News Release

January 28, 2025

“Festival du Voyageur: A Legacy of Linguistic and Cultural Continuity”

with Yannick Fréchette and Breanne Lavallée-Heckert

2025 Kickoff for the Lieutenant-Governor’s Evenings at Government House

Series of Free Public Events

Lt.-Gov. Anita R. Neville invites Manitobans to attend the first presentation in 2025 of a series of free public events designed to welcome Manitobans into Government House and showcase outstanding and inspiring Manitobans who, through words and deeds, continually work to make the province better for all.

The February event features Yannick Fréchette, president of Festival du Voyageur, and Breanne Lavallée-Heckert, executive director of Festival du Voyageur. Festival du Voyageur is a francophone non-profit organization founded in 1969, known for its annual winter festival, which began in 1970. Held over 10 days in February, Festival du Voyageur is Western Canada’s largest francophone event, attracting over 75,000 visitors. The festival features music, dance, snow sculpting and visual arts, with a focus on francophone and Indigenous culture. It also includes outdoor activities, historical interpretation and traditional food. Year-round, the organization offers educational programs including at Fort Gibraltar, a historic site that brings the fur trade era to life.

The event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Government House. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m. Parking is available on both sides of the Government House driveway.

Light refreshments to follow.

Those wishing to attend must register in advance with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by calling 204-945-2753. Guests may reserve a maximum of two seats per registration.

Please note: large bags and backpacks will not be permitted.

Registration is now open. Seating is limited. There is no cost to attend.

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for the Lieutenant Governor’s Sharing Hope Initiative.

Museum Experience Ambassador

Are you an energetic and warm individual with a passion for storytelling and creating memorable experiences? Join our team as a Museum Experience Ambassador!

This position is perfect for someone looking for a few hours of work per week or for someone who is retired or semi-retired and wants to stay active while sharing their enthusiasm for history and culture.

In this role, you will be the welcoming face of the museum, captivating visitors with fascinating exhibits, assisting with the management of our collections, and delivering programs in a fun, informative, and engaging way. Our programs also include an outreach approach, allowing us to connect with diverse audiences beyond the museum walls. You’ll play a key role in delivering exceptional experiences while maintaining high standards of customer service and collection care.

Ready to learn more? Check out the job responsibilities, qualifications, and conditions here.  To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Cindy Desrochers, Director, at direction@msbm.mb.ca.

Application deadline: February 21st, 2025

We thank everyone who applies, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest—we look forward to learning about you!

- IMMEDIATE: 2 part-time positions, 15 hours per week with a focus on education/programming

- Possibility of up to: 3 part-time summer positions with a focus on collections

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) encourages all bus riders to take extra precautions to safeguard their personal belongings while traveling. Thefts that occur on transit busses are typically opportunistic, meaning that taking simple preventive measures can often deter thieves. Here are five tips to help you protect yourself and your property:

1. Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your surroundings and be aware of what's going on around you. Pay attention to people who might be acting suspiciously.
2. Avoid Using Your Phone: Try not to use your phone or other devices when getting on or off the bus. Thieves often target people who are distracted.
3. Keep Valuables Hidden: Don't flash expensive items like phones, wallets, or jewelry. Keep them tucked away in your bag or pockets when not in use.
4. Hold Your Bag Close: Always keep your bag in front of you and close to your body. If it has a zipper, make sure it's closed and facing inward to make it harder for someone to open it.
5. Turn Down the Volume: If listening to music, ensure volume is turned down and avoid using noise cancellation technology so you can hear what’s happening around you.

Remember – always report property theft, even if it seems small. This can help WPS apprehend serial offenders and/or offenders could face steeper consequences. For reporting non-emergency crimes, consider using Winnipeg Police Service’s online reporting platform.

Press Release – January 21, 2025

Are you stuck at home, or know someone that can’t make it down the street or the sidewalk? We want to hear from you. A coalition of diBerent organizations is launching the 2nd annual S(NO)W Plow Campaign. This Local Campaign seeks Photos and Stories to support better Snow Clearing.

Every winter in Winnipeg people with disabilities and other accessibility barriers face the challenge of navigating our snowy sidewalks and streets. This can make it diBicult for many Winnipeggers to get around their community, spend time with family, go to work or other activities. While we know our snowplow operators work very hard this time of year, sometimes things go wrong.

Disability and senior organizations throughout Winnipeg are hoping that your photos and stories can make a difference with our S(NO)W Plow Campaign. Starting today, the coalition is calling on Winnipeggers from across all neighbourhoods to share their photos and stories of improperly cleared sidewalks. This can include things like sidewalks that are caved in, streetlights that are blocked by snow, and badly cleared curb cuts.

We are a winter city, and no Winnipegger should be stuck at home because of sidewalk snow. Let’s work together to make our city more accessible and inclusive for all, even at the snowiest time of the year.

Please share your photos and stories of sidewalk snow obstacles this winter using our

Facebook page 

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14nQou5aCE/ 

or Google Form 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW_svWLAKbbJlBC2PS3zzfeyJDqoxZrVH8e_-3TvgMR3OKlg/viewform?usp=sf_link 

For more information please contact:

Melissa Graham – Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities melissagraham@mlpd.mb.ca

Kirby Cote – Accessible Sport Connection Manitoba mbaaccessiblesport@gmail.com

David Kron – Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba davidk@cerebralpalsy.mb.ca

Connie Newman – Manitoba Association of Senior Communities

Patrick Stewart – Independent Living Resource Centre

Serena Bittner – Transportation Options Network for Seniors

Doris Koop – Vision Impaired Resource Network

Join us for a Fraud Prevention Webinar
February 20, 2025,
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
on Zoom

This informative session will empower you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself from fraud. Learn about the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and discover how to identify various types of fraud, including phone, email, online, and social media scams. We'll guide you on how to report fraud and share valuable tips to help you stay safe while navigating the online world. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to arm yourself with essential tools to safeguard your personal information and financial well-being. Register today and take control of your online safety!

