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Category: News

 

Mackenzie School Renos Taking Longer Than Initially Thought

Renovations at Mackenzie Middle School are going to take longer than initially thought, and the school won't be ready to house grade sixes until September 2017.
 
Mountain View School Division superintendent Donna Davidson says she's disappointed, but there is a flipside.
 
"I'm extremely excited that we have the additional dollars for the industrial arts and home ec. That was not originally anticipated into the project, so we have a brand new state of the art industrial arts area for our students."
 
Additional work in the Industrial Arts area delayed the tender process by four months and another delay occurred when tender estimates exceeded the budget and it took several weeks to secure the necessary funding.
 
Fog Advisories Across Manitoba And Saskatchewan
 
It's going to be a very foggy morning across Manitoba.
 
Fog advisories have been issued by Environment Canada for parts Southern Manitoba and Southeastern Saskatchewan where near zero visibility in fog is expected or occuring.
 
A large area of fog associated with a warm front along the U.S. border has settled over the southeastern prairies.
 
Visibilities are expected to improve by mid-morning as the fog begins to lift.
 
RIDE Program Set To Return
 
An annual program in Dauphin that provides a safe trip home people who have been out drinking alcohaul will be returning this December.
 
The Dauphin RIDE program will return once again with program coordinator John Shuttleworth saying the'll be providing rides between 9:00pm and 3:00am on a handful of dates.
 
"We're starting on December 4, and we'll be working the 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26 and 31."
 
Shuttleworth says over 500 people used the program last year, and says the number gets bigger each year as people become more aware about the problems caused by drinking and driving.
 
More Clubroot Found In Manitoba
 
Clubroot galls have been found in five fields in Manitoba, with
four in the Swan River area, and one in the R.M. of Pembina. This
compares to last year, when although 25 fields had clubroot spores
in the soil, there were no symptoms on plants.

Manitoba Agriculture's oilseed specialist Anastasia Kubinec says
although clubroot has been in the province since 2011, this is
should be another wake up call for producers.

She says they need to be out in their fields looking for patches
that are dead and properly identifying the disease, not just
assuming it's a drowned-out section.

Soil can have clubroot spores without showing symptoms on plants,
which is why Kubinec says it's important for producers to test soil
and catch any low levels of the disease before it shows up on canola
plants.
 

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Category: News

 

Remembrance Day Ceremonies In Parkland

Today is Remembrance Day and there will be several ceremonies marking the day here in the Parkland.
 
In Dauphin, Remembrance Day ceremonies begin at 10:45 at Credit Union Place, followed by the cenotaph service on Memorial Boulevard at noon.
 
Also today, Grandview will be holding their services at the school gym at 10:45.
 
In Rorketon, services will begin at 10:45 at the Lawrence Community Centre.
 
Archives Of Manitoba Commemorating Anniversary Of WWI
 
The Archives of Manitoba will commemorate the 100th anniversary
of the First World War and Remembrance Day with a public reading
today of letters written by Manitoba soldiers who served in the
First World War.

During the war, letters were the main form of communication
between soldiers and their family and friends back home.

Soldiers wrote letters from the trenches, from hospital beds and
from training barracks, sending them to family, friends and
sweethearts.

Many collections of letters from the First World War have been
donated to the Archives of Manitoba. Culture Minister Ron Lemieux
calls them a powerful record of individual soldiers' thoughts and
feelings.
 
Ceremonies Today At National War Memorial
 
Governor General David Johnston will be among many dignitaries
honouring the country's war dead today as he presides over the main
Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Also today, tens of thousands of school children nationwide will
recite John McCrae's 100-year-old poem ``In Flanders Fields'' as
part of an event prompted by the Vimy Foundation.

Meantime, people are gathering at memorials across Europe for
Armistice Day ceremonies to pay tribute to the millions of soldiers
killed during World War I on the 97th anniversary of the war's end.

And in the United States, today is Veterans Day.

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Category: News

 

Hundreds Attend Dauphin Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Hundreds of people were in attendance for the Remembrance Day ceremonies at Credit Union Place yesterday.

Among those in attendance was Dauphin MLA Stan Struthers, who says it's very important to talk to younger people about the sacrifices that were made by people in past generations.

"We don't get to do a lot of the things in freedom that we do in this country and in this province without those people making that sacrifice years ago. I think it's really important that we talk to our kids about how important this day is."

Other notable people in attendance included MP Robert Sopuck, Mayor Eric Irwin, members of Dauphin City Council, RM Reeve Dennis Forbes, members of the Dauphin RCMP, Dauphin Fire Department and players and coaches from the Dauphin Kings.
 
Emotional Reaction To Ceremonies From One Local Man
 
Dauphin's Remembrance Day service was held yesterday at the Credit Union Place, and it left many of the hundreds in attendance feeling emotional.
 
