Local News Archives for 2021-08

Recoveries in Manitoba Have Topped 57 Thousand While Saskatchewan Will Conduct Self-Testing for Some Students.

Manitoba public health reported 34 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon keeping the five day test positivity rate at three percent. Of the new cases 13 were in Winnipeg and 11 in Southern health with single digits in other regions including three in Northern health.  Of the total 58,710 reported cases 483 are active, 57,038 people have recovered and 63 are in hospital with 18 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health will launch a pilot program in a small selection of schools to provide COVID-19 self-testing rapid antigen kits to families with students under age 12.  The 24 schools in the pilot will be determined in consultation with the school division and Medical Health Officers.

             

They reported 1567 new cases of COVID-19 from August 25th to 31st bringing the seven day average of new cases to 248.  997 recoveries were also reported along with eleven new deaths. As of today there are 130 people in hospital 97 of which are not fully vaccinated and 30 are in intensive care. Far North East Two reports 15 new cases with a total of 82 active cases.

The Give Hope Wings Charity Expedition Landed at the Flin Flon Airport Sunday Afternoon.

A group of pilots took to the skies over western Canada for two weeks to raise awareness and funds for Hope Air.  That’s a national charity that provides free flights and accommodation for Canadians in financial need who must reach medical care far from home. Volunteer Marilyn Staig explained during a stop in Flin Flin Sunday the fund raising expedition featuring 15 planes and approximately 20 volunteers took off from Drumheller Alberta flying to Churchill Manitoba and back to Nelson BC.  She said this is one of those expeditions where they get a whole bunch of pilots who come along on the expedition and they fundraise and get sponsors and they just try to raise as much money as they can and have a good time while they’re doing it.

             

Pilot Lee Arsenault has been with Hope Air since 2016. He explains the private pilots like himself tend to go to those locations where there is no commercial airline traffic available and so these people who are in very remote locations if they can’t get to a bigger airport to get a commercial flight then that’s when they step in and pick up the patients and quite often an escort and fly them to the urban centers for medical services.

             

This is the fourth annual Give Hope Wings expedition aiming to raise 400 thousand dollars to provide 16 hundred flights a goal they have already passed.  For more information go to www.hopeair.ca.

Saskatchewan is Supporting Northern Airports and Roads.

Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw has announced support for northern transportation infrastructure operated by the Ministry of Highways.  He reported spending of around 67.8 million dollars on projects through the end of the year with the largest project 14 million dollars for upgrades at the Fond du Lac Airport.  Among other projects are funding for the Pelican Narrows airport for fencing and permanent lighting installation, for the Cumberland House airport apron and taxiway grading and base strengthening, Highway 106 spot improvements between the junction of Highway 135 and Creighton and Highway 135 gravel road upgrade for approximately 14 kilometers south of Pelican Narrows.

             

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving more than 1350 kilometers of provincial highways this year.

Saskatchewan is Offering COVID-19 Vaccination Boosters.

Saskatchewan will begin offering vaccination boosters to eligible populations starting Tuesday September 7th.  They note real world experience indicates that there are factors that may contribute to the waning of effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations including the age of the recipients and if the individual is immunocompromised due to a medical condition or medication.  Those eligible to receive booster immunization in the first phase include residents of long term care and personal care homes, transplant recipients and recipients of stable active treatment such as chemotherapy.

             

Eligibility letters will be sent either from your physician or from the Ministry of Health Drug Plan Branch. For information visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid-19vaccine.

             

Vaccine Numbers Continue to Go Up In Manitoba.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced 213 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Thursday. He reported no new deaths.  Of the 34 new cases reported for today 24 individuals were not fully vaccinated.  16 new cases were reported in the Winnipeg region with single digits in other regions including five in Northern health of which two were not fully vaccinated.  Of the total 58,681 reported cases 503 are active, 56,989 people have recovered and 65 are in hospital with 18 in intensive care.

             

Medical Lead with the Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer reported people without a Manitoba Health Card and are fully vaccinated can now apply for a vaccine card and the QR code at the same number you call for appointments 1-844-626-8222.

             

A total of just over 1.9 million doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.  A second draw for cash and scholarships is coming up for those who have had their second dose on or before September 6th.

First Aid Courses are Ongoing at the Northern Mining Academy in Flin Flon.

The Northern Mining Academy is offering Intermediate First Aid courses over the next three months.  The Academy’s Craig Cowper explains the Intermediate First Aid Course is a two day course taught using a face to face delivery and that includes CPR Level C and AED as well so the Mining Academy has released five training dates in September, October and November.  He notes they don’t have any additional dates for the one day Basic First Aid yet but watch soon and hopefully they will have some of those.

             

For information on cost or to register call Craig at 204-687-7038 or email crcowper@ucn.ca.

             

Cowper reminds you precautions such wearing masks and limiting classroom size to six participants are still in effect and mandatory full vaccination comes into effect November 1st.

 

Conservative Candidate Gary Vidal was in the Creighton Denare Beach Area Late Last Week as he Seeks Re-election in Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River.

Vidal says people don’t want this election but if we’re going to an election we need change in government.  He says he has met with people in this area several times and what he hears from people is that they often feel neglected and forgotten, they’re kind of at the end of the long Hanson Lake road so to speak and so what he’s tried to do is make sure they engage and build relationships with people and they advocate on the things that are important for them and he thinks they’ve had the opportunity to do that in the last couple of years.

             

Vidal adds the Conservatives have a very expansive Indigenous policy section in their platform which he had a large part in developing and he encourages people to look at it.  He says he will continue to advocate for all people in the riding if he is re-elected.

             

Other candidates in the riding are Liberal Buckley Belanger, NDP Harmonie King and Green Party Nasser Dean Chalifoux.

 

New Cases are Down in Manitoba and Up in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 31 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon keeping the five day test positivity rate at 2.8 percent.  Of the new cases 14 are in Southern health with single digits in other regions including four in Northern health.  Of the total 58,506 reported cases 430 are active, 56,887 people have recovered and 65 are in hospital with 21 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 258 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 177.  Of the new cases 12 are in Far North East Two with a total of 82 active cases.  Of the total 53,262 reported cases in the province 1753 are active, 50,913 people have recovered and 97 are in hospital.

Masks and Full Immunization Are Part of New Public Health Orders.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has announced the COVID-19 Delta variant has changed things and we must protect the nearly 230 thousand children who are not yet eligible for immunization.  He says effective tomorrow masks are required in all indoor public spaces including schools.  He also announced new requirements for people to be fully immunized to attend certain events and activities effective September 3rd including indoor and outdoor ticketed sporting events and concerts, indoor theatre dance and symphony events, restaurants both indoor and patio dining, nightclubs and other licensed premises, casinos bingo halls and VLT lounges, movie theatres, fitness centres gyms and indoor sporting and recreations facilities excluding youth recreations sport and organized indoor group recreational classes and activities and indoor recreational businesses noting children 11 and under who have not been immunized will be able to attend events and activities with fully immunized adults.

             

Roussin added we are now experiencing a pandemic of the non immunized and this will help encourage greater vaccine uptake to avoid further lockdowns and pressure on our health care system.

 

As College and University Students Resume Classes the Province will Be Re-opening its In-person Student Aid Services.

Manitoba Advance Education Minister Wayne Ewasko explains programs include Manitoba Student Aid which provides interest free student loans, the Manitoba Bursary Program which provides up front bursaries to Indigenous students and low income students and Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative which leverages institutional fundraising by providing matching provincial dollars for student awards.  He says they really need to highlight the fact that Manitoba Student Aid is here to help students who in some cases wouldn’t be going to post secondary education.  He notes over 254 million dollars was dispersed last year to over 17 thousand students.

