The visiting Boston Bruin showed their strength against the hometown Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Dec. 11.
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Jets no match for visiting Bruins
Obituary: Wendy Bezan
BEZAN, Gwendolyn “Wendy” Mary Born April 13, 1939 ~ November 28, 2025. Aged 86 years.
Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gwendolyn “Wendy” Bezan, left to be with God while surrounded by family on the evening of November 28, 2025, at the age of 86.
Wendy made her big entrance into the world on April 13, 1939, in Chesterfield Inlet, N.W.T., to her parents George and Irene Anderson. Her birth was the finale of a long journey for her mother, travelling from Tavane to Chesterfield Inlet by dogsled.
Wendy spent much of her childhood in Pangnirtung and Lake Harbour, N.W.T., where her father was stationed with the Hudson’s Bay Company. This was a memorable time in her life, and she always had many fascinating stories to share and Inuit artifacts to show off.
At the age of nine, she left to pursue a better education in Winnipeg and attended Isaac Brock School. In 1952, her father retired from the Hudson’s Bay Company and moved to Inglis, Man., after purchasing the general store on Main Street, so Wendy moved out to join her parents and her two siblings, Ginger and Margaret. She worked at her parents’ store and went to school in Inglis until Grade 11, when she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and took a job with the Hudson’s Bay Company. She spent some time in Northern Ontario and would come back to Inglis on furlough.
It was during one of these trips back home when she met a dashing young farmer – her future husband, Jim Bezan. They married just a few months later in October of 1958. Their first child was born two years after that, with five more to come. They built their forever home in 1970 near Inglis and continued to raise their large family there. Wendy’s touch in their house was evident, with many of her décor choices becoming iconic within the family, especially the orange shag carpet. She loved living on the farm and spent her time tending to her two large gardens, feeding the men in the field and helping out when she was needed, which often meant chasing cows or running to town for parts.
After raising her family, Wendy worked at the Russell Hospital in the kitchen. Her passion for cooking and baking went beyond her work – she baked loaves of bread and buns every week, along with many desserts to feed her family’s sweet tooth. She also enjoyed other hobbies, such as ceramics, knitting and crocheting.
She retired from the Assiniboine Regional Health Authority in 2004 and dedicated the rest of her time to focusing on her grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything. Family meant everything to Wendy, and she spent much of her time travelling to see her children and grandchildren or hosting large family gatherings. The farm was a welcome place, not just to her children and grandchildren, but also to her extended family and friends, including cousins, nieces and nephews who were dear to her, as well.
Wendy was a strong woman of God. Her faith was at the centre of her life. For those close to Wendy, this faith in God will influence their lives forever.
Wendy is predeceased by her parents, George and Ida Irene Anderson (nee Timlick), her brother George “Ginger” Anderson, her husband, Jim and her son, Dana. She is survived by her sister, Margaret (Ray) Taplin, her children, Layton (Barb), Clinton (Samantha), Heather (Chris), James (Kelly), Warren (Dawn), Jason (Kristen), her 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
We are grateful to have had so much time with our mother and grandma, sister and mother-in-law, aunt and friend, and will miss her dearly. To know her and her unconditional love was the greatest blessing. Thank you for everything, we love you more than love!
Stars shine bright over Jets
The Winnipeg Jets were defeated 4-3 by the visiting Dallas Stars at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Dec. 9.
St. Andrews on the Red hosts Old-Fashioned Christmas
Dozens and dozens of people filled St. Andrews on the Red for its annual Old-Fashioned Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Making an appearance was Father Christmas himself to delight all those who attended the three-hour event, which included a children’s crafts, a craft and bake sale, a white elephant table as well as a rainbow action and raffle.
In addition to photos with Father Christmas, a major focus for the event was a Celtic Christmas music performance featuring Two by Two.
Old-Fashoned Christmas at St Andrews On-The-Red Anglican Church.
Jets take flight against Sabres
The Winnipeg Jets earned a major victory against the visiting Buffalo Sabres at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Friday, Dec. 5.
Santa Claus touches down in Selkirk
The Santa Parade of Lights lit up the faces of thousands of parade goers in Selkirk on the evening of Nov. 29.
