Local News Archives for 2021-09

New Cases are up Again in Manitoba While More Vaccinations Are Needed in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 114 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to three percent. Of the new cases 44 are in Southern health, 25 in Winnipeg and 21 in Northern health where there are 108 active cases with lower numbers in other regions.  Of the total 60,443 reported cases 668 are active, 58,564 people have recovered and 86 are in hospital with 20 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 394 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 467. Dr. Saqib Shahab says more people need to get vaccinated. He notes this is a pandemic of the unvaccinated and it’s burning through networks of friends and families who are primarily unvaccinated and it’s spilling over into schools as well primarily from households that have unvaccinated members in the households.

              Far North East Two reported 19 new cases bringing active cases to 94.

 

You Can Talk With Books During Culture Days.

Plans are developing for Human Books at the Flin Flon Public Library as part of Culture Days.  Administrator Lisa Slugoski says they have three guests lined up to come in starting Thursday of next week.  She notes on Thursday, October 7th Ranjit Soman will be speaking about his life as a Lieutenant Commander in the Indian Navy and being a test pilot for jet fighter planes with over two thousand hours of flying, on Thursday October 14th they’ve got Bill Hanson who will be presenting remotely talking about growing up in Flin Flon and navigating life with six sisters and then their final Human Book is on Thursday, October 21st with Leslie Beck Part Two and she will be continuing her talk from last year and speaking about being a female RCMP officer in the north.

             

The Human Books will be at the Library at 7 o’clock on each of the nights.  You are asked to pre-register to attend by calling the Library at 1-833-960-3519.  Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required and masks must be worn at the event.

 

This is Concussion Awareness Week in Canada.

The week is set to encourage everyone to get involved in preventing, recognizing, and managing concussions.

 

Any blow to the head, face, or neck as well as a blow to the body that jars the head could cause a concussion.

 

The President and CEO of Sport Manitoba Janet McMahon shares the signs that indicate a person has a concussion. She explains most of the time they’re usually things like you don’t feel right, you feel like you might be in a fog, you have a hard time falling asleep, might be more emotional, a bad headache, sensitivity to light and that’s the problem, there’s lots of signs and symptoms so it’s difficult to diagnose which is why they are really encouraging people to get help or get checked out if they feel they have had a brain injury.

 

McMahon urges those who may be experiencing symptoms of a concussion to speak to a trusted person so that they can manage the injury as soon as possible.

 

Sport Manitoba is hosting a free workshop for athletes, parents, coaches, and sports administrators about concussion awareness this evening from 6 to 7:30.

 

Visit www.sportmed.mb.ca/concussion to register.

New Case Numbers Are Lower in Manitoba While Proof of Vaccination is Coming to Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 42 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.8 percent.  Of the new cases 17 were in the Southern health region and 16 in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions including three in the Northern region where there are 87 active cases.  Of the total 60,333 reported cases in the province 613 are active, 58,509 people have recovered and 82 are in hospital with 19 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 3303 new cases from September 22nd to 28th bringing the seven day average of new cases to 472.  3284 recoveries were reported over the same time and 311 people are in hospital with 65 in intensive care. 240 of the people in hospital are not fully vaccinated.  Effective Friday proof of vaccination or a negative test result will be required in Saskatchewan for public access to a range of businesses, event venues as well as for all government of Saskatchewan ministry, crown and agency employees.

 

Six Local Organizations Will Benefit From Grants.

Re Uz It accepts donations of gently used items they sell to support local groups and organizations.  Manager Kathy McCormick has presented cheques to six organizations totaling three thousand dollars in grants available this year.

             

The Public library received one thousand dollars to help make their building more accessible, Norman Community Services 550 to purchase a new mattress and bedding, North Star Quilt Guild 500 to purchase material to produce quilts they donate to local organizations, the SPCA 350 dollars to extend the roof of their shelter over the small dog pen, Flin Flon Guidance Nursery 350 dollars for art supplies and cleaning supplies and Women’s Resource Centre 250 dollars to help make their building a more welcoming place for women to come for counseling.

The Importance of the Forests That Surround Us in the North Was Recognized Last Week.

The Saskatchewan government declared last week National Forest Week with the theme Our Forests-Continually Giving.  The week highlights the important role that provincial forests play both in terms of the economy and environmental sustainability.

             

Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre says the government’s recent announcements of timber allocations for new mills and expansions will increase production, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and help them reach their growth plan goals to double the forestry sector by 2030. That includes One Sky Forest Products which is set to build a new Oriented Strand Board Mill in Prince Albert enhancing Indigenous economic and labor development opportunites.

             

Forested land covers 34 million hectares in Saskatchewan, more than half the province.  Every spring approximately seven million trees are planted in the province.  Forestry is northern Saskatchewan’s largest sector supporting eight thousand jobs and hundreds of businesses.  In 2020 the industry produced more than 1.1 billion dollars in sales which was an increase of nearly 30 percent compared to the previous year.

 

There No New Cases in Far North East Two

Saskatchewan health reported 396 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the seven day average of new cases to 461.  Of the new cases there were none in Far North East Two which has 82 active cases and includes Creighton, Flin Flon Saskatchewan, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Sandy Bay. Of the total 65,897 reported cases in the province 4788 are active, 60,437 people have recovered and 289 are in hospital.

 

New Case Numbers Continue to Climb in Southern Manitoba.

Manitoba public health reported 366 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Thursday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.7 percent.

               

Chief Public Health officer Dr Brent Roussin says this fourth wave is a concern but was expected.  He says we see what’s been happening in our neighbors to the west so we knew that we were certainly at risk of seeing that and we know that despite relatively high vaccine uptake province wide we know there were pockets of relatively low vaccinated individuals and that put us at risk for a fourth wave and we’re starting to see those trends eventualize now.

             

Of the 366 cases 150 are in Southern health and 108 in Winnipeg with much lower numbers in other regions including 25 in the Northern health region.  Of the total 60,294 reported cases 646 are active, 58,439 people have recovered and 77 are in hospital with 19 in intensive care.

 

Hudbay Has Collective Agreements With Unions in Manitoba.

Hudbay has announced new three and a half year collective agreements have been ratified by members of the United Steelworkers Local 7106 and United Steelworkers local 9338. Members of the other four unions at Hudbay’s Manitoba operations ratified their respective three and a half year collective agreements in July.  This completes the collective bargaining process with all six of the company’s unions in Manitoba.

 

The Whitney Forum Will Become More Accessible.

Recreation Director Andrew Smith says they are working on making the Whitney Forum more open to the whole community.  He explains they’re working on their accessibility and active aging stuff for the Whitney Forum right now and in addition they do have a new vaccination area where inspectors are working with the population to ensure that the Whitney Forum is safe and they are also working on making improvements to the lobby and concession area to make it more modernized.

             

Accessibility improvements include wheel chair access and other improvements at the entrance, a wheelchair seating section and accessible seating for people with other mobility issues, a handicapped accessible washroom, yellow stripes on the edge of steps to assist the visually impaired and they are looking at a possible lift to the lobby.  The concession is now run by Top Shelf Bistro offering more menu items at the Forum and to the community.  Smith mentioned they have also applied for Federal accessibility grants to make improvements at the Community Hall.

Concerns Are Being Raised About Metal Concentrations in Camp and Kississing Lake.

The Manitoba Metis Federation reports they took samples of the water and sediment at both Camp Lake and Kississing Lake. They were then analyzed at ALS Laboratory in Winnipeg.  The results found high levels of metals that could affect the animals and people who rely on the lakes.

