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Today is Red Dress Day, a day to remember and raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People in Canada.
Frances Chartrand, Vice President of the Northwest Métis Council, said even the simple act of raising awareness for these issues in Canada is incredibly important.
"What we're doing is we're trying to bring awareness, all across Canada, to let people know that our family members, our sisters, our brothers that never made it home, we're still looking for them, and we want to make sure to educate the general public," said Chartrand.
Within Dauphin, the Northwest Métis Council is hosting a memory walk on Main Street, with a memory wall near their office.
"We have a memory wall set up, anybody who wants to come put pictures up, wants to put a red ribbon or red dress up on there, we're gonna keep it open for the rest of the week so people know...we're walking at 3:30, we're leaving from the corner of Main across from the courthouse, and we'll be walking directly to our office right down Main Street, we have already contacted all our partners, we contacted the schools, and we're expecting a good turnout, and then we'll end up at 422 Main Street at the Northwest Métis Council Governance Office," said Chartrand.
Chartrand said she hopes Red Dress Day helps to educate people about the importance of both rememberance and raising awareness.
"Our sisters, our brothers, our cousins that are missing have a family. They're mothers, they're brothers, they're sisters, they're aunts, they're uncles, there's a void in their families [when] they're not returned home," said Chartrand.
MMIWG2S isn't just an issue here in Manitoba. According to Justice Canada, 10% of all missing women in Canada are Indigenous, and between 2001 and 2014, Manitoba had a higher police-reported homicide rate for Indigenous women than the overall rate.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Manitoba government has expanded their infant RSV protection program to all infants, not just those at higher risk for the virus.
Dr. Peter Benoit, Medical Officer of Health with PMH, said the change just makes sense, considering how RSV affects infants and children.
"Most people infected with RSV will experience cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, infants may be more irritable, they may have difficulty breathing, poor appetite, feverish activity...[infants] are more likely to need to go to hospital or have more serious issues, under 6 months would be the highest risk, children up to 1 year of age are also at higher risk, and it tends to cause infection of the lungs and airways, it's the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis for children under 1 year of age," said Dr. Benoit.
The province's infant RSV protection program has been around since October 2025. This recent expansion allows for doctors to administer a drug called Nirsevimab.
"[Nirsevimab] is a long acting passive protection, so it's actually an antibody that stays there over time and protects you from exposure, so the idea is to provide that very soon after birth to these infants and it it long acting, and you only have to give 1 dose, and it kind of provides that passive protection for them during their highest risk period, which is when they're young, under 6 months," said Dr. Benoit.
Dr. Benoit said the inclusion of Nirsevimab in the province's infant RSV protection program makes things a lot easier for both doctors and families, because of how easy it is to administer, and the fact that it's just one injection.
"This new product, the great thing is that it's a single injection so it's simpler to administer, and we know that there are some infants that are higher risk, but all infants do have some risk for RSV," said Dr. Benoit.
According to Health Canada, 40.9% of all RSV infections in Canada are in children under 4 years of age.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
John Tomlinson of Sifton is $100,000 richer.
The 19th edition of the Neepawa & District Medical Committee Farm & Leisure Lotto is in the books. The Sifton native was the grand prize winner.
Mary Ellen-Clark is the chairman of the lotto.
"It was an amazing year. We did notice that donation dollars are down because of the economy," said Ellen-Clark. "We will still make good money. We have bills and whatnot to come in."
Mike Gulenchin of Dauphin won $1,000 while Rene Saquet of Laurier took home $500. Ronald Roussin of McCreary took home $500 while Monica Ross of The Pas won the 50/50. She takes home $38,395.00.
Ellen-Clark thanked those in the Parkland region who have supported the lotto year after year.
"As I say, we can not thank your area enough and having Alec Woolston with us on location," offered Ellen-Clark. "He really helps us get that message out there. The Parkland has supported us for almost 20 years, literally."
The money raised from the lotto goes towards continued renovations at the community clinic. They're creating eight new offices. They have a doctor residency program in Neepawa, and more rooms are required.
Mary said the renovations are a thrill to be a part of.
"Because our community has exploded with an influx of our new Filipino population," ended Ellen-Clark. "They're in every store we have, and they're amazing people. They have supported our lotto so well over the years."
