The Hello Parents Network of Thompson invites you to our annual Summer Safety Community Block Party!
Join us for an afternoon of family fun while learning about summer safety in our community.
Date: July 22, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: Juniper Splash Park
Enjoy:
Immunization pop-up clinic
STBBI testing and education on-site
Free BBQ and refreshments (while supplies last)
Games and family activities
Music Makers music and karaoke
MooseTree Photography photo booth
Paint the RCMP van
Thompson Fire and Emergency Services demonstrations
Giveaways, prizes, and more!
Bring your family and friends and come have a blast while we promote summer safety!
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,
Bring on those warm Manitoba summers we spend so many months waiting for!
Check out these summer safety tips and resources to keep in mind while we are out enjoying the sunshine.
Protect your skin
Taking precautions can help prevent your chance of skin damage. Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Stay out of the sun at the hottest part of the day (11am to 4pm).
Avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke by drinking lots of water, take breaks indoors from the heat or stay in the shade when possible and be aware of the signs and symptoms to cool down when your body needs it.
Whether you and your family are in a pool or lake, take care. Use life jackets (especially on the boat), be aware of swimming ability of those around you, know your limits and your environment. And always stay within arms reach of little ones. Drownings happen fast and are often preventable.
Teach road safety to our children, kids should not be allowed to ride alone until they are 10 years old. Make sure you and your kids are riding a bike that’s the right size for you and fasten up that helmet so it fits properly.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed annually on June 21 to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.
This day also coincides with the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, which holds cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous Peoples and communities. For generations, the Summer Solstice has been a time of gathering, ceremony, celebration, and connection to the land.
At the Northern Health Region, we acknowledge the importance of this day as an opportunity to reflect,learn, and honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, communities, and cultures throughout our region and beyond. We encourage staff to take time to participate in local events, cultural activities, and opportunities for learning and connection.
You are invited to join us for a Smudge and Ceremony with Knowledge Keeper Jenilee Lengyel and Elder Knowledge Keeper Isabelle Morris in a time of reflection, healing, and connection as we honour National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Summer Solstice.
Thompson General Hospital (Room 249 – Ceremony Room/Chapel):
June 23 | 2:00 PM
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
This year, we recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Thompson on June 17 with an afternoon of learning, reflection, and community connection focused on protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of older adults. Program begins at 1:30 p.m. and includes remarks from Leigh Anne Caron, Elder Jack Robinson, a presentation on AI and scams by Jarome Connell, and a lived experience shared by rescuing family members.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day raises awareness about the many forms of abuse older adults can face, including financial exploitation, neglect, emotional abuse, scams, and social isolation. It also highlights the importance of community support, education, and open conversations to help seniors, families, and caregivers recognize warning signs and respond safely.
Northern Manitoba is hiring Emergency, Operating Room and Obstetric Nurses
Join Ronnie and leadership from Northern Manitoba for a virtual webinar to learn more about these exciting career opportunities, including available incentives, benefits, relocation assistance, and other supports designed to help you make the move with confidence.
Hear firsthand what it’s like to live and work in northern communities, expand your clinical skills and make a meaningful impact where you’re needed most.
Whether you’re actively exploring your next career move or simply curious about nursing in Northern Manitoba, this is your opportunity connect and learn more.
Multiple dates and times available! Register today and discover where a nursing career in Northern Manitoba could take you.
Multiple dates and times available! Register today and discover where a nursing career in Northern Manitoba could take you.