             

They report the contaminants are from a copper zinc and sulphide ore mine near Sherridon that shut down operations 70 years ago and was cleaned according to the standards of the day.  Since then contaminants have devastated Camp Lake turning the water orange.  Now the MMF recent tests have revealed contaminants from Camp Lake have made their way into Kississing Lake.

             

President David Chartrand says there once was a barrier between Camp and Kississing Lakes but now water flows between the two.  He adds many Metis citizens reside in Sherridon and Cold Lake as well as nearby communities that use the lake and many have relied on the surrounding wildlife to put food on their family’s table for generations.  He says mitigation efforts have failed and they are now forced to call on the governments of Canada and Manitoba to act before it’s too late.

 

Reported Cases in Manitoba Have Hit 60 Thousand as Numbers Remain High in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 60 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to two percent.  Of the new cases 24 were in Southern health and 16 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including five in Northern health where 74 cases are active.  The Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district reports eight active cases.  Of the total 60 thousand reported cases in the province 499 are active, 58,294 people have recovered and 66 are in hospital with 15 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 527 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 478. Of the new cases 10 are in Far North East Two bringing active cases there to 106. Of the total 64,402 reported cases 4734 are active, 59,005 people have recovered and 276 are in hospital.

             

Saskatchewan has now reached 80 percent of all eligible residents receiving their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 71 percent receiving two doses

Flin Flon Womens Safe Haven Resource Centre Continues to Support Women and Children in our Community and Surrounding Areas.

At their 23rd annual meeting last night Executive Director Laurie Sealey reported this past year we have seen a lot of changes in the world around us.  She noted they host many events like Take Back the Night, Candle Light Vigil, REDress, International Women’s Week and Christmas Craft Sale that they are looking forward to getting back to and being able to bring people back together and encourage each other in these uncertain times.

             

Sealey thanked the dedicated group of individuals holding positions on their Board and their dedicated and hard working staff adding the kindness of the community shines through in the help they receive. She added as an organization that relies on the help of fundraising to offset the cost of running a shelter and interim housing they will be posting and advertising some new fund raiser ideas in the near future and also welcome volunteers who are willing to give of their time.

             

They filled five positions on their board with Katie Kawerksi for three years and one year terms for Jodi Pawlachuk, Amanda Fleury, Lisa Leutshaft and Sophia Charuk.

You Can Shop in the Park This Weekend.

Culture Days will again feature a Wild Things Outdoor Market tomorrow and Sunday from 12 to 6 in Creekside Park.  The Flin Flon Arts Council’s Crystal Kolt says the market celebrates and promotes our local crafters and food.  She says it’s going to be another wonderful Culture Days Wild Things Market that’s going to be happening again amongst the trees and they’re going to be having just a whole bunch of different varieties of vendors that will be there from artisan makers to some popcorn and they have it for two days and people can check online to see the vendors that are going to be available to purchase things from.

             

For more information on Culture Days events taking place over the next month you can visit www.flinflonartscouncil.ca or www.culturedays.ca or find lists at various locations around town.

Total Reported Cases are Approaching 60 Thousand in Manitoba as Numbers Continue to Go Up in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 67 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.3 percent.  Of the new cases 28 were in Southern health with lower numbers in other regions including five in Northern health four of which were not fully vaccinated bringing active cases to 73.  The Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district reported nine active cases. Of the total 59,944 reported cases in the province 496 are active, 58,241 people have recovered and 68 are in hospital with 14 in intensive care.            

             

Saskatchewan health reported 460 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 470. Of the total 63,875 reported cases 4715 are active, 58,502 people have recovered and 273 are in hospital.  Far North East Two that includes Creighton, Flin Flon Saskatchewan, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Sandy Bay reports seven new cases bringing the total of active cases to 129.

Culture Days Events Get Underway Tomorrow Night.

The month long Culture Days celebration begins tomorrow night with stars and music. Organizer Crystal Kolt says Kjelti Anderson is back for Culture Days and she is going to be offering a Star Gazer event out at the Phantom Lake dock talking about astronomy and it’s going to be a really beautiful event and that will be starting at 9 o’clock.  Prior to that she adds at 7 pm they’re going to be having their first Culture Days performance with progressive bluegrass with Jesse Krause performing and that is limited seating and you can pre-register by going to www.flinflonartscouncil.ca, scroll down and you can get your seat tickets there and that is free of charge.  That performance is at Johnny’s Social Club.

             

Culture Days events run until October 24th with information on events found at www.culturedays.ca or www.flinflonartscouncil.ca.

 

An Annual Fund Raising Art Exhibit Officially Gets Underway Tonight.

The NorVa Centre is holding the grand opening of their Square Foot Exhibition and Auction tonight.  Their Fund Raising Chair Cindy McLean explains it’s an exhibition where you can come in and bid on local art so you can pop down into NorVa during their regular hours, bid on any piece of art you would like, phone in to keep track of your piece so if someone’s bid on something you can definitely phone in and they can write down you bid for you.  She adds they’re really excited and hoping that the community supports them and comes in to bid and attends the grand opening noting as for Manitoba COVID restrictions proof of vaccination and masks are required when we enter the NorVa Centre.

             

The Grand Opening is at 7 tonight at the NorVa Centre at 177 Green Street.  The month long silent auction will be followed by the live auction for selected pieces that takes place on Sunday, October 17th at 2 pm.

 

Cases Continue to go Up In Southern Manitoba While Hospitalization Numbers Remain High in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 70 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.2 percent.  Of the new cases 28 were in Winnipeg and 24 in Southern health with lower numbers in other regions including two in Northern health which has 126 active cases.  There are 11 active cases in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.  Of the total 59,880 reported cases 592 are active, 58,081 people have recovered and 73 are in hospital with 15 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 426 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 467. There were eight new cases reported in Far North East Two which includes Creighton, Flin Flon Saskatchewan, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Sandy Bay bringing the total active cases to 137.  Of the total 63,415 reported cases in the province 4706 are active, 58,058 people have recovered and 265 are in hospital.

The City of Flin Flon Will Recognize a New Holiday.

At their meeting last night City Council passed a resolution to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th as a paid holiday to recognize the colonial legacy of residential schools, honor Indigenous survivors and is vital to the ongoing reconciliation process.  The federal government recently passed legislation to make September 30th a federal statutory holiday.

             

Council received the Fire Chiefs report for August indicating five incidents.  On August 4th they were called to a false alarm at Ecole McIsaac School where a heat detector had been set off accidently.  On the 6th they assisted with the pick up and disposal of a large quantity of needles outside the Whitney Forum.  On the 19th an alarm was set off on Hemlock by burnt toast and had to be reset and they assisted EMS on the 25th and 31st.  The Fire Chief has met with primary health about needle use and disposal throughout the community. New recruits have been hired to begin this month to replace members who have left the Fire Department and conversations have begun to have another group come here for training in the spring through the northern lights training group.

Manitoba Has Announced Nearly 14 Million Dollars to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence and Uptake.

Premier Kelvin Goertzen says the initiative will allow physicians offices in Manitoba to develop a roster of their patients who are not fully immunized and support outreach to have those patients come in and have a conversation about their questions and concerns.  The President of Doctors Manitoba Dr Kristjan Thompson urges you to talk to your doctor or visit their website to find a physician near you to answer your questions.  He explains over the pandemic thousands have needed health care and over 1200 have died from this disease and these aren’t just numbers they are our neighbors, our families, our friends and our loved ones.  He adds we know this disease is very serious but severe illness and death is largely preventable thanks to the vaccine and we know that the COVID vaccine works and doctors trust the safety and the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine.