              Manitoba Student Aid provides in person services starting September 7th as well as online and phone options, enhanced digital options for students and an enhanced website.  Information can be found online at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/msa.

A Grant and Donations Were Part of the Creighton Town Council Meeting Wednesday Night.

The Town of Creighton received confirmation last month that their application for a Northern Capital Grant has been approved.  The grant is for 36 thousand dollars and will be used to purchase an  air compressor for the Fire Department. Council also approved a request from the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce for a donation towards their annual radio auction which will take place October 23rd broadcast on CFAR.  The auction is the largest fundraiser that the Chamber does on behalf of the business community.  The Town of Creighton will be donating two family skate passes for the auction.  Council also agreed to donate 250 dollars to the Keewatin Community Development Association and Northland College supporting CORE Days which are held in La Ronge October 18 to 20th.

             

Mayor Bruce Fidler will bring the Town’s greetings this Saturday afternoon at Rotary Park as part of the opening ceremonies for the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration.

 

New COVID Cases Continue to Go Up In Southern Manitoba While Saskatchewan topped 53 Thousand Reported Cases.

Manitoba Public Health reported 201 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Monday keeping the five day test positivity rate at 2.8 percent.  They also reported one death in the Interlake Eastern region.  Of the 56 new cases reported today 22 were in the Southern region, 18 in Winnipeg and 10 in Northern health with single digits in the other regions. 50 cases are reported to be active in the Northern region. Of the total 58,479 reported cases 443 are active, 56,847 people have recovered and 65 are in hospital with 21 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 159 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 169.  Far North East Two reported six new cases bringing the active cases in the zone to 76. Of the total 53,004 reported cases in the province 1602 are active, 50,808 people have recovered and 104 are in hospital.

 

Plans for a Music Gathering Have Been Redone.

The Blueberry Jam Music Gathering Committee reports over the past week they reviewed critical items, resources available and the time left and decided the Music Gathering will run for one day only Saturday September 4th from 4 pm to midnight.  Their festival this year will offer on a single stage and on a single night nine full bands seven of them local.                                           

             

Because they don’t have the resources right now to manage the full capacity of the campground and stage area under current rules, they have gone with Order 11 under the August 5th public health orders.  This imposes a limit of less than 15 hundred people so with musicians, festival support and registered campers it leaves an audience of eight hundred people.  To reserve tickets go to www.showpass.com/blueberryjam21 and click on the RSVP button or find the link at www.www.flinflonartscouncil.ca or www.flinflononline.com  which will give you a QR code they will scan when you present it on your phone or printout.  They will not be checking vaccination status but will still encourage attendees to mask, use sanitizer and stay in their bubble.  They hope to return with a multiple stage three day festival next year. Interested volunteers can call the Arts Council office.

 

Back to School Preparations are Underway.

The Flin Flon School Division Board of Trustees is ready for another great year and welcomed back students and staff this past Tuesday at their regular meeting.  The Division is currently working on the logistics regarding bussing and seating plans for students in need.  Families with students who are eligible to catch the bus will be contacted or if you feel your child is eligible and haven’t been contacted call the Division office or your child’s school.  Plans for the upcoming year will be shared with families just before start up within a week or so.  Mask use has been mandated for the start of the year from K through 12.

             

Board Chair Murray Skeavington welcomed the Division’s new staff and hopes this year will be more consistent than last. The Division will be going back to 4 o’clock dismissal time as students return to class September 8th.  In closing the health and safety of the students and staff are the number one priority at all times.

             

For updated information visit the Division’s website www.ffsd.mb.ca or your child’s school Facebook page.

Eight Weeks of Fun Summer Activities for Kids Wraps Up Tomorrow.

Summer in the Parks which started July 5th for kids ages four to ten years old comes to a close tomorrow.  Assistant Supervisor Ashley Andersen says it was a really good summer.  She explains they had so much fun , did lots of fun activities, lots of fun excursions and they had an average of around 20 kids, sometimes they had more, sometimes a little less but around 20.  She adds their last day is going to be a huge birthday party with a bouncy castle, cake, all the fun stuff, a piñata, so it’s going to be a big celebration so they can go out with a bang.

             

Summer in the Parks is sponsored every summer by Flin Flon Parks and Recreation.

New COVID Cases Have Gone Up in Southern Manitoba While They Are Lower in Saskatchewan,

Manitoba public health reported 105 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.8 percent.  Of the new cases 41 are in the Southern region, 29 in Winnipeg, 20 in Interlake Eastern with only nine in Prairie Mountain and six in the Northern region.  Of the total 58,425 reported cases 412 are active, 56,824 people have recovered and 64 are in hospital with 19 in intensive care.

             

They also reported the vaccine super site in The Pas has now transitioned to a pop-up clinic at the same location. It will be open on Wednesdays from 1 to 8 pm.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 45 new cases bringing the seven day average to new cases to 172.  Of the new cases 17 are in Far North East Two with 65 cases now active.  Of the total 52,845 reported cases in the province 1528 are active, 50,725 people have recovered and 108 are in hospital.

 

A Tourism Focused COVID-19 Recovery Program Will Continue Into the Fall.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce reports more than 11 thousand Manitobans took advantage of their Tourism Rebate Incentive Program called TRIP.  They note that adds up to more than 93 hundred hotel room nights during the two week window as well as more than 25 hundred rebates on admission to Manitoba’s STAR attractions.  Chambers President Chuck Davidson has announced an additional 18 days of Manitoba adventures, road trips and staycations.

              The Phase Two TRIP program window opens today and closes Sunday, September 12th.  Manitoba residents aged 18 and over who have not yet participated in TRIP can upload proof of purchase receipts for eligible hotel motel stays as well as for attraction admission fees to www.tripmb.ca in order to access a 100 dollar hotel rebate or a 150 dollar rebate off the price of a specially designed hotel package as well as a 50 percent rebate off the price of general admission at one of 31 Manitoba Star Attractions.

              Davidson adds based on uptake during phase one the remaining TRIP rebate budget will likely be allocated fully by the time the three week phase two window closes.

The Prairies Director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business Has Outlined Their Stay Open Strategy.

With four out of five business owners in Manitoba concerned more COVID-19 lockdowns could impact their business in the fall the CFIB is calling on Canada’s premiers to adopt a Stay Open plan.

 

Jonathan Alward explains it’s about giving businesses and their staff, consumers even, confidence to know that we’re not going to resort once again to lockdowns or very very restrictive measures to deal with what might be a rise in case numbers again.  He says we have so many more tools now at our disposal that we didn’t have back in March 2020, most Manitobans are fully vaccinated, we have better masks and people by and large are relatively comfortable wearing masks in the work place or when they’re visiting a store as an example and we have lots of access to rapid testing which is another tool.

 

Alward says 87 per cent of independent business owners want their provincial governments to adopt a Stay Open plan to avoid further lockdowns.

 

This comes as the nation’s top doctor Teresa Tam announced the country is in the fourth wave of COVID-19, which includes surges of the more contagious Delta variant in Western Canada.

New Case Numbers in Manitoba Remain Steady While Saskatchewan is Re-Checking Some Test Results.

