Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

The government of Manitoba released the fifth annual Path to Reconciliation Annual Progress Report as it continues to advance reconciliation in Manitoba and respond to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced Dec. 21.

“Our resolve to respond to the Calls to Action remains as strong as ever,” said Clarke. “Manitoba is working hard to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in our social, political and economic systems and institutions. While we have taken important steps, we fully recognize that much work remains to be done.”

Manitoba took dozens of new actions between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, to address the legacy of the impact from residential schools including creating a mental health and addictions strategy, with the mental health of Indigenous peoples being one of the top seven priority areas in the Virgo report.

Over the last two years, the number of children in care has declined, which is a positive trend for children and families, particularly Indigenous children and families. The province anticipates the ongoing work toward transforming the child welfare system will support a continuation of this positive trend, the minister added.

The government of Manitoba has also taken action to address dozens of the Calls to Action including:
• invested over $110,000 to train public servants on the history of Indigenous peoples including developing a professional workshop ‘The Path to Reconciliation: A Historic and Contemporary Overview’;
• partnered with the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to create a five-year Treaty Education Initiative in the fall of 2019 that works with teachers to ensure students between kindergarten and Grade 12 learn about the treaties and treaty relationships; and
• established an economic development office, with Indigenous engagement as a mandated priority and key focus to foster Indigenous contributions to Manitoba’s economy.

Manitoba also takes actions outside of the Calls to Action that support reconciliation including:
• completing construction of the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Road Project (Freedom Road);
• investing $25,000 toward Circles for Reconciliation, an innovative organization that works to establish trusting, meaningful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples; and
• transferring ownership of the Grace Lake Airport to Mathias Colomb Cree Nation to encourage Indigenous-led ventures and economic development.

For more information on the Path to Reconciliation Act Annual Progress Reports visit www.gov.mb.ca/inr/reports-and-expenses/path-to-reconciliation-act-annual-progress-reports.html.

Submitted by the Province of Manitoba

With the onset of cold weather conditions beginning tomorrow, Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living is reminding Manitobans across the province of health concerns related to colder temperatures that are expected in the coming days. 

Exposure to cold can result in health problems such as frostbite or hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.

COVID-19 restrictions can add further challenges. Public health officials remind all Manitobans to follow current health orders and guidelines. Up-to-date information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/fundamentals/weather.html.

Anyone who is not dressed for cold weather is at risk, although health risks are greatest for:
• older adults;
• infants and young children;
• people with chronic illnesses, such as a heart condition;
• newcomers to Canada;
• other vulnerable people, like those experiencing homelessness;
• people living in homes that are poorly insulated;
• outdoor workers; and
• outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Check on neighbours, friends and older family members regularly via phone or virtually, especially those who are ill or living alone.

The health effects of cold can be reduced by:
• dressing in multiple layers and covering exposed skin;
• wearing wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing as they hold more body heat than cotton;
• wearing waterproof and windproof outer layers;
• choosing warm mittens instead of gloves;
• never leaving infants and young children unattended, and ensuring they are dressed appropriately;
• having a buddy from your household when enjoying winter weather activities who can offer immediate assistance in an emergency; and
• avoiding alcohol consumption before going out in the cold as alcohol increases the risk of hypothermia by contributing to heat loss.

Watch for symptoms of cold-related illness:
• Frostbite:
– discoloured skin (whitish, yellow, grey, or blistered);
– tingling, burning sensation, or numbness to exposed areas.
• Hypothermia:
– uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness or exhaustion, confusion, or slurred speech;
– very low energy and bright red cold skin in infants; and
– severe hypothermia may cause loss of consciousness and the appearance of no pulse or breathing.
• If emergency medical care is needed for someone who may have frostbite or hypothermia, move them to a warm place if possible and call for help.

Take action to stay safe in extreme cold:
• check the weather report before going outside and prepare accordingly;
• warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings such as malls;
• bring pets and other animals inside or to sheltered areas and provide non-frozen drinking water;
• reschedule outdoor activities and/or limit time outdoors if severe weather is forecast; and
• stay on approved paths when participating in outdoor activities.

Check road conditions before departing by calling Manitoba Highways at 511 or visiting www.manitoba511.ca/en/.

Winterize vehicles by keeping gas tanks full, using winter tires and keeping a well-stocked winter safety kit in vehicles. More information can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx.

If stranded, remain in the vehicle if possible until help is available. Avoid driving or travelling by car in bad weather or when roads are very slippery.

Take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Have a properly installed carbon monoxide detector in homes and make sure to properly maintain any fuel-burning equipment. Do not use generators, barbeques or other fuel burning appliances indoors. More information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/indoor.html#co2.

Keep homes warm with a properly installed and maintained heat source. If heating in a home is not sufficient:
• dress in layers, as if outdoors;
• use a blanket to cover your body and elevate your feet, as the air is colder near the floor;
• try not to sit for more than an hour and get up, walk around or have a hot drink; and
• move your arms and legs and/or wiggle your fingers and toes while sitting.

For more information on cold and health, call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.

Additional information can be accessed at:
• www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/cold.html or
• www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/environment/extreme-cold.html.

Weather forecasts are available from Environment and Climate Change Canada at 204-983-2050 or at https://weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=MB.