             

You can find a physician and get answers to questions from doctors on their website www.manitobavaccine.ca.

Manitoba Public Health has Announced Changes to Contact Identification and Management in Schools.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has announced revised close contact identification and management protocols in schools to address the impact of remote learning and self isolation on students.  He explains they’re providing that bit more transparent definition of outbreaks so when they say outbreaks people will know exactly what they’re meaning but also more importantly is how they’re assessing contacts and who needs to isolate so in the past they weren’t considering non-medical masks to be a consideration in the risk of transmission and they are now.  Of course he notes in the past we didn’t have vaccines so this is relatively new to do that so this announcement is showing how public health will still be tracking cases, reporting cases in schools but more importantly how they are attempting to keep as many kids in school as safe as possible.

             

He adds an outbreak will include at least three school associated cases identified within 14 days of each other in students, teachers or staff within a specified cohort. The cases will have to be assessed as potentially acquired in school and linked to known cases in the school setting or school sanctioned extracurricular activity.

COVID Recoveries Have Passed 58 Thousand in Manitoba While Non-Vaccinated People Dominate Hospital Admissions in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 66 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.3 percent.  Of the new cases 21 were in Southern health, 17 in Winnipeg, 11 each in Prairie Mountain and Northern health and six in Interlake Eastern. The Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district reports 13 active cases.  Of the total 59, 822 reported cases 607 are active, 58,009 people have recovered and 71 are in hospital with 14 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 3320 new cases from September 15th to 21st bringing the seven day average of new cases to 474.  2526 recoveries were reported over the same time, Far North East Two reports 11 new cases with 145 active.  The total reported cases in the province stands at 62,989 with 262 people in hospital with 54 in intensive care and 193 or 74 percent of the people in hospital are not fully vaccinated.

Voters in the Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan Returned Their Members to Parliament.

In Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River in Saskatchewan Conservative Gary Vidal was easily re-elected.  With 99 percent of the polls reporting he has 48 percent of the vote at 9574.  His closest opponent was Liberal Buckley Belanger with 26 percent at 5318 votes followed by NDP Harmonie King 3471, People’s Party Dezirae Reddekop 977, Independent Stephen King 233 and Green Party Nasser Dean Chalifoux 204.

             

In Manitoba Churchill Keewatinook Aski with 87 percent of polls reporting the NDPs Niki Ashton has 42 percent of the vote at 6557.  Her closest opponent was Conservative Charlotte Larocque with 25 percent at 3863 votes followed by Liberal Shirley Robinson 3856, People’s Party Dylan Young 803 and Green Party Ralph McLean 493.

Support Continues to be Available for Local Projects.

The Flin Flon Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation held their annual meeting last night. Their Chair Mark Kolt reported the pandemic made many of their traditional projects and activities impossible.

              Their Small Grants Program supported the NorVa Centre for online content creation, Women’s Resource Centre International Women’s Week online programming, Flin Flon Arts Council community garden, Main Street Revitalization Task Force with upgrading abandoned storefronts on Main Street as well as planters and smoker receptacles, Flin Flon Station Musuem Christmas decorations, Flowers on Main Street, Pioneer Square stage enhancement, local arts activities and the Flin Flon Trout Festival summer concert series.

             

Kolt added working to build community partnerships, to strengthen community organizations and to support a broad spectrum of community revitalization initiatives consistent with the priorities set out in their five year plan will continue to be their primary focus. That includes housing, recreation and wellness, safety and crime, community capacity building and empowerment and beautification.  They will also be doing more community outreach, to do more to get the word out in the community about what the FFNRC is doing, and to help more local groups access funding for their projects.

Items You Donate Can Support the New Pool

The City of Flin Flon is hosting a Community Auction October 2nd to support the Pool Fundraising Committee.  Recreation Director Andrew Smith says they have three days set aside for you to drop off items you wish to donate from 5 to 7 pm and the days are September 21st, 23rd and next Monday the 27th as well as September 26th to drop off from 1 to 3 pm all at the Channing garage.  He notes if people want to put in larger items that they do want to have some sort of repercussion for they’ll be taking a five percent commission and the person will be taking their money back and they will be handing out tickets to everyone to ensure they know their items are going.

             

The Auction on October 2nd will run from 11 to 1 at the City of Flin Flon garage in Channing with a walk around starting at 10.  Item descriptions will be posted prior to the auction.  For more information you contact Danielle at dyungwirth@flinflon.ca or call 204-681-7542.

Voters in the Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan Returned Their Members to Parliament.

In Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River in Saskatchewan Conservative Gary Vidal was easily re-elected.  With 89 percent of the polls reporting last night he had 50 percent of the vote at 9423.  His closest opponent was Liberal Buckley Belanger with 26 percent.

             

In Manitoba Churchill Keewatinook Aski with 73 percent of polls reporting the NDPs Niki Ashton had 42 percent of the vote at 5025.  Her closest opponent was Conservative Charlotte Larocque with 25 percent.

             

We’ll update the number later this morning.

Case and Vaccine Numbers Continue to Go Up in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan health reported 519 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the seven day average of new cases to 494.  Of the new cases 10 are in Far North East Two bring their number of active cases to 140.

             

Of the total 62,620 reported cases in the province 4672 are active, 57,307 people have recovered and 253 are in hospital.  Almost 719 thousand people have been fully vaccinated with just over 1.5 million doses of vaccine administered in the province.

 

 

Starting today, Saskatchewan residents can download a digital QR code from their eHealth account showing proof of vaccination.

The government says in a news release that the code-- which can be downloaded or printed - replaces the COVID-19 vaccination record that was made available in August but did not include a digital format.

The province announced last week that proof of vaccination will be required at non-essential businesses - including restaurants, casinos, movie theatres and indoor sports venues - beginning Oct. 1.

It won't be required for civil services, retail or grocery stores, places of worship, hotels or at non-ticketed amateur sporting events.

Businesses can verify the QR codes on mobile devices using a special app.

The news release says travellers at international borders will also be able to use the code

Third Vaccine Doses Have Been Expanded in Manitoba.

Manitoba Medical Lead for the Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer announced third dose eligibility has expanded to protect those at greater risk. She explains this means they are going to offer a booster dose to residents of all personal care homes throughout Manitoba. She says they will be working with these facilities and the Regional Health Authorities in the coming weeks to put the necessary plans in place noting for most PCHs that means that third doses will begin to be available in October.  She adds they also need to recognize the increased risks facing First Nations people in that approach so that means third doses are going to be available to residents and staff of First Nations PCHs starting this week.

             

Public health reported 244 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Thursday 42 of them today.  Of today’s cases two were in Northern health resulting in 111 active cases.  There are 13 active cases in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.             

 

Expansion Drilling Supports the Potential for Further Mineral Resource Growth West of Flin Flon.

Foran Mining Corporation has reported results from five step-out holes drilled at its McIlvenna Bay Deposit located in the Hanson Lake District 65 kilometers west of Flin Flon.  The five holes were drilled either near the edge or outside of the existing resource line at McIlvenna Bay. One hole intersected 6.2 meters grading 3.4 percent copper equivalent within 24.5 meters of continuous mineralization.

             

Executive Chair Dan Myerson says these step-out intercepts highlight the opportunity they have to add value and ultimately grow the resource at McIlvenna Bay adding the significant widths they continue to achieve strengthen their confidence that they will be able to increase the tonnage and upgrade the resource classification in their pending estimate.  At the same time he notes they are equally if not more excited to advance their regional exploration campaign and uncover the mineral and economic potential of the district.  It is anticipated their ongoing programs will continue until the late fall.

