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A provincially funded program to feed Manitoba school children has been brought forward by NDP Leader Wab Kinew.
However, Premier Brian Pallister says he's not too keen on the idea of publicly funded breakfast programs in schools, and that he would rather address underlying causes of student hunger instead of feeding children.
Locally, the Dauphin Friendship Centre’s privately funded Food For Thought program feeds over 600 children twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Gail Welburn with Dauphin Friendship Centre disagrees with the premier and feels it's essential to ensure children are well fed in the classroom.
“Nutrition is something that we need to be looking at in the schools. Only because a hungry child has a lower capacity for learning, compared to one who is rested and well-nourished.”
Now in its 31st year, the Food For Thought program is available to all children in Dauphin.
“There is no cost for children to register, but we do ask parents to make a donation at some time during the program, to help us offset our costs.”
To donate or register for the program, you can visit the Dauphin Friendship Centre, or call them at (204) 638-5707.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Yesterday was busy at the legislative building in Winnipeg. The Dauphin Correctional Centre Coalition group met with Justice Minister Cliff Cullen at noon. Cullen says he appreciates the local group coming for the conversation. He adds that the decision wasn’t made lightly and they are going ahead with it.
“Well, I appreciate their opinion, obviously they have concerns about their community and potential changes in their community. We recognize that change is difficult. A lot of individuals and families will be impacted by the decision. So, it was certainly I think a positive discussion about that and we committed to working with the committee as we work through this process.”
Cullen also gave a definitive no to the government reversing its decision to close the jail.
“We’re committed to this decision, obviously it was a difficult decision to make, but we believe it’s the right decision. Obviously it will impact individuals. That’s why we’re working closely with the employees and will continue to work closely with the employees as we move through the process.”
When asked if all the effort people have taken to try and reverse the decision means nothing, Cullen had this to say.
“No, it means that we are going to continue to work with the community and the Parkland, in terms of determining if there are individuals that want to stay and work in the Parkland Region. It also means that we are going to continue to commit on the positive economic impact that’s happened in the Parkland over the last few years. We as a government have invested over the last 2 years, 47 million dollars in the Parkland, we continue and will be making investments in the Parkland and we will definitely be working on the economic front as we move forward.”
Cullen says they now have an economic development committee of cabinet and they’ve put together various strategies to develop economics in Manitoba. When it comes to rural Manitoba there are specific organizations and groups that are looking at developing rural Manitoba and Cullen says the initial focus will be on the Parkland.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
As the Bank of Canada announced it’s slashed its key interest rate a half a percentage point, CKDM reached out to a financial expert to better understand what impact that has on the average Manitoban.
Gerry Wieler with Fusion Credit Union in Dauphin says it will affect some people in a good way.
“Probably most Manitobans are going to be affected. Half in a good way, and half maybe in a bit of a difficult way. For people borrowing, it makes money a little bit cheaper.”
Wieler adds that the Canadian economy has been stable overall and that when rates drop like this, people with debt can pay it off a little bit quicker.
“It makes housing a bit more affordable. People looking at the housing market might qualify for a better house price, or their cost for buying that house will be a little bit less in the future.”
Fusion Credit Union provides all banking services from deposits to loans, to chequing accounts, term deposits, and investment advice.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Once again, the Ag Society’s Farm Outlook provided valuable insight into the state of the industry.
In her first year as society president, Jamie Damsgaard says the event is a celebration of agriculture producers.
“The Farm Outlook recognizes agriculture in our community. Our mandate at the Ag Society is to bring awareness to agriculture, and all the struggles the industry can sometimes face.”
During the lunch break, former Ag Society president Tere Stykalo announced this year’s Ron Brook Memorial Award winner as Virginia Fox and her late husband Lyal Fox.
The award will be presented at the Ag Fair this summer.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
The Dauphin Correctional Centre Coalition Group has now finished their meeting with Justice Minister Cliff Cullen, and the result is not what they’d hoped for.
CKDM reporter Isaac Wihak spoke with DCCC group co-founder Larry Budzinski immediately after the meeting in Winnipeg.
“Well it was cordial, but I would say it is frustrating from our point of view. We asked the direct question of the ministers if they would put this on hold and stop the closure until we can plan something together. The answer seemed to be, unequivocally, no.”
