Dedication to her patients, colleagues and community has earned a local physician a prestigious award from the Women’s Executive Network (WXN).

Dr. Bittoo Malik, a medical doctor specializing in diagnostic radiology at Dauphin Regional Health Center, was recently named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, an annual awards program which recognizes women across Canada who create meaningful change in the way they lead within their organizations and communities.

“I am honoured to be selected for this prestigious award and am humbled to join a legacy of Canadian women recognized for their outstanding contributions and achievements,” Malik said, reflecting on her selection.

Led by Dr Arturo Tamayo, a stroke neurologist at Brandon Regional Health Centre, and supported by physicians throughout the region, Dr. Malik’s nomination centred on her dedication to advancing medical imaging in Prairie Mountain Health, in particular, acute stroke imaging and assessment.

Dr. Malik is described by her colleagues as a powerful presence and determined force, demonstrating innovative leadership and transformative approach. A forward thinker, she has helped shape the evolution of trauma and stroke imaging and assessment. She is recognized for her inclusive perspective and unwavering commitment to inter-professional mentorship and collaboration in patient care.

“Achieving best possible patient outcome in stroke presentation requires a rapid co-ordinated effort by a team of health care providers, from first responders to triage and clinical assessment in the emergency department via telestroke, to emergent CT scanning, and review and diagnosis by the radiologist, thereby guiding treatment of lifesaving medication or transfer to Winnipeg for further interventional treatment,” Dr. Malik said, adding when she began working in the region in 2008, there was no real stroke imaging program.

“Because we’re in a rural area, it’s difficult for our patients to get very fast treatment. So I’ve, I guess, advanced that to the point where our patients are getting successful treatment because we’re imaging them within minutes of their arrival in the hospital. I’m looking at their imaging and providing a diagnosis so that they can have the treatment that they require, be it a clot busting treatment here in our ER or they are life flighted out to Winnipeg to have clot retrieval by one of our interventionalists in the city. And all of these things are incredibly time sensitive, so that’s one of the things we’ve accomplished quite well. Often it takes a team of people right from our triaging system to our EMS people bringing our patients in to our ER docs, our radiologists, our neurologists, all of us are working together for this.”

The Top 100 Most Powerful Women awards span the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with the winners selected by WXN’s Diversity Council of Canada. The awards are presented in 12 categories. Dr. Malik received her award in the “Professionals” category.

Raised in Gilbert Plains, Dr. Malik obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. She then completed a residency in Family Medicine at the University of Toronto and a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Malik serves as a board member for Doctors Manitoba and when not working at the hospital, she can be found nurturing a garden, or practicing a new-found interest of yoga flow and tai chi qigong. An outdoor enthusiast, kayaking and skiing are among her favourites. She enjoys classical and jazz music, and architecture and design.

She is one of two diagnostic radiologists at Dauphin Regional Health Centre, the other being her brother, Dr. Neesh Malik, who has a special interest in oncology imaging, and vascular and interventional radiology.

WXN will celebrate each 2022 winner in person at its 20th annual Top 100 Awards Gala, hosted at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Nov. 17.

Both the City and RM of Dauphin have new leadership.

Below are the results. Be sure to check next week's Dauphin Herald for plenty more!

 

 

OTHER PARKLAND MUNICIPALITIES 

The Hudson Bay Route Association (HBRA) held their 79th Annual General Meeting and Convention called Lighting Up the North at the Kikiwak Inn last Monday. This year’s appointed HBRA Board of Directors consists of Jim Berscheid as the President, Wayne Bacon as 1st Vice President and Len Gluska as the 2nd Vice President. The past president was Elden Boon.
The goal of HBRA is to promote education and, awareness of the need for continued and increased use of the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill. As well, to identify and articulate the economic and strategic reasons why the Hudson Bay Route and the Port of Churchill are of great value to Canada in general, and Western Canada’s prairie regions in particular.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is running an election for Grand Chief after the recent removal of former Grand Chief Arlen Dumas. There’s been a bigger push for more Indigenous women to run for Chief in elections and this year there are some candidates in the running for AMC’s Grand Chief, one of them is Opaskwayak Cree Nation’s (OCN) Jennifer Flett.
“I am Ininewskwew from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, grew up in OCN and attended school in the Town of The Pas,” said Flett. “I’m the youngest child and daughter of the late George Flett and Maggie Flett. I completed my Grade 12 and received my High School Diploma in 1987 from the Margaret Barbour Collegiate Institute.

