Canada Day is coming up tomorrow and this marks the 156 years of the country's birth.

There will be a fireworks display set up at midnight tonight at the Rocky Lake.

The Kinsmen will host an event at Devon Park tomorrow afternoon from 11 am to 1:30.

There will be hotdogs, drinks, cake, and Freezies for the kids.

The Kelsey Rec and Wellness will also be hosting kid’s games and events at the celebration.

The Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation (CNSF) is reminding Canadians that there are countless adventures waiting, and they don’t need to travel very far to experience them.

National Fishing Week, July 1st to 9th, is an annual summertime event designed to help Canadians experience the thrill of recreational fishing for the first time or the first time in a long time. 

Fishing is an easy and affordable way to connect with nature and with each other. Plus, it has been proven to benefit mental health. "Studies have found that fishing has a positive impact on mental wellness," says Mike Melnik, Managing Director of the CNSF. "Here in Canada, we are incredibly rich with so many places to experience nature and cast a line, be it a local stream, river, lake or even an ocean! And because fishing is relatively affordable during this time of high inflation, it means anyone can participate.”

National Fishing Week is supported by Catch Fishing, a national program dedicated to encouraging Canadians to get outdoors and enjoy our angling heritage throughout the year. It is supported by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as hundreds of organizations and businesses that work hard to ensure sustainable fishing opportunities while safeguarding fish populations everywhere. 

At this week’s council meeting, the mayor and council signed off on an agreement that would allow the MJHL’s Blizzard to play out of the Roy. H. Johnston Arena for the next 3 years.

Mayor Andre Murphy mentions the potential for the team to be moved out of the market, but the council was excited to be able to keep junior hockey in the community.

The town will be cutting down on council meetings to one a month over July and August to accommodate for the summer.

The town council also had a chance to chat with the play it safer network in regard to sharps in the community.

Public works staff and town employees took Naloxone training from the play it safer network.

Murphy went on to mention the training only takes 30 to 40 minutes and can be life-saving for those that may experience drug overdose.

Minutes from town council meetings and town services can be found at townofthepas.com.

The kids are heading into summer break, and next week kids camp day programs will be starting at the pas immigrant services.

The program designed for children aged 4 to 15 years old will be running daily at the Mary Duncan School from 9 to 3 pm weekdays.

For 7 weeks from July 4^th, to August 18^th, children will have a chance to explore nature with field trips, engage in swimming, arts and crafts, games, storytelling, yoga, meditation, and more.

There is still room for registration, call Darshita with immigrant services at 204-623-3699 for information.

Jordan’s Principle will be hosting an off-reserve walking poker derby tomorrow to help kick off the summer break.

The walk will be starting at 1 pm with hands being dealt until 3.

Registration will take place at the Inukshuk on Edwards.

Water, fruit, and snacks will be available along the way and there will be a chance to win prizes.

Youth must be accompanied by an adult and you can contact Jordan’s principal for more information on programs and events.

Mental health services will soon be expanding into The Pas.

Turning Leaf is a non-profit that supports individuals living independently in the community,

by providing crisis intervention, support services, and treatment options to those living with mental illness and intellectual challenges.

Jennifer Biggs, director of community and clinical services talks about expansion into the north.

Participants in the program are often affected by circumstances, which can be barriers to living safely and independently.

The team at Turning Leaf can help navigate available options when it comes to getting help, and they can guide you through the process when funding is not available.

You can learn more at TurningLeafService.ca

NDP MPs Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) and Lori Idlout (Nunavut) called on the federal government to keep their promise to the people of Grassy Narrows, a community that’s been dealing with the fallout of a poisoned water supply for over a half-century.

Three years ago, after First Nations leadership and the NDP pressured the government to build a mercury treatment centre, the Liberals promised to fund its building. Three years later, the community is still waiting.

Ashton and Idlout wrote to the Liberal government to urge swift action

The Annual Clear Water Lake Marathon is just around the corner and registration is on now for the July 23^rd event.

Trails are currently being prepped and groomed for this year’s 1K, 5K, 10 K, team run and walks, and the half marathon.

Fundraising is being done in support of the critically ill kid’s fund, a program that will provide funds for parents of children with illnesses up to 1000 dollars a year for travel and other expenses.

The event will be happening starting at the Clearwater Lake Airport hall and registration for the event can be found at runningroom.com

The R-C-M-P’s National youth advisory committee is looking for members.

