Local News Archives for 2021-12

Confirmed Cases in Manitoba Have Topped 80 Thousand While Saskatchewan tops 85 Thousand.

Manitoba public health reported 1494 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 30.7 percent.  Of the new cases 860 are in Winnipeg and 243 in Prairie Mountain with lower numbers in other regions including 70 in Northern health where there are now 349 active cases with 13 of them in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon district.  Of the total 80,096 confirmed cases 9924 are active, 68,780 people have recovered and 192 are in hospital with 30 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 735 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 333.  Of the total 85,188 identified cases 2844 are active, 81,989 people have recovered and 79 are in hospital with 12 in intensive care.  Far Northeast Two again reports no new cases with three cases reported as active.

 

 

Hospital Care is Being Hit by COVID.

Chief Nursing Officer Lanette Siragusa with Manitoba Shared Health reports higher rates of COVID-19 among health care workers.  She explains just as many Manitobans are now seeing symptomatic or COVID positive cases among their friends and family at a much higher rate than earlier in the pandemic they are also now seeing increased illness and positive cases among our health care workers.  She notes this is both related to exposure in the community and potential exposures in the workplace as outbreaks and increased numbers of COVID positive patients are identified.  She points out for the week of December 19th to 26th 418 health care workers tested positive for COVID which is nearly seven times the numbers seen last week.

            

  Siragusa also reports higher hospitalizations among young people with 34 of the 190 COVID-19 patients in Manitoba hospitals under the age of 40.

 

Two Northern Medical Services are Facing Staffing Issues.

The regional hospital in Gillam and the health centre in Leaf Rapids are closed until next month due to ongoing and persistent staffing issues.  Member of Parliament Niki Ashton has written to Indigenous Services Canada asking them to work with the province of Manitoba and take whatever measures are necessary including engaging the Canadian Armed Forces to provide emergency services in these communities.  She notes they need emergency staffing until Gillam reopens on January5th and Leaf Rapids on January 10th **.  She points out these centers provide medical services to people from neighboring communities including many First Nations and Metis people and the nearest hospital is in Thompson which is a drive of over three hours.

             

Ashton concludes our region needs help now.

 

**The Northern Health Region has announced the Leaf Rapids Health Centre will partially re-open at 12 noon on January 4th for Primary Care appointments.**

Covid Cases Have Returned to This Manitoba District While the Saskatchewan Sub Zone Reports No New Cases.

Manitoba public health reported 1123 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 27.3 percent.  Of the new cases 764 are in the Winnipeg region with lower numbers in other regions including 40 in Northern health where there are 283 active cases including eight in the Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Cranberry Portage Sherridon district.  Of the total 78,606 confirmed cases in the province 8481 are active, 68,801 people have recovered and 190 are in hospital with 29 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 589 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 257.  Of the total 84,446 confirmed cases 2176 are active, 81,315 people have recovered and 79 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two again reports no new cases with only three cases reported as active.

 

Self Isolation Will Be Shorter in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the province is going to reduce the self isolation period following a positive test from ten days to five.  This applies to fully vaccinated asymptomatic residents who receive a positive COVD-19 result on a rapid antigen or PCR test. If you are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated self isolate for ten days.  He also said they are not imposing any new public health orders or restrictions or measures at this time, they’re continuing to watch their hospitalizations and intensive care numbers very carefully and they may take further action in the days and weeks ahead but they are not with the situation as what they have today.

             

Moe added if you want to continue to avoid further restrictions get your first, second and third dose of vaccine, pick up and use rapid tests, if you test positive self isolate immediately and keep wearing a mask.

Your Support Helped the Salvation Army Have a Successful Christmas Season.

Salvation Army Lieutenant Mark Burford reports they had a successful Christmas kettle and hamper program in the Flin Flon area. He explains the kettles were up from last year, they raised $24,810.30 on their kettles and this year the money from the kettles will be for their Christmas Hamper program as well as their other food programs throughout the year.  He also noted this year at Christmas time they were able to give 152 hampers to families in need to give them a little more hope and joy over the Christmas season.

             

Lieutenant Burford added a big thank you to the community for their volunteers, the people who gave and everyone who supported their kettle program.

 

Recently, Google Canada announced it was investing in two Canadian organizations to re-skill Indigenous job seekers for new careers in technology.

The company is committing 500 thousand dollars to Manitoba non-profit Com IT’s Recoding Futures IT training program, as well as 100 thousand dollars to Indspire so they can deliver their education and job training programs.

 

A press release from Google Canada states there’s a significant skills and education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in the country when it comes to connectivity, graduation rates, and digital literacy.

 

It adds that as Canada rebuilds its economy post COVID-19, the company along with the two non-profits will work towards a common goal of bridging the gap, increase free access to digital skills education, and support economic growth with Indigenous communities.

 

Executive Director of ComIT Pablo Listingart says they’re excited to bring free digital skills training to Indigenous students and look forward to expanding the program in the New Year accommodating as many applicants as possible.

Saskatchewan is Averaging 200 New Cases.

Saskatchewan health reported 293 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the seven day average of new cases to 200.  Of the total 83,855 confirmed cases 1645 are active, 81,259 people have recovered and 83 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two subzone reports no new cases with three cases reported as active.

              They also report Omicron is present throughout the province.  Of the 824 cases screening positive for Omicron nearly 40 percent are in the Saskatoon zone, 27 percent are in Regina zone and the remaining 33 percent have been confirmed across the remaining zones with each zone having at least one Omicron case except for Far North Central . 83 percent of residents 12 years and older and 76 percent of residents five years and older are fully vaccinated.

Keep Your Contact Numbers Small.

          

Manitoba public health reported 947 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 24.2 percent.  Of the new cases 667 are in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions including only eight in the Northern region where there are 378 active cases.  Of the total 77,485 confirmed cases in the province 7488 cases are active, 68,613 people have recovered and 183 are in hospital with 29 in Intensive care.

             

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin noted the numbers reported are an under estimation due to a backlog in test results with a wait time of four days or maybe more. He points out we know that Omicron is going to have an impact on our health care system, we can see in other jurisdictions the amount of admissions are increasing over time as case numbers increase and that’s going to occur here too so we need to be prepared for that, we need to reduce the amount of contacts we have quite significantly in order to protect the health care system.