Manitoba public health reported 40 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.4 percent.  Of the new cases 19 were in Winnipeg and 10 in the Northern region with single digits in other regions. Of the total 58,322 reported cases 362 are active, 56,772 people have recovered and 64 are in hospital with 18 in intensive care

             

Saskatchewan health reported 1291 new cases from August 18th to 24th bringing the seven day average of new cases to 184.  There were 687 recoveries over that same time. The total of reported cases has now reached 52,800. Six new deaths were reported, 100 people are in hospital with 69 of them not vaccinated and 14 are in intensive care.

              The Saskatchewan government has identified a COVID-19 testing issue that has led to a large number of invalid results.  The issue is at the Romanow laboratory specifically impacting positive tests at several Regina long term care facilities.  The results have been classified as false positives after the residents were retested.

Vaccines Are Compulsory for Some Manitoba Workers and Politicians and Indoor Mask Use is Coming Back.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister notes more than 75.5 percent of Manitobans are fully vaccinated and case numbers are low in Manitoba but case counts around us are climbing so a fourth wave is inevitable.  That’s why he is announcing all front line provincial employees who work with vulnerable populations must be fully immunized by October 31st or undergo frequent COVID-19 testing.  He noted this includes health care providers, educational and early learning and child care providers, public servants and agencies who work in high risk settings and Manitoba Justice officials who work with vulnerable people and correctional facilities.  He adds as a government it is their expectation to lead by example so they will require all government staff in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to follow these policies including MLAs.

             

In addition the province will put indoor mask requirements in place across Manitoba in the coming days including in schools and will expand the list of activities and services that can only be accessed if an individual is fully immunized.

 

The Salvation Army Has Received Support for their Local Programs.

CFAR Manager Dianne Russell and Sales Rep Raphael Saray presented a cheque for two thousand dollars yesterday to Salvation Army Lieutenants Mark and Kelsie Burford and volunteer Mike Vancoughnett.  Russell noted the money was raised through CFAR’s 100 Grand in Your Hand Radio Contest which ran through the summer.  Lieutenant Mark stated they were very grateful when Dianne called them to let them know that she had organized a fund raiser for the Soup Days Lunch Break Programs that the Salvation Army does and he and his wife were blown out of the water really.  He noted they had just arrived and they already got a call saying that the community wants to donate and give back to those less fortunate so it’s going to a good cause and they’re excited to put this money into action.

             

Russell added the money was collected through sponsorship for the contest to support a needed area in our community with major sponsorship from Hudbay and North of 53 Co-op and collective sponsorship from over 25 local businesses.

You Can Celebrate with the Friendship Centre on Saturday.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is being celebrated by the Flin Flon Friendship Centre Saturday at Rotary Park.  Program Events Coordinator Tieryn Steele says they will have food and entertainment.  She explains they have an opening ceremony planned with a free barbeque to follow, they have live performances from local artists and their headliner Jesse Genaille out of Swan River and then there’ll also be a penny parade and 50-50 raffle and a free craft for children and they are encouraging people to bring their own blankets or chairs to sit on so they can enjoy the show.

             

The celebration runs from 12 to 4:30 Saturday afternoon at Rotary Park.

 

The Super Site in The Pas is Closing.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced 153 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Thursday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.3 percent. Of the 27 cases reported today five are in Northern health where 31 cases are active. Of the total 58,283 reported cases in the province 345 are active, 56,750 individuals have recovered and 63 are in hospital with 16 in intensive care.  Roussin says even with the vaccine people have to be aware of the fourth wave.  He explains we know that with the Delta variant people can have break through cases although much more rare than unvaccinated individuals and its very very rare to see fully vaccinated individuals that are having severe outcomes.  He adds vaccine is key to limiting the impacts of the fourth wave and limiting the nature of what further restrictions could be.

             

It was also announced the super site in The Pas is closing and will provide its last immunizations on Wednesday.  You can find information on vaccines on their website www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

 

The Manitoba Government is Making a Major Investment in Health Care.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has announced a capital investment of an estimated 812 million dollars for approximately 38 projects across the province. He explained this plan was developed and led by our clinical leaders and our public health system experts across the province of Manitoba.  He said these 38 projects will include some new facilities, they will also include renovations and expansion to existing ones, it will greatly reduce the need for many patients and their families to have to travel long distances for care by providing more services in the community closer to home.

              Manitoba’s Chief Nursing Officer Lanette Siragusa noted for rural and northern communities this investment in equipment, buildings, technology and health care professionals will mean greater access to health services locally with increased in home care and other supports that will reduce the need for travel and support Manitobans at home or in the community for longer.

 

Another New Mural Has Gone Up in Flin Flon.

A mural has been installed on the old pump house building at the corner of Main Street and First Avenue across from the Provincial Building.  The Arts Council’s Danielle Yungworth says the fall water scene is a local project. She explained she wants to give a huge shout out to their artist Mike Spencer who worked tirelessly on that thing and they had to deal with lockdown and not being able to get to the hobby shop to paint and it was such a process and he did an amazing job and their two main sponsors for that mural are Kathy Lofgren and Lenna Gownenlock two awesome women and they wanted to put something new and beautiful on Main Street and their other sponsors for that are the Arts Council, NorVa and Creative Manitoba.

             

A picture of the mural can be found at www.flinflononline.com.

             

This is the second mural put up recently following the installation of Spirit Back by Winnipeg artist KC Adams on the Arctic Beverages building as part of the Manitoba 150 Wall to Wall Mural and Culture Festival Rural Mural Tour that we reported on earlier this month.

 

The Returning Office is Open in Denare Beach.

The returning office for the federal election for the Creighton Denare Beach area is located at the back of the Denareplex in Denare Beach.  They will be operating on Manitoba hours so they are open from 10 am to 10 pm Manitoba time.

              They advise you can wait for the ballots to be printed or if you already know who you are voting for you can now drop in and pick up a mail in ballot or vote in the office by special ballot.  They also advise if you are from a different constituency in the country you can go to the office here to vote for someone in your home riding.

              For information you can call them at 1-306-812-0291.

              There are four candidates in Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River riding Liberal Buckley Belanger, Green Party Nasser Dean Chalifoux, NDP Harmonie King and Conservative Gary Vidal.

 

The New Democratic Party is Focusing on Mental Health Issues in the North.

In Flin Flon Friday NDP candidate in Churchill Keewatinook Aski Riding Niki Ashton said the NDP is making a priority of health care in the north and a big part of that is mental health and that’s why in the federal campaign the NDP are calling for mental health to be brought in under universal health care.  They want to make sure that Canadians not insured when it comes to health care can access counseling that they need.  She noted their bold pharmacare plan will also prioritize mental health meaning that the kinds of medications people need for mental health would be affordable when it comes to pharmacare.  She added their platform in terms of mental health prioritizes parinatal health that means the health care that parents particularly mothers need before and after they have their babies and while talking about that she wanted to make a clear committment they in the NDP will continue to fight to bring back birthing services here in Flin Flon.

              Ashton was joined at Pioneer Square by representatives of We Want Birth and Pride Flin Flon.

              Other candidates in the riding are Liberal Shirley Robinson from Cross Lake and Conservative Charlotte Larocque from Thompson.

Case Numbers Continue to go Up in Parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 44 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.1 percent.  Of the new cases 18 are in Southern health and 16 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including one in Northern health.  Of the total 58,176 reported cases 303 are active, 56,685 people have recovered and 62 are in hospital with 15 in intensive care. Manitoba is reporting a vaccine milestone with 75 percent of eligible residents having both doses and just over 81 percent have received at least one dose.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 244 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 146.  Of the new cases 17 are in Far North East Two with 63 cases active.  Of the total 52,065 reported cases 1381 are active, 50,098 people have recovered and 84 people are in hospital.

