September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
Each year on September 30, people across Canada observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. With love, we honour the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. We also take time to listen, learn from their wisdom, and reflect on the responsibilities we all carry in advancing reconciliation.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. Orange Shirt Day grew from Survivor Phyllis Webstad experience of having her new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School. Wearing orange affirms that Every Child Matters and asks us to have the courage to acknowledge the truth about residential schools and their ongoing impacts. Staff are invited to wear orange on September 29 and 30.
These impacts continue across generations, affecting health and well-being, family and community relationships, and trust in health care and other public systems.
World Patient Safety Day brings together governments, partners and communities to focus attention on patient safety and accelerate action to reduce avoidable harm in health care.
In 2026, the campaign focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with the slogan “Safe care for life!”. Noncommunicable diseases are long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, that can affect people of all ages and often require ongoing care throughout life.
Globally, 1 in 10 patients is harmed during health care, with around half of this harm being considered preventable. People living with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to harm due to the long-term nature of their conditions, ongoing treatment needs and frequent interactions with health systems. This repeated exposure increases the likelihood of harm over time.
People living with NCDs often require continuous care across multiple settings and over long periods, creating multiple points where safety risks can arise — from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, long-term management and self-care. Improving safety in NCD care requires addressing risks related to the complexity of care, strengthening health systems through a primary health care approach and tackling wider determinants that can increase the risk of harm. The campaign highlights the importance of engaging people with lived experience in the design and delivery of NCD services and in their own care.
World Suicide Prevention Day: Free Online Learning Opportunities
This September, the CMHA HOPE Learning Centre is offering a selection of free online courses and learning opportunities for the public.
As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, join us online on September 10 for a special presentation focused on suicide awareness and prevention. While this is not a course, it offers an opportunity to learn more about this important topic and how we can support suicide prevention in our communities.
All events are online and free to attend. View the course descriptions and register by clicking on the titles below.
One Simple Choice Can Help Protect Your Child from Cancer – CancerCare Manitoba, Prevention and Screening Department
As parents, we want our kids to stay healthy, now and in the future. One simple step in Grade 6 can help protect them from several types of cancer later in life.
In Manitoba, vaccines for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Hep B (Hepatitis B) are offered free by the Grade 6 school immunization program. The HPV vaccine can prevent cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus. The Hep B vaccine can prevent liver cancer.
Vaccines are offered at school by trained public health professionals.
School clinics make it easy. No appointment to book, no extra trip for your busy family. This fall, watch for the Grade 6 vaccine information and consent package from the school. Taking a few minutes to review and return the signed form helps make sure your child gets these vaccines at school. It’s a simple, convenient way to protect their health for years to come.
HPV and Hep B vaccines are an important part of long-lasting cancer protection.
Getting the vaccines in grade 6 helps your child build the best immune response and protects them before they are exposed to these viruses.
These vaccines have been safely used for many years. Like any vaccine, there can be mild side effects, such as a sore arm or feeling tired. These side effects usually go away quickly.
If your kid missed their vaccines in Grade 6, it’s not too late. They can still receive the HPV and Hep B vaccines for free through a doctor or nurse, and they can get free HPV vaccine from a pharmacist.
Give your kids their best shot at a healthy future. Check ‘YES’ to the HPV and Hep B vaccines on the Grade 6 consent form to prevent cancer later in life.
Information Sessions – Nursing Opportunities in Northern Manitoba
Interested in exploring nursing opportunities in Northern Manitoba? Join us for upcoming information sessions to learn more about career opportunities, working in the North, and what it’s like to be part of our northern healthcare teams. Come with your questions and discover where a nursing career in Northern Manitoba could take you.
Go North this Summer! Online information session for Nurses
Adventure awaits in Northern Manitoba this summer…are you ready to explore it? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar to discover why Northern Manitoba should be the top destination for travel nurses this summer!
Hear firsthand about the rewarding impact travel nurses have on northern communities, the strong sense of connection and teamwork that sets these workplaces apart, and the adventure that comes with experiencing Manitoba’s breathtaking northern landscapes and outdoor activities.
We look forward to sharing these amazing stories and insights with you – and hope you will leave this presentation feeling inspired to take go North this summer!
Province Announces Updated Eligibility for Free Hepatitis A Vaccine Ahead of 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care advises the criteria for free hepatitis A vaccines have been further updated ahead of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games (MISG) taking place July 8 to 12 in Norway House Cree Nation and Aug. 10 to 15 in Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation. Eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccine has been updated to include individuals aged six months and older from the following groups:
community members in Norway House Cree Nation and Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation;
anyone travelling to or working in these communities including the athletes, staff, volunteers and visitors attending the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games;
people who have household visitors from these communities.
To book your vaccine appointment in Thompson call 204-677-5350
Updates on Dauphin Local State of Emergency
The City of Dauphin has issued a local state of emergency due to flooding in the area. The flooding has significantly impacted the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
As a result, work is underway to evacuate the hospital immediately.
Manitoba News Release: Manitoba Government to Name New Primary Health-Care Clinic in Honour of Amanda Lathlin
The new primary care clinic in The Pas will serve the tri-community area and support the health and well-being of community members in long-anticipated ways. This clinic will significantly improve access to essential health services, making it easier for patients to connect with a primary care provider. It will also provide staff and providers with a space designed to support their work and enhance patient care—creating a welcoming and functional environment for both those delivering care and those receiving it. With improved access and a modern care setting, we will be able to expand preventative care services and offer more resources to support healthier communities across the region.