Today is the Day to Vote in the Federal Election.

It is Election Day and you are urged to get out and vote for the candidate of your choice.  The Election Canada voter information card you received in the mail will tell you which polling station to vote at.

             

In Flin Flon polls are open from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm.  The candidates in Churchill Keewatinook Aski riding are NDP Niki Ashton, Conservative Charlotte Larocque, Green Ralph McLean, Liberal Shirley Robinson and PPC Dylan Young.

             

In the Creighton Denare Beach area polls are open from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm Saskatchewan time which is 8:30 to 8:30 Manitoba time.  Candidates in Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River riding are Liberal Buckley Belanger, Green Nasser Dean Chalifoux, NDP Harmonie King, Independent Stephan King, PPC Dezirae Reddekopp and Conservative Gary Vidal.

             

You are reminded to wear a mask and practice physical distancing at polling stations and bring your voter information card and photo ID or two pieces of ID both with your name and one that must have your address or have someone vouch for you if you don’t have ID.   

You Are Invited to Wear Blue Tomorrow.

September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is encouraging people to learn more about the condition and reduce the stigma surrounding it.

 

Program Director Erin Crawford says the neurological disease impacts many Manitobans, both the patients and those close to them. She explains they know that over 23 thousand Manitobans have a dementia diagnosis and when they did a survey asking how many people were affected by dementia 62 percent of Manitobans indicated that they have a close friend or family member who has a dementia diagnosis so that number really grows when you look at how many people are affected in their circles.                 

 

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba offers programs and services across the province, and Crawford states the pandemic has allowed the organization to extend its outreach through virtual means.

 

The society is asking Manitobans to wear blue and light up your home or business in blue tomorrow to commemorate and show solidarity on World Alzheimer’s Day. For more information visit www.alzheimer.mb.ca.

 

Voters in the Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan Returned Their Members to Parliament.

In Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River in Saskatchewan Conservative Gary Vidal was easily re-elected.  With 89 percent of the polls reporting last night he had 50 percent of the vote at 9423.  His closest opponent was Liberal Buckley Belanger with 26 percent.

             

In Manitoba Churchill Keewatinook Aski with 73 percent of polls reporting the NDPs Niki Ashton had 42 percent of the vote at 5025.  Her closest opponent was Conservative Charlotte Larocque with 25 percent.

             

We’ll update the number later this morning.

 

New Cases Are in Double Digits in Manitoba Except the North While Total Reported Cases Top 61 Thousand in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 88 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day positivity rate to 2.6 percent.  Of the new cases 30 were in Southern health, 26 in Winnipeg, 14 each in Prairie Mountain and Interlake Eastern but only four in Northern health where there are 129 active cases.  The Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district reports 14 active cases. Of the total 59,612 reported cases in the province 629 are active, 57,779 people have recovered and 72 are in hospital with 13 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 476 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 444.  The Far North East Two district that includes Creighton, Flin Flon Saskatchewan, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Sandy Bay reported seven new cases with 199 cases reported to be active.  Of the total 61,065 reported cases in the province 4234 are active, 56,194 people have recovered and 223 are in hospital.

An Awareness Walk is Being Held Tuesday.

The Flin Flon and Area Against Sexual Exploitation Committee invites everyone to join them Tuesday for their 10th annual Grandmother’s Walk. The Committee’s Keely Patterson says they hold this walk each year on the fall equinox in support of a group called Grandmother’s Protecting Our Children who hold their Sacred Walk each year on this day.  She explains it was started by a grandmother who became outraged after hearing stories of abuse by adults on children in the form of sexual exploitation so she called upon Aboriginal women, leaders and grandmothers to stand together and let it be known that children’s voices need to be heard,  they are not alone and they are loved.  As elders and grandmothers these women have reclaimed their roles as protectors of our children and the message that they give is Children Are Sacred.

             

Patterson adds the sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children, youth and adults is a serious concern in Manitoba, Canada and around the globe.

             

There will be a cultural teaching from 4 to 5 at Neighbors of the North Park Tuesday followed by the start of the walk at 5 ending at Pioneer Square with entertainment and refreshments. In case of rain their alternate location will be the Friendship Centre

 

South African Firefighters Who Spent Time in Flin Flon Have Returned Home.

The Manitoba government has sent sincere thanks to all the firefighters from other jurisdictions who came to assist the Manitoba Wildfire Service including a large contingent from South Africa who returned home Tuesday night.  The group of 109 men and women of the South Africa contingent arrived in Manitoba on August 11th and was deployed to a large collection of fires known as the Loon Straits complex and to fires near Sherridon, Flin Flon and Snow Lake. 

             

Conservation Minister Sarah Guillmard noted these hard working firefighters were welcomed to these communities and brought professionalism and dedication to their jobs as well as great team spirit shown through their colorful marching, chanting and singing at the airport in Winnipeg upon their arrival and when moving through the communities where they were deployed.  You can see an example of their marching and singing while they were staying in Flin Flon by scrolling down to August 30th on the City of Flin Flon Facebook page.

             

Their Managing Director Trevor Abrahams said they feel they fit in well with local crews and appreciate the praise and support of the local fire commanders. He adds they enjoyed their camping experience near the fire line and some interesting encounters the local bear population.

New Cases Have Increased in the Northern Region of Manitoba and Far North East Saskatchewan.

Manitoba Public health reported 64 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.5 percent.  Of the new cases 23 are in Southern health and 15 each in Winnipeg and the Northern region with single digits in other regions.  There are 12 active cases in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.  Of the total 59,526 reported cases in the province 599 are active, 57,724 people have recovered and 62 are in hospital with 12 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 440 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 438.  Of the new cases 14 are in Far North East Two resulting in 199 active cases.  Of the total 60,589 reported cases in the province 4064 are active, 55,895 people have recovered and 218 are in hospital.

 

New Vaccine Policies Are Coming to Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan will be bringing in a proof of vaccination program in an attempt to increase the number of people immunized against COVID-19.

Premier Scott Moe made the announcement on his social media accounts today.

He says the policy is expected to come into effect October 1st and will apply to businesses, establishments and event venues, but will exclude civil services.

People will have to show proof of vaccination or show a negative COVID-19 test.

Moe has also announced that all government employees of Crown corporations and in ministries will be required to be vaccinated or consistently show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

He is also reinstating a province wide mask mandate for all indoor public places effecitve tomorrow, which he says could be lifted by late October.

Alpha Invites You to Join Them Next Week.

The Alpha Course is starting a new session at the Flin Flon Alliance Church Tuesday evening.  Pastor Reg Friesen says Alpha has a lot to offer.  He explains if  you ever wondered is there more to life than just the day to day the Alpha Course is a great way to discover that there’s so much more life to be experienced.  He points out he knows many people who have taken the time to explore life and faith in this way have seen an incredible season in their lives.  He notes you can join them Tuesday September 21st at 7 pm for a short introduction to the course, a fun relaxed evening, a video, just a great introduction to what the course is all about adding if you want to connect with some really friendly and welcoming people join them for coffee and dessert, bring a friend or meet some new friends.

             

The course runs on Tuesdays from September 28th to November 30th.  To register or for more information you can call the Church at 204-687-8498 or email office.flinflonalliance@gmail.com.

 

Activities Are Well Underway in Flin Flon Schools.