Budzinski thanked the people of Dauphin and the Parkland region, and urged them to continue writing the minister and premier.
“I guess what I’ve learned is that elected representatives are not necessarily listening the people if our area and our region. Everyone thinks this is a terrible decision."
Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says the jail is too old, and no longer meets facility standards.
“We’re committed to this decision. Obviously it was a difficult decision to make, but we believe it’s the right decision. Obviously it will impact individuals; that’s why we are working with employees and will continue to do so as we work through this process.”
Today the Manitoba government announced details about it’s new transition committee to work with staff and families affected by the closure of the Dauphin Correction Centre.
The Justice Minister says the goal is to help answer questions, identify resources and connect employees and their families with their next employment opportunity.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
“Export demand has been actually reasonably strong. Now, we had a poor quality crop in Western Canada this year; that’s combined with some logistics issues creating an impact on our actual export levels. Still the wheat market globally remains fairly strong for demand.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The Dauphin Correctional Centre Coalition Group has entered the meeting with Justice Minister Cliff Cullen.
The group hopes to have a good meeting with Minister Cullen.
Before heading into the meeting Isaac Wihak spoke with group co-founder, Larry Budzinski, to get his expectations.
"We're here to say that, as we've always said, there's no need for the closure, we're asking him to consider putting a halt on this thing until we can build something with the community." He adds, "We are here to offer our advice and tell the minister that the region is solidly behind our idea and hopefully he has the time and interest to listen to us."
Stay tuned to 730 CKDM and 730ckdm.com for reaction following the meeting.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Premier Brian Pallister is set to introduce a carbon tax. The Manitoba Progressive Conservative government will enforce a $25-per-tonne tax, beginning on July 1.
The provincial sales tax is also set to be reduced by one point to six per cent.
In 2017, Pallister was set to introduce a $25-per-tonne levy; however, it was withdrawn when the federal government said it wasn't high enough. The federal government then imposed its own tax on Manitoba and that is set to rise to $50 per tonne by 2022.
Manitoba will challenge the federal tax in court; however, a hearing date has not been set.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Last night the City and Rural Municipality of Dauphin recognized some of its greatest heroes at an annual appreciation dinner.
Fire Chief Cam Abrey says it’s a special night to honour our firefighters.
“We take the opportunity during the evening to recognize our current firefighters and our past firefighter with either years of service or retirement awards. Presented in front our families, our peers, and our elected officials.”
Among those honoured last night:
- Erin Deederly for 5 years service and Darren Killen for 15 years service.
- Donny Woitowicz (alumni) was presented with the Governor General’s Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years service split between Dauphin and Duck Bay Fire Departments.
- Alvin Bogoslowski and Richard Snyder were both presented with the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs Long Service Award for 35 years Service.
- Devon Pylypchuk was also presented with a challenge coin for completing the Fire Fighter Level II training in 2019.
- Sabrina Anderson and Mark Bass were presented with their badges and officially took the Fire Fighter’s oath of office.
- Ernest Karpiak and Al Gray were both recognized for their time with DFD and the Manitoba Fire Service and presented with retirement gifts acknowledging their years of service.
“Fire Service is truly a family. So having everybody gathered together to break bread and recognize achievements that have been made over years of service, is something all the firefighters look forward to each year.”
Coming up March 21st the department is planning to hold their annual boot drive for muscular dystrophy.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
A man is set to appear in court in Brandon after he tried to attack a police officer.
The man walked out of a business yesterday with a stolen whiskey bottle and he attempted to strike the officer. Luckily, the officer wasn't hurt and he was able to get the situation under control and arrest the man.
The 43-year-old is now facing charges of assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, theft, and possessing a weapon.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The City of Dauphin is partnering up with businesses and residents to plant trees for Manitoba 150.
There are 13 different types of trees available including varieties of Maples, Birch, Aspen, and Cherry.
Says they are giving away 190 trees to be planted
“So rather than adding to parks and green spaces that we already have, we thought we’d give residents the opportunity to add to their private yard. Our goal had initially been to give away 150 trees, but once we did our budget and with the generous donation from the mayor it ultimately ended up being 190 trees for the community to plant.”
Mayor Allen Dowhan has donated $3000 to the project.
To get involved you can sign an application at www.dauphin.ca
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