Remembrance Day is always a difficult day for Enis Lagg, who served in World War Two, because it makes him think about the hardships of being in the war effort.
 
"I remember being on rations during the Second World War. We had to have coupon books and when you went to the store, you could only get a certain amount of sugar and butter and other stuff that was on rations."
 
Many in attendance felt Remembrance Day should be a statutory holiday in Manitoba, so everyone can attend services and reflect on the sacrifices given by veterans like Enis Lagg.
 
Federal Cabinet Meeting To Determine Plan For Refugees
 
The new federal cabinet will meet today with Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau to go over how Canada will carry through with the
Liberals' election pledge to bring over and resettle 25-thousand
refugees from Syria.

Trudeau pledged to resettle that number before the end of the
year.

It's expected refugees will be chosen from camps in Jordan,
Lebanon and Turkey, and that the selection process will be
fast-tracked for some, including those under 18 who are likely to
pose little to no security risk.
 
Former Research In Motion Executive Calls TPP Bad Deal For Canada
 
A prominent businessman's concerns over the massive Trans-Pacific
Partnership treaty have intensified scrutiny of the pact's
intellectual-property provisions and whether they represent a bad
deal for Canada.

Jim Balsillie, former co-chief executive of Research in Motion,
is warning about the final text of the 12-country agreement, a deal
reached after years of mostly secret negotiations.

Balsillie says the TPP would favour the more-dominant United
States and its companies that already own ideas, and would harm
emerging entrepreneurs from smaller countries like Canada.

With a new federal government now in charge, Balisllie's
assessment comes at a critical time for Canada's future in the
TPP. The wide-ranging pact is expected to benefit other Canadian
sectors such as agriculture.

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Category: News

French President Responds To Paris Terrorist Attacks

French President Francois Holland is saying that last night's terrorist attacks in Paris that killed at least 127 people was the work of ISIS.

Hollande says those responsible are "barbarians", and he vows revenge against them.

France, along with the USA, are bombing ISIS targets in Syria and Iraq, but are concerned about possible reprisal attacks.

French authorities say eight terrorists with guns and bombs launched six attacks in the French capital. Seven of the eight died when they detonated bombs, and the other was killed by security agents.

 

Canada Shows Solidarity By Standing With France
Toronto's CN Tower was lit in red, white, and blue last night, the colours of the French flag.

Toronto Mayor John Tory is asking people to join him at the French consul-general at a vigil at 2p.m. this afternoon outside city hall.

Hundreds gathered outside the French consulate in Montreal last night, where they placed lit candles and flowers, singing "La Marseillaise", France's national anthem.

 

Investigation Into Manitoba Men Switched At Birth


Norman Barkman and Luke Monias, from the Norway House Cree Nation, say they were shocked when DNA tests revealed they were switched at birth.

After the news made headlines yesterday, Federal Health Minister Jane Philpott ordered her department to investigate the situation.

Barkman and Monias were born in 1975 in a federally-regulated hospital in Norway House.

Family members are trying to come to grips with the fact that the person they thought they were related to is not technically related.

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Category: News

 

Dauphin Big Contributors To Endow Manitoba Challenge

The Dauphin and District Community Foundation got the most out of the Endow Manitoba 24 Hour Giving Challenge.
 
The full-day event on Saturday had the Winnipeg Foundation providing extra dollars for donations to Manitoba community foundations.
 
Saturday was also National Philanthropy Day and the Dauphin and District Community Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary by awarding the entire community with its Philanthropist of the Year award.
 
Dauphin and District board member Melanie Hawranik-Sobering says more than $10,000 was raised Saturday, so they're getting the full $2000 extra offered by the Winnipeg Foundation.
 
Still No Chase The Ace Winner
 
There's still no winner in the Mossey River Inn's Chase the Ace.
 
After this past Saturday, the jackpot is more than $49,000 and there are 12 cards left.
 
Steve Procyshyn says some people were lined up by 11:30 in the morning to secure their spot for the evening event.
 
Wrist bands were used for the first time this past weekend to try and better handle the large flow of people.
 
Provincial Throne Speech Expected Today
 
A government source tells The Canadian Press that Manitoba's
throne speech today will offer paid leave for victims of domestic
violence.

The measure appears to be the first of its kind in Canada, and
will allow victims to take time off to receive legal and other
counselling.

Another government source says the throne speech will give First
Nation communities more power to keep children close to home if they
are seized from their parents.

Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not
authorized to divulge details publicly before this afternoon's
speech.
 
Beef Producers Asks Hunters To Be Careful Of Farmland
 
Manitoba Beef Producers is asking hunters to be careful of
farmland, saying mild weather means many cattle are still on
pasture.