Now that students are back in class the Flin Flon School Board is happy to see them and appreciates their understanding as well as parents and staff with the ever evolving changes and the Division is doing its best to keep everyone updated.  Ecole McIsaac School welcomes many new faces to their teaching and E.A. staff as well as a new custodian.  This year’s curriculum programs are up and running.  Phys Ed, music, shop and Home Ec, French immersion, wellness, resource and recovery, essential skills and engaged learners sees students and staff rejuvenated for another challenging school year.  Other programs like breakfast are in full swing.  If parents want to register their child for the lunch program they are asked to contact the main office.

             

Extracurricular activities are about to get started with cross country and volleyball starting soon.

             

Parents are reminded to continue to self-screen your child/children at home before sending them to school using the Manitoba Health screening tool at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool.

             

Please follow your child’s school or the Division’s Facebook page to stay up to date.

 

New Cases Remain in the Same Ranges As Tuesday in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 49 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.9 percent.  Of the new cases 20 are in Winnipeg and 17 in Southern health with single digits in other regions including five in Northern health with 118 cases active in the region.  There are nine active cases in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.  Of the total 59,466 reported cases in the province 584 are active, 57,679 people have recovered and 69 are in hospital with 15 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 476 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 416. There are 22 new cases in Far Northeast Two with 196 active cases.  Of the total 60,149 reported cases in the province 4016 are active, 55,504 people have recovered and 224 are in hospital.

 

Guidance Has Been Set For Additional Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine In Manitoba.

The Medical Lead for the Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer announced Manitoba will begin offering third doses of mRNA vaccine to individuals for travel purposes and for immunocompromised people.  She says a few examples include people who have cancer and are currently receiving chemotherapy, those who are currently receiving treatment related to organ transplants, people who are living with untreated or advanced HIV or Aids and people who are taking certain medications that severely affect their immune system.

             

A complete list of the medical conditions and treatments that would result in a person being immunocompromised and recommended for a third dose is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.  These people and people travelling can be immunized by their health care provider by going through an informed consent process or present a prescription to a pharmacist. A guide for medical exemptions to immunization will be finalized as soon as possible.

 

The Tickets Have Been Sold So Its Time For The Race.

The Freedom Outreach Program Duck Race is set to go Saturday afternoon.  The program’s Ben Luc says the race will be run in Flin Flon Creek along Riverside Drive finishing at the Wallace Avenue bridge.  He explains at 12 o’clock they’re going to have a barbeque with hamburgers and hot dogs so they want as many people as are able to make it and come on out. They’re also going to have the guys who are in the program right now sharing their stories on how God is changing their life through things they’re learning at Freedom Outreach.  He adds at 1:45 they’ll be doing the pre-race draw and then at 2 o’clock they are going to start the Duck Race. He noted anybody that comes out won’t be disappointed they came as there’s going to be a lot of good things happening and they look forward to it.

             

If you can’t make it to the race you can watch online by making a friend request on the Freedom Outreach Denare Beach Facebook page.  One thousand tickets were sold to support their programs helping men find freedom from addiction based in Denare Beach.  The winning duck ticket holder receives a 2021 Polaris Outlaw 110 cc kid’s quad.

Assistance is Coming for Young People With Diabetes.

Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon has announced two new programs to pay for advanced glucose monitors and insulin pumps for individuals aged 25 years and younger.  Gordon says she knows firsthand the challenges faced by young Manitobans with Type One diabetes especially since taking the finger prick challenge and that was pricking her finger or fingers ten times in one day and it really allowed her to see firsthand what individuals suffering with diabetes are having to deal with on a daily basis.  She notes she does have family members that have Type One diabetes and she can tell you they’ve had a lot of discussions since the finger prick challenge about having to take your glucose measures throughout the day so these investments will greatly improve the quality of life for young people with diabetes.

             

The government estimates more than one thousand Manitobans may seek coverage for advanced glucose monitors which comes into effect September 28th and up to 200 more who will be able to use insulin pumps with no upfront costs under this program effective this November.

Manitoba Continues to Keep New Case Numbers Low While Saskatchewan Numbers Remain High.

Manitoba public health reported 56 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 3.2 percent.  Of the new cases 23 are in Southern health and 12 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including nine in Northern health for a total of 117 active cases in the region.  There are eight active cases in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.  Of the total 59,420 reported cases in the province 576 are active, 57,643 people have recovered and 68 are in hospital with 14 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 2842 new cases from September 8th to 14th bringing the seven day average of new cases to 406.  2076 recoveries were reported over the same time.  The total reported cases now stands at 59,673, 225 people are in hospital and 43 are in intensive care. 76 percent of the people in hospital are not fully vaccinated. Far North East Two reports 34 new cases giving them 183 active cases.

 

Adult Classes are Underway for Another Year.

The Community Adult Learning Centre is into their new season.  The Centre’s Barry Hanrahan explains the Community Adult Learning Centre offers educational programming to adults in Flin Flon and surrounding areas.  He says they are an adult literacy centre providing group and one on one instruction in areas of literacy, math, computers, workplace skills, GED classes, GED testing and upgrade skills for transition to high school for adult students.  He notes scheduling is flexible and registration and referrals are ongoing throughout the school year.

             

The programs at the Centre run from September to June from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday.  For information you can call 204-687-3223 or visit them on the lower level of the Co-op Mall on Main.

 

It Was Another Successful Year For The Arts Council.

The Flin Flon Arts Council held their annual general meeting last night.  Board President Linda Eryou reported despite the pandemic they had a busy and productive year noting while some of their traditional performances and activities were no longer possible they used technology to undertake new challenges and broaden their geographical reach.  She mentioned the beginning of their Street Corner Concert series in the summer of 2020 and other summer music performances, Artists in the Wild as well as a Pint Sized Market in Pioneer Square.  They participated in several small Main Street revitalization projects including installation of Hillary McDonald’s Birchbark Biting Art in the front window of the library, held a more limited version of Culture Days 2020 with some events held virtually, held their annual Arts and Crafts Sale and Christmas concert virtually, opened the Uptown Emporium in both its Main Street and online shop, continue to support the Pineroot Music Festival with two locally crafted murals being completed so far, initiated a community garden at Rotary Park and supported a successful 2021 Blueberry Jam Music Gathering as well as supporting the re-opening of the Northern Lights Dance Academy. Planning for 2021 Culture Days is in the works. They are also working with University College of the North towards their goal of being the site of the North Central Canada Centre for Arts and Environment.

Prince Albert Police are Asking For Your Help in Locating Justine Sewap.

Sewap currently has several outstanding criminal code warrants for her arrest including two counts of assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, two counts of fail to comply with release condition and breach of probation.

            

  Justine Sewap is described as 30 years old, 5 feet two inches tall and approximately 120 pounds.  A picture can be found attached to this story at www.flinflononline.com.

             

She is known to frequent Prince Albert but has also been recently seen in the communities of Creighton and Flin Flon.  Anyone with information regarding the location of Justine Sewap is asked to contact the Prince Albert Police Service at 306-953 or 306-953-4222 or the confidential Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-222-8477.

Isolation Times Will Be Shorter and Vaccines are Coming to Schools in Manitoba.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has announced self isolation or quarantine for close contacts of COVID-19 will be reduced to 10 days from 14. He says the evidence supports the shortening of the self isolation period to allow people to get back to school and work a bit sooner and it’s not a significant increase in risk but of course just like any intervention it’s a small risk for that but a very low risk.

             

As well COVID-19 immunizations will be starting next week for young people at school based clinics during school hours starting with low immunization areas with local health regions working with schools to set up schedules.

