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The RCMP is once again reminding all Manitobans to be aware of telephone scams targeting senior citizens.
While these scams are occurring across the province, the RCMP is now seeing an increase of grandparent scams happening in northern Manitoba. This was previously an area with very few reports.
Over the past few months, four elderly Flin Flon residents have reported receiving a call from a scammer claiming to be either relative or a lawyer. During these calls, the scammer asks for a large sum of money to help with bail and requests that the money be sent by mail to an address outside the province.
In two of the cases, thousands of dollars were sent to the scammer through the mail. Another victim's transaction was intercepted in time and returned. It is unknown at this time if all the cases are directly related.
"It's unfortunate that we have encountered more incidents where senior citizens have been the victim of these types of frauds," said Staff Sergeant Kevin Cavanagh of the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services Cyber and Financial Crime Unit. "Fraudsters are constantly adapting these scams, seeking new ways to generate a sense of urgency and entice victims to help a family member in need. We don't want to single out one part of the province, but seeing these calls take place in the northern part of the province is relatively new. The RCMP wants to remind the public that they should immediately report these crimes to the detachment in their area and to never send money."
RCMP would like to remind Manitobans of the following when receiving a phone call where someone is asking for money:
- Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately take action and request bail money for a family member in distress.
- If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact them directly on the number you have in your contact list.
- If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official and asked you to pay a fine or bail, hang up and call your police directly.
- Be cautious of what you post online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites for targeting purposes.
- Use unique and strong passwords for all social media and email accounts.
If anyone has any information about any crime, please contact your local RCMP detachment. Anonymous tips can also be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
Victims of Cybercrime or Fraud, can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm
The investigation continues.
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- Contributed by Mark Jones
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on Tuesday, September 30.
It's a day to honour the survivors of Canada's residential school system, their families, and communities. It's also to commemorate the children who never returned home.
On Thursday, the Dauphin Friendship Centre has partnered with Mackenzie Middle School, Treaty 2, and Treaty 4 to host a Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Guest speakers begin at 11:00, and an awareness walk. Then there's a community lunch from 12:00 to 1:00.
There will be cultural, educational, and activity stations from 1:00 to 3:00. The event is at the school yard at Mackenzie Middle School.
A few stations will be inside, but the majority will be outside.
Jarri Thompson is with the DFC.
"This day gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and learn so that the harms of the past are never repeated," said Thompson. "It also helps us to understand how systemic racism began in Canada through policies like residential schools and the Indian Act. And the deep and lasting harms they caused to Indigenous peoples, their families, and communities."
Thompson invites all community members, and everyone is asked to wear orange shirts as a show of support.
Other than that, bring an open heart and mind.
"As an Indigenous woman who is raising children in today's education system and someone who works in the social service sector, this day brings profound meaning to me," ended Thompson. "I see firsthand the lasting impact of residential schools and systemic racism. This day is a reminder of why we must learn from our history, so we don't repeat it."
Northwest Metis Council will be hosting an Orange Shirt Day for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 29 from 10:00 to 2:00 at Whitmore School.
That will include performances by Gary and Edward Klyne and the Dauphin Friendship Centre's Diversity Dancers. There will be a bouncy house, a Michif language booth, and more.
West Region Treaty 2 and 4 hosts Orange Shirt Day on September 30 from 10:00 to 2:00 at 8th Avenue Hall in Dauphin.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Dauphin's Welcome Week took place last week and is being called a success.
Anna Iemorlenko with Regional Connections was part of the organizing committee.
\"We had around 200 people join our events this year, which is more than last year. I want to give a huge thank you to our committee members, such as Dauphin City Hall, Assiniboine College Parkland Campus, Dauphin McDonald's as a food sponsor, Parkland Regional Library, and DNRC for organizingt and running the events. Their dedication made everything possible."
Events included open houses at both City Hall and Assiniboine College, as well as movie and bowling nights.
Iemorlenko says they have no set plans yet for next year's welcome week, adding that she is excited to hear ideas from the community.
She also hopes that even more people will get involved next year.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Support for the Manitoba NDP remains strong, although it has slipped slightly from where it was in June.
According to a Probe Research poll released on Monday, the NDP were at 53% approval, down from 57% earlier this summer.
The Progressive Conservatives moved up slightly to 34% while the Liberals lag behind at 8%.