Canadian residents between the ages of 13 and 21 can apply now.

Some of the topics include bullying and cyberbullying, reconciliation, online safety, mental health, substance use, healthy relationships and gender equality.

Members help the R-C-M-P better understand youth needs by connecting with communities.

Youth will have an opportunity to connect with other youth, express views, access opportunities to get involved with local groups and organizations and hear from R-C-M-P officers and experts.

For more information on how to join, search R-C-M-P National youth advisory committee online.

This weekend the Christ Church is hosting its 2^nd annual teddy bear picnic, and Jann Brooks church reverend says they are expecting it to be 3 times as large as last year’s event.

there will be a variety of children’s races happening including a sack race, three-legged race, wheelbarrow race and others, there will be prizes for the children.

Local Firefighters and EMS will be on hand as Edwards will be blocked off next to the church, and there will be a petting zoo set up.

The event is free, but the church is also hosting a raffle.

For 5 dollars you have a chance to win a round trip flight with calm air for 2, tickets are available at the Christ church or can be bought at the 1029 CJAR offices.

First announced in 1996, Canada’s 27^th annual Indigenous People’s Day will be celebrated today.

National indigenous people’s Day is celebrated to recognize the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada.

There will be a concert celebrating Canada’s Indigenous culture at the Aseneskak Casino.

Cursed Image Productions is hosting cursed nights.

The concert will be from 9 to 11 pm and tickets will be $10 at the door.

Join in this and other indigenous celebrations throughout the day.

OHA Maternal Child Health will be hosting its annual placenta burial ceremony.

The burial of the placenta on tribal land where the family is from can represent a root for the child and a tie to ancestors.

Some cultures believe this will act as a guide to ensure the child will always return home.

The ceremony will be led by knowledge keeper Pam Monias.

The event will be starting at 1 pm on Saturday at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center with a burial site still to be determined.

There will be a feast to follow at the health center.

Everyone is welcome to join in this sacred ceremony, ribbon skirts and traditional garbs are encouraged.

Medicines and cloth will be provided for free, and transportation can be requested if needed.

Call Robin Thornes at 204-627-7866 for information on the ceremony.

The Manitoba Métis Federation along with the friendship center locally will be hosting an event at the Métis hall tomorrow to celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day.

The event is open to all as cultural teachings, stories, history and music will be used to celebrate the diverse indigenous culture in our own community.

The event will run from 3 to 8 pm tomorrow and is only 1 of many cultural events taking place in the community.

The event will run from 3 to 8 pm tomorrow and is only 1 of many cultural events taking place in the community.

As C-35—a National Child Care Program—passes through its third reading in the House of Commons, NDP critic for Families, Children and Social Development Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) issued the following statement:

“For decades, parents across Canada have had to scramble to find child care that suits their needs and that won’t break the bank.
 
After almost thirty years of broken Liberal promises, it took the dedication and relentless efforts of childcare workers, advocates and New Democrats to push them to finally deliver a National Child Care program.
 
Left on their own, the Liberals would have delayed the National Child Care program even further. And Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have a track record of opposing affordable child care for Canadians.
 
Thanks to the NDP’s pressure through the Confidence and Supply Agreement and child care advocates' tireless work, a National Child Care Program will include long-term federal funding for provinces and Indigenous peoples to deliver affordable, accessible, inclusive and quality child care that families deserve.
 
The NDP worked to ensure that the government delivers a program that:

• Upholds the right of Indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent in matters concerning their children.
• Acknowledges how decent working conditions support better learning conditions.
• Ensures more transparency regarding government investments in child care.
• Prioritizes public and not-for-profit child care providers to ensure affordable and quality services for families—not put more money in the pockets of for-profit daycares.

 Families across the country deserve nothing less. New Democrats never gave up. We always believed this is possible—we fought for you and for your family and delivered. It’s what we do.
 
We will never back down when it comes to making life better for you and your family.”

The Halcrow lake golf and country club will be hosting a wine and food-tasting event.

The fundraiser will happen on June 23^rd from 7 to 9 pm and will feature 6 unique wines paired with gourmet appetizers.

Wine specialist Michelle Reid will be selecting the wines that will take you on a journey around the world.

Tickets are 50 dollars and are available at the Halcrow lake golf and country club, members will save 5 dollars for the event.