             

Public health reported 41 new cases of COVID-19 today with 21 in Southern Health and 12 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including two in Northern health.  There are seven active cases in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.

 

Remember the COVID-19 Slogan Be Kind to Each Other.

The Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce Co-President Dianne Russell says local businesses and restaurants are concerned about some reactions when people are asked to follow COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine proof requests.  She explained our local businesses and specifically restaurants have been working hard to always comply with COVID rules set out by the government and the Chamber would like to thank the community for supporting and eating at these establishments.  She adds it’s not easy for anyone when there are requirements like proof of vaccination so the Chamber continues to encourage supporting our local restaurants while showing patience with these government mandated requirements.  She notes one of their slogans is “Chamber Loves Local” and we encourage everyone to do the same.

             

Complete details on the province’s public health orders can be found at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

 

You Can Support Creighton Community School With a Cookie.

Tim Hortons in Creighton is joining others across the country in their 25th annual Smile Cookie Campaign this week.  It raises money for 625 local charities, hospitals, food banks, community programs and schools across Canada.  All this week Tim Hortons guests will be able to purchase signature chocolate chunk Smile Cookies decorated with blue eyes and a pink smile for a dollar plus applicable taxes and the full dollar will be donated by Tim Hortons restaurant owners.

             

Money raised at the Creighton Tim Hortons location today through Sunday will be donated to Creighton Community School.

             

Tim Hortons reports the campaign is led by restaurant owners across Canada and is one of many initiatives that allows them to give back to the communities in which they live and work.  Smile Cookie has raised over 65 million dollars across North America since 1996 and last year alone raised a record 10.56 million dollars.

Meits Residents of Manitoba Can Win Prizes by Voting.

The Manitoba Metis Federation is encouraging voter participation through draws for prizes.  Any Manitoba Metis Federation or Red River Metis Nation Citizen or individual able to demonstrate they are eligible to become a Citizen who takes a picture outside of a polling station and tags the MMF will have their name put into draws to win PS5 consoles or the grand prize a new Chevy Spark.  Those Citizens who help bring other individuals to their correct polling station will also be eligible to win one of five 50 inch flat screen televisions.

             

President David Chartrand says since spring they have conducted a survey of their citizens to understand their priorities which have been shared by the federal parties and the responses are on their website www.mmf.mb.ca along with the priorities document.  He adds their goal is to ensure the Red River Metis are heard and anyone campaigning to lead this country understands they must address their needs and priorities. He says if we don’t vote and don’t encourage our family, friends and community to get out and vote we can’t expect that any level of government will address our concerns.

The Saskatchewan government is bolstering its public health measures as the province faces some of the highest COVID-19 numbers in Canada.

To alleviate pressure on the health-care system, the government says it is reinstating mandatory isolation requirements for people who test positive for COVID-19 and expanding testing and contact tracing.

Unvaccinated residents will also need to self-isolate if they come in contact with a positive case, but fully vaccinated people will not face the same requirement.

To expand surge capacity in Saskatchewan hospitals, the government says there will be a reduction in non-critical and elective surgeries and procedures.

The province says it won't bring in a government-mandated vaccine passport, but notes it is working on a policy for all Saskatchewan Health Authority employees to show proof of immunization or a negative COVID-19 test.

Eligible voters can cast their ballots for the federal election at the advance polls starting today.

The advance poll is located at the Elections Canada office at Flin Flon City Hall and Creighton

 

Community Centre and is open from 9  to 9 in Flin Flon and 10 to 10 Manitoba time in Creighton beginning today until Monday.

 

Elections Canada spokesperson Marie-France Kenny says voters also have the option of voting with a special or mail-in ballot, however they must be returned by Tuesday at 6 p.m.

 

Both electors and employees are required to wear masks at the polling locations, and physical distancing and hand sanitizing will be enforced.

 

Registered voters should have received their voter card with their polling location for the September 20th election.

 

They can also check their registration status at elections DOT ca.

 

Candidates for the Churchill Keewatinook-Aski riding are Niki Ashton for the NDP, Charlotte Larocque for the Conservatives, Shirley Jackson for the Liberals, Ralph McLean for the Greens, and Dylan Young for the People’s Party of Canada.

 

Candidates for Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River are Liberal Buckley Belanger, Green Nasser Dean Chalifoux, NDP Harmonie King, Independent Stephen King, Peoples Party of Canada Dezirae Reddekopp and Conservative Gary Vidal.

 

High Grade Copper Deposits Continue to be Found Near Flin Flon.

Callinex Mines has announced additional drill results from the ongoing 30 thousand meter drilling campaign to expand the high grade copper, gold, silver and zinc Rainbow Deposit. The Rainbow is located at their Pine Bay Project within a mineral lease 16 kilometers from Flin Flon.

             

One hole intersected the Orange Zone and returned 37 meters of 6 percent copper, .35 grams per tonne gold, 6.13 grams per tonne silver, .09 percent zinc or 6.33percent copper equivalent including two high grade one meter intervals which returned over 18 percent copper.

             

Callinex President and CEO Max Porterfield stated they continue to be impressed with assay results coming out of the Rainbow as Callinex expands the high grade copper deposit. He adds the Company recently mobilized one of the two drill rigs to define how close the Rainbow deposit comes to surface noting to date the Rainbow deposit has been intersected from 300 meters vertical depth down to 890 meters.

 

Flin Flon Army Cadets are Starting Another Year of Training.

The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp starts a new training year at 7 Monday night in the Flin Flon Community Hall.  Captain Laurel Mymko says they are offering their training while following all COVID-19 safety protocols.  She explains this program offers a structured training program for the young people in the areas of citizenship, summer and winter survival, navigation, leadership skills, marksmanship, physical fitness within the youth and the safety oriented programs.  She adds all training and safety training programs will be an asset for all cadets in their future sporting and recreational activities.

              For more information you can call 204-687-4809 or 306-688-7420.  You can register online at www.canada.ca/joincadets.

All Regions in Manitoba are Reporting New COVID Cases as Numbers Still Go Up In Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 106 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Tuesday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.6 percent. Of the 54 new cases identified today 35 were not fully vaccinated.  21 of the new cases were in Winnipeg and 16 in Southern health with single digits in other regions including seven in Northern health four of which were not fully vaccinated with six active cases reported in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage Sherridon district. Of the total 59,100 reported cases in the province 456 are active, 57,445 individuals have recovered and 77 are in hospital with 16 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 278 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 364.  The Far North East Two zone which includes Creighton, Denare Beach, Flin Flon Saskatchewan, Pelican Narrows, Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Sandy Bay reported 10 new cases giving them 206 active cases.  Of the total 57,521 reported cases 3416 are active, 53,489 people have recovered and 184 are in hospital.

Funding Applications are Now Being Accepted for Local Projects.

Re Uz It accepts donations of gently used items they sell to support local groups and organizations.  Manager Kathy McCormick says funding is now available.  She explains Re Uz It invites non-profit groups and organizations in Flin Flon and surrounding area who may require a bit of financial assistance with a project to apply to them for a portion of three thousand dollars with the goal of assisting with several projects.  She noted applications will be accepted until September 22nd in writing to Re Uz It, 359 Queen Street, Flin Flon , Manitoba, R8A 0M8 and those chosen will be contacted.

             

Presentation of funds will take place September 25th at Re Uz It at 5 Cliff Lake Road.

             

Some of the groups Re Uz It has donated to in the past include the Flin Flon Army Cadets, the Flin Flon Creighton Aqua Doves, the Flin Flon Friendship Centre, the Flin Flon Aqua Centre Community Committee, the SPCA, Flin Flon Skating Club and Norman Community Services.

