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Nickel Belt News Volume 60 • Issue 20
Friday, May 15, 2020
Thompson, Manitoba
Serving the Norman Region since 1961
Temporary shelters for COVID-19 preparedness in Pukatawagan only part of federal government’s response
BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
Media coverage of a company securing a bid to provide mobile structures for triage, isolation and accommodation in Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (MCCN) at Pukatawagan inaccurately portrayed the situation, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) says. CBC Newfoundland and Labrador reported May 3 that Dynamic Air Shelters, in partnership with First Pac West from Vancouver and Dymond Group in Ottawa, had been awarded a contract to provide a medical shelter for screening and triage, four isolation units and four accommodation units. The shelters need to be in place by May 21 under the terms of the contract. Dynamic Air Shelters CEO David Quick told CBC the materials for the shelters are being packaged in small bundles that can be flown in by small aircraft that can land on the community’s short airstrip and be unloaded into the back of pickup trucks. That news prompted Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas to say May 4 that his organization was blindsided by the news and that
Indigenous Services Canada says it has also committed money to upgrade Mathias Colomb Cree Nation’s youth centre he would have preferred if First Nations in Manitoba and First Nations-owned construction companies would have been selected to complete the work. MCCN Chief Lorna Bighetty said in a May 6 press release that her First Nation wasn’t consulted on the contract, and that a solution MCCN proposed - to complete the First Nation’s youth centre, which would take two to three weeks and provide 6,000 square feet of space for pandemic response purposes as well as a permanent facility - would be preferable to bringing in outside workers to erect mobile shelters. ISC spokesperson Leslie Michelson said the department has been working with First Nations across the country to explore the feasibility of retooling existing spaces such as schools or band offices as temporary alternative health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing funding for temporary health care infrastructure on a case-by-
case basis if such space is not available. ISC’s initial discussion with MCCN on infrastructure to support their COVID-19 preparedness took place April 24. “The department collaborated with Public Services and Procurement Canada to undertake a request for proposals for specialized mobile structures to support enhanced screening/ triage, the isolation of community members, and additional accommodation space for health professionals to ensure that Pukatawagan and other communities with similar needs have the resources they need, when or if they need them,” said Michelson. “In this case, the primary care staff working in the community indicated that the current facilities did not have sufficient capacity to respond to a potential outbreak.” When a proposal is accepted, Michelson said, ISC informs communities to discuss how many structures they need, with any surplus being placed in other communities based
Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Dynamic Air Shelters Dynamic Air Shelters, a Calgary and Newfoundland-based company, was awarded a federal contract to erect temporary medical, isolation and accommodation shelters related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Pukatawagan, along with two partner companies. Indigenous Services Canada says it has also committed to providing Mathias Colomb Cree Nation with $353,000 for upgrades to its youth centre and that discussions with the First Nation related to temporary pandemic-related infrastructure continue. on their need. “However, the media coverage pre-empted this discussion with the community and also had an inaccurate portrayal of the initiative,” said Michelson. “The department deeply regrets the confusion and stress that this has caused
for the community and other regional First Nations leaders including the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and has apologized to the community leadership.” ISC has also committed $353,000 to MCCN for youth centre upgrades as an immediate prior-
ity. The department held discussions with MCCN May 5 and May 6 about options for temporary infrastructure related to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to discuss further infrastructure needs, including the use of temporary structures.
Manitoba public health recording whether COVID-19 patients identify as Indigenous BY IAN GRAHAM
EDITOR@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET
Manitoba’s public health department has been asking people who test positive for COVID-19 about their Indigenous identity since April 3, though the information is only being shared with Indigenous partners. Public health providers ask anyone who tests positive for the novel coronavirus if they self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit to help monitor the introduction and spread of COVID-19 among Manitoba’s Indigenous population both on and off-reserve, said a May 6 press release from
Number who have tested positive isn’t made public but is being shared with Indigenous partners, province says Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). “Having access to this information will help First Nations better plan for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “We currently do not have any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in MKO First Nations and we are working hard to ensure our communities stay free of the virus, however, knowing we will have access to
reliable, trusted information about positive COVID cases for First Nations citizens is reassuring.” The agreement with the province to collect and share this data was negotiated between the government and the Health Information Research Governance Committee (HIRGC), made up of First Nations health directors and First Nations academics, which was established in 1998. “There is nothing secret-
UP-TO-THE-MINUTE CORONAVIRUS UPDATES AT thompsoncitizen.net/covid-19
ive with the data sharing process: in fact it’s been a multi-collaborative initiative from the beginning,” stated Black River Chief Sheldon Kent, board chair of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM), in May 5 press release. “This agreement further demonstrates the willingness to work together in unity while respecting the self determination of First Nations to have ownership, control, access, and posses-
sion of their own data and information. The parameters of the agreement further outlines how the First Nations data is accessed, how reports are generated and how information is shared, and respects all applicable privacy and information laws. The agreement was negotiated to ensure data accuracy to inform pandemic planning and preparedness and confirms the willingness of parties to work together at various levels to support First Nations data sovereignty.” Former MKO grand chief Sheila North told the Winnipeg Free Press that sharing the information collected with the public would help people make informed decisions. “I think we have to be as transparent as possible — as a community, as a province and as a nation — about who
is getting tested and what percentage, if any, is impacting First Nations,” said North, who also told the Free Press that she’d been tested for COVID-19 in March after travelling to Mexico and Ontario and then visiting Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation before developing flulike symptoms. She isolated herself and tested negative. During a May 4 press conference, Manitoba chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said that there have not been any positive tests for COVID-19 in any First Nations community in Manitoba to date, though he did not divulge how many people who tested positive have self-identified as Indigenous. “I would only release such numbers in collaboration with our Indigenous partners.” Public health nurses recently started asking COVID-19 patients about other race and ethnicity information apart from Indigenous self-identification.