For more information and to register, please contact
Lisa Tinley at coordinator@peam.ca.

We are excited to invite you to the launch of Perspectives on Growing Older in Canada: The 2024 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey, a comprehensive new report by the National Institute on Ageing (NIA). This landmark survey explores the evolving realities of Canadians aged 50+ and provides essential insights into their attitudes, challenges, and experiences. 

The survey, now in its third year, reveals critical findings, including:

• A significant decline in optimism about ageing, especially among Canadians aged 80+;
• Financial insecurity, with only 34% of Canadians 50+ feeling confident about their ability to retire;
• The widespread experience of ageism, with 68% of Canadians 50+ reporting subtle forms of discrimination;
• The pressing need for better access to home care and community support services.

Your participation is invaluable as we collectively work toward creating a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence.

REGISTER HERE

Hello,

There is a ton of information older Canadians need to know, and sometimes it can be hard to keep track of it all. That’s why the monthly Minister of Seniors’ newsletter is such a valuable tool.

Easy to navigate, the seniors’ newsletter provides subscribers with monthly updates on important topics such as upcoming senior tax information webinars, fraud prevention, and more.

It also includes an exclusive personalized message from the Minister!

Another great benefit of subscribing? These updates are sent straight to your inbox, where you can access them on your computer, or mobile device, making it easy to stay informed wherever you are.

Whether you are an older Canadian or work with older Canadians, the seniors’ newsletter has plenty of useful information for you. The January edition has just been released, and it’s packed with essential information for the year ahead—don’t miss out!

You can subscribe to receive these updates in your inbox by visiting the sign-up page.

Spread the word!

Employment and Social Development Canada

Dalhousie University’s Sleepwell Research & Knowledge Mobilization Program presents:

Do you live with insomnia?

Do you know someone who has insomnia?

Do you see patients with insomnia in your practice?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are invited to attend a free, online webinar organized by Dalhousie University’s Sleepwell Research & Knowledge Mobilization Program on February 4 at 6:30 PM (EST).

This free event is for all Canadian residents, including the public, health care providers, and people involved in social and health service delivery.

Speakers: Dr. Malgorzata Rajda & Dr. David Gardner, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax

Topics:

• Effective sleep-enhancing techniques that are better than sleeping pills
• How to safely and effectively end dependence on sleeping pills
• Why worrying about sleep interferes with it and what you can do about it

The event will be held in English. Registration is limited to 500.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

https://mysleepwell.ca/events/

What is the Friendly Calls program?

Across the country, people count on the Canadian Red Cross to help them stay safe and healthy.  

The Friendly Calls program aims to enhance social connectedness and well-being, with a focus on reaching older adults, Indigenous peoples, frontline workers, parents, caregivers and anyone who may benefit from increased access to regular emotional support, social interaction, enhanced coping skills and community connections to other existing support.  

The program matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who:

·         Check-in with them regularly through phone calls

·         Provide emotional support and encourage healthy coping strategies

·         Share well-being resources and community connections to other existing services as needed 

The Friendly Calls program is safe, accessible and free. It is available nationwide, and anyone can sign up or learn more by calling 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time on weekdays.

The frequency and length of phone calls is tailored to suit a participant’s individual needs. Generally, phone calls occur on a weekly basis and can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.

Currently, phone calls are being conducted in English and French. There is the potential to offer additional languages in select locations as the program grows.

Who can participate in the Friendly Calls program?

No matter where you live in Canada, the Friendly Calls program is open to anyone over the age of 18 who could benefit from greater connection, or may have limited social and family links, and can receive regular support over the phone for encouragement and the power of feeling heard.

Is there any cost to participate in the Friendly Calls program?

The Friendly Calls program is free across Canada.

How do I sign up to participate in the Friendly Calls program?

Click here to sign-up online or Connect with Friendly Calls by calling 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time on weekdays.

If you feel that a loved one could benefit from the Friendly Calls program, we encourage you to help them sign up, either directly or by referring them yourself online or on the phone. 

How do I sign up to volunteer for the Friendly Calls program?

For some people, a little conversation can make a big difference. As a Friendly Calls volunteer, you can have a lasting, positive impact on the life of someone who needs connection with another person.

Friendly Calls volunteers do not need specialized skills or experience— all they need to bring is kindness, compassion and up to a few hours weekly. The Canadian Red Cross will provide training and ongoing support from experts to ensure they feel confident and prepared to make a positive impact in their community - one call at a time. Click here to apply to become a Friendly Calls volunteer.

What skills do Friendly Calls volunteers require? Do they require a background in mental health to participate?

You do not require a background in mental health to participate in the Friendly Calls program.

Friendly Calls volunteers do not need specialized skills or experience— all they need to bring is kindness, compassion and up to a few hours weekly. 

The Canadian Red Cross will provide training and ongoing support from experts to ensure you feel confident and prepared to make a positive impact in your community – one call at a time.

What is the time commitment being asked of a volunteer?

In general, a volunteer with the Friendly Calls program is expected to volunteer at least one hour per week. 

Volunteers are asked to remain with the program for a minimum of six months.

Can volunteers visit the person they are partnered with?

This is a phone-based program and any communication between a volunteer and participant will take place over the phone. Should a participant request a video chat, that will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

What happens if a person requires more support than what the Friendly Calls program can provide?

Volunteers and staff with the Friendly Calls program are not medical professionals and do not provide clinical counselling. If a person requires more support than what the Friendly Calls program is able to provide through supportive conversation, then that person will be referred to professional/clinical supports available and participation in the Friendly Calls program may stop.