers must have a Grade 12 academic standing or its equivalent from an approved jurisdiction. Experience working with students. Proven organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal and decision making skills. Ability to exhibit a high level of confidentiality. Successful Criminal Records and Child Abuse Registry Check will be required prior to employment commencing.

Written applications including qualifications, experience with at least three references should be submitted to: Jolene Brown, A/Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources School District of Mystery Lake 408 Thompson Drive North Thompson, MB R8N 0C5 Phone: 204-677-6150 Please apply online at www.mysterynet.mb.ca and select Job Centre We thank all who may apply and advise that only those selected for consideration will be contacted.

Success for All

Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line

204-677-6995

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FULL-TIME POSITION The Business Development Officer will be responsible for assisting in the delivery of the business development program of the Corporation. DUTIES INCLUDE: Plan, Organize and implement business development committee activities; Business support services; Travel within the North Central region; Other duties and tasks as assigned The successful applicant will be a graduate from a post-secondary program offered by a University or College, or have a minimum of 2-years related experience, and possess strong communication, organizational, analytical and research skills. Knowledge of business finance and developmental lending would be an asset. Salary $48,403 to $57,203. Respond in writing along with resume and references no later than August 11, 2016.

Community Futures North Central Development Tamy Burton, Administrative Officer PO Box 1208 Thompson, MB R8N 1P1 or Email: tburton@northcentraldevelopment.ca

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

Friday, August 5, 2016

Friday, August 5, 2016

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Page 11

Careers

Your search is over.

Your search is over.

The Manitoba government offers you opportunity, diversity and a rewarding career.

The Manitoba government offers you opportunity, diversity and a rewarding career.

Child and Family Services Worker

Community Service Worker

Regular Full Time Manitoba Families, Rural and Northern Services/Northern Region, Flin Flon, MB Advertisement Number: 32128 Closing Date: August 15, 2016 Salary Range: $53,864 to $74,688 per year plus remoteness allowance, if applicable. Relocation allowance may be considered.

Regular Full Time Manitoba Families, Rural and Northern Services, Northern Region, Thompson, MB Advertisement Number: 32129 Closing Date: August 15, 2016 Salary Range: $53,864 to $74,688 per year plus remoteness allowance, if applicable. Relocation allowance may be considered.

For more information about Flin Flon, Manitoba, please visit the website of the City of Flin Flon at www.cityofinon.ca.

For more information regarding the City of Thompson, please visit their website at www.thompson.ca

Preference will be given to Aboriginal People, Persons with a Disability, and Visible Minorities. Applicants are requested to indicate on their cover letter, resume and/or application if they are Aboriginal, a Person with a Disability, or a Visible Minority.

An eligibility list may be created to ďŹ ll similar part-time and full-time, term and regular positions within Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon and will remain in effect for 6 months.

An eligibility list may be created to ďŹ ll similar part-time and full-time, term and regular positions within Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon and will remain in effect for 6 months.

The Community Service Worker provides case management services to individuals and/ or families who are accessing services in the Community Living disABILITY Services and/or Children’s disABILITY Services programs.

The Child and Family Services Worker is responsible for the full range of statutory child welfare services to families and children within the designated geographical area. This dynamic position requires effective social work case management skills as well as establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, families, services providers, and agencies.

Conditions of Employment: s -UST BE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO WORK IN #ANADA s -UST PRODUCE A SATISFACTORY #RIMINAL 2ECORD #HECK WITH 6ULNERABLE 3ECTOR 3EARCH Child Abuse Registry Check, and Adult Abuse Registry Check.

Conditions of Employment:

s -UST HAVE A VALID DRIVER S LICENCE AND WITH THE ABILITY TO TRAVEL ON GOVERNMENT BUSINESS within the Province of Manitoba.

s -UST BE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO WORK IN #ANADA

s -UST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK EVENINGS WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS WHEN REQUIRED

s -UST PRODUCE A SATISFACTORY #RIMINAL 2ECORD #HECK WITH 6ULNERABLE 3ECTOR 3EARCH Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check. s -UST HAVE A VALID DRIVER S LICENCE ACCESS TO A VEHICLE AND ABILITY TO TRAVEL ON GOVERNMENT business within the Province of Manitoba. s -UST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK EVENINGS WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS WHEN REQUIRED

QualiďŹ cations: Essential: s 0OST SECONDARY DEGREE IN 3OCIAL 3CIENCES PREFERABLY "37

QualiďŹ cations: Essential:

s 2ELATED #ASE -ANAGEMENT %XPERIENCE INCLUDING COUNSELING PERFORMING ASSESSMENTS PLANNING RISK ASSESSMENT PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND SERVICE COORDINATION IN A SOCIAL SERVICE SETTING /THER COMBINATIONS OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE MAY BE CONSIDERED AT a commensurate or underďŹ ll classiďŹ cation and salary level.

s 0OST SECONDARY DEGREE IN 3OCIAL 3CIENCES PREFERABLY "37

s !BILITY TO PRIORITIZE AND ORGANIZE WORK DEMANDS

s #ASE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE INCLUDING INTAKES ASSESSMENTS SERVICE COORDINATION COUNSELLING AND MONITORING IN A SOCIAL SERVICES SETTING /THER COMBINATIONS OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE MAY BE CONSIDERED AT AN UNDERlLL OR COMMENSURATE CLASSIlCATION AND salary level.