National indigenous people’s day will be happening next week on Wednesday.

Locally there will be a BBQ set up at the Arbor site that will include a Powwow celebration, Races, and giveaways.

The event will start at 11:30 with opening prayers and remarks, followed by the BBQ at noon.

The Powwow will run from 1 to 2:30 with giveaways and races to follow.

Then in the afternoon from 3 – 8 pm, the MMF along with the Pas Friendship Center will host an event at the Métis hall that will include live entertainment and cultural and traditional teachings.

National Indigenous peoples day is on June 21^st and anyone that would like to join in and celebrate cultural diversity is welcome to attend either event.

The UCN will be hosting their annual graduation convocation and Pow-wow tomorrow.

Pipe ceremonies will kick off the event starting at 9 am at the Ma-ma-we-che-to-tan Center inside the UCN.

Dancer registration will take place from 11 am to 12:30.

The grand entry will happen to start at 1 pm, with the graduation ceremony taking place at 3.

The feast will run from 4 to 4:45, and the Pow-wow and demonstrations will run from 4:45 to 6:45

All dancers are welcome but drums are by invitation only.

To learn more about this family-friendly event call Karl Laubmann at 204-677-6364.

The Grace Lake boardwalk and Boreal trail is officially open for public use.

The start of the boardwalk is located at the end of grace lake road next to the airport.

The boardwalk runs about 200 meters and leads directly into the boreal trail.

There are 2 paths that can be travelled on the boreal trail although McLauchlan noted that the shorter path runs through grassland marsh and rubber boots are recommended.

Signs have yet to be placed at the site, but they’re expected to be in place for the July 14^th grand opening.

On Tuesday, Canada’s NDP introduced Pharmacare legislation, outlining the New Democrats' expectations of the government on the universal prescription medication program. As part of the Confidence and Supply agreement, New Democrats are using their power to force the government to pass pharmacare legislation by the end of the year.
 
And as the cost of living keeps rising, more people in Winnipeg and across Manitoba have been feeling the effects more than ever. NDP MP Daniel Blaikie (Elmwood—Transcona) says that making prescription medication affordable will bring some relief for Canadians.
 
“I’ve heard from many people in Winnipeg who are struggling to get by—the rising cost of groceries, rent and mortgages is a great burden on families,” said Blaikie. “New Democrats are fighting for real solutions to put money back in your pockets whereas the Liberals have been promising Pharmacare for over 25 years without delivering. Canadians are paying the price for this broken promise, while Big Pharma keeps making record profits.”
 
The NDP’s renewed push for Universal Pharmacare comes after the Liberals blocked price reforms for patented medications four times. Just last November, after his department was lobbied 126 times by pharmaceutical companies, the Health Minister intervened to suspend these price reforms once again—choosing to keep medication prices high for Canadians.
 
As for Pierre Poilievre, despite having an insurance program paid for by taxpayers, he doesn’t want Canadians to have free medication to stay healthy—he voted against pharmacare last parliament.
 
NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) says people across the province will benefit from the NDP’s Canada Pharmacare Act.
 
“People in Northern Manitoba are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of fuel and food,” said Ashton. “Instead of adopting real solutions to make life easier for you and your family, Liberals are working for Big Pharma profits—even if it means it makes medicines inaccessible for people. No one should go without the medicines they need, and New Democrats will keep fighting to force the Liberals to deliver Universal Pharmacare.”

On Tuesday, Northern Manitoba NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) was in Portage-Lisgar to lend a helping hand to local candidate Lisa Tessier-Burch and to talk about how the NDP will fight to put money back in people’s pockets. 
 
“I’m proud to stand with Lisa Tessier-Burch who is giving Portage-Lisgar voters a progressive choice. Lisa Tessier-Burch can be a strong voice for the people of Portage-Lisgar in the House of Commons. She is someone who will stand up for the help people need to get by like pharmacare, dental care and homes they can afford,” said Ashton. 
 
MP Ashton spent the day alongside Lisa Tessier-Burch meeting with Manitobans tired of the partisan bickering of Liberals and Conservatives.  
 
“The Conservatives have taken Portage-Lisgar for granted for too long. People across Manitoba know firsthand that when you elect New Democrats, we get results,” said Tessier-Burch. “Manitobans are struggling, and New Democrats have fought hard for them. Whether it's getting people dental care, or putting money in their pockets to help with groceries, we’ve delivered.” 
 