For the Second Year in a Row the Manitoba Rural Northern Juried Art Show Exhibit is Viewable Entirely Online.

Organized by the Manitoba Arts Network it’s an opportunity for artists across the province to showcase their works through a diverse range of media, including painting, drawing, photography, sculptures, and textiles. The exhibit features 50 artists from five regions across the province, including eight from the northern region.

 

Additionally there will be an opening reception on Zoom next Thursday which will give the audience a chance to chat with the participating artists.

 

 Visual Arts Coordinator Nicole Shimonek explains it’s important to hold the exhibit. She says the main thing is that people need connection so when you bring Manitobans together to showcase their art and celebrate it in an opening reception where people can discuss and appreciate art it’s so valuable.  She adds we really need it and with the ability t have the gallery and get together for the opening reception she thinks it’s even more important now in this pandemic than ever.

 

You can check out the exhibit at www.artgallery.manitobaartsnetwork.ca.

New COVID Cases Have Been Found in This Manitoba District and Saskatchewan Zone.

Manitoba public health reported 52 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.8 percent.  36 of the new cases were not vaccinated.  Of the new cases 26 were in Southern health and 14 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including six in the Northern region.  There are five active cases reported in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon District. Of the total 59,052 reported cases in the province 438 are active, 57,416 people have recovered and 74 are in hospital with 15 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 405 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 362.  The Far North East Two zone reported 51 new cases giving them 200 active cases.  Of the total 57,243 reported cases 3331 are active, 53,297 people have recovered and 181 are in hospital. Almost 1.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province.

 

 

Questions Have Been Raised About Paying for a New Pool.

Greg East and Skip Martin attended last night’s Flin Flon City Council meeting with questions about covering the cost of a new pool.  They noted the closure of Hudbay next year and were concerned about what will happen to the Company’s grant in lieu of taxes which is a big part of the city tax base at 49 percent of total revenue.  They also noted a reduction in the company work force who are Flin Flon taxpayers so they are concerned with the reduction in taxpayers and the grant in lieu of taxes how the remaining taxpayers can be expected to cover the local share of the pool while still maintaining a basic level of services in the community.  The federal government agreed to provide 3.5 million and the province 2.9 million leaving the city to cover 2.3 million.

             

East noted while being in favor of the pool it must be shown that taxpayers with the knowledge of the pertinent facts still want to proceed with Martin adding a new survey should go out after the budget is adjusted as a result of the smaller grant in lieu with accurate cost projections for the pool and operations.  When asked why the rush Mayor Huntley said it is not a rush as they have been lobbying for the past 15 years because the old pool was past its life and now the grant money has finally come.

 

 

A Suicide Prevention Program is Expanding into Flin Flon.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has announced the expansion of their Roots of Hope suicide prevention initiative to ten communities including Flin Flon.  The Roots of Hope is an approach to preventing suicide that includes five distinct components or pillars with communities drawing from their strengths in identifying specific areas of concern.  The Flin Flon and Area Hope North Community Committee says it enables them to draw on what the other communities involved have learned and draw on one another for support. The ten early adopter communities from across the country have each identified groups that are especially vulnerable to suicide.  These include isolated seniors, youth transitioning to the adult mental health system, parents with young children, middle aged men and Indigenous people so by zeroing in on people at risk and taking a whole of community approach the goal is to knit together a safety net. The whole of community approach allows for a flourishing of supports and broad awareness of their availability for those impacted by suicide.

Saskatchewan Health is Emphasizing the Importance of Vaccines.

Nearly 84 percent of all new cases and hospitalizations in Saskatchewan in August were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people.   Of the 4596 cases reported in August 3840 were unvaccinated or tested positive within three weeks of receiving their first vaccination, 424 cases were partially vaccinated and 756 were fully vaccinated with 133 of those having co morbid conditions. They advise all residents who are eligible for immunization need to receive both doses as soon as possible.

             

They report there were 2452 new cases of COVID-19 from September 1st to 7th bringing the seven day average of new cases to 350.  They also reported ten new deaths.  1481 recoveries were reported over the same period.  The total reported cases in the province are now at 56,838 with 154 people in hospital and 29 in intensive care.

New COVID Cases Have Gone Down in Manitoba Regions.

Manitoba public health reported 215 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Thursday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.7 percent.  They also reported six new deaths.  Of 36 new cases reported for today 19 were in Winnipeg, 20 in Southern health, seven in Interlake Eastern and no new cases in other two regions including Northern health.  Of the total 59 thousand reported cases 422 are active, 57,380 people have recovered and 74 are in hospital with 12 in intensive care.

             

Medical Lead for the Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer says they are preparing to provide vaccines in schools. She says they don’t have a definite number as to how many kids they expect, they know it will vary a lot from school to school.  She notes their goal is just to make things as convenient as possible for families, for youth with just one more option to use when they want to get the vaccine.

             

Of the 36 new cases reported today 22 were not vaccinated, seven were partly vaccinated and 7 were fully vaccinated.

Manitoba will Acknowledge the Day For Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.

              The Manitoba government is recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day of observance to encourage reflection and meaningful discussions about the impacts of residential schools. Schools will be closed and no classes will be held on that day.  Manitoba’s public servants will also observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and non-essential government services and offices will be closed for the day.

                

In June, the House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to make Sept. 30 a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve for those who were lost.

              

Several Indigenous-led events will be supported by the province during the month of September to provide Indigenous and non-Indigenous people an important opportunity to advance reconciliation and to listen and learn about Indigenous stories and experiences. September 30th will also see flags on all provincial government buildings lowered to half-mast in observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Highways, Housing and the Effect of Drugs on Communities are Among the Concerns in Northern Saskatchewan.

Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River Liberal Candidate Buckley Belanger says there are several big issues of concern in the riding.  He explains between the housing supply, the poor condition of the highways and the fact that many of these communities want to heal which is a positive for all of us, those are the three consistent themes and of course the economy as well.  He thinks everybody in the riding wants to have safe homes, safe communities, good schools for our kids, a roof over our head, we’re all very basic in what our needs are and those are three consistent message and themes.

             

Belanger adds it’s important to bring the riding’s perspectives, ideas, concerns and solutions to Ottawa and to look for help with the need for housing and to develop healing centers and spread awareness on drug issues in communities.

             

Other candidates in the riding are Conservative Gary Vidal, NDP Harmonie King, Green Nasser Dean Chalifoux, PPC Dezirae Reddekopp and Independent Stephen King.

 

You Are Urged to Be Bear Aware as Summer Starts to Wind Down.

Although it’s still summer bears are already planning for winter.  They are currently fattening up for hibernation.  Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Wildlife Biologist Matthew Tokaruk says during this time of year it’s not unusual for bears to eat for up to 20 hours and consume 20 thousand calories per day.  He notes they may eat 20 to 30 pounds of berries per day often increasing their body weight by 35 percent through late summer and fall.  With bears focused on eating they may not notice people in the area until they’re close to them.  He advises if you encounter a bear keep your distance and don’t try to scare the animal away.  Most often they will move on without any intervention.

             

Tokaruk adds black bears are intelligent and ruled by their stomachs.  If they cannot find food they will leave the area.  However when bears start to associate food sources with humans they become a public safety risk.  Bears that have been fed by people lose their natural fear of humans and often have to be destroyed so never feed bears or leave food behind for them.