Page Page B-2 4 • News
Nickel Belt Nickel BeltNews News••www.thompsoncitizen.net www.thompsoncitizen.net
Friday, Friday, May March15, 16,2020 2018
Wilderness Committee says online system that makes park permits and licences cost more discourages outdoor recreation With the open-water fishing season having started May 9 in southern Manitoba and beginning May 16 throughout the rest of the province, the number of fishing licences sold should soon increase, though purchases must now be made online at www.manitobaelicensing. ca, or at participating retailers, which no longer
include Paint Lake Lodge. The online purchasing system went live April 9, giving Manitobans 24hour access to fishing and hunting licences, as well as annual and oneto three-day provincial park vehicle permits but the Wilderness Committee says the main benefits flow to the government, which has tacked on a
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE TOWN OF LEAF RAPIDS 2020 BUDGET HEARING Thursday, May 28, 2019 at 3:00 pm Location: Town of Leaf Rapids Council Chambers At this time the proposed 2020 financial plan will presented. The presentation will provide an overview of the proposed financial plan followed by a forum for questions and comments from the public. The purpose of the hearing is to allow any interested person to make a representation, ask questions or register an objection. Copies of the proposed plan are available upon request at the municipal office during regular business hours after May 7th. Questions and remarks may also be directed by letter to our office. Wendy Wolfe Town Administrator Town of Leaf Rapids Box 340 Leaf Rapids, MB R0B 1W0 Ph. 204-726-6571
Kirk Glenday Chief Administrative Officer Town of Leaf Rapids Box 340 Leaf Rapids, MB R0B 1W0 Ph. 204-473-2436
$4.50 administrative fee to all permit and licence purchases, with the exception of Manitoba resident seniors’ conservation angling licences. “This is another terrible, money-grabbing move against the environment by [Premier Brian] Pallister and his cronies,” said Eric Reder of the Wilderness Committee.With the new administrative fee, the cost of a one-day vehicle permit has gone from $5 to $9.50, while conservation angling licences went up nearly 24 per cent, from $19.20 to $23.70.With the new system, annual vehicle passes are no longer transferable from one vehicle to another, as only two vehicle licence plates can be assigned to each annual permit.Paint Lake Lodge co-owner Kathy Ruiter told the Nickel Belt News after the transition to online licence sales was announced in March that the business would no longer sell fishing licences and park passes, in part because of the quality of their internet service. She also said that her and her husband Barry’s experience as owners of a lodge in Saskatch-
ewan showed them that providing the service is less economically advantageous once people can buy the licences and permits online. She said at the lodge they owned in Saskatchewan, the number of licences they sold dropped by about twothirds within a couple of years of sales moving online. Vendors only receive $1 for each licence or permit they sell. Canadian Tire store owner Mike Howell previously told the Nickel Belt News that he intended to continue as a licence and permit vendor once the e-licensing system was introduced. A Conservation and Climate Department spokesperson said short-term vehicle permits will still be available at parks but it will depend on internet connectivity if they have access to the online system to sell annual passes. The Paint Lake Provincial Park campground office will have the capacity to sell annual vehicle permits, he said - though the office is often closed for short periods during the day as well as in the evenings.Licences and park permits will also be
Spiritual Thoughts
educentr.dumont@gmail.com Sister Andrea Dumont
Nickel Belt News photo courtesy of Wilderness Committee A new $4.50 administration fee added to the cost of provincial park vehicle permits and hunting and fishing licences, which must now be purchased via an online system, nearly doubles the cost of a one-day vehicle permit. sold at Conservation and Climate Department offices.Licences and vehicle permits purchased online must be printed out so they can be carried for inspection by conservation officers or, in the case of vehicle permits, displayed on the dashboard. To Reder, making Manitobans pay more to enjoy the province’s parks and wilderness does not make sense at a time when other recreation options are limited due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. “This fee increase will keep Manitobans from getting out into nature,
and it shows how disconnected this government is from the critical and growing need to keep people in touch with wilderness,” said Reder. “The benefits in increased mental well being and lower health care costs for Manitobans far outweigh the expense of selling licences online. Access to nature should be free. Manitobans love their parks and lake country, and the experiences we have in parks enrich our province. Lowering barriers to nature is a critical path to make our lives better.”