2026 Winners:
Early Bird:
Crystal Stewart (Rivers)
$500.00:
Jim Terry (Douglas)
Dennis Sparks (Virden)
Jim McLean (Neepawa)
Kay and Howard McKay (Eden)
Brad and Antonia Ginter (Riding Mountain)
Ryan McLean (Strathclair)
Jessica Klassen (Glenella)
Ben Brodie & Don Hockin (Arden)
$1,000.00
June Mutrie (Neepawa)
Amanda Baskerville (Neepawa)
Ray & Marj Gork (Neepawa)
Sheila Foxon, Mary McLeon, and Madeline Birch (Gladstone)
Congratulations to all the winners, and the lotto will be back for year 20 next spring.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Fire Department is currently fighting a fire at a home on 8th Avenue Southwest in Dauphin, between 2nd Street Southwest and 3rd Street Southwest.
Please avoid the area while crews work to extinguish the fire. CKDM NewsNow will have more details when available.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The provincial government has been taking strides to fill one of the most important gaps in education. Earlier this week, they announced an additional $14.4 million in funding for ECE programs at several colleges in Manitoba, including Assiniboine College.
In the province's news release, Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister, said Manitoba's early learning and child care workforce is growing, but more trained educators are essential to supporting families province-wide.
Brian Cox, Acting Dean of Health and Human Services with Assiniboine College, said the additional funding will certainly go a long way for the college.
"Assiniboine is going to receive roughly $6.2 million over the next 2 years to continue to fund the ECE expansion projects that were part of a large expansion back in 2023. These expansions include workplace mentorship programs here in Brandon and in rural communities, online for example as well, we also have a qualifications recognition program for newcomers to Canada, those are people with foreign training or experience in ECE," said Cox.
The province also imposed a new wage grid for ECEs which took effect on April 1st. The new grid comes with a retroactive pay increase of up to $7.00 per hour, depending on certification and facility size. Cox said that will definitely be one more big reason why people will consider an ECE career, but there plenty of other reasons why it's an enticing career.
"When you can graduate from a 2 year ECE program and expect to earn a wage of $28 an hour, that is going to attract new people to the profession...a career in ECE is full of purpose and meaningful relationships with children and families, we have educators that are going and working with children, they're observing things like brain development and physical skills, and there's a lot of reward in that," said Cox.
Cox said some of the specifics of ECE programs are another interesting thing. He said you wouldn't expect it, but the field of study itself is very unique.
"The area of study itself is quite fascinating when you're thinking about doing research on brain development, and empathy, and social connections, it's a fascinating thing to study," said Cox.
ECEs haven't always been a dime a dozen. For a long time there was a shortage of ECEs in the province and in Canada, but Cox hopes the government's recent steps will help fill that gap in the workforce.
"Wages in the past, they were very very low, and so that was unattractive, and so that created gaps in having people that are long-term committed to the career," said Cox.
The Manitoba government has made expanding ECE job opportunities in the province a high priority. Click here to see the province's Early Learning and Child Care Workforce Strategy.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The City of Dauphin's 2026 Financial Plan Hearing takes place tonight, starting at 5:00 PM at City Hall.
The hearing is open to the public. Anyone who wants to hear the financial plan, provide feedback or register objections or complaints, is welcome to attend.
CKDM NewsNow will be in attendance. We will have more details about the city's 2026 Financial Plan tomorrow.
Click here to see the city's 2026 Draft Financial Plan. Notable changes include an increase in Net Municipal Taxes and Grants in Lieu of Taxes, and increases in both General Government Services and Protective Services spending.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Over the spring break, there was a break-in at the Adult Education building on the north side of the Ebb and Flow High School.
One 75-inch smartboard, 25 laptops, and 60 scientific calculators were stolen. On April 11, the Ste. Rose RCMP executed a search warrant at a home on the First Nation and recovered the smartboard, valued at roughly $8,000. It was then returned to the adult education building.
A 31-year-old man and a 32-year-old female were charged with possessing property obtained by crime. Three days later, Shauna Maytwayashing of Jordan's Principle reached out to the vice-principal, Jarrett Houle. Shauna told Jarrett that her organization wanted to donate 31 scientific calculators to the adult education centre.