The organization asks hunters to close all gates after passing
through, and not to shoot in the direction of cattle.

General manager Melinda German also says it's been a really wet
year in pockets of Manitoba, and sometimes going into some sensitive
areas can create damage to the pasture land.

She says there are also biosecurity risks when hunters move from
pasture to pasture.

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Category: News

Reactions From Provincial Throne Speech

The NDP government is extending its provincial infrastructure program, which has Opposition leader Brian Pallister warning of a possible tax hike.
 
The program was set to expire in 2019, but Premier Greg Selinger said in yesterday's throne speech that the program would be extended an extra three years, and $4.5 billion more would go towards it.
 
Swan River MLA Ron Kostyshyn says the government feels the importance of maintaining and improving the highway infrastructure as producers are moving cargo.
 
Premier Selinger says he intends to stick to his plan to balance the budget by 2019 and not raise taxes, but left the door open for changes should the economy sour.
 
Local Churches Looking To Bring Over Syrian Refugees
 
A coalition of three Dauphin churches are looking to bring refugee families from Syria to Dauphin.
 
Ron Marlin, one of the coordinating group members, says the application process hasn't started yet.
 
Marlin says they want to get a community informational meeting set up within the next couple of weeks.
 
The First Baptist, First United, and St. Viator's churches are involved.
 
Marijuana Plants Seized From Lac du Bonnet Home
 
RCMP have seized more than 100 marijuana plants from a home in the RM of Lac du Bonnet after being called to help emergency personnel.
 
Upon arrival, police smelled a strong pot odour and saw marijuana in plain view in the kitchen.
 
After obtaining a warrant, officers conducted a search and seized 110 plants and some dried marijuana. A large number of firearms were also seized.

A 36 year-old man from the RM of Lac du Bonnet was arrested and is facing charges for the cultivation and possession of marijuana, unsafe storage of firearms, and possession of an unregistered hand gun.

RCMP also consulted the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the residence has been condemned and locked due to numerous electrical issues.
 
President Of CFA Still Studying Full Text Of TPP
 
The president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture says his
organization is still studying the full text of the Trans-Pacific
Partnership.

Ron Bonnett says each commodity may need to be scanned with a
fine-tooth comb, but overall he says the trade pact continues to be
an issue of competitiveness.

He says if any other country gets a deal that is preferential, it
will put Canada at a disadvantage.

Bonnett thinks the deal is still something Canada could support,
saying it's important particularly to Western Canadian producers
involved in export commodities. 

Details
Category: News

 

No Injuries From Dauphin Vehicle Fire

No one was hurt when a truck caught fire in Dauphin last night. 

A truck erupted into flames just before midnight in a back lane by 8th Avenue Southwest. 

A man said he could hear loud bangs nearby as he was taking out the garbage. 

CKDM has not yet learned the official cause of the fire.
 
Pallister Visiting Parkland Today
 
The leader of Manitoba's Progressive Conservative Party will be trekking through the Parkland today.
 
Brian Pallister will be in Dauphin, Swan River and Roblin today to outline some of the priorities and values he'll be putting forward in the coming months leading up to the provincial election.
 
He'll be at the Ukranian Catholic Church Auditorium in Dauphin from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, the Westwood Inn in Swan River from 3 PM to 4:30 PM, and the Chicken Chef in Roblin from 6:30 PM to 7 PM.
 
Health Minister Amending Family Doctor Promise
 
Manitoba Health Minister Sharon Blady says she is amending a
long-standing promise to find a family doctor for every Manitoban by
the end of this year.

The NDP government said in a 2010 throne speech that anyone who
wanted a family doctor would have one by 2015.

But with people still on waiting lists, the government has
changed its target so that people who can access nurse practitioners
would count as having had that commitment fulfilled.

Blady says some people even prefer a nurse practitioner to a
family physician.
 
Weather Fluctuations Not Affecting Winter Cereal Crops
 
Last week's weather in Manitoba ranged from snow and slush to
sunshine and T-shirt temperatures.

Jake Davidson, director of Winter Cereals Canada, says the
fluctuations didn't bother seeded winter cereal crops, which are
hardiest at this time of year.

He says since the soil hasn't frozen yet, the cold days haven't
affected the seeded cereals.

He says it will be closer to the end of winter and into spring
that could be toughest on the plants, especially with a milder
weather predicted because of El Nino.

Details
Category: News

 

Higher Levels Possible On Manitoba Lakes

A forecast for high winds early this morning has prompted the
province to warn about the possibility of big waves and higher
levels on Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.

The winds are forecast to range up to 50 km/h,
continuing until tomorrow.

That could mean a temporary increase of lake levels by as much as
1.5 metres.

Wind and snow warnings have also been issued across southern
Saskatchewan.
 