s %FFECTIVE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MEDIATION AND CONmICT RESOLUTION

s !BILITY TO MANAGE CRISIS SITUATIONS

s %FFECTIVE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS

s %FFECTIVE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

s !BILITY TO WORK WITH MULTI DISCIPLINARY TEAM MEMBERS

s !BILITY TO PRIORITIZE AND ORGANIZE WORK DEMANDS

s 0ROlCIENT IN -3 /FlCE APPLICATIONS 7ORD %XCEL /UTLOOK

s !BILITY TO WORK AS PART OF A TEAM s 0ROlCIENCY IN -3 /FlCE APPLICATIONS 7ORD AND /UTLOOK s %FFECTIVE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS s %FFECTIVE VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Desired: s !BILITY TO CONDUCT SAFETY ASSESSMENTS s !BILITY TO CONDUCT CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATIONS s +NOWLEDGE OF The Child and Family Services Act and Regulations. For more information please visit our website at www.manitoba.ca/govjobs

Apply to: Advertisement No. 32128 Manitoba Civil Service Commission Human Resources Services 300-305 Broadway Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3J7 Phone: 204-945-4394 &AX %MAIL GOVJOBS GOV MB CA WHEN APPLYING TO THIS POSITION, PLEASE INDICATE THE ADVERTISEMENT NUMBER AND POSITION TITLE IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND/OR BODY OF YOUR EMAIL. Your cover letter, resumÊ and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications. We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. %MPLOYMENT %QUITY IS A FACTOR IN SELECTION !PPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO INDICATE IN THEIR covering letter, resumÊ and/or application if they are from any of the following groups: women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with a disability. Find out about other current job opportunities — click on the Jobs button at manitoba.ca.

s !BILITY TO ASSESS AND MANAGE CRISIS SITUATIONS s %FFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Desired: s +NOWLEDGE OF THE #OMMUNITY ,IVING DIS!"),)49 3ERVICES 0ROGRAM s +NOWLEDGE OF THE #HILDREN S DIS!"),)49 3ERVICES 0ROGRAM For more information please visit our website at www.manitoba.ca/govjobs

Apply to: Advertisement No. 32129 Manitoba Civil Service Commission Human Resources Services "ROADWAY Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3J7 0HONE &AX %MAIL GOVJOBS GOV MB CA WHEN APPLYING TO THIS POSITION, PLEASE INDICATE THE ADVERTISEMENT NUMBER AND POSITION TITLE IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND/OR BODY OF YOUR EMAIL. Your cover letter, resumÊ and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the QUALIFICATIONS 7E THANK ALL WHO APPLY AND ADVISE THAT ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR FURTHER consideration will be contacted. %MPLOYMENT %QUITY IS A FACTOR IN SELECTION !PPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO INDICATE IN THEIR covering letter, resumÊ and/or application if they are from any of the following groups: women, Aboriginal people, visible minorities and persons with a disability. Find out about other current job opportunities — click on the Jobs button at manitoba.ca.

Page 12

Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net

Friday, August 5, 2016

Columnists

Skaters get ‘Straight Trashy’ in Thompson

Nickel Belt News photos by Kacper Antoszewski The third-annual Straight Trashy Skate competition was hosted at the Thompson skatepark July 17, with Desmond Pearce taking home first place in the 18+ category, followed by Cahlin Jesso in second place, and Ryan Rogers and Myron Fosseneuve tied for third. In the 13-17-year-old category, Carlos Morrisseau took home the top spot, followed by Ethan Moore in second, and Jaiden Jacobson in third. Eleven-year-old Austin Yurkiw also earned an honourable mention: as he was the only rider registered in the 12-and-under category, Yurkiw competed in the 13-17-year-old category.

Churchill needs long-term sustainable solution MLA Report kelly.bindle@leg.gov.mb.ca Kelly Bindle As the MLA for Thompson, I’d like to address the situation in Churchill and the uncertainty being felt by the residents of that community and across Northern Manitoba. Shortly after the announcement by OmniTrax regarding the Port of Churchill, our government

hosted a meeting of Municipal and First Nations leaders from across the north at the Legislature. I, along with Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke and Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson, heard from these leaders that they were concerned about the impact of

decisions made by OmniTrax that have resulted in layoffs at the Port of Churchill and reduced rail service to Northern Manitoba. Our government shares these concerns and is disappointed in the lack of further communication from OmniTrax. This week, I am travelling to Churchill with Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen and Families Minister Scott Fielding to speak with the community about their concerns and to help chart a path forward that results in a long-term, sustainable solution for Churchill and the north. While in Churchill, our delegation will be meeting with Mayor Spence to discuss the economic

and social impacts of this decision. We will also be attending a networking roundtable with business and community stakeholders to address future needs and discuss the potential for economic diversification. In addition, we are meeting with the Churchill Age Friendly Committee to discuss current and future needs regarding seniors and housing in the community. Officials from our government have already begun work on a number of fronts to address these and other issues. We will work cooperatively with our partners in the federal government to ensure that supports are made available to impacted workers.

Officials from Manitoba Health are engaged to ensure the continued availability of fresh food in the north. And we will continue to maintain open lines of communication with the leaders of our northern communities. We are focused on long-term plans that will ensure the economic future of Manitoba’s north. We will facilitate the partnerships necessary for the attraction of new companies, the development of entrepreneurial opportunities, and the expansion of existing businesses. As the MLA for Thompson and a proud northerner, I look forward to helping make this vision a reality for our communities.

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