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The Parkland Regional Immigration Committee has been kicking the tires for a while, and this weekend, they start up their operation.

This group, a partnership of several Parkland municipalities, the chamber of commerce, as well as local businesses, is looking fast fast-track labor-based immigration in the Parkland area.

"Having them all on board and committed wasn't a challenge at all. I think this is a common goal. we all struggle with problems, we have a shortage of labor."

That's the city's economic development committee's Martijn van Luijn, who notes this project has been in the works for quite some time.

"Two years. we've been working for the last two years to figure out what our target is. what we want to do, what we're trying to do, what kind of immigrants we're trying to hire, and what skills we're looking for. and then building up partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, the rural economic development corporation, and then we're signing an agreement with the province this Saturday"

This Saturday, as mentioned, the paperwork will be signed with the province to allow this more local group to spearhead this immigration movement, hopefully filling the vacancies seen across the job market. 

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Charges have been laid in relation to the weekend stabbing in Swan River that left one person dead.

Swan River RCMP have charged 29-year-old Dean Bell and 40-year-old Tyrone Guiboche, both of Swan River, with one count each of manslaughter.

Mounties were called on Saturday about a 33-year-old man suffering from stab wounds along Main Street.

The victim was transported to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

No court date has been announced. 

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The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is getting a financial boost over the next three years courtesy of the provincial and federal governments. 

They are combining to provide 450 thousand dollars over that time, with the federal funding coming from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Federal Agricultural Minister Lawrence MacAulay noted that this program is different from other mental health services available, as it is rooted in agriculture, and the counsellors are familiar with the unique stressors of managing an agri-business such as seasonality of operations, the impact of extreme climate events, global and market fluctuations and the dynamics of rural living.

The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is a non-profit organization that was launched in 2022 and addresses the mental health of farmers, farm families, and farm workers for free with access beyond crisis intervention to longer-term counseling support that helps prevent a mental health crisis.

The funding will support efforts to ensure consistent and professional service delivery and a standardized onboarding for new counsellors.

Dauphin MLA and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn says the program is a pivotal resource for farmers, their families, and employees.

He notes the 450 thousand dollars is a sound investment adding that by just talking with industry they know there is a need for the importance of such an organization.

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Several local projects have been named recipients of Manitoba Ag Days Gives Back Community Grants.

Ag Days General Manager Kristin Phillips says fifty thousand dollars is being put back into rural Manitoba thanks to a strong year.

"All of the proceeds from our 50/50 draw, as well as any profit that the show makes, goes back to our Ag Days Gives Back program.  Last year we had a very successful 50/50 with the prize being just under 35-thousand dollars."

Among the groups receiving two thousand dollars each are Mossey River Municipality, Hoof N Holler Days, Glenella Curling Rink, Ste Rose Recreation Commission, Erickson District Recreation Association, and Neepawa and Area Fire Department.

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A Dauphin man has been arrested and charged following an incident outside of Ste Rose earlier this week.

RCMP stopped to assist a man changing a tire on his vehicle at around 12:30 Monday morning along Highway 5 near the community. 

The officer noticed no plates on the vehicle, and the driver was unable to produce a registration or a bill of sale for the vehicle, or a driver's licence. 

There was also an open bottle of liquor in the car, which led police to arrest the driver and conduct a further search of the vehicle, which turned up several individual bags of what was believed to be meth, as well as prescription drugs, several gift cards, and Canadian cash.

A bag of suspected cocaine and multiple cell phones were also found on the suspect. 

28-year-old Clint Nepinak faces two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of obstructing a peace officer, while also having three outstanding warrants, including two of failing to comply and one of failing to attend court. 

He also got a ticket for open liquor. 

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Manitoba Ag Days are returning to the Keystone Center in Brandon This Week, and it promises to be a busy 3 days.

Kristen Phillips, Ag Days General Manager is hard at work sorting out the logistics of this massive event.

"There are 1386 beds in Brandon, we have 40,000 - 50,000 people attend our show. Clearly, hotel rooms and beds are a struggle for us."