Sergeant Ryan Peden and Master Corporal Terry Fullerton of the Swan River chapter of the Fourth Canadian Ranger Patrol Group have just returned from six weeks of working in Ottawa with the National Sentry Program (NSP), which posts members of the Canadian Armed Forces to guard in front of and around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The National Sentry Program reinforces Canada's commitment to remember and honour Canadians who served in the 20th century's major wars, including both World Wars. NSP also honours those who have contributed to Canada’s long-standing tradition of military excellence through to the present day.
The Canadian Armed Forces have posted sentries at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since 2007. The program includes a rotation of sentries from the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Canadian Ranger units from across Canada.
On Oct. 22, 2014, Corporal Nathan Cirillo was tragically killed while on sentry duty. Sentry duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier now holds an even deeper meaning for both the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian public.
Peden and Fullerton left Swan River for Ottawa on Sept. 8 and got back on Oct. 22. The first week of their arrival was spent training while the rest of the time they participated on four-days-on, four-days-off work weeks where they would spent their days on guard duty, sentry duty and security rotation.
“It’s been outstanding,” said Fullerton. “Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is quite an honour. The group I’m in has six Rangers and the rest are Air Force.
“We had a really good time meeting people from all over the world. When we weren’t doing sentry duty, one of our duties was being out on the tomb where we are walking and watching for any hazards and also watching if the people that are guarding need a hand. Other than that, you’re interacting with the public. We had to do a big history lesson on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier so that we could explain everything correctly.
“It’s been quite rewarding,” Fullerton continued. “You get quite a mix of reactions. You get some people who just come, sit, walk around and leave. The last few days it seems to be we get more emotional people who are laying wreaths or some memorial piece on their own. Then we go over and ask them if we can help them or if they just want to be alone.”
Peden and Fullerton worked in separate groups, but when they weren’t standing at attention on sentry duty, stone-faced and motionless, they were keeping a watchful eye on and around the tomb. And, when they weren’t doing that, they were watching security screens.
And, in addition to the every-day tourists and pilgrims that visit the site, dignitaries such as Canada’s Prime Minister and other foreign leaders stopped by on occasion.
On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, they also had a smudging of the site performed by Chief Petty Officer Pat Stevens, followed by a traditional lunch.
“It’s been an honour, a once in a lifetime experience to get to come to Ottawa and do this,” said Peden. “Standing in the memory of those that gave their lives is a humbling experience, and amazing to interact with people and make them more aware of the sacrifices made.”
Peden added that the most memorable highlights of his experience is the first time he was posted onto the tomb and the last time.
“The first time, you’re incredibly nervous,” he said. “There’s crowds of people, you’re being piped up and all the drills you’ve been learning for the past week are racing through your head. You want to make sure you get it right because of where you are.
“The last time, I was on shift for the last hour of the day that we were doing guard duty, and to stand there as the sun was setting and we were playing the lament on the bagpipes for the final time during the day, facing the monument and again just in that presence of that memory, you feel very grateful for what we have and very humbled by what other people gave so we could have that.”
Peden will also be returning to Ottawa to participate in similar duties during the National Remembrance Day service held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“During the day, there’ll be four people standing guard over the tomb,” he said. “There’ll be a member of the Army, a member of the Air Force, a member of the Navy and an RCMP officer. I will be the one posting them onto the tomb, so I’ll be calling the command drill and marching them down from where we’re posted to the tomb itself. It’s a big honour and I’m the first Canadian Ranger to do it.
“Hopefully it goes well because my chain of command and the Armed Forces put a lot of trust in me to come down and do it for the first time. I’m very honoured by that trust and I hope I do everyone proud by it.”

The Swan River Fire Department hosted an open house on Wednesday evening (Oct. 19), inviting all age groups to visit the fire hall as well as the public education trailer, where everyone could learn what to do in the event of a fire.

When you walk through the doors of the newly opened Waywayseecappo FoodMart, it’s likely you’ll have to stop and take in the view for just a second or two....

It’s bright and inviting with large wide aisles and shelves that are big enough to house a huge variety of stock. Right inside the doors, you’re met by a deli serving delicious take out meals prepared in a kitchen that truly is stunning to look at, let alone work in.

If your sweet tooth is calling you, fresh bread, pastries and cookies baked daily also tempt you at the door. Dan Szwaluk, who has managed the Food Mart in Waywayseecappo First Nation for 28 years, said between the planning and a few Covid 19 induced delays, the new retail food store has taken a few years to become a reality. “I really appreciate the patience of Chief and council and all the residents,” he said. “But I do think what we ended up with was worth the wait.”

The goal from the start, he said was to make this new Waywayseecappo Food Mart a destination shopping experience – something like you’d see in the city, Szwaluk said. “And from the comments I’m hearing, I think we may have accocmplished that.” When the new Food Mart officially opens on Tuesday, Oct 27th, it will mark two years to the day that the sod was turned and construction began.

But talks started years before that.

Get the full story in this week's Russell Banner!

A 42-28 win over the Neepawa Tigers, Saturday in Neepawa clinched second place for the Dauphin Clippers football team in the Rural Manitoba Football League standings.

Scott Gower led the offence with 142 yards rushing, which included touchdowns of five, 17 and 30 yards.

Kyle Lunsted had 90 yards rushing on 12 carries.

Kade Glennie scored on a 20-yard interception return and Matt Zurba scored twice on quarterback keepers.

Louis Prevot was a perfect six-for-six in converts.

Joseph Lopez led the defence with eight tackles and one knockdown, while Declan Warrener had one interception.