             

Roussin added they are carefully watching case numbers and further restrictions could be coming.

             

Public health reports an outbreak has been declared at the Northern Spirit Manor personal care home in Thompson.

Structure Fires Dominated Fire Calls Last Month.

At their meeting last week Flin Flon City Council received the Fire Chiefs report for November indicating six incidents.  One was a call to assist EMS on the 24th.

             

On November 4th they were called to a strong smell of melted electrical on Hemlock Drive where crews were able to track it down to improper light bulbs being used.  On the 12th they were called to a stove fire on Hapnot Street where crews were able to quickly contain the fire.  On the 19th they were called to assist at a motor vehicle collision on Highway Ten south of Cranberry Portage where two semi trucks had collided.  They used the Jaws of Life to cut and remove debris to free one of the drivers.  On the 20th they were called to what was found to be a false alarm on Hapnot Street and on the 28th they responded to a fire call on First Avenue and found smoke coming out the front door. They found a fire on the stove that was quickly extinguished and the home was cleared of smoke.  The total fire loss for the month is estimated at 10 thousand dollars.

 

Significant Results Continue to Come in From a Drill Program Near Snow Lake.

Rockcliff Metals Corporation has announced additional high grade volcanogenic massive sulphide drill results from its completed phase one drill program at their Copperman Property in the Snow Lake Mining Camp.  Their Interim President and CEO Don Christie says phase one exploration drilling has been extremely successful as it has intersected significant, thick, high grade copper-zinc mineralization.  They report 4.9 percent copper equivalent across 6 meters including 6.6 percent copper equivalent across 4 meters and 6.6 percent across 10 meters including 13.5 percent across 4 meters.

             

Christie adds mineralization remains open in all directions and is exposed at surface in historical trenches. He notes a phase two drill program planned in early January will attempt to expand the mineralized footprint as well as test nearby undrilled geophysical anomalies.

 

Omicron is Dominant in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba reported 825 new COVID-19 cases and five new deaths related to the novel coronavirus.

The province's online dashboard on Tuesday said 164 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, of which 27 are in intensive care.

The COVID-19 numbers went up from 675 on Monday, but officials have warned the figures may be misleading because of delays in obtaining test results and a change in testing protocols.

Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon said Monday that most symptomatic and fully vaccinated people who go to testing sites will receive a rapid test to take at home, and will only be asked to return for a PCR if the result is positive.

Manitoba has also tightened public health restrictions, particularly on large gatherings, to curb the spread of COVID-19 cases spurred by the highly contagious Omicron variant.

Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, said Monday that Omicron is now the prominent COVID-19 strain in almost all of the province's health regions.

 

Saskatchewan health officials say COVID-19 hospitalization rates are falling in the province and there are no cases of the Omicron variant that require treatment in a hospital.

They say in a news release Tuesday that there are 80 people in hospital due to COVID-19, and 16 in intensive care.

They say 129 people were hospitalized in Saskatchewan on Nov. 28, with 36 in intensive care; and five in Ontario hospitals.

They credit the province's high vaccination rate for the decrease in hospitalization caseloads.

While there are no cases of Omicron that require hospitalization, officials warn people that the variant is present in the community and ask that everyone take all steps possible to protect themselves.

They say the province reported 1,195 new cases of COVID-19 between Dec. 22 and 28, and four deaths.

(The Canadian Press)

The Province Recommends Adjusting Your Holiday Plans.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reports nearly 750 new cases of COVID-19 today. He says this is resulting in a backlog at their testing centers and putting significant strain on our health care system.  He notes we are still learning about the Omicron variant and what effect it will continue have on our health care system so people have to adjust their gathering plans. He explains now more than ever Manitobans need to continue to follow the public health orders, the capacity limits, we need to limit our contacts with others.  He says many people were having multiple gatherings planned this weekend so we need to adjust that, if you’re going to three or four gatherings this weekend this should be down to one, if you’re having ten people over we should limit that number further, we need to adjust our plans on the go here because we’re seeing rapid transmission of Omicron throughout the province.

             

Roussin emphasized anyone at high risk of severe outcomes should not be attending events or visiting crowded places.

The Lieutenant Governor Has Praise for the People of Manitoba.

Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Janice Filmon in her annual Christmas message stated the holiday spirit remains strong in our provincial community…..

             

“Our province is always a great place to be but the wonders of the holiday season create an especially memorable time here in Manitoba. The environment is so beautiful and inviting, sparkling landscapes, cheerful lights aglow on homes and store fronts and of course our renowned community spirit on full display as we unite in celebration.  There’s no doubt the festive season brings out the best in our people and our province.  It’s a time that reminds us of the many reasons we have to be grateful and appreciative of who we are and where we live and we are all fortunate indeed to be part of such a vibrant caring community.”

             

Filmon concludes as the Queen’s representative in Manitoba she wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday as we celebrate this joyful season and welcome the new year.

 

The Lieutenant Governor has Praise for Those in Saskatchewan Who Give Back to Their Communities.

In his annual Christmas message Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty noted although we have experienced some difficult challenges this year we have much for which to be grateful….

“In particular, I want to thank everyone serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, police and fire services, and our first responders. I also want to thank health care professionals, educators and front-line workers for going above and beyond the call of duty throughout the pandemic. I am grateful to those serving in public office for providing leadership, especially during these uncertain times. In Saskatchewan, we are fortunate to be surrounded by generous and capable volunteers. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who is giving their time and energy to improve their community. I am grateful for everyone who has chosen to see challenges as opportunities to help others this year. Thank you for your inspiring examples of service.”

             

Mirasty also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Elders and Survivors who shared their stories following the discovery of gravesites at former Indian Residential Schools.

Saskatchewans Premier is Impressed with How People in the Province Support Each Other.

In his annual Christmas message Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe noted 2021 has been another challenging year for the province…..                                   

“It's been humbling and inspiring to witness so many selfless acts of courage, generosity and love.