UCN Will Require Vaccinations for the Campus Community.

As of November 1st all students, faculty, staff and visitors must be vaccinated if they intend to be physically present at any of the University College of the North facilities. They note the decision to mandate vaccination for the campus community was made in collaboration with other Manitoba colleges and universities with support from the Government of Manitoba

             

President and Vice-Chancellor Doug Lauvstad says the fall term will see an increase in on campus activity and in person classes and its well known that vaccines are an important and effective tool in reducing the transmission and effects of COVID-19.

             

They add health and safety protocols including masks on campus, physical distancing and self-wellness checks are ongoing.  UCN will also host on campus vaccination clinics in partnership with public health for faculty, staff and students.

Rockcliff Has Expanded Its Holdings in the Snow Lake Area.

Rockcliff Metals Corporation has announced they have met all of the terms and conditions of the option agreement with Hudbay Minerals.  They now hold a 100 percent interest in the Bur property subject to a two percent Net Smelter Return Royalty granted to Hudbay. They note the 2007 resource estimate prepared by Hudbay estimates the Bur Zinc Copper Deposit hosts just over one million tonnes indicated grading 1.9 percent copper, 8.6 percent zinc, .05 grams per tonne gold, 12.1 grams per tonne silver and 300 thousand tonnes inferred.  The deposit remains open in all directions with an additional five thousand meters of favorable underexplored geology along strike of the deposit.

             

President and CEO Don Christie says their first priority is to prepare an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in order to incorporate the results from their very successful drill program at Bur carried out over the past four years.

New Cases of COVID-19 are Down a Bit in Manitoba But Up in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 88 new cases of COVID-19 since Monday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 1.9 percent.  They also reported one new death in the Winnipeg region.  Of today’s 27 reported new cases all regions are in the single digits with the Southern region the highest at nine and 8 in Winnipeg with only one new case in the Northern region.  Of the total 58,134 reported cases 297 are active, 56,649 people have recovered and 69 people are in hospital with 14 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 190 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 129.  Far North East Two reported one new case with 47 active.  Of the total 51,821 reported cases in the province 1203 are active, 50,032 people have recovered and 86 are in hospital.

 

Brush and Residential Incidents Were Part of the July Fire Report.

At their meeting Tuesday night Flin Flon City Council received the Fire Chiefs report for July. It indicated five calls during the month.  Two were to brush fires with the first on July 1st in the area where fireworks had been set off the day before.  They found several spot fires that were quickly extinguished. On the 9th a call reported smoke was coming from an area on the beach at Cliff Lake where crews found a campfire had been improperly put out and had begun to burn deep into surrounding areas.  They dug up and fully extinguished any possible fire.  They were called to two false alarms.  One was on Aspen Grove on the 10th where a renter had been burning candles too close to a smoke detector activating it and the other on Bay Avenue on the 21st where a faulty smoke detector was sending out a false signal.  And a car was destroyed by fire on the 2nd on Second Avenue.  They were advised a vehicle was on fire very close to a home. When they arrived the vehicle was fully engulfed but crews were able to contain the fire to the vehicle and extinguish it.

              Also during the month they received and put into service their new rescue boat and received a side by side for rescue operations and have trained on it and will begin mapping out trails.

 

An Upgraded Northern Provincial Highway will Connect North East Saskatchewan to Transportation Facilities in Manitoba.

Stakeholders in North East Saskatchewan are about to receive an economic boost as a 21.7 million dollar two year construction project is started on building Highway 55 connecting Nipawin to The Pas into an export corridor to northern Manitoba.  Gateway Keewatin Stakeholders report an Economic Impact Study by Stephen Johnson of Praxis Consulting helped to provide Stakeholder with key information to bring forward to the provinces on the economic and social benefits of having an export highway corridor into Northern Manitoba that connects the community owned Hudson Bay Railway at The Pas and the open Arctic Sea Port at Churchill. The study concluded investing in a 12 month dust free primary weight highway could lead to a 7.2 billion dollar increase to the GDP and 894 million dollars tax for the provinces as well as 1.9 billion dollar tax revenues for the Federal government over 20 years.  Further the social benefits include better access to health care, education and the potential of 12 thousand new direct, in direct and induced jobs.

             

Carrot River Mayor Roman Charko says this transportation infrastructure comes at a time when we need it the most to export our agriculture, forestry and mining products to global markets.

COVID Case Numbers Are Up in Northern Manitoba as is the Average of New Cases in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 37 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to two percent.  Of the new cases there are 11 in Southern health and 10 each in Winnipeg and Northern health with three each in Interlake Eastern and Prairie Mountain regions.  Of the total 58,108 reported cases 580 are active, 56,340 people have recovered and 68 are in hospital with 16 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 131 new cases bringing the five day average of new cases to 122.  Of the new cases four are in Far North East Two where there are 46 active cases.  Of the total 51,630 reported cases 1066 are considered active, 49,978 people have recovered and 82 are in hospital.

A Survey, Cross Walk and Airport Property Were Part of the Flin Flon City Council Meeting.

At their meeting last night City Council noted over 500 responses have been received from their Aqua Centre location survey. The City staff involved will discuss the survey and come back to Council with a recommendation.  Mayor Cal Huntley noted where the pool is located cannot be based on the survey alone but also on the ground, access to sewer and water and accessibility.

             

Council will request a cross walk be approved from Manitoba Infrastructure from the Walmart entrance road to the Tourist Bureau entrance because of all the vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area. Mayor Huntley noted the province will look into the need and if they deem there is not a need the city can put in a crosswalk at their own expense.

             

Council also resolved that the City of Flin Flon incorporate the existing Flin Flon Municipal Airport property into the City of Flin Flon boundaries. Mayor Huntley said they have some property out there that is prime real estate and they are in the preliminary stages of looking at how they can attract some development such as camp grounds, cottage lots or warehousing opportunities on the airport itself and even though they own the property unless they by resolution make it part of the City they couldn’t levy taxes and other fees.

The Economy and Small Business Recovery are the Top Election Issues for Businesses.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has released the results of a new survey of businesses.  The economy is the top issue small business owners want addressed in the upcoming federal election at 78 percent with small business recovery coming in second at 74 percent but less than a quarter of business owners are confident their concerns will receive enough attention.

             

The measures business owners want to see included in federal party platforms include a clear detailed economic recovery plan including improving COVID-19 relief programs and wage and rent supports for small businesses, plans to reduce the overall tax burden on small businesses, a commitment to control government spending and a timeframe for balancing the budget, a plan that ensures any future changes to Employment Insurance are made with small business in mind and policies to address labor and skills shortages.  The CFIB has launched a petition business owners can sign at www.cfib.ca/electionpetition to tell all federal parties what measures they want to see in their platforms.

 

Vaccines are Still the Focus in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan health reported 820 new cases of COVID-19 from August 11th to 17th bringing the seven day average of new cases to 117.  There are six new cases in Far North East Two with 41 cases active. There were 435 recoveries reported over the same time bringing the total of recoveries to 49,896.  The total of reported cases now stands at 51,499, 79 people are in hospital with 11 in intensive care and 61 of the people in hospital are not fully vaccinated.