Protesters Want Change To CFS Extended Care Policy
 
A small group of protesters took to the steps of the Manitoba
legislature, demanding change to Child and Family Services' extended
care policy.

Right now the extended care CFS offers only lasts until the age
of 21, but the small group of demonstrators called for that to be
bumped up to the age of 25.

Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross came out from her
office to speak to the protesters and told them the matter is under
review.

She says a decision will be made after a meeting with all of the
government's stakeholders.
 
Farm Women's Conference Wraps Up
 
About 120 women from across Manitoba came together in Winkler
this week to discuss soils, work, life and success.

The 29th annual Manitoba Farm Women's Conference wrapped up with
guest speakers such as Manitoba Agriculture land management
specialist Marla Riekman and Economic Development Winnipeg CEO
Marina James.

But the conference also offered some fun breaks, with interactive
presentations by professional trainer and coach Carol Ann Fried and
a photo opportunity with Olympian Jill Officer.

This year's theme celebrated the International Year of the Soils,
with some speakers talking about environment and soil health.
 
First Formal Meeting Between Trudeau And Obama
 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Barack Obama held
their first formal meeting today on the sidelines of the APEC Summit
in the Philippines.

At a joint news conference afterwards, Obama called Canada an
``extraordinarily helpful'' partner in the fight against climate
change.

The two also discussed the Syrian refugee crisis, trade, the
economy and Islamic extremism.

Trudeau insisted Canada will remain a strong member of the
campaign fighting Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, but he
will stick by his plan to pull Canadian fighter jets out of the
bombing runs and contribute in a different way.

Details
Category: News

 

Weather Causing Problems On Manitoba Highways

A winter storm has given rise to traffic havoc across much of the
Prairies, including an accident near Elie, Man., where an ambulance
rolled over.

One patient and four other occupants were inside the ambulance,
but officials said their injuries weren't serious.

Manitoba RCMP said officers were on scene for multiple collisions
on provincial roads Thursday and the Trans-Canada was closed between
Headingley and Portage la Prairie from about noon to 7 p.m.

Slippery roads and extreme wind gusts were making driving
treacherous across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

In Winnipeg, where as much as 10 cm of snow fell
Thursday morning, two jackknifed semis and a van could be seen in
the ditch.
 
Marijuana Being Sold In Liquor Stores?
 
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says government liquor stores are
the best place to sell marijuana if and when the federal government
legalizes the drug.

Selinger says Manitoba Liquor Mart outlets have staff that are
well-trained on the potential risks of alcohol, and he suggests they
would be in the same position to provide advice about marijuana.

Liquor is sold in private outlets in some rural Manitoba areas
where there is no government store, and Selinger says he expects
that model could be used for marijuana as well.

Selinger says many of the details have yet to be worked out,
because the federal government will determine how the drug will be
available.
 
Costs For Government Refugee Plan
 
The Canadian Press has learned the cost of the Trudeau
government's plan to resettle Syrian refugees is pegged at
$1.2-billion over the next six years.

The number is contained in a government document obtained by The
Canadian Press.

The document says $877-million would be needed in this
fiscal year alone.

The government's plan calls for Canada to accept and settle
25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of next month.
 
France To Hold Ceremony For Terrorist Victims
 
A national ceremony will be held in Paris next Friday to honour
victims of the terrorist attacks of a week ago today.

President Francois Hollande will preside over the ceremony, which
will be held in the historic building where Napoleon's tomb lies.

Although the death toll stands at 129, officials warn that might
increase because many of the almost 370 who were wounded are in
critical condition.

Details
Category: News

Morning News for Saturday, November 21

Details
Category: News

 

Shooting By Officer In Thompson Under Investigation
 
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is now on the case of a man who died after an RCMP officer fired his weapon Friday night.
 
Police say in a news release that the officer noticed a vehicle driving erratically in Thompson early Saturday and tried to pull it over.
 
After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped, but then it hit the officer as he approached.
 
The officer suffered minor injuries.
 
Boys From Headingley Facing Wildlife Act Charges
 
Two boys in Manitoba are facing criminal and Wildlife Act charges after police got a call about trespassers shooting a deer on private property.
 
RCMP were called out to a residence in Headingley on Friday night after shots were fired and two people were seen looking for a deer.
 
Police say the suspects fled when officers arrived, but were later arrested without incident.
 
Three firearms, a truck and a deer were seized.
 
The youths were released to their parents.
 
Trudeau To Meet With Premiers
 
Prime Minister Trudeau will meet with Canada's premiers tomorrow -- the first time the first ministers have met with a prime minister as a group since 2009.
 
The meeting will focus on climate change, with Trudeau hoping to reach an agreement with the provincial and territorial leaders on a national plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
 
The resettlement of Syrian refugees will also be discussed.
 