 Here's just one example. In September, a fire destroyed the home of Delisle area farmer Tyson McKenzie. Tyson lost everything. Within hours there was an outpouring of support from the community. Some people offered generous gifts of cash . A neighbour hauled Tyson's cattle free of charge . Another neighbour dropped by with a $1,000 gift certificate for a clothing store. An online silent auction was organized. 130 items went up for sale everything from homemade pickles to a hand stitched quilt to chainsaws . $36,000 was raised to help pay for the construction of a new house. Karla Poletz, who helped with the auction, said that's just what you do in a small town. In times of trouble, you are there for your neighbours.  It's the Saskatchewan way. And it is what Jesus taught. “

             

Moe wishes everyone a Merry Christmas on behalf of this family and his colleagues in the Saskatchewan Legislature.

New Cases Topped 500 in Manitoba and Approach 200 in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 556 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 10.9 percent.  Of the new cases 355 are in Winnipeg with much lower numbers on other regions including 47 in Northern health where there at 350 active cases.  Of the total 72,834 confirmed cases 2933 are active, 68,532 people have recovered and 144 are in hospital with 28 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 194 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 88.  Of the 82,640 confirmed cases 789 are active, 80,906 people have recovered and 87 are in hospital with 29 in intensive care.  Far Northeast Two reports no new cases with only one case active.

You Can Still Recycle Over the Christmas Season.

Workers at the Flin Flon Recycling Centre and the Landfill will be taking some time off over the holiday season.  Administrator Deb Odegaard explains the Flin Flon Landfill will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day December 25th and 26th and will be open the following week.  The Recycling Centre is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day but they will have a skeleton staff in on the 26th, the 31st and the 2nd but people can still drop their recycling off at any time.

             

For more information on what can and can’t be recycled visit their website www.flinflonrecycling.org or call 204-687-6169.

Everyone Should be Getting The Shot.

A medical officer of health with the Northern Health Region shared an update on how the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine campaign has been going in the north.

 

Doctor William Libich explains so far interest in the vaccine has been very strong as parents and caregivers realize how important it is to get their children immunized and uptake of the vaccine is increasing quickly so throughout the province already over 42 percent of children between 5 and 11 have received their first dose, a few have even received their second dose.  He says in the north our numbers are a little lower than the provincial average but not much, we’re about 40 percent, Winnipeg is about 48 percent but numbers all across Manitoba and Canada are rising fast.

 

Libich reassures parents and caregivers unsure about getting their children vaccinated that there is a significant amount of real-world experience that the pediatric shot is safe.

 

He adds it’s important that everyone eligible to get the shot and booster do so.

New Cases Continue to be Reported in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 400 new cases of COVID -19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 9.9 percent. Of the new cases 256 are in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions including eight in Northern health where there are 373 active cases.  Of the total 72,283 confirmed cases in the province 2622 are active, 68,293 people have recovered and 91 are in hospital with 24 in intensive care. One new case of the Omicron variant has been confirmed for a total of 18. They also announced students will return to school on January 10th instead of the 6th to allow more time to assess the risk of the Omicron variant and to allow more time to get rapid test kits into schools.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 105 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 68.  Of the total 82,442 confirmed cases 627 are active, 80,871 people have recovered and 91 are in hospital.  Far Northeast two reported one new case which is the only case reported as active.  The province also reports 27 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant and 69 probable cases detected through testing.

 

The Manitoba Government is Providing Financial Support for Businesses.

Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes announced they will provide up to 22 million dollars in direct financial relief through the Sector Support Program to businesses impacted by the latest public health orders in the form of grants of up to 12 thousand dollars.  This includes dine in full service restaurants, bars, theatres, concert halls, museums, recreation and sports facilities, gyms, hotels and resorts at reduced capacity.  He notes financial support through this program will be scaled based on business size with grants based on the number of employees so eligible businesses will receive 3 thousand dollars if they have 1 to 9 employees, 6 thousand dollars if they have 10 to 19 employees, 9 thousand dollars if they have 20 to 29 employees and 12 thousand dollars if they have more than 50 employees.

             

Reyes adds the online assessment tool will be available on the Manitoba government website by the end of the holiday period until January 31st .

A Long Time Member is Leaving the Museum Board.

At their meeting last night Flin Flon City Council received a letter from Ron Dodds.  He stated he is resigning from his position as Past Chairman of the Flin Flon Station Museum effective Friday December 31st.  He noted for the past 39 years he has enjoyed working within his various positions as a Board Member at the Museum adding a couple of his favorite jobs were Flinty’s Birthday and putting up the annual Christmas light display.         Mayor Cal Huntley noted we all echo our thanks to Ron for the 39 years adding he’s gone above and beyond on many occasions and was utterly committed to the Museum.

             

Council approved 40 percent as their share of the cost of hiring a Regional Tourism Coordinator to work with the Flin Flon Denare Beach Creighton Economic Development Commission with the goal of coordinating all efforts in the region in developing tourism.  They also will apply to the Municipal Service Delivery Improvement Program to determine available cost efficiency for the city bus service to ensure it is providing the best service possible for the cost.

             

Mayor and Council wished all a Merry Christmas with Mayor Huntley reminding all to be kind to your fellow citizens and the community.

Lifesaving Society Manitoba is reminding those who partake in recreational activities on frozen waterways to check ice thickness before venturing out.

Water safety coordinator Doctor Christopher Love states dozens of vehicles break through thin ice around this time of year.

 

He adds an average of 65 people go through the ice and drown in the country annually.

 

Love states no ice is without some risk and people should measure clear hard ice in several places to ensure the ice can bear weight. He explains if you’re going out for activities it is a minimum of 10 centimeters for things like ice fishing, skating, walking, cross country skiing, if you’re going to be taking out an ATV or snowmobile then it needs to be 12 centimeters, if you’re going to be taking out a light car or truck then you need between 20 and 30 centimeters depending on the exact weight and size of your vehicle and beyond 30 to 38 centimeters for a medium truck or an SUV and even higher than that if you’re taking out a really big truck or other vehicle as part of your activities.

 

Love adds people going out on frozen waterways should have a floatation device on them, never go out alone and make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.

Winnipeg Continues to Dominate Manitoba COVID Statistics While Omicron is Making Itself Known in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 302 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 8.6 percent.  Of the new cases 200 are in Winnipeg and 47 in Southern health with lower numbers in other regions including 11 in Northern health where there are 385 active cases.  Of the total 71,888 confirmed cases 2316 are active, 68,206 people have recovered and 133 are in hospital with 26 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 67 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 62.  Of the total 82,334 confirmed cases 556 are active, 80,835 people have recovered and 98 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two continues to report no new cases. As of December 20th there are 82 Omicron variant cases and the rates of this highly transmissible variant are expected to grow.  None of the 82 is in hospital.