             

As of today 76 percent of those 12 and over have received their first dose of vaccine and 66 percent are fully vaccinated.  All Saskatchewan residents 12 years and older are eligible for vaccination and the government of Saskatchewan is permitting the administration of additional doses of vaccine for Saskatchewan residents who may require them for international travel effective immediately.

The First Round is Over in the Vaccination Lottery in Manitoba.

The first set of seven winners in the Vax to Win Lottery has been announced with each of them winning 100 thousand dollars.  The winner in the Northern Health region is Bernell Lavallee from Easterville. The ten winners of the 25 thousand dollar scholarships will be announced soon.  The next lottery deadline is September 6th open to those who receive their second dose on or before that date.

             

Manitoba public health reported 24 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 1.8 percent.  Of the new cases 12 are in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including three in Northern Health.  Of the total 58,071 reported cases 565 are active, 56,318 people have recovered and 67 are in hospital with 13 in intensive care.

 

Flin Flon and Thompson Airports Will Benefit From Regional Funding.

Funding under the Regional Air Transportation Initiative will be coming to Flin Flon and Thompson to enable the airports to overcome challenges that were brought on by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The City of Flin Flon will receive just over 527 thousand dollars and the Thompson Regional Airport Authority just under 583 thousand.  Funding of 335 thousand dollars for The Pas Airport was announced earlier this month.

             

It was noted regional air transportation is key to the economic development of communities and businesses since it helps draw Canadians to rural and remote communities to work and raise their families while also providing reliable connectivity with urban centres.

 

Foran Mining Has Major Funding in Place.

Foran Mining has announced the completion of the strategic 100 million dollar private placement by certain entities controlled by Fairfax Financing Holdings Limited.  The net proceeds of the financing will be used to rapidly advance the development of the McIlvenna Bay Project and centralized mill for the Hanson Lake Project 65 kilometers west of Flin Flon as well as further exploration on the Company’s substantial land holdings, enable further investment in key technological and operational research and equipment and for general corporate purposes.

             

Executive Chair of Foran Dan Myerson says they appreciate the strong support as they pursue their vision to build Canada’s first carbon neutral copper mine in the emerging and prolific Hanson Lake District.  He adds this investment and partnership is a defining moment for Foran and one that will shape our future for many decades to come elevating us onto the world stage.

Reported cases of COVID Have Topped 58 Thousand in Manitoba.

Manitoba public health reported 102 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Thursday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 1.8 percent.  They also reported three new deaths with one each in Prairie Mountain, Winnipeg and Interlake Eastern Health regions. Of the 33 new cases reported today 20 are in the Winnipeg region with single digits in other regions including four in the Northern region.  Of the total 58,049 reported cases 591 are active, 56,271 individuals have recovered and 69 are in hospital with 12 in intensive care.

              Dr. Joss Reimer with the Vaccine Implementation Task Force says Universities can make decisions on mandatory vaccinations.  She explains on top of what the province decides to do in regards to mandatory vaccines the universities can make their own decisions as can businesses so what the expectations are for their students, employees and people who are going to be on site even without the province intervening that is something that’s available to universities to make that decision for the protection of their students and staff.

              Effective today anyone born on or before December 31st 2009 is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

A Prospecting Team is Expected on a Newly Acquired Property Near Snow Lake.

Far Resources has concluded an option agreement to acquire a 100 percent interest in the Jean Lake lithium gold project of Mount Morgan Resources Limited.  The 1002 hectare Jean Lake gold lithium project is located 15 kilometers east of Snow Lake on the Apex Peninsula in Wekusko Lake.

             

President and CEO John Gammack says together with their 3603 hectare Zoro Project which hosts their inferred resource of just over one million tonnes at 0.91 percent lithium oxide the 1002 hectare Jean Lake project gives them an attractive 4605 hectare exploration opportunity.  He adds the project location is adjacent to known high grade lithium and gold resources within a highly prospective geological environment.

             

Plans were finalize to be on the property starting August 18th.   Prospecting activities are being undertaken in preparation for a winter drill program that will test existing and any newly defined pegmatite targets from this summer’s prospecting.

There Will be Additional Support for Indigenous Children at Childrens Hospital.

The Childrens Hospital Foundation of Manitoba states it is committed to ReconciliAction in child health through the creation and work of an Indigenous Advisory Circle to the Foundation.  They point out the legacy of residential schools profoundly affects Indigenous People in all spaces including health care and in Manitoba Indigenous children are three to five times more likely to be affected by several diseases or conditions that require long term care which means visiting the HSC Children’s Hospital for years.

             

As part of their journey the Foundation created the Indigenous Advisory Circle which reached out to Indigenous leaders to learn the best approach for engaging the Indigenous community and supporting reconciliation efforts which led to recruiting the Foundation’s first Indigenous Board member Rebecca Chartrand.  She went on to lead and help form the Advisory Circle to the Hospital’s Foundation which is a group of leaders from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities across Manitoba who share their wisdom and counsel with the Foundation as it support culturally safe programming, resources and spaces in the hospital. You can support an Indigenous Healing Space at the Hospital at www.goodbear.ca/indigenoushealth.

Uncertainty about return to workplace plans contributed to declining mental health for Canadians in June.

That’s according to LifeWorks’ Mental Health Index in which a quarter of respondents stated they were unclear about their employer’s plan for work while another twelve per cent don’t believe that their employer has a plan.

Spokesperson Paula Allen says while the overall mental health of Manitobans has improved, they’ve also had the most tumultuous scores in the past year compared to the rest of the country.

She explains they have most of the provinces clustering fairly close together but Manitoba is really for lack of a better word volatile in the pattern so they had a really good improvement last July and August and then they had a really sharp decline in the health of Manitobans according to their index in November December and its really been very up and down.

 

Allen adds vaccination status did have an impact in the report as those who reported being partially vaccinated had more favourable mental health scores than those who haven’t been vaccinated.

 

Once Again There are no New COVID Cases in Northern Manitoba While Far North East Two Has Gone Up.

Manitoba public health reported 25 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 1.9 percent.  Of the new cases 13 are in the Winnipeg region with single digits in other regions and zero in Northern health.  Of the total 57,972 reported cases 586 are active, 56,201 people have recovered and 71 are in hospital with 11 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 122 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 98.  Of the total 51,034 reported cases 893 are active, 49,555 people have recovered and 73 are in hospital.  Nine new cases were reported in Far North East Two resulting in 40 active cases in that zone.

Your Input is Requested on a Location for the New Aqua Centre.

The City of Flin Flon is looking for your opinions and recommendations for the new Flin Flon Aquatic Centre location.  They point out their team has been working hard to ensure they choose the best possible location and services for our community.  They are asking you to fill out a survey.  It asks you to choose one of the proposed locations that include the existing location, Willowvale Park next to the zoo, Kingsway Boulevard, Whitney Forum, Riverside Creekside, Centoba, Foster Park or Princess Boulevard Park.  You can next select from a series of assets directly associated to your proposed location and add the reason you chose this location.

             

The link to the survey can be found on their website www.cityofflinflon.ca or on their Facebook page.

Hudbay Hit a Goal Early in Snow Lake.

Hudbay President Peter Kukielski has announced gold production has commenced at the New Britannia mill in Snow Lake.  He explained refurbishment activities at the gold mill were completed in June followed by commissioning and startup activities in July.  The mill achieved first gold production this past Wednesday ahead of the original schedule to produce first gold before the end of this year marking the beginning of the transition of the Lalor Mine to a primary gold operation. Kukielski also reported the company is completing construction of a new copper flotation facility at New Britannia which remains on track for commissioning and ramp up in the fourth quarter of this year. He noted after the successful ramp up of the high grade Pampacancha deposit their Peru operations achieved record gold production in the second quarter and are on track for higher copper and gold production in 2022.  He says they expect to see increased cash flows from these higher return investments beginning in the second half of this year.