The interesting stat is in rural Manitoba, where NDP support slipped to 47%, just three points higher than the PC's.
Even though their support slipped a bit in Winnipeg, the NDP still hold a comfortable advantage in the province's capital at 57%, compared to 27% for the Tories.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Livestock producers are running out of time to enjter some of their herd in this year's AG-EX shows.
Widely recognized as Manitoba's largest all-breed cattle and livestock show, AG-EX is set for October 29th to November 1st at Brandon's Keystone Centre.
Next Friday (October 3rd) is the deadline for cattle entries, with this year's show highlighted once again by events such as the Little Lady Classic, the Jackpot Bull Show, the Junior Show and Showmanship, and the Supreme Breed Extravaganza.
Entry information can be found by calling 204-726-3590 or online at provincialexhibition.com/Manitoba-Ag-Ex.
Other highlights of AG-EX this year include the MooMania and EweMania attrac tions, a trade show, and a Friday evening dance.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The numbers are in, and Co-op Fuel Good Day in Dauphin was a massive success.
The Dauphin-Ochre Band Parents Organization is getting $6,360. Over $1,500 was raised through a BBQ. From there, 10 cents per litre of gas was donated to make up the total.
Joan Chetyrbok is with Dauphin Co-op
"It was fantastic. We sold almost 50,000 litres of fuel," said Chetyrbok. "They had a successful BBQ at each location. It was a great day."
The funds donated to the Dauphin-Ochre Band Parents Association help pay for band trips, music camp scholarships, music, and instruments.
Chetyrbok appreciates the great support from the community.
"We appreciate the community for coming out to support. I know people were running on fumes waiting for this day," ended Chetyrbok. "We thank the Dauphin Kings who spent a couple of hours at each gas bar. It was a fantastic day."
In Gilbert Plains, Co-op Fuel Good Day also made an impact — raising $324.98 for the local Fire Department.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitobans will continue to receive free COVID-19 shots.
According to a provincial release, vaccinations will continue to be free for anyone six months and older.
Quebec and Alberta are set to begin charging the general public for COVID-19 shots. Both provinces will only cover the cost for people in specific high-risk groups. The rest will have to pay between $150 and $180 per shot in Quebec, or $110 in Alberta.
Saskatchewan joins Manitoba in continuing to offer free COVID-19 shots.
More details on Manitoba's fall immunization program will be released soon.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is inviting the community to come check out their location and all of the services they host and provide.
Executive Director Amanda Novak says Neighbourfest will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) from 4 until 7 in their location on 3rd Avenue North West.
"Neighbourfest is a chance for people to stop by our facility and see who all the tenants are, and what their services are that they provide. Also, our community centre has a number of rentable spaces. So if anybody is curious and wanting to see what those spaces offer."
There will also be games, draws, and other activities, including a barbecue hosted by the Dauphin Hero Club.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin RCMP are searching for a 41-year-old man, who is still believed to be in the Dauphin area.
Ernest Chartrand was last seen on September 18 and hasn't been heard from since.
He's described as 5'6", about 150 pounds, with black hair. He has one tooth missing on the right side and is usually clean-shaven. He was last seen wearing a khaki shirt and vest, jeans, and work boots.
If you know where he may be, call the Dauphin RCMP at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Changes to the interest-free amount eligible for Canola farmers under the Cash Advance Program have now gone into effect.
Dave Gallant is Vice President of Finance with the Canadian Canola Growers Association, and says the changes were first announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this month, in light of the Chinese tariff situation.
"Prior to September 16th, farmers had the opportunity to get up to $250,000, interest-frree, on all commodities that they took their advance on. As of September 16th, farmers that have Canola on their advance are eligible to receive up to an additional $250,000, interest-free, for their Canola only."
Gallant adds that farmers who have already received a cash advance this year through the CCGA have already had their accounts adjusted to reflect the changes.
Farmers that apply for cash advances as of today will have the new rules applied to their application.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It was a scary scene in Swan River on Friday afternoon.
At about 4:30 p.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a collision in the parking lot of 1300 Main Street. An SUV, driven by an adult male, veered off the road and collided head-on with a street post. The vehicle also struck another vehicle.
The driver of the SUV was in medical distress when the incident happened and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. There was no one in the other vehicle.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