June 22, 2026 Manitoba Government to Name New Primary Health-Care Clinic in Honour of Amanda Lathlin– – –Clinic Naming Recognizes Late MLA’s Contributions to Northern Manitoba and Province’s History: Kinew THE PAS—The Manitoba government will name the future primary health-care clinic in The Pas after the late Amanda Lathlin, the first First Nations woman elected to the Manitoba legislature and a dedicated advocate for improved health care and services in northern Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced here today. “Amanda Lathlin broke barriers as the first First Nations woman elected to Manitoba’s legislature and spent her career fighting for the people of northern Manitoba,” said Kinew. “She led with heart, conviction and a deep commitment to her community. Naming this clinic after Amanda recognizes her contributions to our province and the lasting impact she had on the people she served.” The Town of The Pas passed a motion earlier this year to name the clinic after Amanda Lathlin, the premier noted. Lathlin was elected in 2015 and was a northern leader and a dedicated advocate for improved health care and services in northern Manitoba. “Amanda was a tireless advocate for better health care in northern Manitoba and understood how important access to primary care is for families and communities,” said Asagwara. “This clinic will help strengthen access to care in the region while serving as a lasting tribute to Amanda’s leadership, service and commitment to northern Manitobans.” The Amanda Lathlin Memorial Clinic will expand access to primary care services for residents of The Pas and surrounding communities, connecting northern Manitobans with care closer to home, the premier noted. “On behalf of the residents of The Pas, I want to thank the Manitoba government for recognizing Amanda Lathlin’s remarkable legacy with the naming of this new clinic,” said Andre Murphy, mayor, The Pas. “Amanda was a true champion for our community, and her commitment and hard work will continue to inspire future generations. This new clinic is an important step toward strengthening care closer to home, and we are proud to see her legacy forever connected to a project that will benefit so many people in our region.” The Manitoba government announced funding for the new clinic in Budget 2026. Planning is underway, with the clinic expected to provide expanded access to primary care services for residents of The Pas and the surrounding region, the minister noted. – 30 –
For more information: Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: [email protected] or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744. Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: [email protected]. Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: [email protected].
Coming Home to the North
With Kathleen Deduke, Northern Nurse and Best Practice Educator
For Kathleen Deduke, nursing has been more than a career. It’s been a path back home. Raised in northern Manitoba, the North has always represented to her a deep connection to community and meaningful relationships.
That plan became even clearer during a conversation with another travel nurse. “I remember being asked, ‘If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go?’” Kathleen recalled. “And I said, ‘I would go home, back to Northern Manitoba.’ And I really meant it.”
Born in Thompson and raised in Snow Lake, Kathleen grew up surrounded by northern communities, lakes and the close-knit connections that come with small-town life. While her career has taken her across Manitoba and even to an emergency department on Vancouver Island, in her heart she knew she could build a life she truly loved in the North.
After working in Brandon and spending time travel nursing in British Columbia, Kathleen returned to the Northern Health Region on a travel contract in Thompson and The Pas. From the moment she arrived, she knew she was where she belonged.
“As soon as I got back, I felt like, ‘I miss it here. I want to live here. I want to work here.’”
Kathleen and friends at the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival
Today, Kathleen calls The Pas home, where she works in emergency department, the operating room and now serves as a Best Practice Educator supporting multiple departments.
Kathleen’s love for nursing began long before she entered a classroom. As a child, she regularly visited a family member in the hospital who went through a life-changing accident. One core memory has stayed with her and shaped her.
“I remember this nurse coming into the room. They knew her by name. They loved this nurse. She seemed to really make an impact on them,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘That job is really cool.’ I’ve wanted to be a nurse ever since that moment.”
Kathleen began her healthcare career as a health-care aide before becoming a phlebotomist with Canadian Blood Services. Those experiences helped build the foundation for her nursing career and led her to earn her nursing degree through University College of the North in The Pas.
While the pristine scenery and lakes are beautiful, Kathleen says it’s the people and sense of community that make Northern Manitoba special.
“It’s not just the outdoors. It’s the community,” she added. “You make friends at work, but you also have a community outside of work. There’s so much to do. It’s small enough that you get to know people. It really is a community.”
Since returning, Kathleen has been able to build a life she loves in The Pas. Thanks to the affordability of living in Northern Manitoba, she purchased her own home, joined a local baseball team and built lasting friendships within the community.
Professionally, she believes Northern Manitoba offers opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere.
“In the north, you aren’t limited to specialized units. We feel like one big department where you can be exposed to everything from emergency, pediatrics, all the way to palliative care. Anything that comes through the door, you get to learn from.”
The broad scope of practice in the North means nurses develop confidence quickly and gain experience across a wide range of patient care.
“You’re getting high acuity cases like larger centres, but with fewer resources, so you learn to rely on your team,” Kathleen shared. “You adapt. You figure it out. And it makes great nurses.”
Kathleen describes the North as welcoming, authentic, and full of people who work hard and enjoy life.
“I love that it’s a little rugged,” she added. “It’s a bunch of hardworking people who like to work hard but play harder.”
Kathleen’s friends around a bonfire
While some people see the North as remote, Kathleen sees something different. For her, the combination of meaningful work, endless opportunities to learn and a strong sense of belonging is exactly why she came back, and why she stayed.
“You really have no idea until you come here and experience it,” said Kathleen. “People come here because it feels like home. It’s simple living. You find your friends and community here, and that’s what pulls you in.”
If you’re ready for professional growth, community connection and a lifestyle change,