Telepsychiatry is Coming to Remote Areas in Manitoba.

The Manitoba government is investing more than 342 thousand dollars to provide emergency telepsychiatry assessments to rural emergency departments and First Nations communities without current access to these services.  Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Minister Audrey Gordon says telepsychiatry delivers real time care through secure videoconferencing.  She adds this investment will ensure people experiencing mental health issues can have access to psychiatric support that is timely, efficient and reliable.  It means people can access the care they need close to home while continuing to receive support from their friends and family members.

             

They plan to have this in place this fall and in the meantime they want Manitobans to express their views on services at engagemb.ca as well as at a public consultation in the fall.

Reported COVID Cases In Manitoba Are Approaching 58 Thousand While Saskatchewan Approaches 51 Thousand.

Manitoba public health reported 101 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Tuesday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.6 percent.  They also reported two new deaths with one each in the Winnipeg and Southern health regions. Of the 34 new cases reported today 19 were in the Winnipeg region with single digits in other regions including one in Northern health. Of the 57,951 reported cases 586 are active, 56,181 people have recovered and 75 are in hospital with11 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan public health reported 141 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 93.  Of the total 50,912 reported cases 793 are considered active, 49,533 people have recovered and 69 are in hospital.  Far North East Two reported eight new cases with a total of 34 active cases in the zone.

Mining and Exploration Activity is Expanding in the Snow Lake Area.

In releasing Hudbays second quarter 2021 financial report President Peter Kukielski updated their operations in the Snow Lake area. He says that includes completing the  copper flotation circuit before the end of the year, continue their work on executing the third phase of their Snow Lake gold strategy including the preparation to ramp up to 53 hundred tonnes per day at Lalor, the recovery improvement program at the Stall Mill and they’ll also continue their exploration program in the Chisel Basin.

             

Kukielski also reported refurbishments at the New Britannia gold mill were completed in June and commissioning and startup activities occurred in July with the mill expected to achieve first gold production this month. In their 2021 winter drill program in the Chisel Basin the copper gold rich feeder of the 1901 deposit was discovered and high grade zinc and gold mineralization was confirmed through infill and extension drilling. Hudbay`s summer program includes surface mapping and ground geophysics to identify both base metal and gold targets as well as a follow up limited drill program on a new target identified immediately north of the Lalor mine from a borehole survey completed in February.

A Manitoba 150 Mural Has Been Installed in Flin Flon.

Manitoba 150 announced in the spring Flin Flon would receive an outdoor mural as part of their Wall to Wall Mural and Culture Festival Rural Mural Tour.  The mural titled Spirit Back by artist KC Adams has now been installed on the front of Arctic Beverages on Green Street. She is a Nehiyaw, Anishinaabe and British artist now living in Winnipeg who works in several mediums and has received major awards for her work. In her description of Spirit Back Adams writes: “The work reflects my learning relationships between land, ancestral knowledge, memory and the sacredness of water. I used the imagery of birch bark and porcupine quills because of its connection to the natural world and technology in making cultural objects, canoes, baskets and sunglasses.  However they were more than just utilitarian objects, they held knowledge bundles (traditional teachings) passed onto the next generation.”

              You can see a picture of the mural under news at www.flinflononline.com or in person on the front of Arctic Beverages on Green Street.

There are No New Cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Health Region With Eight in Far North East Two Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 36 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.8 percent.  Of the new cases 13 were in Southern region, 12 in Winnipeg, 10 in Interlake Eastern, one in Prairie Mountain and zero in the Northern region where there are now 77 active cases.  Of the total 57,923 reported cases 583 are active, 56,157 people have recovered and 77 are in hospital with 13 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 92 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 81.  Of the total 50,771 reported cases 682 are considered active 49,505 people have recovered and 65 are in hospital.  Far North East Two reported eight new cases with a total of 31 active cases.

 

Information and Local Area Products Can Be Found in One Place.

The Flin Flon Arts Council is managing a new The Water and The Wild Pop Up Information Centre next to their Uptown Emporium.  The Council’s Crystal Kolt encourages you to drop in and see what they offer and what you can learn about this area.  She explains it was really created to support The Water and The Wild Committee and The Water and The Wild branding that the Arts Council felt they could help out with and if people are roaming around Main Street and wanted to learn more about what is happening in the three communities they could help them with that information and direct them if they wanted to go to the Museums or whatever with all the amazing things that happen in the area.

              The Water and the Wild Information Centre is at 78 Main Street and is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 5.

Preparations Are Underway for a Mine Closure in Flin Flon.

In Hudbay’s second quarter financial report President and CEO Peter Kukielski reported on Manitoba operations. He explained overall production in Manitoba in the second quarter was lower than the first quarter primarily as a result of COVID-19 related absences and interruptions at their Snow Lake and Flin Flon operations, a scheduled maintenance shutdown at Lalor and a temporary suspension of operations at Lalor at the end of June to investigate a fatal incident.

             

Kukielski added the Triple Seven Mine in Flin Flon is now within one year of closure and the focus continues to be mining out the remaining reserves by executing the mine production sequence and completing the necessary ground rehabilitation in order to access old working and remnant stopes. He said the mine and zinc plant will be closed and processing facilities will be put on care and maintenance. He also noted Huday has reached new three and a half year collective bargaining agreements with four of its six unions in Manitoba effective July 1st 2021 and continues its efforts to advance the collective bargaining process with the remaining two unions in Manitoba.

New Cases are Up in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 31 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.7 percent.  Of the new cases 14 are in the Winnipeg region with single digits in other regions including four in Northern health.  Of the total 57,891 reported cases 580 are active, 56,127 people have recovered and 81 are in hospital with 14 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 536 new cases from August 4th to 10th bringing the seven day average to 77.  A total 50,679 cases have been reported and there were 368 recoveries in that time.  They also reported six new deaths.  There are 62 people in hospital with 13 receiving intensive care.   75 percent of those 12 and over have received their first dose of vaccine and 66 percent are fully vaccinated.

 

Rock Cliff is Moving Forward with Part of their Exploration Program.

Rockcliff Metals Corporation has provided an update on their exploration program in the Snow Lake region.  The 2.5 million dollar fully funded drill program is now permitted to begin at the Copperman Property where five thousand metres of drilling is planned to begin this month.

             

President Don Christie reported extreme wildfire activity in the Snow Lake area resulted in the Manitoba government restricting exploration activities in the region including the recently announced drill program at their Tower Prospect as well as their planned airborne flying.  He says their Copperman drill permit has just been reinstated with drilling to commence shortly adding while they are disappointed their other exploration programs have been curtailed for now they intend to resume as soon as all other permits are reinstated.

             

Management has concluded that leasing the Bucko Mill no longer represents the best option available for processing ore from their multiple deposits so they will move to portable onsite milling facilities representing better value for money and more long term milling certainty.

 

The North is Benefiting from Provincial Re-opening Steps.

With the province loosening restrictions for Phase Three of the reopening plan the Northern Health Region spoke to Arctic Radio to go over what this means for the north.

,A medical officer of health with the authority Dr. William Libich says residents can see the announcement of Phase Three as good news.

Libich explains the new orders will set the stage for a wider reopening down the line and provide a greater sense of normalcy.