Lisa Tessier-Burch and her family live in Portage la Prairie. She is an educator, active in her community. 

A Licence agreement was brought forth at this week’s town council meeting where the town that owns the Roy H Johnston Arena would allow The Blizzard to use the facility for practice, training, home games and to conduct other sponsored activities in a portion of the facility.

That agreement is being considered by the mayor and council.

Councillor Allen presented an issue sheet about graffiti in parks and public areas. Noting the COPP used to take care of these issues but is no longer in service.

They are looking for a community group in the area that may be able to help with these issues, And the Towns Budget which has been in discussion for some time was passed at this week’s meeting.

The full report and minutes from town councils' by-monthly meetings are available here

On Tuesday, Northern Manitoba NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) will be in Portage-Lisgar to lend a helping hand to local candidate Lisa Tessier-Burch. Side-by-side, they will hold a press conference to speak about New Democrtas’ plan to get money back in the pockets of families in Portage-Lisgar.

Healing ceremonies were running over the weekend in preparation for searches happening on the site of Formers Guy Hill residential school.

Guy Hill originally known as Sturgeon Landing Boarding School, was located on the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border until it burnt down in 1952.

It was later rebuilt at the site at Clearwater Lake and reopened in 1958.

The school was then closed again in 1979.

This week’s search will be happening at the location on Clearwater Lake and will be running till Friday.

Sharing circles, healing, and trauma work is happening on-site for survivors and their families.

The First Nations Regional Health Survey will be conducting the search and they can be reached at 204-627-1540.

 University College of the North is pleased to announce two new IT programs
that will help to address the chronic shortage of skilled technicians in northern Manitoba.

UCN President, Doug Lauvstad said a new IT Support Technician and Technology Readiness Program will be delivered on the Pas campus starting in the fall of 2023.
 

“We thank the Government of Manitoba for the new funding; skilled IT technicians are needed in every community and every sector of the North," said Doug Lavstad, UCN President. "Graduates of these programs will be in helping to develop and grow the IT infrastructure in the North, and help communities, employers and industries operate in the  growing digital economy."

The Intern program has been running for the last two years as a pilot program funded by Future Skills Canada. The new funding from the Manitoba Government will mean this program will be offered as a permanent program at UCN.

“Graduates of the pilot program have found employment at small and large industries and employers," Lauvstad added.

As the temperature continues to rise, its imperative people reduce the risk of suffering from heat-related illness.

Lewis Smith from the Canada Safety Council explains that heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke commonly occur in young children and people who work outdoors such as construction workers.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, headache, nausea, thirst, and dizziness.

Hear the full interview with Smith on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Make plans this weekend for some free fishing fun at Manitoba’s provincial parks. 

To make it even more accessible, there is also free entry to the provincial parks this Friday through Sunday. 

Regular camping fees will still apply if visitors plan to spend the night.

Anglers may fish without a licence throughout the province and keep up to a conservation licence limit of fish.

Regular limits apply to anyone who already has a regular angling licence.

It’s a perfect way to introduce your whole family to fishing, which can become a lifelong pastime.

The UCN will be hosting their annual summer day camp for kids.

Into the Wild will be running weekdays from July 3^rd till August 11^th.

The 6-week-long program costs 25 dollars per week and will give children an opportunity to play games, participate in outdoor activities, field trips, lake days and more.

Registration will take place in person in the UCN lobby on June 15^th and 19^th from 5 to 7 pm.

Day camp is open to children born from 2010 to 2014 and it does fill fast on a first come first serve basis.

NDP MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) urged the Liberal government to work with Manitoba to increase the inventory of Naloxone kits in Winnipeg. Gazan was joined by Main Street Project, Sunshine House, West Central Women’s Resource Centre, North End Women’s Centre, Nine Circles, Resource Assistance for Youth, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin – Northern Peoples’ Wellness, Substance Consulting, and Manitoba Health Coalition in her call for action.
 
“People in Winnipeg are concerned about their children or loved ones accessing and using toxic drugs. They want to know that if the worst-case scenario happens, they’ll be able to do something to save their loved ones’ lives,” said Gazan. “That’s exactly why the Free Take Home Naloxone Program is so important for families in Winnipeg.”
 