Brussels On Alert As Manhunt Continues
 
Brussels remains under its highest threat level for a second day, as the manhunt continues for a suspect in the Paris attacks -- last seen entering Belgium.
 
Subways and underground trams remain closed and officials have recommended sports competitions and all activities in public buildings should be cancelled.
 
However, Pro League soccer games continued yesterday despite the recommendation.
 
Canada has issued a travel alert for Belgium, advising Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution.
 
Colbert Comments On Curling Broom Rules
 
You wouldn't think the directional-fabric brooms in curling would be good late night talk show fodder, but Stephen Colbert apparently disagrees.
 
The "Late Show'' host dedicated six minutes of his monologue on Friday night to the controversy surrounding the use of coarse material on broom heads allowing sweepers to better manipulate the rock's trajectory.
 
Earlier this week, the World Curling Federation extended a ban on the controversial broom heads to all events for the 2015-16 season.
 
Colbert said it was wrong to allow a sport to be dominated by whoever could afford the fanciest broom, and he approved of 16th Century Scottish curling rules where whoever survived a fall through the ice was the winner.

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Category: News

 

ACC To Update Sexual Violence Policies

A newly proposed law in Manitoba would require post-secondary institutions to have policies in place to prevent and respond to sexual violence and harassment.

Manager of Public Affairs for Assiniboine Community College Danielle Adriaansen says ACC already has policies on sexual violence, but looks forward to collaborating on how to update it.

"We look forward to collaborating with other post-secondary institutions across the province, to develop more robust policies and procedures surrounding our response to sexual violence and sexual harassment on campus. Consultation with students will be a key piece in all of this throughout the whole process as we work with them."

Adriaansen says in more than 10 years ACC hasn't had a single reported case of sexual violence, although she notes they don't have a student residence.

Marlin Says Churches Aren't Rattled By Threatening Phone Calls

RCMP in Manitoba are investigating threatening phone calls that were made after three churches in Dauphin announced they're planning to sponsor Syrian refugees.

Church spokesman Ron Marlin says two calls were made last Thursday, but he says the churches aren't rattled.

Marlin retired as the Dauphin RCMP detachment commander in 2003.

He says the sponsoring churches don't believe the majority of Dauphin residents are against refugee resettlement there.

Family Of Paralyzed Hockey Player Says Every Name Read On GoFundMe Page

The uncle of a Manitoba hockey player who suffered paralysis after a head-on crash into the boards says every name on a GoFundMe page for his nephew has been ``read and re-read.''

Larry Pettinger says the family of Portage Terriers defenceman Braden Pettinger recognize many names, and the ones they don't are ``etched on their minds.''

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League held a fundraiser for Pettinger at their game on Saturday night, and other teams across the province have contributed proceeds from various events.

Pettinger sent a message thanking fans at the game, saying that one day he would walk back into the arena.

Dauphin Mr. Mike's Taking Part In Deeds Well Done Contest

Santa isn't the only one looking to reward people for being nice.

Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual is holding their Deeds Well Done contest, where you can nominate someone you believe is doing something good for the community.

This is the first time Mr. Mikes in Dauphin is taking part in this contest, and Manager Marisa Philippe says it’s important to reward those who do good.

"It's basically to celebrate the fact that little things matter and then to recognize people that do selfless things."

The nominated good-deed-doer will have a chance to win a 1 hundred dollar Mr. Mikes gift card, as well as 1 thousand dollars for the charity of their choice. The deadline to enter is December 31, and you can make your nomination at Deeds Well Done.com

 

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Category: News

Scheller Named Dauphin NDP Candidate

The NDP now has their candidate in place for Dauphin in next spring's provincial election.
 
Darcy Scheller was officially named the candidate at the Dauphin NDP constituency nomination meeting last night.
 
Scheller says she's looking forward to the challenge ahead.
 
"Getting out and speaking over the next four and a half months with all of the constituents. I care very much about what they have to say and that's the first thing that's on my agenda and hopefully they're all going to come out and support me on April 19, 2016."
 
Among those in attendance last night at the Dauphin Senior Centre, include outgoing Dauphin MLA Stan Struthers, and Swan River MLA Ron Kostyshyn.
 
MMS Students Won't Use Industrial Arts And Home Ec Area Until 2016-17
 
Students at Mackenzie Middle School won't be using the Industrial Arts and Home Ec area until the 2016-17 school year. 

There was talk of having students occupy that area after spring break in this school year, with full renovations to be completed in November next year. 

The contractor has suggested that delaying occupancy of the Industrial Arts and Home Ec area will allow for more of the school to be opened up for use without delaying the overall renovation timeline. 

The transition of grade six students remains set for September 2017.
 
