Latest news with #AssemblyofManitobaChiefs
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Premier says 1,000 more hotel rooms ready for evacuees
Premier Wab Kinew said 1,000 hotel rooms would open up for evacuees after Indigenous leaders said people had to sleep on cots set up in arenas and other congregate settings that aren't comfortable for long stays. 'Nobody wants to sleep on a cot for more than a day or two, even in an emergency situation,' Kinew told a news conference in Saskatoon ahead of the first ministers meeting Monday. 'So we're connecting folks who need those enhanced accessibility supports first, and then broadening it out to everybody else who needs help, too.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Search and Rescue volunteers set up roughly 100 cots in the Eric Coy Arena in preparation for wildfire evacuees' arrival last week. First Nations leaders requested more hotels to open their doors to thousands of evacuees fleeing Manitoba wildfires. Kinew said space is tight in communities across southern Manitoba because 17,000 people have fled fires in the north, prompting Manitoba to issue a state of emergency. The City of Winnipeg and other communities, including Thompson, Portage la Prairie and Winkler, have established emergency evacuation shelters in arenas. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has called for all levels of government to issue a directive to Manitoba hotels and force them to make space for displaced community members. 'I ask all levels of government, please come together, work together, ask that these hotels and these accommodations make space for our people. We are in a state of emergency, you can give that directive,' Kyra Wilson, grand chief, said. On Monday, Kinew did not indicate whether his government would order a directive to hotels. 'We're finding shelter for everybody who needs it,' he said. Ontario has made several thousand hotel rooms available to evacuees, the premier said. Wilson said some evacuees arriving in Winnipeg are facing prolonged waits as they attempt to register and find accommodations. 'It's really sad to see our children having to sleep on floors. People are sitting, waiting in hallways, waiting outside and right now we just need everyone to come together. Our people are tired,' she said. Officials from the Manitoba Court of King's Bench and the Saskatchewan Court of King's Bench issued a statement on Sunday, announcing a joint education session scheduled in Winnipeg this week would be cancelled due to 'the pressing need to make hotel spaces.' The Manitoba Hotel Association declined to do an interview Monday. 'I know people are doing their best. As an association, we don't have a tool or method to capture real-time or live inventory of rooms,' president and CEO Michael Juce said in an email. In Winnipeg, the Canadian Red Cross is operating a reception centre at the Billy Mosienko Arena in northwest Winnipeg, and has asked all evacuees who have nowhere to stay to go there. Mayor Scott Gillingham said Monday the Seven Oaks Arena is being considered as another emergency shelter. Emergency supports are already operating from Mosienko, Century and Eric Coy arenas, and the Winnipeg Soccer Federation North complex. Recreational programming at involved facilities has been paused, he said. Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. Gillingham toured the city's various evacuation centres over the weekend. His government is being guided by the province and the Red Cross to provide support, he told reporters during a news conference Monday. The Century Arena was full with about 250 people when Gillingham visited Saturday. Meanwhile, the soccer complex was nearing capacity, with just over 1,000 people. As of Sunday, nobody had yet moved into the Eric Coy arena, but that could change, Gillingham said. Some First Nations communities have been calling the city directly for information and support, but their questions are best directed to the province, the mayor said. 'People are looking for answers and resources in real time. It's a complex process, it's a complex evacuation that's being delivered, so we are just trying to make sure we don't duplicate things.' Tyler SearleReporter Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press's city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic's creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler. Every piece of reporting Tyler produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Winnipeg Pride marches on during Manitoba's ongoing state of emergency over wildfires
More than 10,000 people walked through downtown Winnipeg on Sunday as the annual Pride Parade marched on amid Manitoba's ongoing state of emergency. Thousands more cheered and waved flags in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community as they lined up along the smoky parade route from the Manitoba Legislature to The Forks. Pride Winnipeg president Barry Karlenzig said the number of participants and attendees is among the largest he's seen during his 15 years with the organization. He said it's not only an important time for the community to come together, but also to acknowledge Pride's roots as a political protest movement. "It is a time to be loud and proud but also acknowledge what is going on up north," Karlenzig said. He said Pride Winnipeg is donating half of the scholarship money raised over the weekend to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to help First Nations that had to evacuate due to wildfire threat. "What Pride means to me is recognizing and remembering those who paved the way for where you are today and making sure that we take our privilege and our power to build it forward for the next generation," he said. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew was among the thousands marching on Sunday.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