You Can Enjoy Christmas with the Community Choir.

The Flin Flon Community Choir is presenting A Star A Vision Bright this Christmas. Choir Director Crystal Kolt says the concert has a difference this year. She explains the choir got together throughout the fall to record Christmas music and unfortunately because of COVID they weren’t able to offer a live performance so they are offering a beautiful performance that people can enjoy online at the Flin Flon Arts Council Facebook page and Youtube channel and the show is called A Star A Vision Bright and it will feature Linda Allen reading a Christmas Carol from last year as well as the Flin Flon Community Choir singing some of their favorites so they which everybody a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2022.

             

The Concert can also be heard here on CFAR Christmas Eve at 2 pm and Christmas Day at 6 pm.

The Best Christmas Displays Were Determined in Denare Beach and Creighton.

Judges toured Denare Beach Friday evening to determine the best Christmas display in their Village of Lights. The best displays included Werbickis at 1805 Amisk Drive, Scotts at 800 Mosher Road, Gareaus at 2036 Spruce Street and Gilmores at 413-10th Avenue.  Prizes were sponsored by the Village of Denare Beach and Rockyview.

             

Earlier in the Month the Town of Creighton awarded prizes for Christmas light displays.  They went to Lyhkuns on Creighton Avenue, Klemmers on Collins Street and LaValleys on Bereskin Avenue.  Prizes were sponsored by the North of 53 Co-op, Canadian Tire and Reliance and judging was done by members of the Creighton RCMP.

There was a Large Jump in New Cases in Winnipeg Over the Weekend While Saskatchewan Approached 200.

Manitoba public health reported 808 new cases of COVID -19 since Friday bringing the five day test positivity rate up to eight percent.  Of the new cases 513 were in Winnipeg region and 136 in Southern health with much lower numbers in other regions including 67 in Northern health.  Of the 71,590 confirmed cases 2183 are active, 68,041 people have recovered and 137 are in hospital with 27 in intensive care.  Nine new cases of Omicron have been identified for a total of 17.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 198 new cases since Friday bringing the seven day average of new cases to 59. Of the total 82,267 confirmed cases 565 are active, 80,760 people have recovered and 102 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two continues to report no new cases with no cases active.  Ten cases of the Omicron variant have been confirmed in the province.  Saskatchewan has reduced the wait time between second and third vaccine doses to three months from five.

 

An Ore Body Near Flin Flon Could be the Closest Ever to Surface.

Callinex mines has announced progress from the 2021 drilling campaign at its Pine Bay Project 16 kilometers from Flin Flon.  It hosts the emerging high grade copper, gold, silver and zinc Rainbow Deposit.

             

President Max Porterfield states their team has done a tremendous job in expanding the Rainbow Deposit with a keen focus on chasing it to surface.  He explains drilling at Rainbow since September has tested above the 300 meter level and within 35 meters of surface adding Rainbow has the potential to emerge as one of the most shallow discoveries made in modern history within the Flin Flon Mining District.  He notes the potential for the high grade copper and gold deposit to come near to surface could significantly reduce upfront capital costs and development timelines.

             

Year to date Callinex has drilled 64 holes for just over 34 thousand meters of drilling which focused on expanding the Rainbow deposit to the surface while also testing high priority targets.

 

Manitoba RCMP Remind Motorists to Drive Sober This Holiday Season.

The RCMP report from January 1st to November 30th this year 73 people lost their lives in 63 vehicle collisions across Manitoba.  Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in 21 of these collisions.  While they increase traffic enforcement over the holiday season they remind you impaired driving remains the leading criminal cause of death.

             

The RCMP ask you to report any suspected impaired drivers to your local police noting we can all work together to keep impaired drivers off the road.  As well take responsibility and make the smart choice to plan ahead and make your decisions while sober as those decisions are what will get you and other drivers on the road home safely.  They add stay safe on the road and make the smart choice when you pick up your keys.

 

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is encouraging people to consider eye-safe toys and gifts to give this holiday season.

The organization recommends consumers follow the age recommendations on labels and pick out presents that are appropriate for a child’s age and ability as well as ensuring the product has been inspected by a proper regulator.

 

Past president Doctor Guillermo Rocha explains mild injuries can heal within a few days but more severe injuries can lead to long-term impacts. He says if you have a child that’s playing on something that could potentially have been prevented and all of a sudden  they end up with a piercing to the eye it could affect their profession, it could affect their selection of their job in the future because all of a sudden they may not meet certain visual requirements long term and this adds also to the number of visits they would have, the number of medications they may need throughout the years and it just sort of distracts from a good quality of life.

 

The society recommends avoiding toys that pose a high risk of eye injuries such as lasers, sharp toys, aerosols and flying or projectile toys.

 

Group Sizes are Being Reduced in Manitoba.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced new public health orders effective at 12:01 Tuesday morning.  He says they are taking action in the short term to prevent the long term effects of the Omicron variant.  He explained restrictions on indoor gatherings of household members plus 10 if vaccinated or five if not vaccinated as well as restrictions for other events. For gyms, movie theatres, licensed premises, museums, libraries the proof of vaccine requirement remains but on top of that there is a 50 percent capacity restriction, licensed restaurants guest will be required to remain seated, for faith based gatherings where proof of vaccination is required there will be a 50 percent capacity, where proof vaccine is not required it will be the indoor gathering sizes of 25 individuals or 25 percent capacity whichever is lower, indoor and outdoor sports there will be no tournaments that can take place, games and practices will be allowed, spectator capacity will remain proof of vaccination but also reduced to 50 percent capacity.

             

The orders will be in effect until January 11th.

Two More Cases of the New Variant Have Been Found in Manitoba While Saskatchewan Numbers Still Remain Low.

Manitoba reported 239 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 6.5 percent.  Of the new cases 108 are in Winnipeg and 71 in Southern health with lower numbers in other regions including 16 in Northern health.  Of the total 70,785 identified cases 1799 are active, 67,626 people have recovered and 139 are in hospital with 33 in intensive care.  Two new cases of the Omicron variant have been identified for a total of eight in the province.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 49 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified bringing the seven day average of new cases to 52.  Of the total 82,069 identified cases 548 are active, 80,579 people have recovered and 107 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two again reports no new cases and there are no active cases in the zone.