He talked about what northerners can expect from the updated public health orders noting once again we have our families and friends over for a visit, we can attend a retail store without having that ridiculous long line up outside or restrictions on how many can enter the store, you can go to a restaurant with almost no restrictions, you can attend a much needed sporting event, movie or even have a haircut.  He says some restrictions are still going to be in place, for example the northern travel orders will remain and one of the conditions there is those travelling to the north if they’re not fully immunized and they don’t otherwise have an exemption they’re expected to isolate for 14 days and that’s to protect northerners.

Libich adds while wearing masks will no longer be required it’s still recommended that people wear them especially those who haven’t been vaccinated.

 

COVID Related Numbers Continue to go Up In Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan health reported 54 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the seven day average of new cases to 71. Of the new cases Far North East Two reported zero leaving the total of active cases at 24.  Of the total 50, 614 reported cases 650 are considered active, 49,831 people have recovered and 55 are in hospital.

             

With the number of cases rising again in Saskatchewan the Ministry of Health is reporting those new cases and serious outcomes from those cases are overwhelmingly among unvaccinated people.  More than 90 percent of all new cases and hospitalizations in July were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and nearly 100 percent of deaths were unvaccinated.

             

Those who would like a record of their COVID-19 vaccinations can access a printable Vaccination Record with more information at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-proof.

Eligible Students Will Be Able to Get Vaccinated at School.

Manitoba public health reported 128 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Friday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.5 percent.  They also reported one new death in the Winnipeg region.  Of the 25 new cases reported today there are eight each in Southern and Winnipeg regions with lower numbers in other regions including four in Northern health.  Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Jazz Atwal says once fully immunized you should apply for your Immunization Card.  He explains subsequently when you’ve had those two doses it’s important to be able to prove that vaccination as there are some things in Manitoba right now that require that vaccination status that only allows fully vaccinated individuals to partake in.  He says you can see from the travel side fully vaccinated individuals are able to do more than non-vaccinated people as well.

            

  It was also noted this fall focused immunization teams will attend schools with students 12 to 17 years of age to provide first and second doses beginning with schools where there are lower immunization rates adding this will help reduce barriers and bridge gaps in vaccine uptake among youth.

 

The COVID-19 Vaccine is Coming to a Location Near You.

The Northern Health Region is using a number of methods to encourage vaccination against COVID-19 like community outreach including some door to door visits in the community.  CEO Helga Bryant says the vaccine not only protects you but everyone you’re in contact with so they are making it easier for you to get it.  She explains right now they actually have nurses going around the community of Flin Flon from door to door, some into businesses and they’re just going to where people are to give them every opportunity to get the first dose if they haven’t done that and to get a second dose if they’ve already had their first, so they’ll be wearing colorful vests, they’ll have ID and they are legitimate and they are immunization nurses that are going around trying to get everybody vaccinated.

             

Bryant adds the campaign will be ongoing and she reminds you to continue to follow the three Ws wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

 

New Democrats Accuse the Liberals of Cutting Help to Seniors.

In a release the NDP state many seniors in Canada have been shocked to learn their Guaranteed Income Supplement has been partially or completely cut after receiving CERB or CRB.  They report seniors who have been incredibly hard hit by this pandemic are now struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table because of this undisclosed rule by the Liberal government.

             

Northern Manitoba NDP Member of Parliament Niki Ashton says seniors have been disproportionately affected by this pandemic and deserve a government that will help them when they need it, instead the Liberals are cutting a big chunk of their monthly income.

             

NDP Member of Parliament Daniel Blaikie sent a letter to Liberal Ministers asking them to find an urgent solution to this problem and as of end of the week he had not received a response.

 

Improvements are Coming to The Airport in The Pas.

Just over four million dollars from the federal Regional Air Transportation Initiative will go seven airports in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to enable them to overcome challenges that were brought on by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In Manitoba 335 thousand dollars will go to the airport in The Pas.

             

Mayor Herb Jaques states small community connectivity is vital for both our economy and our residents.  As the operator of a regional airport they appreciate any help they can get as it lessens the burden on them and their taxpayers and allows them to remain connected. 

             

In Saskatchewan 300 thousand dollars will support the La Ronge airport where Mayor Colin Ratushniak says it will not only help a critical asset in their region recover from COVID it will help improve the competiveness of their airport and speed up the recovery timelines. The Prince Albert airport will also receive 300 thousand dollars.

The Test Positivity Rate Has Dropped Below Two Percent in Manitoba While Cases are Up a Bit in Saskatchewan

Manitoba public health reported 29 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 1.9 percent.  Of the new cases 15 are in Interlake Eastern and 10 in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions including zero in Northern Health where there are 84 active cases.  Of the total 57,764 reported cases 538 are active, 56,042 people have recovered and 92 are in hospital with 15 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 87 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 54.  Of the new cases only one is in Far North East Two where there are 15 active cases.  Of the total 50,338 reported cases 549 are considered active, 49,207 people have recovered and 57 are in hospital or intensive care.

 

You Can Win With the Fastest Duck.

The Freedom Outreach Program is sponsoring a Duck Race September 18th.  The Program’s Ben Luc says the race will run in Flin Flon Creek along Riverside Drive starting at 2 o’clock so they’ll be expecting the ducks to come across the finish line at Wallace Avenue bridge.  He explains the goal of this duck race is to raise money for the Ministry of Freedom Outreach which helps men overcome life controlling addictions.  He notes they’re situated out at Denare Beach and he’s a graduate of the program so it’s close to home for him.

              One thousand tickets have been printed and they are available at the Gateway, Northern Rainbows End and the Orange Toad.  The prize is a 2021 Polaris Outlaw 110 cc quad.

Take Precautions to Protect Yourself From Wildfire Smoke.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Northern Health Region Dr. Michael Isaac has advice on wildfire smoke safety.  If you’re in your car you can keep your windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate to limit the amount of outdoor smoke coming in as well.  If you have family members that are sensitive to the effects of smoke keep an eye on them to make sure they are okay and for those individuals out there who have medication for lung conditions like asthma, bronchitis or COPD make sure that you’re taking your medication as prescribed.

             

Isaac adds at home keep your windows and doors closed as long as the temperature is comfortable and set your heating and cooling system on recirculation so you’re not bringing in too much outside air.

Manitoba Kindergarten to Grade 12 Student Will Return to Classes With a Safe Re-Opening Plan in September.

 Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says with lower case numbers and increasing vaccination numbers schools will be able to return to full time in person learning on September 7th with some health and safety measures still in place including recommended mask use.  He explains they’re strongly urging people to follow public health guidance which includes wearing masks when indoors, staying home when sick, wash your hands adding this transition from public health restrictions to public health guidance will take time but they know there’s so much benefit to having our children in class full time.  That supports their health and safety as well as their mental health and wellbeing and how they learn so this plan makes all those things a priority along with the vaccinations.

Roussin noted there will be a focus on additional mental health supports and immunization of school age youth and public health officials will continue to monitor local conditions closely. Further information can be found at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/schools.

The Spread of COVID-19 is at Low to Moderate Levels in Manitoba.

Manitoba public health officials advise the level in the Pandemic Response System is moving from restricted orange to caution yellow effective Saturday.  This reflects that the spread of COVID-19 is at low to moderate levels.

             

They reported 54 new cases since Tuesday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.1 percent.  They also reported two new deaths with one each in the Winnipeg and Interlake Eastern regions with each of these regions also reporting 22 of the new cases.  Other regions reported new cases in the single digits including one in Northern health.