First Nations leaders call on governments to free up Winnipeg hotel space for Manitoba wildfire evacuees
First Nations leaders say hotels in Winnipeg and other major Manitoba cities are largely booked up as they continue to seek temporary housing for evacuees fleeing communities surrounded by wildfires. Manitoba First Nations leaders gathered in Winnipeg on Saturday to call on the federal, provincial and Winnipeg municipal governments to direct city hotels to make space for their community members. "Our families are displaced. Right now, we have people that are evacuating to different urban areas: Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson. And in the city of Winnipeg right now, there are absolutely no accommodations within any of the hotels within the city," said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson during the Saturday press conference, calling for an "all hands on deck" approach to providing shelter. "I ask all levels of government, please come together, work together, ask that these hotels and these accommodations make space for our people. We are in a state of emergency, you can give that directive." Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a provincewide state of emergency on Wednesday, announcing more than 17,000 people are expected to be evacuated from wildfire-affected communities. That figure includes 5,000 Flin Flon residents, who were displaced by a 38,000-hectare wildfire that started over the Saskatchewan border and was still burning out of control, according to the government's most recent fire bulletin as of Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT. Kinew said Friday that hotel rooms are hard to come by, but are being prioritized for evacuees with medical or accessibility needs. Others are being sent to large evacuation centres, like those being set up in arenas and soccer fields. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee said there has been "a lot of movement" evacuating First Nations community members on Saturday. Many more evacuees are expected to arrive in Winnipeg, but he said support has been lacking for those who are already there. "This is a matter of basic human dignity. When our people arrive here, they are not afforded that basic human dignity they deserve," Settee said. "We can't wait anymore, we need to ensure that there are spaces for our people when they come here. And it can be done, if the political will is there," he said. As of Friday, more than 8,900 evacuees were registered with the Canadian Red Cross, the fire bulletin said. There were 25 active wildfires burning across the province as of Saturday night. The fire near Pukatawagan, also known as Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, has grown to 9,800 hectares and is still out of control, according to the fire bulletin. Pukatawagan Coun. Kelly Linklater said Saturday that the northern Manitoba First Nation had evacuated about half of its citizens. About 500 people were expected to be flown out on Saturday, he said. He said he hopes they can evacuate everyone on Saturday, if the weather allows. However, Linklater said some evacuees are leaving the community without knowing where they will be able to stay. "We are asking the City of Winnipeg, the hotels, to see if they can free up accommodations for evacuees," Linklater said, adding priority should be given to elders, children and community members with medical needs and disabilities. He said about 800 community members will be sent to Niagara Falls, Ont., where more hotel space is available. "Most of them are tired, they're hungry, they're scared," Linklater said. Last weekend, Pimicikamak Cree Nation began evacuating some of its most vulnerable residents over smoke from a nearby wildfire. At the time, Chief David Monias told CBC News that community leaders had been struggling to find space for displaced residents at hotels in Winnipeg. A week later, Monias is still asking for help housing citizens from Pimicikamak, also known as Cross Lake. "I've been begging and pleading for government and the Red Cross to do something simpler, more practical, be creative and be flexible. That's what we want," he said during the Saturday news conference. "Everything is booked up and our people are sleeping on floors," Monias said. There were still about 500 people waiting to be evacuated as of Saturday afternoon, he said. Monias said he's hoping the provincial and municipal governments can issue directives to get hotels in major Manitoba cities to open up hotel rooms and prioritize evacuees' needs. "You need to get rid of the bureaucracy, the jurisdictional issues, the paperwork and get them to bed as soon as they arrive. That's the first thing you should be doing." The out-of-control wildfire near Pimicikamak and the community of Cross Lake was 3,300 hectares as of Saturday afternoon, the province said. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said she has met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and was happy to see him initiate the incident response group to address wildfires in western Canada. "Governments need to be pulling all resources into this and we know that they are doing their best," she said. She thanked first responders, government officials and everyday Canadians for their support as First Nations continue to evacuate northern Manitoba. "In tough times, the country comes together. And this is one of those times," Nepinak said. CBC Manitoba has reached out to the federal, provincial and Winnipeg municipal governments for comment. A spokesperson for the city said Winnipeg officials are working closely with the province and the Red Cross to provide support as needed.
CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
First Nations leaders call on governments to free up Winnipeg hotel space for Manitoba wildfire evacuees
Social Sharing First Nations leaders say hotels in Winnipeg and other major Manitoba cities are largely booked up as they continue to seek temporary housing for evacuees fleeing communities surrounded by wildfires. Manitoba First Nations leaders gathered in Winnipeg on Saturday to call on the federal, provincial and Winnipeg municipal governments to direct city hotels to make space for their community members. "Our families are displaced. Right now, we have people that are evacuating to different urban areas: Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson. And in the city of Winnipeg right now, there are absolutely no accommodations within any of the hotels within the city," said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson during the Saturday press conference, calling for an "all hands on deck" approach to providing shelter. "I ask all levels of government, please come together, work together, ask that these hotels and these accommodations make space for our people. We are in a state of emergency, you can give that directive." Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew declared a provincewide state of emergency on Wednesday, announcing more than 17,000 people are expected to be evacuated from wildfire-affected communities. That figure includes 5,000 Flin Flon residents, who were displaced by a 38,000-hectare wildfire that started over the Saskatchewan border and was still burning out of control, according to the government's most recent fire bulletin as of Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT. Kinew said Friday that hotel rooms are hard to come by, but are being prioritized for evacuees with medical or accessibility needs. Others are being sent to large evacuation centres, like those being set up in arenas and soccer fields. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee said there has been "a lot of movement" evacuating First Nations community members on Saturday. Many more evacuees are expected to arrive in Winnipeg, but he said support has been lacking for those who are already there. "This is a matter of basic human dignity. When our people arrive here, they are not afforded that basic human dignity they deserve," Settee said. "We can't wait anymore, we need to ensure that there are spaces for our people when they come here. And it can be done, if the political will is there," he said. As of Friday, more than 8,900 evacuees were registered with the Canadian Red Cross, the fire bulletin said. There were 25 active wildfires burning across the province as of Saturday night. The fire near Pukatawagan, also known as Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, has grown to 9,800 hectares and is still out of control, according to the fire bulletin. Pukatawagan Coun. Kelly Linklater said Saturday that the northern Manitoba First Nation had evacuated about half of its citizens. About 500 people were expected to be flown out on Saturday, he said. He said he hopes they can evacuate everyone on Saturday, if the weather allows. However, Linklater said some evacuees are leaving the community without knowing where they will be able to stay. "We are asking the City of Winnipeg, the hotels, to see if they can free up accommodations for evacuees," Linklater said, adding priority should be given to elders, children and community members with medical needs and disabilities. He said about 800 community members will be sent to Niagara Falls, Ont., where more hotel space is available. "Most of them are tired, they're hungry, they're scared," Linklater said. Last weekend, Pimicikamak Cree Nation began evacuating some of its most vulnerable residents over smoke from a nearby wildfire. At the time, Chief David Monias told CBC News that community leaders had been struggling to find space for displaced residents at hotels in Winnipeg. A week later, Monias is still asking for help housing citizens from Pimicikamak, also known as Cross Lake. "I've been begging and pleading for government and the Red Cross to do something simpler, more practical, be creative and be flexible. That's what we want," he said during the Saturday news conference. "Everything is booked up and our people are sleeping on floors," Monias said. There were still about 500 people waiting to be evacuated as of Saturday afternoon, he said. Monias said he's hoping the provincial and municipal governments can issue directives to get hotels in major Manitoba cities to open up hotel rooms and prioritize evacuees' needs. "You need to get rid of the bureaucracy, the jurisdictional issues, the paperwork and get them to bed as soon as they arrive. That's the first thing you should be doing." The out-of-control wildfire near Pimicikamak and the community of Cross Lake was 3,300 hectares as of Saturday afternoon, the province said. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said she has met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and was happy to see him initiate the incident response group to address wildfires in western Canada. "Governments need to be pulling all resources into this and we know that they are doing their best," she said. She thanked first responders, government officials and everyday Canadians for their support as First Nations continue to evacuate northern Manitoba. "In tough times, the country comes together. And this is one of those times," Nepinak said. CBC Manitoba has reached out to the federal, provincial and Winnipeg municipal governments for comment.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'The community is in a panic': Pukatawagan calls for more help with airport still closed due to smoke
Pukatawagan Cree Nation's chief and council say residents are growing more anxious as the community's only airstrip remains closed because of wildfire smoke. The northern Manitoba community's airport was still not useable as of Friday afternoon, Pukatawagan councillors said at a news conference with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. Pukatawagan Chief Gordie Bear told CBC News the airport closed around 6:30 p.m. CT Thursday, as winds pushed smoke from the nearby wildfire toward it and the community, preventing planes from landing. Two days after Manitoba declared a provincewide state of emergency and Pukatawagan was ordered evacuated, more than 2,000 people still need to be transported out of the community, Coun. Kelly Linklater said at the news conference. "We need more resources. We need to move them immediately," Linklater said."The community is in a panic." Linklater said first responders have resorted to using helicopters to fly people out, but at the rate that's going, it's would take days to move everyone. Coun. Connie Constant said between six and 13 people can fit on the helicopters, depending on the aircraft's size. The fire, which was first reported Tuesday, according to the province's wildfire map, was 9,785 hectares in size and about a kilometre away from the community as of Thursday. Trains to and from Pukatawagan were already not running because of the fire threat. Constant said the call for help from other levels of government went out "days ago, while we had an airstrip." "Canada, don't wait until we start losing lives," she said. "We matter. Our people matter. So we're trying. If you look at the map, we're in a peninsula. We got nowhere to go." Pukatawagan — also known as Mathias Colomb — is about 700 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Manitoba Hydro said Thursday evening the community was without power because of fire-related damage, adding that there were several burned poles in Pukatawagan, but the full extent of the damage is unknown. Linklater said the community has been without power for three days, and the restoration could take at least a month. Premier calls for calm A Friday afternoon provincial fire bulletin said the federal government and the Canadian Armed Forces are working to support Pukatawagan, "but conditions are very smoky." Before the Pukatawagan news conference, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the Canadian Armed Forces was using helicopters to do reconnaissance in the area as of Friday morning. Aircraft have been taking residents to The Pas for medical attention if needed, Kinew said at a separate news conference. As a precaution, the town's hospital is under a code orange, meaning preparing for a mass casualty or disaster event, he said. WATCH | More evacuations expected, premier says: "I think the most important thing for Manitobans to understand is that we need to be calm," the premier said when asked to address criticisms by First Nations leadership that the province's wildfire response has been poorly communicated. "With transportation, the Canadian Armed Forces is in the business of meticulous planning before they deploy aircraft or before they deploy their troops," Kinew said. "I understand how Manitobans might look at a given situation and have questions. But I'm here to reassure you and tell you that you have the best people leading the response." Constant said the community needs more. "I don't even like the words 'to be patient,'" she said. "We can't be patient. We need action. We need action now." Multiple agencies are working to respond to the fire, the latest provincial fire bulletin said. Are you an evacuee who needs assistance? Contact Manitoba 211 by calling 211 from anywhere in Manitoba or email 211mb@