 

Far Resources Has an Entirely New Board of Directors.

Major changes are taking place as FAR Resources moves forward with its Zoro and Jean Lake lithium properties in Snow Lake.  96 percent of their shareholders have elected a entirely new board of directors. Following the shareholders meeting the new board appointed Scott Taylor to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer.  Taylor stated as a shareholder he was totally frustrated with the previous board’s complete lack of progress and pledged that shareholders will immediately see a change in the behavior by management and the board of the Company.

             

Taylor announced they have filed for a name change for FAR and Lithium will be reflected in the new name and they intend to become a growing key player within the North American strategic metals market.  He noted the Company is hyper focused on continued exploration and growth on its three lithium properties Zoro and Jean Lake in Snow Lake and Hidden Lakes in the Northwest Territories.

While the holiday season can be a joyous time for many it can also be stressful and overwhelming.

That’s why the Northern Health Region is reminding residents to be kind to themselves and focus on their wellbeing at this time of year.

 

Shellie Verville, the mental health promotions coordinator for the Region explains we’re kind of in the season of the winter blues so we’re already going into the holiday season probably feeling a little bit tired, maybe a little bit sad and there’s also financial pressure that we experience as the holiday can be really expensive buying gifts for friends and family and it can leave families in a bit of debt even after the holidays.  She adds we also have times when we are with people that we might have strained relationships with, we might not see eye to eye with different family members so that can be an issue over the holidays plus during this time of COVID-19 going on we may not be with the people we love over the holiday season like we have in the past.

 

Verville says some ways people can reduce their stress during the holidays include getting enough sleep, eating healthy, getting exercise, thinking positive, and not being afraid to ask for or accept help.

 

Case Counts Continue to go Up In Winnipeg While More Saskatchewan People Can Get Booster Shots.

Manitoba public health reported 218 new cases of COVID -19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 6.6 percent.  Of the new cases 108 are in Winnipeg with much lower numbers in other regions including 34 in Northern health where there are 353 active cases. Of the total 70,551 identified cases 1753 are active, 67,439 people have recovered and 139 are in hospital with 33 in intensive care.

             

The Saskatchewan government has announced effective Monday all individuals 18 and over will be eligible for a booster shot three months out from their second dose.  Saskatchewan health reported 55 new cases bringing the seven day average for new cases to 55.  Of the total 82,015 identified cases 544 are active, 80,530 have recovered and 106 are in hospital. Far Northeast Two again reports no new cases. There are five confirmed cases of Omicron in the province all linked to international travelers who are quarantining.

 

The Province is Increasing Nurse Training Seats in the North.

The Manitoba government is investing in 37 additional nurse training seats at three Campuses of University College of the North. The funding is for UCN’s Diploma in Practical Nursing Program which is offered in Thompson, Flin Flon and Swan River.  Their President and Vice-Chancellor Doug Lauvstad says this announcement helps address the staffing issues facing the northern health care system.  He notes the north is challenged in terms of recruitment and retention of professionals particularly health professionals and he thinks everyone of us can attest if you teach people in the north with an institution that’s in the north for jobs in the north they will stay in the north.

             

The investment is worth 4.3 million dollars and will enable UCN to invest in equipment, classroom renovations and instructors to support the additional seats.

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Creighton Saturday Afternoon.

Members of the Creighton Fire Department will be escorting Santa around Creighton on Saturday afternoon.  Recreation Director Channa Senyk explains he will be starting at one o’clock travelling through Creighton and he will be in the big shiny red truck with lots of bells and whistles with the Creighton Volunteer Fire Department, so keep your ears open and your eyes open and watch for Santa coming down your street.

             

Due to COVID-19 restrictions Santa will not be stopping for pictures or to hand out candy.

 

Manitoba Case Numbers Continue to Climb While Saskatchewan Patients Have All Returned to the Province.

Manitoba public health reported 206 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 6.2 percent.  Of the new cases 78 are in Winnipeg and 73 in Southern health with lower numbers in other regions including 13 in Northern health where there are 404 active cases.  Of the total 70,340 identified cases in the province 1779 are active, 67,204 people have recovered and 139 are in hospital with 34 in intensive care. One new case of the Omicron variant has been identified bring the total to six confirmed.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 62 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 56.  Of the total 81,961 confirmed cases 538 are active, 80,482 people have recovered and 105 are in hospital. Far Northeast Two again reported no new cases and no cases are active.  The final COVID patient receiving care in Ontario from the 27 transferred returned to Saskatchewan this week.

 

You Are Urged to Follow the Fundamentals as We Head Into the Holidays.

Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon says she is concerned about the status of COVID-19 in the province.  She notes rising case counts and COVID-19 transmission in the province are placing increasing pressure on our health system adding case counts and hospitalizations are rising and Manitobans are encouraged to be proactive in protecting our health care system and to also help ensure we have hospital beds available to continue to provide care for patients in need.

             

Gordon adds although there are only six cases of Omicron identified in the province it is here but we are not helpless as long as we continue to follow public health orders, focus on the fundamentals with reduced gathering sizes and get vaccinated including your third shot especially as we head into the holidays.

Flin Flon School Division will Benefit From a Program to Support Elders and Knowledge Keepers in Manitoba Schools.

Education Minister Cliff Cullen has announced a new pilot program that will support engagement with elders and knowledge keepers in eleven school divisions including Flin Flon.  He says this will promote the inclusion of First Nations, Metis and Inuit histories, culture, traditional values, contemporary lifestyles and traditional knowledge in the provincial curricula creating space  for our children to understand and celebrate the rich histories of Indigenous people in Manitoba. The Elders and knowledge keepers will provide mentorship for groups of various sizes on traditional teachings and students will have the opportunity to participate in and learn about cultural teachings, experiences and Indigenous languages.

Its Time to Light Up Your Home in Denare Beach.

Residents of Denare Beach are again taking part in the Village of Lights by putting up Christmas lights. Recreation Director Mel Durette explains you can decorate your yard, your house or whatever you decide to decorate and on Friday at 6 o’clock she’ll drive around and they’re going to pick four winners.  She says they’ve got some good donations, the Village donated and Rockyview donated some prizes so if they want to turn their lights by 6 o’clock they’ll drive around and check them out.