With over 24,000 Naloxone kits distributed last year in Manitoba through the Free Take Home Naloxone Program, these kits have been key to keeping people alive. But now, local harm reduction organizations are raising the alarm that with rising demand, there’s a looming shortage. Already, local distributors are experiencing lags in supply.
 
Last month, the Conservatives called for current harm reduction measures to be cancelled, even with the need going up. And after eight years, of failing to implement mental health transfers and continuing to apply a criminal rather than a public health approach to the toxic drug crisis the Liberals have proven they don’t have the will to do what’s needed. 
 
“No matter where you live, no matter the province or territory, urban or rural: our loved ones, friends and neighbours deserve access to the tools and services that can keep them safer. Naloxone distribution in Manitoba has prevented thousands of needless drug poisoning deaths,” said DJ Larkin, Executive Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. “It is essential that the province listen to communities, and take the steps necessary to ensure equitable and reliable Naloxone access across Manitoba.”
 
“Last year, Winnipeg saw a record level of deaths related to toxic drug poisonings. We need all the resources we can get,” added Gazan. “So, I’m urging Justin Trudeau and the Liberals to work with Manitoba to increase the supply of Naloxone kits so that no one has to worry about lifesaving medication being available when they need it most.”

NDP MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) will be joined by Main Street Project, Sunshine House, West Central Women’s Resource Centre, North End Women’s Resource Centre, Nine Circles, Resource Assistance for Youth, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin – Northern Peoples’ Wellness, Substance Consulting, and Manitoba Health Coalition to call on the Liberal government to increase the inventory of Naloxone and make it more accessible to people in Manitoba.

With deaths due to toxic drug poisoning at an all-time high in 2022, the demand for Naloxone has soared, and now Manitoba is at risk of a shortage that could cost lives.

Last week the Cancer Care Foundation of Manitoba received a 27 million dollar donation from the Paul Albertson Foundation.

Patty Smith President and CEO of the organization says upgrades will help attract scientists, and they have already been able to purchase 5 new single-cell technology machines that look at cancer on a cellular level.

This equipment is already being put to use. A new center for hope is planned at the Western Cancer Center in Brandon, and an upgrade to enhance their genomic platform is also in the works.

Cancer Care Manitoba provides services to people province-wide, learn more at CancerCarefdn.mb.ca

A break in one of the rail lines in town will have the crossing at 7^th Street blocked for most of the day.

Crews will be setting up at 8 am and working until lines have been restored.

Employees will have the road blocked both ways and you are asked to find another route, the town does apologize for any inconvenience.

Brush fire season is upon us and with warmer weather in the forecast the Pas fire department is reminding everyone to practice fire safety.

Fire Chief Cody Langlois 

wants to remind everyone to stay in attendance when fire pits are being used, and keep fire pits at least 10 feet from any structure and away from overhanging power lines.

More fire safety information is available at the town offices and by contacting Langlois at the fire department.

Langlois also spoke about the need for volunteers locally.

There are a few spots available and if you would like to get involved with The Pas Fire Department call the town offices for more information.

On May 31, 2023, at approximately 9:15 pm, The Pas RCMP responded to an armed robbery on Bignell Bridge, in The Pas.

A 20-year-old male was walking when he was approached by three females who demanded his property. One of the females was in possession of a knife and threatened the male. They stole several items and fled on foot.

The male was not physically injured.

RCMP responded immediately and began making patrols in the area. At approximately 9:40 pm, the suspects were located and arrested without incident. A search of one of the females resulted in officers locating all the stolen property and a knife.

Two females, aged 16 and 23, are facing charges of Robbery and were released from custody with an upcoming court date.

Laronda Constant, 35, has been charged with Robbery with Weapon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. She was released by the courts on a release order.

The Pas RCMP continues to investigate.

Thompson RCMP investigate the robbery and make arrests
June 6/23

A pair of Thompson residents were arrested Sunday after a vehicle was
reported stolen late Saturday night.

A woman was driving with a friend when they stopped and picked up an
acquaintance.

A short time later,  the acquaintance threatened the occupants with bear
spray and stole the vehicle.

RCMP was alerted and began patrols.    The vehicle was located and a
search resulted in the seizure of prescription pills, cash and bear spray.

Both occupants were arrested and have been remanded into custody.

Melissa Morris, 32, and Kyle Fiedler, 36, both face multiple charges
including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of
Property Obtained by Crime.