Parkland Under Snowfall Warning
 
Snowfall warnings have been issued by Environment Canada for the Parkland where 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected to fall.
 
The warning covers Dauphin, Roblin, Winnipegosis, Swan River, Duck Mountain Park and the Porcupine Provincial Forest.
 
A storm system tracking across Montana is spreading a large area of snow across the central Prairies today.
 
Motorists are asked to be prepared to adjust driving with the changing road conditions as visibility may be suddenly reduced at times with heavy snow.
 
AMM Debating Rebate For PST
 
Some Manitoba communities say it's time for the province to
rebate the provincial sales tax paid by municipalities.

It will be the first resolution up for debate at this week's
Association of Manitoba Municipalities annual convention.

The rural municipality of Portage la Prairie, which has tabled
the resolution, says the PST is a significant expense added on to
services, supplies, and capital projects.

It says the province should follow the lead of Ottawa, which
provides a full rebate on the GST to municipalities.
 
Altona Set To Welcome Syrian Refugees
 
The small Manitoba town of Altona is getting ready to welcome 45
Syrian refugees being sponsored through a non-profit program called
Build a Village.

Organizer Ray Loewen says the families could arrive at any time
but they've still got a long list of items to collect, including
beds, kitchen items and clothing.

One of the five families settling in Altona has 11 children and
the group is trying to find proper housing to accommodate them.

Loewen says his organization has sponsored 25 refugee families to
Altona in the past decade and he's confident the new families will
have a positive influence and will fit in just fine.

Details
Category: News

Province Comments On Poverty Report

A new report suggests Manitoba has the highest rate of child poverty of any province in the country.

Campaign 2000 says 29 percent of Manitoban children live in poverty, which is 10 percent above the national average.

Minister of Family Services Kerri Irvin-Ross says one of the things the province is doing to reduce child poverty is by increasing the minimum wage.

"In our throne speech last week, we spoke about ensuring that we continue to increase the minimum wage. That's one way of helping people to move out of poverty."

Campaign 2000 recommended that Manitoba raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour. Irvin-Ross said that instead of increasing it all at once, the province will continue to up the minimum wage a little bit every year.

(((an earlier version of this script did not say "of any province" in the first line. We have clarified it.)))

DRCSS Report Cards Available Today

Report cards for students at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School can be picked up today.
 
This is the first time in several years parents are being asked to pick up report cards instead of students.
 
DRCSS Vice Principal Gordon Wood says the change is being done so parents can talk to teachers about their kids' progress while getting their grades.
 
Grades and student attendance records can also be accessed online.
 
Manitoba Hydro Applies For Rate Hike
 
Manitoba Hydro has applied for a rate hike increase of nearly
four per cent for next April.

Lawyer Byron Williams, who represents the Consumer Association of
Canada and Winnipeg Harvest, says that increase is almost double the
rate of inflation.

He says it will amount to a $40 a year hike for Winnipeg
homeowners and $75 per year in rural Manitoba.

Williams says the huge hike is because of rising costs on major
dam projects and weaker than expected export prices.
 
Dairy Farmers Says There Won't Be A Butter Shortage
 
There might be an increased demand for butter, but consumers are
being told not to worry about a shortage affecting their holiday
baking.

Yves Leduc, director of policy and trade for the Dairy Farmers of
Canada, says the industry is taking steps to ensure that butter and
other products with a higher percentage of butter fat remain readily
available in stores.

Leduc says the industry estimates consumer demand and sets a
production quota to meet it. But demand has increased faster than
anticipated, leading the Canadian Dairy Commission to increase the
quota level.

Leduc says if demand continues to outstrip the supply, the
commission can arrange to import butter from other countries.
 
Christmas At The Fort
 
A local museum wants you to celebrate Christmas at the Fort!

Fort Dauphin Museum Manager Stephanie Panko says families can look forward to Christmas at the Fort favourites like horse rides, story time with Mrs. Claus, an appearance by Santa, and enjoying hot chocolate and homemade bannock.

A new addition this year is getting to make your own Christmas tree decorations.

Christmas at the Fort will take place at the Fort Dauphin Museum on December 5 from 1-4pm. Admission is free.

Details
Category: News

 

Parkland Settlement Services To Help Syrian Refugees

Canada is preparing for an influx of Syrian refugees, but adjusting to a new country, often with little resources, can be tough for Canada's newcomers.

Parkland Settlement Services Coordinator Deborah Slonowsky says they offer refugees coming to Dauphin, like with any immigrants, a wide variety of services to make the transition a little easier.

"Language classes, if people need to search for housing, we help people job search, we also do get together just to beat social isolation if people get here in the middle of winter."

Slonowsky says Parkland Settlement Services will also offer refugees classes on Canadian culture and history.