Welcome to Ag Days!.mp4

Manitoba Ag Days 2024 is here! 🌾 It all starts tonight with our Craft Beer Event in the Provincial Ex's Dome Building followed by our Kick-Off Breakfast Tuesday morning presented by Heritage Co-op ! Watch this video for everything you need to know before coming to the show. Welcome to Manitoba Ag Days! For #AgDays24 tickets 👉 https://shop.authentigate.ca/store/MBAgDays/990

Posted by Manitoba Ag Days on Monday, January 15, 2024

This event runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and it features an incredible amount of content.

Phillips says that those who are attending will have the chance to take in 63 speakers and numerous vendors throughout the 3-day event.

"I challenge you, if you look at our speakers, and look at the number of exhibitors that we have, one day is not enough. Take time to plan out which day you want to come, and come learn everything there is to learn about agriculture."

you can find the details, and even map out your day by visiting agdays.com

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A long-standing tradition that has been a part of Dauphin since 1907 returns to the community this weekend after a two-year hiatus.

Kate Storey with the Dauphin Pipeband says Robbie Burns Night is set to return this weekend.

"Dauphin has been celebrating Robbie Burns almost every year since 1907.  We missed a couple of years due to COVID.  Robbie Burns is one of Dauphin's longest-running traditions.  And so we are trying to keep it alive.  It is a get-together at the Dauphin Legion this Saturday (January 20th) beginning at 7 pm, and we hope to see a lot of people there."

The evening includes performances from the Dauphin Pipeband and the Prairie Thistle Highland Dancers, as well as the traditional address to the Haggis, and a dinner featuring traditional Scottish foods. 

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Emergency Departments throughout the Prairie Mountain Health region continue to experience higher-than-normal traffic levels. 

CEO Brian Schoonbaert says there are a couple of factors contributing to that.

"We have had a very rough respiratory season this year, as we have seen high numbers throughout the province, as compared to other years.  Some might think it is COVID but it is actually less COVID and more just other respiratory illnesses that are going around, and people are having to visit the ER because of them."

"Additionally there have been many interruptions of service in many communities for their ER.  And the lack of physicians, so that too is contributing to people feeling that (going to an ER) is their only option at the moment."

This week alone, there are no emergency department services in Grandview, Winnipegosis, Shoal Lake, Hamiota, and Carberry, while ERs in communities such as Roblin have reduced hours. 

Schoonbaert admits the situation is difficult for everyone, adding they are doing their best through their website to keep the public updated on what ER services are available in their community. 

"ER services can be particularly vulnerable right now because of the staffing shortages.  But it is not just physicians, it is not just nursing or health care aides, but it is also whether we have lab or x-ray staff available.  So it is a constant juggle trying to keep as many services open as possible. "

Schoonbaert assures residents that the changes to ER services are due to staffing shortages, adding that they are not meant to be long-term. 

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Brandon RCMP, along with assistance from the Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continues to investigate a fatal motor vehicle crash from late last week. 

Around 7:40 last Thursday morning, Mounties were called to a two-vehicle collision in the RM of Cornwallis on Road 340 near the intersection with Thompson Road.

The investigation so far has determined that a car going north collided with a southbound semi.

The adult male driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, while the semi driver, a 22-year-old man from Portage, was not injured. 

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A swan river man has died after a reported stabbing in the town.

RCMP responded to a call on January 13th and found a man who'd been stabbed Main Street in the community.

The 33-year-old male was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Swan River RCMP along with Major Crime Services, continue to investigate.

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We told you last week about the high vacancy rate that Prairie Mountain Health was experiencing regarding nurses and healthcare aides.

What is likely not as surprising is that PMH is also experiencing a shortage of family doctors and general practitioners.

CEO Brian Schoonbaert says they are currently short about 90 doctors across the region, adding they are looking at several initiatives to try and fill those voids.

"We're always advertising nationally already trying to make many strides into getting folks to look a this area of the province. We're offering $75,000 per GP to attract them to this area. that $75,000 is for anyone outside the province, as we don't want to poach anyone from in the province."

Schoonbaert adds they are also involved in an International/Provincial recruitment program, as well as working with about a half dozen PMH facilities that have hired recruitment firms on their own to try and attract new doctors to their areas.

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