Insights from Emily Roy, sexual assault counsellor advocate:

When people think about healing after sexual violence, they often imagine a clear starting point or a defined path forward. In reality, the journey looks different for everyone, and support can take many forms. Emily Roy, a sexual assault counsellor advocate at Agape House, sees this firsthand in her work with survivors across the community.

At Agape House, sexual assault counselling is not one-size-fits-all. It can include psychoeducation, safety planning, learning healthy coping strategies, support with protection orders, and, just as importantly, offering a space where someone can speak openly without fear of judgment. Adults aged 18 and over who have experienced sexual assault—or who simply have questions about sexual violence—can access these services by reaching out to book a session.

Survivors come forward for many different reasons. Some are trying to better understand their current relationships or are looking for support as they consider leaving. Others want guidance around legal options, such as protection orders, or help building coping skills. For many, the first step is simply having someone who will listen. “Sometimes people just want a place where they can talk and be heard,” Emily explains, emphasizing that every reason for reaching out is valid.

“We elected a strong team of New Democrats to fix healthcare and make your life more affordable.”

That is how newly elected Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew started his election night victory speech on Oct. 3, 2023. Now, two-and-a-half years into his government’s mandate, it’s time to ask whether Kinew has made good on his promise.

He hasn’t.

On most observable metrics, health care is demonstrably worse now than it was before the NDP took power. For example, emergency room wait times are now so high that the government recently had to promise to update its online wait time trackers. It turns out the estimates they provided were often far below the actual wait times experienced by patients.

A couple of weeks ago, I announced my decision to serve and seek re-election as an independent representative for Dawson Trail.

I made this decision to ensure that the people of Dawson Trail came before party politics, because they deserve an MLA who answers only to them. Families, farmers, small businesses, and municipalities in this region want and deserve a strong representative who is focused on local priorities, not directives from party headquarters.

Being an independent will afford me the freedom to work with any government who is going to deliver results and help move Dawson Trail forward. In the short time since I announced my decision, I have already seen these positive changes coming to fruition, as I have been able to have open and honest conversations with our government, ask tough questions, and ensure that I am getting answers for constituents.

For example, the government just announced the Ste Anne Hospital working group, which will be meeting to explore the regionalization of Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital. The lack of regional designation for Hôpital Ste-Anne Hospital has been a major concern for the community of Ste Anne, as well as all the neighbouring communities who use its services. I am very excited to see that some steps are being made in moving this process forward, and I greatly appreciate the minister’s office for keeping me up-to-date and informed on this matter.

A Dufresne man who hoarded dozens of animals, including nearly three dozen dogs, in “deplorable conditions” was handed a fine and animal ownership ban in a Steinbach courtroom on March 20.

Albert Tschritter, 39, plead guilty to violating Manitoba’s Animal Care Act. He was previously charged with four counts of the violation, but the three other charges were stayed. The violations don’t count as criminal charges.

“A number of animals ended up in rather deplorable conditions in a way that met the definition in the act of being deprived of adequate food and water so as to significantly impair their health and well being,” said Crown prosecutor Boyd McGill.

Provincial animal care officials received a call on June 1, 2023 about the well-being of dogs on a Dawson Road property, he told the court.

Access Credit Union will shutter six branches, including one in Emerson, by Oct. 21, citing falling in-person visits.

The branch closures are part of the credit union’s wider consolidation plan to centralize in larger communities and shift towards virtual banking.

“Any Access branch across Manitoba can serve our members and we carefully considered distances between rural communities where members are travelling for other errands. More members are choosing digital ways to bank, and this shift positions us to focus on delivering greater convenience and flexibility in the future,” Access Credit Union CEO and President Myrna Wiebe said in a Feb. 19 news release.

The Emerson branch will be consolidated with its Altona counterpart. Moosehorn will join Ashern. Plum Coulee will shift to Winkler. Sanford will join the credit union’s new Kenaston Boulevard location, set to open this summer. Two Winnipeg locations also combined.

Summer Arts Day Camp is back, Explore eight creative, themed weeks for children in age groups 3-4, 5-8, and 9–12. These camps are intentionally designed to nurture well-being and personal growth, offering a safe and supportive environment where experienced instructors lead campers through music, dance, theatre, visual arts and culinary arts.

The Steinbach Arts Council is dedicated to removing barriers for families and opening doors for children through the Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund, Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund, and the Vera Friesen Memorial Fund, which provides support specifically for Summer Arts Day Campers. Apply for a bursary for camps online or in person at the SAC Administrative Office.

For the full camp schedule and to register for camps, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077. Thanks to Canadian Tire Steinbach for sponsoring the Summer Arts Day Camp program.

Backyard Theatre Company to present final perfomance of the season