Clippers manager Cam Bennet said it was one of the Clippers better games of the season.

“Great defence to begin with. Kade Glennie got an interception for a touchdown, I’d say in the first five minutes, which really set the tone,” he said. “And our offence moved the ball extremely well. So that was nice to see, because we’ve struggled a little bit in moving the ball and scoring.”
Gower had an impact on all aspects of the game, Bennet added, and Kyle Lunsted had another great game offensively, as well.

The Clippers improved to 6-1 on the season and finished tied with the Moosomin Generals, which was awarded first place thanks to their win over the Clippers earlier in the season.

So Dauphin will host the 5-2 Interlake Thunder in a semifinal contest, Saturday at 2 p.m.

Interlake led the league with 353 points, while Dauphin had the stingiest defence, allowing just 114 points.

Dauphin won the only meeting between the two teams, 23-20, Sept. 17, in Dauphin.

Bennet, who feels the top five teams are all competitive, expects a tough game.

“We’re going to have to be sharp and we expect them to be sharp, as well. We’re very thankful that we’re playing at home and not of the road. That definitely is an advantage,” he said. “It will be a battle of the juggernauts. We’re looking forward to a big crowd, it will be helpful. And some good weather, too.”

With five wins in their last seven games, the Dauphin Kings are in the middle of the fight for playoff positioning in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s West Division.

The Kings could not build on a 3-0 lead first-period lead on Friday in Virden, falling 6-5 in overtime. It was a different story, Saturday in Dauphin as Marko Belak made his Kings debut a successful one, with 21 saves in a 2-1 victory.

As a result, the two teams are tied for second place with 16 points each and trail the first-place OCN Blizzard by seven, while maintaining a two-point advantage over the Waywayseecappo Wolverines and Swan Valley Stampeders.

Kings head coach and general manager Doug Hedley said the Kings were real good in the first period of Friday’s game.

“We outplayed them. We were the better team and had a 3-0 lead. We were driving the net. Two goals were in the paint, so obviously, we were getting to the net. (In the second), we backed off a little bit,” he said. “Give Virden credit. They came at us hard, had some good opportunities and got some lucky bounces.”

The disappointing part of it, Hedley said, was the Kings getting away from the D-side of battles and being above pucks, but they improved that aspect in Saturday’s victory.

Dauphin native Carter Zalischuk had given the Kings a 5-4 lead with 7:32 remaining, his first career goal in the MJHL.

“It should have been locked. We still played as individuals and not as a team. We were still thinking offence when we didn’t need to,” Hedley said. “At that time of the game, it’s got to be locked up. It’s what you leave rather than what you create and we didn’t need more offence, we just had to shut down like we did tonight.”

Both teams played much better defensively, which each team recording just 22 shots.

Hedley was impressed with Belak’s play in his debut.

“He was solid. He’s a big kid and really moves quick. He made great save on the power play in the first period,” he said.

The Kings will look to close the gap on the Blizzard when the two teams faceoff in OCN, tonight.

“That’s going to be a big match. That’s a good team. They’re in first place for a reason. Doug Johnson has them playing real well,” Hedley said.

The Kings have two games on home ice this weekend, beginning Friday against the Neepawa Titans, followed by the first meeting of the season against the Wolverines. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.

A few players are battling the injury bug.

Defencemen Thomas Stewart is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, while forward Garrett Hrechka is out with a shoulder injury and Riley Borody is expected back this week after suffering a fractured rib. Defenceman Marco Bodnarski is out with bursitis in his elbow.

Kings court:

Prior to announcing the full rosters for the upcoming Top Prospects Showcase, Nov. 15 and 16 in Portage, the MJHL announced three players from each team who will play at the event. The three players named from the Kings are defencemen Owen Wareham and Anthony Bax and forward Jayden Harris. The event will feature six teams selected from MJHL rosters (two 18U and four 20U) who are considered top prospects for the NHL, NCAA, major junior and U Sports as selected by MJHL coaches along with input from external scouting networks. Each team will partake in a practice and play two full games during this high-performance event in front of scouts from higher levels expected to be in attendance.

Dauphin’s Stephen Roznowsky was the recipient of the Stanley Knowles Solidarity Award at the Manitoba NDP convention, Oct. 14.

The award, Roznowsky explained, is presented through the Manitoba Federation of Labour at each Manitoba NDP convention to a trade unionist who has shown a deep commitment to working people and the achievement of social justice through recognized contributions to the union movement and the Manitoba NDP.

Receiving the award was humbling, he said, because previous recipients were quite involved and high in the structure of organized labour.

“I almost didn’t believe that I was bestowed that, because I didn’t figure that I had that kind of breadth and depth,” Roznowsky said. “But after 53 years of being in public service and 41 of it as an organized labour leader and activist in the Manitoba Government Employees Union.”

Roznowsky has volunteered for many years in different events and organizations, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival, the Dauphin RIDE program and is the local organizer of the annual Terry Fox Run.

For the full story check this week's Dauphin Herald!