MLA Report
Kelly Bindle
kelly.bindle.mla.office@gmail.com Constituency Office: Unit 3-40 Moak Crescent Thompson, MB R8N 2B7 204-677-2066
Message from CEDF/Look North on Manitoba’s Economic Recovery COVID-19 is having a global impact where the situation is continuing to change at a rapid pace. The challenge is enormous, but Manitobans have risen to the task. Our province is a leader in the country when it comes to getting ahead of COVID-19 and flattening the curve. We need to be vigilant, but at the same time we need to start the long process to reopen our economy. There have been various programs announced by the Federal and Provincial governments over the last few weeks to assist individuals and businesses, with information available on the Communities Economic Development Fund (CEDF) website at www.cedf.mb.ca. This information is updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in the various program offerings. Our weekly newsletter and Facebook page also provide up to date information on the various programs and initiatives being implemented by CEDF and our many stakeholders. To sign up for our weekly newsletter please send us an email with your address in the subject line to admin@cedf.mb.ca. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter at CEDFMB. Our staff can assist individuals and businesses to apply for these programs or to assist in disseminating the information. CEDF, through its Look North initiative has also been planning the delivery of programs and initiatives to assist our businesses, entrepreneurs, communities, stakeholders and fellow northerners in our economic recovery. It is understandable that during these challenging times there has been some loss in small business confidence, but it is also true that Northern Manitoba continues to be an underserviced market that has huge growth potential and remains a very attractive investment opportunity. CEDF, through our Commercial Fish Loans Program, continues to be a stable source of capital for the commercial fishers in our province. Manitoba’s inland commercial fisheries is a $ 30 million a year plus industry. In supporting close to 900 of our fisher clients, CEDF will help access local markets to provide greater returns while at the same time work on enhancing community-based value-added initiatives that will increase local economic activity. CEDF will also be working with its communities to facilitate the growth of micro enterprises in the forestry industry, including non-timber forest products, helping address local, regional and international needs. With greater interest for our fellow Manitobans to seek out local tourism destination options, our Look North staff will be working with entrepreneurs and community leaders in the 52 communities in our Look North region to identify and, with the assistance of Travel Manitoba, to help promote local tourism assets. CEDF will have a focus on experiential tourism, a high growth sector of the tourism industry. We will also continue to work with the province and the mining sector to help address barriers to greater investment in the mining sector. Digital media is a fast-growing industry, a source of high paying jobs but the Manitoba market has limited engagement from Northerners. CEDF is currently working on a digital media strategy that will provide a roadmap for increased Northern participation. Our Look North staff is currently working on the creation of economic profiles for its 52 communities that will help facilitate investment. At the same time staff continues to work with entrepreneurs, businesses and communities to help grow northern Manitoba’s economy. CEDF looks forward to working with its many partners and stakeholders as we assist in Manitoba’s economic recovery. Regards,
Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line
Oswald Sawh, CPA, CGA, MBA, BComm (Hons) CEO Communities Economic Development Fund
204-677-6995
Nickel Belt News
Published weekly by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp. of 141 Commercial Place, Thompson, Manitoba, R8N 1T1. The Nickel Belt News is owned and operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP, a division of GVIC Communications Corp. Advertising rates are available upon request and are subject to change
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 t. 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
for possible publication. All of the Nickel Belt News’s content is protected by Canadian Copyright laws. Reviews and similar mention of material in this newspaper is granted on the provision that the Nickel Belt News receives credit. Otherwise, any reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Advertisers purchase space and circulation only. Rights to any advertisements produced by the Nickel Belt News, including artwork, typography, photos, etc., remain the property of this newspaper. Advertisements or parts thereof may not be reproduced or assigned without the consent of the publisher.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
Impact of government cuts in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic
DANIELLE.ADAMS@LEG.GOV.MB.CA
The COVID-19 pandemic has had impacts that go beyond affecting the health and well-being of many individuals in our societies. Every sector of our society has been impacted by COVID-19. While the provincial government has introduced some supports to provide assistance to communities across Manitoba, they have continued to push through with cuts. Over the last few weeks, while we have seen other provinces provide direct financial aid to their residents, we have seen the Pallister government force layoffs in the education, university and public sectors. The provincial government made directives that have resulted in more than 6,500 job cuts in the public sector to date. And with his most recent announcement which will see $860 million cut from schools, universities, municipalities and every government department, more layoffs are to come. The provincial government has disappointed Northern Manitobans through promoting cuts instead of providing more direct financial assistance. This isn’t how you support families and communities in a crisis – it’s how you flatten an economic recovery post-pandemic. The Pallister government’s austerity measures have continued to impact Northern Manitoba before and during the pandemic. And it appears the Pallister government is using the pandemic to drive more austerity measure through. The recent suspension of operating room services at Flin Flon General Hospital has robbed Northerners of another essential health care service. At a time when there is more need for health care, the community is left with less.
CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE “CLASS ACTION/HUMAN RIGHTS. All are welcome. For more information please phone 204-677-1140 or 204307-1396” 20-4-d
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at 204-677-2744 or email me at Danielle.adams@yourmanitoba.ca. For questions regarding COVID-19 call Health Links at 204-788-8667.
TITLE: Emergency Duty Worker – Thompson
JOB SUMMARY The Emergency Duty worker reports to the DIA Supervisor and is responsible for providing services to CFS clients who are in need of Child & Family Services. This includes assessment, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, development of service plans, assistance with basic needs, advocacy and referral. DEMONSTRATED SKILLS & ABILITIES • Provides emergency services to families as part of a family services team • Must investigate child abuse and neglect referrals • Must be able to assess the risk for child safety • Must determine NCN CFS involvement and a safety plan for families in crisis • Must be able to plan and conduct interviews with people who display a broad range of emotions • Must be able organize, present and record information in a clear concise and timely manner • Must be able to work independently • Must be able to de-escalate crisis situations and recognize risks to safety of clients and take timely actions to respond • Must be willing to work non-traditional hours and travel independently
QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor of Social Work or an alternate bachelor level social work degree from an accredited university • Other levels of education and experience may be considered • Valid Manitoba Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle • A criminal record check, prior contacts check & child abuse registry , check is a requirement for all successful candidates. SALARY RANGE: CLOSING DATE: Submit all Applications to:
or phone
204-346-3231
Negotiable 4:30 p.m May 25th, 2020 Amanda LeDrew Director of Human Resources amanda@ncnwellness.ca Family & Community Wellness Centre Nelson House, MB R0B 1A0 Phone: 204-484-2341 Fax: 204-484-2351
PH 204-677-4534 FAX 204-677-3681 CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET NOTICE
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www.mcna.com URGENT PRESS RELEASE &/ MEDIA ADVISORIES. The news never stops, and neither do we! We are assisting organizations, businesses, and the public in getting their messaging out about important news, changing operations, cancellations, etc. Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/ HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information, or email classified@mcna. com for details. www.mcna.com. We are here to help you.
Man found dead on road in Cormorant, RCMP investigating Opaskwayak RCMP are investigating a homicide in Cormorant after an injured man found on a road died May 11. Police were notified of the injured man around 2:45 a.m. and attended the scene along with emergency medical services, who pronounced the 26-year-old dead. Opaskwayak RCMP, RCMP Major Crime Services and the RCMP Forensic Identification Unit continue to investigate the death.
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204-677-6995
MLA REPORT
promote the establishment of more financial supports for our communities. For any questions or concerns please contact my office
CLASSIFIED SECTION
Thompson RCMP Drug Tip Line
Danielle Adams
Northern Manitobans need the province to step up and provide the supports they need to get through this pandemic. Our responsibility as elected officials should be to enable the communities we represent to have greater confidence in our advocacy for them. Despite the ongoing cuts, I want to assure Northerners that the NDP team and I will work to fight against these cuts and
Columnists • Page B-3
Page B-4 • Local Matters
Nickel Belt News • www.thompsoncitizen.net
Friday, May 15, 2020
Local Matters
ok bought a case of Remember when Facebo t your daughter? or pp su to es ki oo C de ui Girl G Remember that time whe n Amazon sponsored your church fundraiser? e sponsored How about when Googl hockey team, your son’s or daughter’s r the banquet or donated the pizzas fo pionship? after they won the cham
NEITHER DO WE!
Local Businesses and their owners are the heart of our City. They live here. They invest here. They need our support, now more than ever.
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Nickel Belt News
Volume 58 Number 11
Friday, March 16, 2018
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