             

This is the 13th year for the Village of Lights.

             

Denare Beach will also be holding a children’s Christmas party on Saturday at the Denareplex from 1 to 3 with sliding, a bonfire and Santa.

You Can Celebrate Winter in Creighton on Sunday.

Winter Solstice will lead to an afternoon of events at the Creighton Sportex Sunday.  Recreation Director Channa Senyk reports they start at one o’clock and they’re having a sliding hill, hot dogs, hot chocolate for the first 150 people, they have a road hockey game going from 1 to 3 for 6 to 12 year olds and they’re reminding them to bring their hockey sticks, they have a celebrity smooshing at 2 pm with the media coming out, the RCMP and members of the Creighton Town Council, skating from 1 to 3, snow art, snow jug races, Freezie mountain, winter bowling and ending the wonderful afternoon with fireworks from the Flin Flon Fireworks Committee.

             

Winter Solstice is sponsored by Creighton Recreation and Sask Lotteries.

 

Identified Cases Top 70 Thousand in Manitoba While There are No Active Cases in The District That Includes Creighton and Denare Beach Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 164 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to six percent.  Of the new cases 73 are in the Winnipeg region, 36 in Southern health and 28 in the Northern region with lower numbers in other regions.  There are 401 active cases in the Northern region.  Of the total 70,140 identified cases in the province 1724 are active, 67,061 people have recovered and 131 are in hospital with 34 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 47 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 54.  Of the total 81,899 identified cases 545 are active, 80,413 people have recovered and 110 are in hospital with 34 in intensive care.  Far Northeast Two again reports no new cases and there are now no active cases in the district.

There is a Program to Make Sure Children Get a Gift.

The 27th annual Christmas Gift Program is underway at the Flin Flon Friendship Centre. The Centre’s Program Events Coordinator Lisa Rosvold says it’s designed to enable parents or guardians to give their children up to 17 years old a gift at Christmas when circumstances prevent them from doing so. She explains this year the Christmas Gift Program is going to be open registration so she’s going to leave registration open for anybody who may just come into a circumstance as of the 24th and may need a gift for their kids. She notes it’s going to start giving out gifts from December 16th to 24th from 10 am to 4 pm adding she’s making appointments , they’ll be ten minute appointments so come grab your gifts and some wrapping paper and out the door you go.

             

To book an appointment or for more information call the Friendship Centre at 204-687-3900 and ask for Lisa or register at the desk with the name, phone number and age and gender of each child and preferably have your health card ready.

Bells Will Be Ringing Across Our Communities Christmas Eve.

Creighton Recreation Director Channa Senyk invites residents of Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach to come to the Creighton Town Office, Flin Flon Recreation Office or Denare Beach Village Office and pick up a bell and they just ask that you pick them up in the community that you live in, so they’re ready to go this week Monday to Friday.  She explains on Christmas Eve at 6 o’clock you go on to your deck or the end of your driveway and ring your bells for two minutes wishing everybody a Merry Christmas.

             

Senyk adds after a tough year it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities ending 2021 with a sparkle of magic, hope and togetherness.

 

Recovered Cases in Manitoba are Approaching 67 Thousand While New Cases Remain Low in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 478 new cases of COVID-19 have been identified since Friday bringing the five day test positivity rate to 5.7 percent.  Of the new cases 160 were in Winnipeg region, 120 in Southern health and 118 in Northern health with lower numbers in other regions. Northern health has 394 active cases.  Of the total 69,979 confirmed cases 17 hundred are active, 66, 996 people have recovered and 142 are in hospital with 34 in intensive care.  No new cases of the Omicron variant were identified with a total of five confirmed. They also report 34.1 percent of children 5 to 11 have received their first dose of vaccine.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 149 new cases since Friday bringing the seven day average of new cases to 54.  Of the 81,852 total identified cases 568 are active, 80,347 people have recovered and 110 are in hospital.  Far North East Two reports no new cases with only four cases reported as active.  In Saskatchewan just under 845 thousand people are now fully vaccinated.

You Could Win Some Christmas Cash

The  Flin Flon Chamber Of Commerce wants to give you the opportunity to win some extra cash just in time for Christmas with their Gifts Galore promotion.

 

Past President Dianne Russell says they are very excited to be working with many  local business’s in able to provide this great promotion.

 

“ It is a pretty exciting opportunity for the people in our community to go and visit our local retailers. There is about 25 retailers where you can go enter your name and we will have a draw just before New Years Eve for $2,000.00 cash.”

 

Entry boxes will be located in 25  different business’s in Flin Flon and Creighton and you will be able to enter til December the 29th with the draw coming up  on December the 30th.

Northland Ford Teddy Bear Toss Tonight

Northland Ford will be holding a special promotion to help out people in need this Christmas season with the 10th annual Teddy Bear Toss tonight  at the Flin Flon Bomber game,  and the dealership’s Mike Slipp explains where the donations will be going.

 

“ All the donations we get go to the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program and the Friendship Centre Christmas Gift Program, so we encourage everybody to bring stuffed toys to the Bomber game tonight. As soon as the Bombers score that first goal we will make it rain teddy bears on the ice. The team will pick them up and we will put them in the  back of the half ton. It is a big deal and the people of Flin Flon have always been generous and it has always been a great success.

 

If you can’t make it to the game tonight, feel free to drop of donations of stuffed animals or boxed toys to the dealership any time.

School Board Meeting

THE FFSD BOARD OF TRUSTEES AGREED TO PASS A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE OVERNIGHT TRAVEL COMMITTEE TO ALLOW TRAVEL FOR FLIN FLON SCHOOL DIVISION STUDENTS PROVIDED ALL MANITOBA PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS ARE FOLLOWED AND TRAVEL PLANS ARE SIGNED OFF BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PRIOR TO TRAVEL. THE BOARD IS ALSO PLEASED TO SEE SOME IN PERSON EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE SCHOOLS.