Festive floats with dazzling decorations and lights headed north down Eveline from Berrisford and ended at Superior.
“The Santa parade of lights is another wonderful opportunity to celebrate the festive season, seeing all the beautiful floats and all the work that goes into them brings me great joy,” said Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson. “The families that line Eveline to watch, the fire pits in the yards, and all the happy faces and comments make me so happy to be involved with it, and very proud to be mayor of our great city.”
During the 18th edition of the Santa Parade of Lights, participants shared holiday spirit along the parade route. Kids were also encouraged to bring their letters to Santa Claus as workers with Canada Post were collecting Santa letters.
Selkirk MLA Richard Perchotte was also seen participating in the annual parade.
“I love participating in the Santa parade of lights, seeing all the families enjoying the event is the highlight of the Christmas season for me. Walking the route gives me a chance to wish the wonderful families a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season,” said Perchotte.
Back by popular demand was the Lord Selkirk School Division ‘Santa Bus’ and walking alongside the bus was LSSD Supt. Jerret Long. According to Long, the school division had its senior admin team along with its board of trustee participating in the parade.
“We wanted to again be involved in the Santa Parade of Lights as a way to show our community that we all work together to help students succeed,” said Long.” We recognize it is an important part of the community and we honestly really enjoy being involved and seeing the kids. It is nice to see the kids excited about the ‘Santa Bus’. I just think it is important to show we are a part of the community and not just connected to boardrooms. We value this long-standing tradition and wanted to be supportive.”
Santa Claus waves to parade goes during the 18th annual Santa Parade of Lights in Selkirk Nov. 29.
18th annual Santa Parade of Lights in Selkirk on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.
Santa Claus is coming to Selkirk
The 18th annual Santa Parade of Lights is back to brighten Selkirk on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.
Festive floats with dazzling decorations and lights head north down Eveline starting at Berrisford and ending at Superior, spreading cheer and holiday spirit all along the route. Kids are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa Claus!
Note: The Selkirk Lift Bridge at Eaton and Eveline will be closed from 6:30pm until the parade ends at around 8:30pm. A parking ban will also be in effect on Eveline during this time.
MPI, Province expanding veteran licence plate eligibility
Submitted by MPI
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), the Government of Manitoba, and the Royal Canadian Legion have worked together to bring forward a regulatory amendment to allow more veterans to display a veteran licence plate on their vehicle. The amendment, which came into effect on Nov. 5, expands veteran eligibility criteria under the Vehicle Registration Regulation.
Previously, the definition of veteran included a three-year honourable service requirement for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. The new regulation removes this requirement. Moving forward, the Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion (MNOC) will manage eligibility criteria and align with the national definition of “veteran.”
The expanded definition being used going forward allows for veteran plate eligibility for current and former members of the CAF, RCMP, peace officers in special duty areas, and wartime service in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command, as well as individuals who completed CAF basic training and were honourably discharged.
“At MPI, we recognize the service and self-sacrifice of our veterans, and we feel it is important to follow the guidance of the Royal Canadian Legion on who should be able to proudly display their service to Manitobans and Canadians on their vehicle,” said Satvir Jatana, President and CEO of MPI. “Expanding the eligibility to include all service is the right thing to do and speaks to the true intent of the plate.”
“Broadening the eligibility for the veteran’s licence plate to include all of those who have provided service to Manitoba and Canada supports this government’s commitment to honouring veterans,” said the Honourable Matt Wiebe, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba and Minister Responsible for MPI. “Transferring the management of veteran eligibility criteria to the Royal Canadian Legion ensures that the decisions are made by those with direct expertise and connection to our veterans.”
MPI has issued more than 5,680 veteran licence plates. These plates are provided at no cost to eligible veterans who apply.
“The Royal Canadian Legion Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Command welcomes the Government of Manitoba’s and MPI’s support in updating the eligibility criteria for the veteran licence plate program,” said Cohen Rutledge, Provincial Executive Director of MNOC. “This update helps us to further recognize those who have served our nation, reflecting a modern understanding of military service and sacrifice. By honouring veterans through this program, we strengthen our collective commitment to acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. We are proud to support this positive step forward for veterans and their families.”