Selinger Says Refugees Could Help Rural Areas

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says Syrian refugees could be a
potential boon for rural areas suffering from population loss or
economic challenges.

He says many of the refugees are well-educated professionals and
are eager to settle in a new community.

Selinger made the comments yesterday at a meeting of the
Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

He says he has informed the federal government the province will
need help, giving that housing the new refugees will undoubtedly be
costly.
 
Farm Cash Receipts Drop In Manitoba
 
New numbers from Statistics Canada suggest Manitoba was one of
three provinces to see a drop in farm cash receipts during the first
three quarters of this year.

The agency says Manitoba farmers received a total of $4.4 billion
 in farm cash receipts during the first nine months -- a
three per cent decline from the same period in 2014.

A 42 per cent jump in payments from government support programs
in Manitoba was offset by a 4.6 per cent decline in revenue from the
sale of crops.

The only province to see a bigger drop was Quebec, at 6.1 per
cent while Ontario saw its receipts decline by 0.9 per cent.

Farm cash receipts include market receipts from crop and
livestock sales as well as program payments.
 
Sentence Handed Down For Armed Robbery In Brandon
 
A man who took part in the armed robbery of a Brandon drug store
has been sentenced to more than six years in prison.

Dale Gilchrist, who is 32, pleaded guilty to robbery with a
weapon and other charges.

In court the Crown noted that Manitoba has the highest robbery
rate in Canada.

Armed with knives, Gilchrist and another man robbed the Western
Medical Clinic Pharmacy last June of cash and morphine pills.
 
Shoal Lake Reserve Closer To Road Construction
 
An isolated reserve under one of Canada's longest boil-water
advisories is one step closer to becoming connected with the outside
world.

The Manitoba government has introduced a bill that gives it legal
authority to help fund construction of a permanent road for Shoal
Lake 40 First Nation.

The reserve, which is on the Ontario-Manitoba boundary, was cut
off from the mainland a century ago during construction of an
aqueduct which sends fresh water to Winnipeg.

It has no all-weather road and has been under a boil-water
advisory for 18 years.

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Category: News

 

Fish Marketers Don't Believe Boycott Will Affect Sales

The head of the federal Crown corporation that buys and sells
Manitoba fish doesn't believe the province's walleye fisheries will
suffer from a boycott he says is based on stale science.

Earlier this month, California-based Seafood Watch urged
consumers to avoid fish caught in Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba and
Lake Winnipegosis, claiming fisheries in the province's three
largest lakes are among the most poorly managed in the world.

The president and CEO of the Freshwater Fish Marketing
Corporation, said it won't have a significant effect on Manitoba's
walleye exports and shouldn't be taken too seriously.

Donald Salkeld said right now the supply of walleye, known
locally as pickerel, is so low that U.S. demand is higher than ever.
 
GP/GV Ag Society Fair And Rodeo In Doubt
 
The future of the Gilbert Plains/Grandview Agricultural Society's fair and rodeo could rest on the support they get at an upcoming meeting.
 
Board member Clare Dutchyshen says they're hoping for a large influx of volunteers at a board meeting open to the public on December 1.
 
"Come out, show up and show their support for the fair and rodeo continuing and sign up to be volunteers. We have lots of positions that we need filled, and quite frankly without volunteers and without filling the missing positions on our board, our fair and rodeo just can't happen."
 
Dutchyshen went on to say without more volunteers there may still be a fair and rodeo, but there could be a lot of events missing from it.
 
The meeting is December 1 at 7:30 at the EMS building in Gilbert Plains.
 
Manitoba Preparing For Refugees Arrival
 
Manitoba is gearing up to welcome up to 2,000 Syrian refugees in
the next three months.

Premier Greg Selinger says the province will use its Emergency
Co-ordination Centre in Winnipeg to co-ordinate the arrival and
resettlement of refugees who will initially be housed in Winnipeg.

The province says it's not planning on housing people in the
vacant Kapyong Barracks or in hotels.

Officials say Manitoba and federal officials are meet to talk
about funding for refugee housing and other unresolved and emerging
issues.
 
Marijuana Companies Discussing Pot Legalization With Feds
 
The CEO of one of Canada's licensed medical cannabis producers
says a delivery-by-courier model would be a good first step as the
new Liberal government looks to allow recreational access to the
drug.

Bruce Linton of Canopy Growth Corporation says his company has
already begun engaging in high-level talks with Health Canada and
other senior government officials about how the current medical
program could be improved.

It is widely anticipated within the medical cannabis industry
that the medical program will continue to exist alongside any
recreational program to be rolled out.

Recreational access to the drug is expected to be tightly
regulated, for example by selling the product through provincially
licensed liquor stores.
 