 

FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS THESE EVENTS ARE ONLY OPEN TO THOSE FULLY VACCINATED WITH CAPACITY LIMITS IN EFFECT. PARENTS ARE ASKED TO WATCH FOR INFORMATION BEING SENT HOME REGARDING UP COMING EVENTS. AND A REMINDER IF INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT FULLY VACCINATED AND ARE TRAVELING OUT OF PROVINCE THEY MUST SELF ISOLATE FOR FOURTEEN DAYS UPON THEIR RETURN.

 

LAST DAY OF CLASS IN THE DIVISION IS DECEMBER TWENTY SECOND WITH CLASS RESUMING JANUARY SIXTH OF THE NEW YEAR. THE BOARD WISHES ALL A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND THE BEST IN 2022.

ST Ann's Is Hosting A Christmas Market

 

St. Ann’s Church are looking forward to holding a big Christmas event at the church this Saturday and one of the organizer’s Denise Davis says they have a great event planned for the whole family.

 

“ With the Covid restrictions we have been binded by what we can do and can’t do, so we are going to do a Christmas Market. It will be a lot like our Fall Bazaar except we will not have the Tea Room. We will have our penny Parade, sewing, knitting and craft tables. We will also have a bake table including perogies that are home made and our used book table.

 

The Christmas Market will start at 1 and will also include a Hope Chest, Quilt and Afghan raffles with tickets being sold and the draws coming up on December the 22nd.

 

All Covid rules will be followed and you must be double vaccinated to attend.

City Council Meeting

Flin Flon City Council held their regular meeting at Council Chambers this past Tuesday.

 

Alan McLauchlan and Mike Goodyear attended the meeting on behalf of Travel Manitoba and made a presentation on Snowmobile Tourism for economic growth for the North.

 

They encouraged the City Of Flin Flon to get certified as snowmobile friendly and talked about the economic advantages for Flin Flon and the entire North. Mayor Cal Huntley commented on how this could be a great opportunity to access the North and would look at some different ways to get some funding for equipment and to improve trails.

 

Councillor McKinnon attended a AMM conference and said the big topic of discussion was cost of policing and who will be responsible. She said it was very well attended  and was a great experience for networking. A spring convention is planned for Brandon.

 

The City Of Flin Flon also received a grant from Her Majesty The Queen In Right Of Canada for the funding for a friction tester at the Flin Flon Airport. This is over and above the funding they already received.

 

Councillor Pawlachuk mentioned the successful tree lighting at Pioneer Square and were honored to have Elder Margaret Head as their special guest.

Salvation Army Still Need Volunteers

If you or someone from your work or club you belong to would like to make a difference in our community this Christmas season, the Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for their Christmas Kettle campaign.

 

The Salvation Army’s Nelly Brown says things have been going well but they are still looking for some volunteers. “ The kettle campaign is going very well and thanks to all the volunteers. At this point we have openings for the kettles on December the 17th and the last week of December the 20th to the 24th.  We need volunteers from 10 to 2 pm, so if you are double vaccinated and have  an hour of time to donate, we need you. Give me a call at 204- 687-4283.

 

You can also call the Salvation Army at 204-687- 7812 and this year’s proceeds will go towards Christmas hampers and meal program through out the year.

The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba is Conducting a Research Program in the North to Explore Gaps and Access to Services for First Nations that Live with a Disability.

Research Coordinator, Marsha Simmons, tells us what they hope to accomplish.

 

"This research study will hear perspective from individuals that are living with a disability. It'll inform gaps and services and advocacy and required services for individuals to live a holisitc life. We are seeking to hear fromm all adults that are living with a disability that are from a first nation originally, whether they currently reside there or are no longer living in their home community..."

 

The information gathered will be used toward a human rights tribunal case to further the needs of First Nation adults who live in the North with a disability.

Ruth Betts School is Looking for the Generosity of the Community.

Ruth Betts School will be holding their Christmas grotto next week and is looking for company support. Ruth Betts Connector, Logan Church, explains:

 

"We are in need of gently used donations for gifts, so basically gifts that would be good for the whole family...This is done so that students who otherwise probably wouldn't be able to get presents for their family, are able to show their appreciation to their parents or grand parents or who ever they want to give their gits too. Each kid in the school does get two tickets, so each kid is able to get two presents!"

 

Items can be donated until Friday with the Christmas Grotto taking place nect Tuesday.

They can be donated directly to the Ruth Betts Community School office.

Support is Available for Community Projects to Support Seniors.

The Federal government has launched the call for proposals for community projects to support seniors. The New Horizons for Seniors Program funding supports projects that engage seniors in their communities and address one or more of the program's five objectives of social participation, volunteering, mentoring, expanding and awareness of elder abuse and capital assistance. This year updated national priorities for the program reflect the issues facing seniors during the Covid-19 pandemic recovery including supporting healthy ageing, preventing eld abuse and fraud, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion and helping senoirs to age in place. The call for proposals is open until December 21st and you can find the link to more information and the application attached to this story at www.flinflononline.com.

 

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html

 

 

 

 

 

The Northern Manitoba Member of Parliament Continues to Push the Government on Clean Water for First Nations.

In a Question Period last week NDP Critic for Indigenous Services, Niki Ashton, stated the Trudeau government hasn't met it's promise to lift all long term boil advisories in Canada. She asked why the government hasn't helped three First Nations in Manitoba who have gone without water for a number days. Minister for Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu, noted this is a priority for this government and they are working closely with Indigenous communities.

It's Time to Celebrate the Christmas Season With a Parade.

The Flin Flon Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation and Flin Flon Pride are encouraging anyone interested to take part in the annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights Friday evening. The Corporation's Laurence Gillespie says you have time to enter. Entry forms can be found under the 'Home' tab on flinflononline.com and also at Pharmasave. They are also looking for some assistance with traffic control. The parade will start beside the Community Hall Friday at six and travel down Main Street and up Church Street. Watch for more information on the Flin Flon Neighborhood Revitalization Facebook page.

New Cases in the Northern Region of Manitoba Are in the Single Digits and the Average Continues to Drop in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 147 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon holding the five day test positivity rate at 5.1 percent.  Of the new cases 64 are in Southern health and 46 in Winnipeg with much lower numbers in other regions including nine in Northern health where there are 274 active cases.  Of the total 68,308 identified cases 1403 are active, 65,577 people have recovered and 141 are in hospital with 23 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reported 78 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases to 64.  Of the total 81,225 identified cases 744 are active, 79,552 people have recovered and 136 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two reports no new cases with eight active cases reported.