This more inclusive approach to eligibility reflects the diversity of service that exists in Manitoba.
“It is important that we honour all service,” said the Honourable David Pankratz, Special Envoy for Military Affairs with the Government of Manitoba. “By expanding our definition of veteran, we are honouring and remembering Manitoba veterans as an integral part of the freedoms that we have in our country and in this province.”
In support of veterans, non-veterans can purchase the “Support Our Troops” specialty plate for $70. MPI provides $30 from each purchase to Support Our Troops, an organization that helps veterans and their families overcome challenges they face as a result of their service.
Tips for weathering respiratory virus season
Submitted by IERHA
Respiratory virus season has now arrived, and there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
Prevention measures include:
- Practising good hand hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer when washing isn’t possible.
- Drinking plenty of fluids and ensuring you get enough rest.
- Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your elbow toprevent spreading germs.
- Keeping shared spaces clean by wiping down frequently touched surfaces such a door knobs,counters and phones.
- Staying home when you’re sick.It’s also recommended to get the most updated flu and COVID vaccine. Book an appointment by calling 1-844-626-8222 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or by using the online booking system at manitoba.ca/protectmb.
- When to stay home
- If you become sick and are otherwise healthy, it is best to stay home when experiencing common symptoms, which can typically be addressed at home. These include:
- Sore throat.
- Blocked or runny nose.
- Cough.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting (but you’re not dehydrated).
- Diarrhea (but you’re not dehydrated).
- Fever that responds well to medication.
- When to seek non-emergency care
- If you’re not seeing any improvement or if your symptoms continue longer than five to seven days, different options are available depending on your situation. You can:
• Book an appointment with your primary care provider, who can provide care for non-urgent cold and flu symptoms and administer vaccinations for flu and COVID. If you are currently looking for a regular primary care provider, contact Family Doctor Finder at 1-866-690-8260 or visit gov.mb.ca/health/familydoctorfinder/.
- Visit a clinic in your community. Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has a list of clinics at ierha.ca/find-us/.
- Visit a pharmacist for flu and COVID vaccinations, prescription refills and care for certain medical conditions.
- Seek 24/7 virtual care through QDoc, which provides health-care services remotely. Patients can consult with health-care providers via video calls, phone calls or online messaging in their home. Services that can be provided remotely include requests for prescription refills and requests for medical advice. Call 1-833-736-2362 or book online at qdoc.ca/.
- Book a same-day appointment at the QuickCare Clinic in Selkirk by visiting medinav.ca or calling 204-482-4399.
- Visit Easton Place Medical Centre (15 Wersch St.), which accepts walk-ins. To minimize your wait time, call ahead to make a booking at 204-482-4044.
- If you have a sick kid or teen, learn about caring for them and where to go through KidCare. Visit ierha.ca/patient-information/where-to-go/kid-care/ to learn more.
- When to visit an emergency department
- Anyone who has a medical emergency that can’t wait should call 911 or visit their closest emergency room. Examples of situations that require a visit to the emergency department include sudden or new chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness, loss of vision, slurring of speech or an object in the eye or ear. Other emergency situations include loss of consciousness, severe injury, severe back pain, pregnancy complications or suicidal thoughts.“As we move through respiratory virus season, our priority is ensuring that every resident has clear, practical guidance to stay healthy and to know where to seek care when they need it,” said Dr. Scott Gregoire, vice-president of medical services and chief medical officer for Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.“By taking simple preventive steps, staying home when ill and choosing the right care option for your situation, you help protect yourself, your family and our health-care teams. Thank you for working with us to keep our communities safe and our emergency departments available for those who need them most.”
Holiday Alley kicks off with Welcome Winter
The Interlake Choral Association and Holiday Alley presented Welcome Winter at the Selkirk United Church on Nov. 20.
The choral concert and carols featured the Westshore Singers, Good Shepard and Quarry Choristers.
The Westshore Singers performed A Happy Holiday Season, Winter Lullaby, A Winter Warning, Shalom Chaverim and Fum, Fum, Fum.