In response to a report about the Liberals’ failure to implement all Calls for Justice by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality Leah Gazan issued the following statement: 

“It’s completely unacceptable that four years after the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, this Liberal government has only completed two of the 231 Calls for Justice, and more than half haven’t even been started"
 
Families and survivors cannot wait any longer for action to end the violence. While this government fails to act, Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people continue to go missing or be murdered. 
 
In May, all parties, including the Liberals, voted unanimously to recognize the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people crisis as a Canada-wide emergency. Recognizing the urgency of this crisis is not enough – the Liberals must back up their words with concrete and urgent action to save lives.
 
Our loved ones deserve justice now, and they deserve to be safe.” 

 
For more information, please contact: 
NDP Media Centre: 613-222-2351 or media@ndp.ca

A community consultation for stroke survivors will be happening tomorrow at the Beatrice Wilson Health center.

This is the latest session that is being offered to help provide rehabilitation services for those in the community that have had strokes or other major cardiac events.

The goal is to expand services in the community.

They are looking for stroke survivors for input on services and how to improve upon them.

Consultations will take place tomorrow at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center class room from noon to 2 pm.

Now’s the time when many outdoor enthusiasts take to the trails on their ORVs and ATVs.

And while they can be lots of fun, they come with rules and responsibilities.

Gary Hora, the President of ATV Manitoba has advice for parents when it comes to young drivers.

“An adult should supervise youth if they are driving until they get comfortable and more experienced with operating the machine. This way, there aren’t any incidents. Unfortunately, we have a lot of accidents with the youths and primarily it’s because they don’t get the training to operate the vehicle.”

Hora also advises that riders of all ages check the rules for riding on crown land and municipal land in their area, to make certain they are properly licenced, and to observe the rules of the road.

MBCI will host students from grades four to six for a pride dance at the school on June 9^th from 7 to 9.

Admission is just $5.   There will also be a canteen, glow sticks, and face painting.

This is a fundraiser for a group of girl guides who are going to an interprovincial camp this summer, to offset the cost for the girls and their leaders

Telus Health released its monthly mental health index.

This month’s report says workers in Canada see a correlation between employer support of physical health issues and positive mental health.

Paula Allen with the organization says employer support ranges from helping people with challenges, communication, and flexible time to encouraging physical activity.

Allen went on to say the majority of people’s physical goals involve body image and weight loss, rarely aligning physical and mental health needs, and that needs to be addressed.

Nearly 9 in 10 workers in Canada believe physical activity and good mental health are linked.

Find the monthly mental health index at lifeworks.com

On Wednesday, NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) called on the Liberal government to deliver support for Little Grand Rapids First Nation where, according to the RCMP, a priest was arrested for the alleged abuse and forcible confinement of an eight-year-old-girl.

Media reports that more victims are coming forward.

“There is a priest accused of, and arrested for, abuse and forcible confinement of an eight-year-old girl. More victims are coming forward. Families are in shock. A First Nation is in shock,” said Ashton.

Ashton spoke with the Chief of Little Grand Rapids who says accountability for the victims, their families and the community is needed now along with mental health and youth-focused supports

“This is not history. This is happening now in Little Grand Rapids First Nation in 2023,” added Ashton. “What is the government doing to support the community? What will the government do to work with the community to support its clear calls for accountability?”

Ashton will continue to work with Little Grand Rapids First Nation to ensure they receive all the supports they need in these troubling times.

Listen to Ashton in Question Period here: https://nikiashton.ndp.ca/news/qp-mp-ashton-calls-justice-little-grand-rapids

The Manitoba NDP has nominated three candidates to run again in the upcoming provincial election.

Eric Redhead was nominated in Thompson on Saturday.  He is the MLA for the constituency since winning the by-election in June 2022 and is currently the Critic for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.

On Sunday, Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey was given the nod again to represent the NDP.

As the NDP Critic for Labour, Lindsey is a strong advocate for better safety on Northern roads and has introduced a bill to hold the government accountable for regular maintenance and snow removal.  

And yesterday in The Pas, NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin received her nomination.

Lathlin was the first First Nations woman election to the Manitoba Legislature when she first won her seat in 2015.

She has introduced bills to give parents 3 days of paid bereavement leave after a miscarriage or stillbirth,  and help young victims of sexual assault access health care in their home communities, so they don’t have to travel to Winnipeg.  

The provincial election is slated for October 3rd.