Tribute Held For Paris Attack Victims
 
France paid tribute this morning to the 130 people who were
killed in terrorist attacks in Paris two weeks ago.

About a-thousand invited guests joined President Francois
Hollande in the courtyard of the Paris complex that houses
Napoleon's tomb.

The guests included survivors of the slaughter as well as
relatives of the victims.

Everyone stood at attention as the names of the dead were read
aloud.

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Category: News

Morning News for Saturday, November 28

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Category: News

City To Work On CN Park

CN Park in Dauphin is going to look a lot more...well, like a park.

The City of Dauphin is going to be removing or pruning back some trees and installing LED lighting to make it feel like less of a forest, and more of a park.

City of Dauphin Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Sharla Griffiths says, when it's completed, CN Park will be a lot more open and inviting.
 
Griffiths says no sections of the park should be blocked off for more than a couple of days at a time while work is being done.
 
Griffiths says work on the park will be done over the next three years. No official estimates on the cost of the project are available at this time.
 
(((This story has been edited for accuracy. We apologize for mistakes in a previous version.)))
 
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Winnipeg MP Pulls Out Of Speaker Race
 
A Liberal member of Parliament who was vying for the Speaker's chair has dropped out of the race following comments he made at a town hall meeting in his Winnipeg riding.

Robert-Falcon Ouellette told constituents at the event on Saturday that former Speakers told him the job allows for "great influence'' with the prime minister.

Ouellette said Speakers have influence because they control debate, and prime ministers want to keep them happy.

In a statement yesterday, Falcon says he's withdrawing his name from consideration as Speaker and regrets any impression he gave of the job during the meeting.
 
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MP's Set To Return To Work
 
Government House Leader Dominic LeBlanc is expecting a different kind of Parliament to show itself when MP's return to work this week in Ottawa.

LeBlanc says he gets that feeling after speaking with his Conservative and New Democrat counterparts, noting he's been sensing a lot of good will to open Parliament with ``collegiality and good faith.''

The Trudeau Liberals will unveil a throne speech later this week that will outline the government's legislative plans, which are expected to include tax relief for the middle-class.
 
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Trudeau At Climate Summit
 
Some 150 world leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are joining the UN's Secretary-General today in kicking off two weeks of climate talks near Paris.

The world leaders will each be stating what their countries are doing to slow climate change.

Conference organizers are hopeful a new accord will be reached to cut emissions that are warming the planet.

Trudeau will also take part in an event with US President Barack Obama where 20 countries are expected to pledge billions of dollars toward clean technology innovation in an alliance with some of the world's highest-profile private sector investors.

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Category: News

 

Local Firefighters Honoured

Two Dauphin firefighters are sharing the honour of firefighter of the year. 

Robbie Tomkins and Cody Langlois were both presented the award at this past Saturday's Firefighters Ball. 

Langlois called it a huge honour.

"It's not normal for two to be nominated and awarded the award. It puts us up there with astonishing feats these other people have done over the years."

Langlois and Tomkins helped the Dauphin Fire Department secure a Fire Department of the Year award from Muscular Dystrophy Canada by organizing a rooftop campout that raised more than double its initial goal for MD.

Human Society Holds Pawsibility Luncheon

Those who attended the Parkland Humane Society's Pawsability luncheon on Saturday got to see a police service dog in action, and when he was on duty, it was all business. 

RCMP Corporal Steve Pike made a presentation with his partner, Talon -- also known as Alex. 

Robynne Cormier says money raised at the luncheon will likely go to the working expenses of the humane society. Lillian Stobbe says it will go to vet bills and other things.

"There's a lot of very high vet bills with what we do, and that in particular is what we will cover is some of that bill, hydro, telephone, everything that runs the shelter."

Cormier says they're desperate for volunteers at the humane society.

Manitoba Pork Says Bacon Is Good For The Soul

The chair of the Manitoba Pork Council is suggesting that bacon
is good for the soul.

George Matheson was responding to the recent announcement by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer about the connection
between processed meat and colorectal cancer.

Matheson says he feels bacon, sausages and the like enhance our
lives, just like chocolate, alcohol and the vast array of sugary
foods that are readily available.

Consumed occasionally and moderately, he says they bring us
pleasure and enrich our existence.
 
Poll Finds Remembrance Day Still Important
 
A new poll suggests most Canadians feel that Remembrance Day is
as relevant today as when it began nearly a century ago.

The survey commissioned by Historica Canada found 82 per cent of
Canadians believe the annual tribute to veterans is as important now
as it was shortly after the First World War.

However, the survey also finds that Canadians are split on
whether they feel younger generations properly appreciate and honour
war vets.
 
The Remembrance Day services in Dauphin on Wednesday begin at 10:45 at Credit Union Place.

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