Rockcliff Has Released Its Latest Assay Drill Results From the Snow Lake Area.

Rockcliff Metals Corporation has announced high grade near surface assay drill results from its phase one drill program at its Copperman Property located in the Snow Lake Mining Camp.  The results include 4.5 percent copper equivalent across 6 meters and 3.33 percent copper equivalent across 8.3 meters.

             

Rockcliff’s Interim President and CEO Don Christie comments the near surface widths are very encouraging and they hope the ongoing drill program continues to produce these types of impressive results. He notes the fact the high grade zone of copper zinc mineralization and several other lower grade zones are hosted in a classic bi-modal volcanic environment is a testament to the prospectivety of the property for volcanic massive sulphides adding several other near surface geophysical anomalies similar to the one associated with the historical Copperman Deposit are untested with significant upside potential.

With All the Snow Snowmobilers Will be Hitting the Trails.

Every winter RCMP officers are called to scenes where snowmobilers have been badly injured or have lost their lives.  They report this past month alone two lives have already been lost on snowmobiles in Manitoba and in 2020 eight Manitobans died in snowmobile collisions.

             

The RCMP remind you to know your abilities and ride within your limits, always check the weather conditions before you leave, always ride in groups and let people know where you’re going, always wear protective clothing including a helmet, gloves and eye protection, ride sober and if you are crossing a body of water be cautious of ice thickness, never ride in single file and wear a life jacket over your outer clothing.   The RCMP note they want everyone to ride safely while enjoying the outdoors so they make it home safely to their families.

Reported Cases in Manitoba Have Topped 68 Thousand While the Average Continues to Drop in Saskatchewan.

Manitoba public health reported 172 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 5.1 percent.  Of the new cases 65 are in Southern health and 48 in Winnipeg with lower numbers in other regions including 27 in the Northern region where there are 274 active cases.  Of the total 68,166 identified cases 1356 are active, 65,486 people have recovered and 147 are in hospital with 24 in intensive care.

             

Saskatchewan health reports 71 new cases bringing the seven day average of new cases down to 68.  Of the total 81,145 identified cases 733 are active, 79,484 people have recovered and 134 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two reports one new case with nine cases reported as active.

You Are Invited to Remember the Women of Our Communities.

Counselor Calli Gerbrandt invites you to join the Women’s Resource Centre at their annual candle light vigil at Pioneer Square Monday evening.  She explains December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and on that day they will be coming together to speak and honor the women who tragically died in the Montreal massacre as well as some of our local women we have lost due to violence.  She says they are hoping to deliver the message that we will continue to be persistent in our fight on violence against women.  She point out it’ll be starting at 5:15 and Elder Margaret will be there to open and close with a prayer and a smudge, they will have some poetry read and a moment of silence for the deceased.

             

Gerbrandt adds this will be a time to pause, reflect and remember the women of our communities.

The Christmas Lights Came on on Main Street.

The Christmas season arrived on Main Street last evening with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Pioneer Square.  Mayor Cal Huntley welcomed everyone to this special event.  He stated over the Christmas season this year I bring greetings from Mayor and Council and the City of Flin Flon but I want to do something else too, I really want to encourage people to be very kind, like all the time.  We’ve gone through some very stressful times and there’s more stress ahead I’m sure but it’s very important to be kind to your friends, be kind to strangers, be kind as we go forward.  There’s no point in being upset about anything, its Christmas time let’s be happy enjoy the season, but be kind.

             

Due to Covid restrictions a smaller celebration was held in Pioneer Square but there still a good turnout for the lighting with carols with Mark Kolt and Jen McLean, candy and a visit from Santa Claus with others joining on the City of Flin Flon Facebook page.  Christmas continues on Main Street with the Santa Claus Parade of Lights on December 10th.

 

Reported Cases Have Topped 81 Thousand in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan health reported 81 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the seven day average of new cases to 72.  Of the total 81,074 identified cases 735 are active, 79,412 people have recovered and 133 are in hospital.  Far Northeast Two reports three new cases with nine cases reported to be active.

             

As of November 30th 82 percent of residents 12 and older and 74 percent of residents five and older have been fully vaccinated.

 

 

Youth Vaccines Were the Focus of Manitoba Public Health reports.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reports a previously announced public health order comes into effect Monday.  He explained public health orders will require youth aged 12 to 17 years attending indoor sports and recreation facilities which includes schools to provide proof they have received at least one dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.  If they have not received a single dose they must provide proof of a Pharmacist approved negative from an approved rapid antigen test taken within 72 houses of when they participate.

             

Roussin also noted no cases of Omicron have been found in Manitoba.

             

Public health reported 124 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 5.2 percent. Of the new cases 48 were in Southern health with lower numbers in other regions including four in Northern health.  To date over 14 thousand children aged five to eleven have received their first dose of vaccine in schools.

You Can Shop for Christmas in Creighton This Weekend.

A home business and makers sale is taking place at the Creighton Community Hall Friday and Saturday.  Organizer Cindy Watling says they have a great variety of items with 29 participants from home decore to Christmas trees and ornaments, some food items, baking goods, Scentsy and house plants.  She adds they also have a face painter from out of town coming from Saskatoon to show her creativity as well as a photographer there all weekend so if you’re wanting to get family photos that’s available to you and their special guest all the way from the North Pole Santa will be there Saturday from 1 to 3.

             

The sale runs Friday from 5 to 9 and Saturday from 10 to 6 in the Creighton Community Hall.  The current Saskatchewan health guidelines are in place for the sale.

Red Tape Has Been Reduced for Mineral Exploration.

The Manitoba government is introducing multi-year permitting for mineral exploration projects.  This is in response to industry recommendations to eliminate red tape to help grow and develop this sector.  Work permits for mineral exploration outside of parks will now be valid for three years with the option for an additional two year extension.

             

Also noted in the recent throne speech was the fact northern Manitoba is home to an abundance of mineral resources and the province remains committed to Crown-Indigenous consultation, collaboration and working in partnership with First Nation communities to advance mineral exploration projects and increase Indigenous participation in all phases of mineral development within their traditional territories.  Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler says this improvement will ensure that industry and northern and First Nations communities are engaging early on proposed long term projects which will assist in the planning and information sharing process.

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