             

Of the total 57,739 reported cases 528 are active, 56,028 people have recovered and 91 are in hospital with 17 in intensive care.

A Legacy Project Has Been Dedicated on Main Street.

Co-President of the Chamber of Commerce and General Manager of CFAR Dianne Russell led the official dedication of Music on Main Street at Pioneer Square yesterday afternoon as a Legacy Project for Doug and Dona O’Brien.    She explained……

 

              “A couple of years ago my mom Dona O’Brien got the ball rolling with a sizable cheque and support for the idea. My dad Doug O’Brien was passionate about many things but the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street and community radio were some of his top priorities and with my mother leaving the community it was time to honor the legacy of these two people.  As soon as I threw the idea out Hudbay jumped on board by matching my mom’s donation.  Then the City Flin Flon threw their in their support and my sister Karen O’Brien and brother Tom O’Brien with CFAR did the same.  From there it grew.  Someone else who was passionate about this idea and also Main Street was Colleen McKee and the project is being finished this summer in memory of her as well.”

             

Russell added they are in the final stages of completing Music on Main Street as by the end of summer the remaining six sets of speakers will be installed, speakers will be moved to new positions and new music data bases will be in creation.

Several members of the family attended the dedication.

You Can Shop at the Sportex Tomorrow and Saturday.

The Creighton Annual Home Business Show is being held tomorrow and Saturday at the Creighton Sportex.  Recreation Director Channa Senyk says they have 48 tables this year and you will find all those businesses that you’ve been shopping online with over the winter and they are really happy to get out and meet you in person and show you their products.  She notes they have a few companies coming in from out of town as well as many local companies as well.

             

Senyk adds they also have local organizations out to sell their tickets.

             

The Home Business Show is open tomorrow from 6 to 9 and Saturday from. 10 to 5 in the Creighton Sportex.

COVID Numbers Continue to go Down in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 17 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.3 percent.  None of the new cases were reported in the Northern health region with a total of 85 active cases in the region.  Of the total 57,706 reported cases in the province 515 are active and 56,010 people have recovered and 94 are in hospital with 18 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health did not release a complete report but noted there are 50.181 total reported cases, 49,119 have recovered and 56 are in hospital or intensive care. There are 64 active cases in Far North East.

Flin Flon City Council Continues to Work at Improvements to the Community.

After recently launching their paving and sidewalks project and receiving federal and provincial funding for a new Aqua Centre Council is now looking at a water and sewer upgrade project.  At their meeting last night council approved their request for financial assistance from the Manitoba Water Services Board to conduct water and sewer upgrades.  The cost sharing project would deal with issues in the Aspen Grove area to prevent back flow into basements which has been an ongoing problem.

             

Mayor Cal Huntley reminds you it has been very hot and dry so the fire ban remains in effect in the Flin Flon area.  Councillor Tim Babcock advised follow the warnings about all terrain vehicles as bush areas are extremely dry.  If you go into the bush you need a permit.  Mayor Huntley added if you travel make sure all your routes are clear before leaving.  He noted seek reliable information on fires and if a legitimate risk should develop to our community notices will go out from the City. The City’s emergency response plan is reviewed with those responsible on  regular basis.

Work Continues to Approve a COVID-19 Vaccine for Children.

Medical Lead for the Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer says it will be a while before research is completed on a vaccine for children under 12. She explains the latest update they’ve heard from Pfizer is still that they’re expecting to have results at the earliest in late September or possibly early October but even they don’t know the exact date at this time but once they have those results they plan to submit to Health Canada for approval so her anticipation would be that the earliest to expect new approvals would be in October but there is a lot of possible changes to the date depending on what Pfizer finds in their study and how quickly Health Canada can review things so it is really an estimate only at this point.

             

80 percent of Manitobans 12 and over have received the first dose and 75 percent are expected to have received their second dose over the next week.

Intensive Care Numbers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan Continue to Drop.

Manitoba public health reported 101 new cases of COVID-19 over the long weekend bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.6 percent.  They also reported three additional deaths with one in Southern health and two in the Winnipeg region.  Of the new cases 49 were in Winnipeg and 24 in Interlake Eastern with lower numbers in other regions including seven in Northern health.  Of the total 57,691 reported cases 528 are active, 55,982 people have recovered and 95 are in hospital with 19 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 175 new cases from July 31st to August 3rd bringing the seven day average of new cases to 48. They reported no new deaths. There were 179 recoveries reported.  There are 58 active cases in Far North East.  The total number of vaccines administered in the province is just over 1.4 million with almost 12 thousand delivered over this time period. As of August 3rd there are 58 people in hospital with 10 in intensive care.

Manitoba is Moving to the Next Stage in its Summer Re-Opening Plan.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced changes in the public health orders effective 12:01 Saturday morning noting some sectors can be open without restrictions including indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences, gyms and fitness centres, libraries, personal services such as hair and nail salons, day camps, retail businesses, markets, garden centres and malls and other sectors will have some restrictions all be it loosened. That includes restaurants, museums, galleries, concert halls and overnight camps and you can find more at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

             

Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 public health strongly recommends wearing masks in indoor public spaces for everyone not fully immunized including children under 12 and maintaining physical distancing of two meters in indoor settings.

Drilling West of Flin Flon Continues to Deliver Impressive Grades and Widths.

Foran Mining Corporation has announced its infill drill program at the McIvenna Bay deposits 65 kilometers west of Flin Flon is now complete.  Results include 13.6 meters of continuous mineralization grading 2.50 percent copper equivalent.  Two of the holes were located along the upper plunge line of the deposit while the other two were targeting the central part of the deposit. They report all holes intersected wide zones of continuous mineralization with the widths and grades encountered continuing to bode well for future resource upgrades.

             

Executive Chair for Foran Dan Myerson says the results reported to date suggest they will be able to upgrade a considerable portion of existing inferred material for the upcoming revised resource estimates which should bode well for mine life extension with the release of their feasibility study in the fourth quarter this year. He added they have recently turned their focus to a 25 thousand meter near mine expansionary and helicopter supported regional exploration program.

You Can Get a Rebate for Your Staycation.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has announced the launch of TRIP.  The Tourism Rebate Incentive Program is designed to support our tourism industry that will benefit Manitobans travelling locally.

             

Manitoba residents touring the province from now until August 16th may be eligible for rebates on accommodations as well as 50 percent off Star Attraction admission fees. The rebates include a 100 dollar rebate on a one night stay at qualifying hotels and motels or up to a 150 dollar rebate on a hotel designed package. Manitobans 18 and over wishing to submit qualifying receipts to the Tourism Rebate Incentive Program will have until August 23rd to do so.

             

To access complete TRIP eligibility details go to www.tripmb.ca and click on Terms and Conditions.

Fines Continue to be Handed Out Including a Federal Offense for Breaking Public Health Orders.

The Manitoba government reports a total of 59 warnings and 10 tickets were issued for the week of July 19th to 25th.  That includes five 1296 dollar tickets to individuals, three 298 dollar tickets to individuals for failure to wear a mask in an indoor public place, one 5 thousand dollar ticket to a business and one 8550 dollar ticket under the Federal Quarantine Act.

             

Manitobans are advised conservation and park patrol officers are enforcing public health and state of emergency orders within provincial parks.

             

Since enforcement began in April 2020 a total of 5204 warnings and 2071 tickets have been issued resulting in more than 2.8 million dollars in fines to businesses and individuals.

 

 

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