 

The Larger Number of New Cases in Manitoba Continue to be in The South While Recoveries Top 52 Thousand in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 56 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon holding the five day test positivity rate at 2.4 percent.  Of the new cases 23 were in Southern health and 20 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions including one in Northern health where there are 81 active cases.  Of the total 58,845 cases reported in the province 440 are active, 57,213 people have recovered and 66 are in hospital with 10 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 443 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 302.  Of the new cases seven were in Far North East Two which has 156 active cases.  Of the total 55,396 reported cases 52,031 people have recovered, 2755 cases are active and 135 are in hospital.

 

Students Are Back in School in Flin Flon Wednesday.

Flin Flon School Superintendent Tammy Ballantyne welcomes students back for full time in class learning for all students Wednesday.  She explains “Flin Flon School Division is committed to providing a safe return to school by following Manitoba Health Orders. In our planning for the school year, we will focus on renewing and addressing the impacts that the pandemic has had on mental health, well-being and learning. Our plan was developed based on the provincial direction provided to school divisions in regards to the 2021-22 school year. The plan will adjust according to any changes to the Public Health order and direction from Manitoba Education.”

             

Mask use is required in all schools and Division staff are required to either provide proof of full vaccination or submit to regular COVID-19 testing.  Complete details on how the return plan affects all school activities and use can be found on the Flin Flon School Division Facebook page.

 

Hapnot is Prepared to Welcome Back Returning and New Students.

Hapnot Collegiate Principal Steve Lytwyn says classes will start at 8:45 Wednesday morning.  He notes all students are required to wear masks at all times and they can come in through the main door or the north doors and there’ll be hand sanitizer stations at those spots for them. One key note he adds for all students is any students that are in shop won’t go to McIssac on the first day of school, all their shop teachers will meet them at Hapnot in the Step building.  He says they’re looking forward to having them back and as of right now lockers are available for students as well.

             

Any Student with questions can call the Collegiate at 204-687-7506.

The Manitoba Government Will Continue to Consult With Stakeholders on Education.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen says he’s not sure at what point the government decided to pull the education Bill 64 off the table.  He explains they spent a lot of time, they were engaged with teachers in every school division in the province, they reached out in a number of town halls with Manitobans, they engaged their parental engagement task force and their MLAs and Ministers were hearing feedback from Manitobans and from stakeholders and once they got an opportunity to collectively get together to discuss their options it became quite clear that people were not satisfied with the governance model they had in Bill 64 and those conversations just happened over the last several weeks.

             

Cullen adds they know Manitobans want to see some changes in education so they will continue to consult with education stakeholders and parents on their Better Education Strategy to move forward to improve education for the benefit of all students.

Full Vaccination Rules Are Coming Into Effect in Manitoba.

Manitoba public health reported 127 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Monday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.4 percent.  Of the 36 new cases identified today 24 individuals were not fully vaccinated. 15 of the cases were in the Winnipeg region with single digits in other regions including nine in the Northern region eight of which were not fully vaccinated.

             

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reminds residents of places that will require full vaccination effective tomorrow including indoor and outdoor sporting events and concerts, indoor theatre dance symphony events, restaurants both for indoor and outdoor dining, night clubs and all other licensed premises, casinos, bingo halls, VLT lounges, movie theatres, fitness centres, gyms, indoor sporting and recreation facilities excluding youth recreational sports, organized indoor group recreational classes and activities. This will also apply to museums and galleries effective September 7th as will dropping the number of people allowed at outdoor gatherings to 500.

             

Roussin noted this is being done to prevent the need to close doors and lay off staff again as the statistics show the Delta variant continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

Its Time to Enter Your Local Art Work.

Entries are now being taken for the Square Foot Art Exhibition and Auction coming up at the NorVa Centre.  Their Fund Raising Chair Cindy McLean explains their annual Square Foot Auction at NorVa is a chance for local and aspiring artists to explore their creativity within the parameters of a 12 by 12 artwork. She says you can register at NorVa for 25 dollars or 10 dollars for youth, registration deadline is going to be Tuesday September 14th, you can drop off your art by Sunday September 19th, the grand opening is going to be on Thursday September 23rd and the live auction is going to be at 2 pm on Sunday October 17th.

             

McLean adds they also have a raffle on now for two Adirondack chairs painted by local artists Monique Rainville and Rosimeire Anjos. You can see them and purchase tickets for five dollars at NorVa at 177 Green Street or by E-transfer to norvaonlineraffle@gmail.com.  The draw date is September 7th at 9 pm.

 

Metis Residents of Saskatchewan are Urged to Get Vaccinated.

Metis Nation Saskatchewan is launching This is Your Shot vaccination incentive program encouraging Metis citizens to get fully vaccinated for a chance to win prizes.  This campaign is part of their ongoing efforts and commitment to support Metis citizens, families and communities as they collectively deal with the ongoing reality of the COVID-19 pandemic.

             

The contest is open to fully vaccinated Metis citizens and citizens with an application in process.  There will be an early bird draw, weekly draws for educational scholarships and other prizes, as well as a final grand prize at the end of November.  Prizes include a truck, a pontoon boat, snowmobile, laptops, cell phones and a variety of gift cards.  There are 80 educational scholarships of 25 thousand dollars for citizens aged 12 to 30 years old.  Fully vaccinated citizens can enter online at www.mnsvaccinedraw.com.

 

The Manitoba New Case Average is Down Slightly While New Cases Go Up in Northeast Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 57 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 2.9 percent.  Of the new cases 25 are in the Southern region, 22 in Winnipeg, five each in Prairie Mountain and Interlake Eastern and zero in the Northern region.  Of the total 58,759 reported cases 495 are active, 57,074 people have recovered and 65 are in hospital with 12 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan reported 321 new cases this afternoon bringing the seven day average of new cases to 263. 61 new cases were reported in the Far North East Two zone with 141 cases now active.  Of the total 54,688 reported cases in the province 2372 are active, 51,709 people have recovered, there were four new deaths and 134 people are in hospital.

The Early Registration Deadline is Approaching for a Workshop in La Ronge.

Community Futures Visions North is hosting the Women in Business and Tools for Everyday Life 15th Annual Women’s Workshops in La Ronge on October 7 from 8:30 to 3.  Their Executive Administrator Jean Powell says the theme is Turn Your Passion Into Income with two speakers starting with Ashlyn George who had a passion for travel and now she made it into her dream career and it’s just to show people if they have a hobby say beading or leather work or sewing or something that they can turn it into a home based business or open a business using the hobby, their passion.  She adds Tammie Leonard is going to do a work shop on creating growth mind set and she’s going to fit it in with Ashlyn’s workshop to show how to turn your passion into your dream.

             

The deadline for early registration at 50 dollars is September 15th and 60 dollars after that.  For information and registration call 306-425-2612 or email jean@visionsnorth.com.

 

Mental Health Support for Students is Increasing in Saskatchewan.

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing 225 thousand dollars over the next three years to Kids Help Phone.  This is an increase of 27 thousand dollars per year compared to 2020-21.  

The increased funding will be used to promote the Kids Help Phone e-mental health services to students, staff and families to ensure students have easy access to support when needed.  

Help is available in both English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week via phone, text, website and Facebook.  Their Resources Around Me database provides children and youth with the opportunity to search for resources in the local community including counselor and mental health support.

This funding is in addition to the nearly 500 thousand dollars the government committed last year to offer Mental Health First Aid training to school divisions with the intent to have at least one staff member trained in each school in Saskatchewan's 27 school divisions.

If you or someone you know is in need of support Kids Help Phone can be reached by calling 1-800-686-6868, texting 686868 or chatting online at https://kidshelpphone.ca

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