The total of the calculators was more than $600. They were delivered to Ebb and Flow and are now in use by students at the centre.
"We were very overwhelmed with the generous offer that Mrs. Maytwayashing offered our students. The students were grateful," said Houle. "My boss and head principal were grateful as well. We were overwhelmed and gladly accepted."
The calculators are required for coursework at the centre.
"There are different types of math courses that Assiniboine College offers to the adult education centre," added Houle. "The calculators have the buttons and resources that help them figure out the problems."
There are currently 15 to 20 students at the adult education centre, and they partner with Assiniboine College in Dauphin.
When the students received their calculators, their smiles stretched from ear to ear.
"The adult education students were excited to receive them," ended Houle. "I'd like to extend my thanks to the Southern Chiefs Organization for their donation to our students here."
The calculators have all been marked and labelled as property of Ebb and Flow School.
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It is one of the signature events of the year for ladies in the Parkland Region.
The 33rd Annual Parkland Bluewings Ducks Unlimited Ladies Dinner and Auction will take place Friday night at the 8th Avenue Hall in Dauphin.
The evening will include a great meal, silent and live auctions, and socializing.
And organizer Donna Misener encourages all women to take part.
"If you have never been to our event, I would like yo to consider coming out and seeing what we are all about, and enjoy an evening of fun. We will have some games going on and some raffles. I think you will enjoy coming to this event."
Proceeds from the night go to support Ducks Unlimited projects across Manitoba.
Tickets are $50 each and must be purchased in advance of the event.
You can call Donna at at 204-648-4803 to purchase yours.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
McDonalds restaurants in both Dauphin and Swan River will once again be participating in the annual McHappy Day promotion this Wednesday.
Local owner Mahir Patel describes how it works.
"On specifically May 6th, 10 per cent of any (food item) that you buy will be donated to RMHC and the selected local community projects."
This year, 75 per cent of the money raised in Dauphin will support Henderson school and Tinkerbell Nursery School, while 75 per cent of the funds from Swan River will support Ecole Swan River School.
Patel says the other 25 per cent of proceeds from both restaurants will go to Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg.
"In 2025, 56 families from Dauphin used the RMHC program in Winnipeg, staying a combined 488 nights. That represents $200,000 worth of nights that was saved by the family in need. If I were to talk about Swan River, 26 families stayed, which represents almost $75,000."
Special McHappy Days merchandise will also be available at both restaurants as part of the promotion.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Last Monday night proved to be a costly one for a 39-year-old man from Valley River First nation.
Dauphin RCMP received a report at about 9 pm that night of a vehicle going into the ditch and blocking traffic on Highway 5 near Road 144 West in Grandview Municipality.
While en route, police learned the vehicle had left the scene and was heading back to Grandview at a high speed, despite losing two tires.
It was eventually found in a ditch on Road 145 West, and once on the scene, Mounties spotted several empty cans of alcohol in both the back seat and on the passenger side.
After initially resisting arrest, the driver was brought in, where he provided a sample that was over the legal limit.
He now faces a total of six charges, as well as fines under the Highway Traffic Act worth $1,022.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Renovations are underway at the Ste. Rose Health Centre.
Recently, some of their furniture was damaged. They're also looking to enhance their patients' visits with a paint job in the lounge.
Sheryl Robertson, manager of health services, is currently looking for an artist to do a small mural on the wall.
"Give us something uplifting for the patients. Right now, it's a grey well," said Robertson. "So, if we can add some colour and lightness to our patients' stay, that would be great."
The mural is expected to be six feet by eight feet. If you're an artist looking to show off your skills, email Sheryl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
They're also looking for some furniture for the lounge.
"Just a sturdy set of end tables and a sofa table that can withstand lots of traffic," added Robertson.
While there is no timeline for the upgrades, Robertson thanks those for being involved. She's looking forward to a lounge full of colour and good vibes.
"We're always excited to see improvements in our building, for sure," ended Robertson. "We're excited to see where we can go. We like to have the community involved in decisions at the hospitals. If anyone has ideas as to what they would like to see on the wall, they can email me as well."
The Ste. Rose Health Centre is looking forward to revitalizing its patients' lounge, and you can be a part of the magic.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
