Dauphin City Hall has some improved curb appeal thanks to the installation of new flag poles which, for the first time, allows the city to fly the flags of the Manitoba Métis Federation and the Treaty 2 Territory Government.

The flags were raised at a special ceremony last week which, Dauphin mayor Christian Laughland said, is an example of the municipality’s desire to operate in partnership with Indigenous governments in the area.

Referring to a proclamation passed by city council at its regular meeting, Sept. 26, Laughland said, “the City of Dauphin and its employees will be observing the national date of Truth and Reconciliation previously known as the orange shirt day to provide time to reflect on the legacy of residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities and will be flying its flags at half mast.”

For Francis Chartrand of the Northwest Métis Council, the flying of the MMF flag is a continuation of the support city council has shown as her organization increases its footprint in the community.

It speaks to the co-operation between communities and shows a willingness to work together.

“Thank you very much for everything you did for the last four years and we hope to see you around the table in the future,” Chartrand said, drawing attention to the support shown by former mayors Eric Irwin and Allen Dowhan. “I want to do a shout out to them and thank them for everything we did together.”

Representing the Government of Treaty 2 Territory, Scott Lynxleg said flying the flags is an indication of how the relationship between the City and Indigenous groups has improved in the 17 years he has lived in the community.

And he believes it will continue to improve in the future.

“If you have respect for yourself and for others. We are all the same,” Lynxleg said.

It took a while, but the Dauphin Kings have found their scoring touch.

After scoring just 12 goals in their first six games, the Kings nearly doubled that total in a weekend split with the Winnipeg Blues.

Following a 4-1 loss to the Neepawa Titans, Sept. 27 in Neepawa, the Kings dropped a 7-5 decision to the Blues, Friday in Dauphin.

The Kings held a 2-0 lead after the first period on goals from Matthew Gough and Dauphin native Rylan Gibbs.

Kai Elkie pulled Winnipeg to within a goal 1:11 into the second period, then took advantage of a five-minute power play when Kings forward Carter Zalischuk was assessed a major penalty for boarding, scoring four times on the man advantage, with Jack Kaiser scoring twice and Luke Janus and Garett Zasitko bending the twine.

Zasitko would add another later in the frame to take a 6-2 lead, before Tyson Pauze and Jovan Malay scored before the period break to cut into the lead.

The teams traded goals in the third with Winnipeg’s Ryland Kuczek and Dauphin’s Alex Senf finding the back of the net.

Brock Moroz made 33 saves in the win, while Keaton Woolsey had 25 saves in taking the loss.

The two teams met for a rematch, Sunday in Winnipeg, with the Kings skating away with a 6-4 victory.

Jayden Harris for the King and Zasitko for the Blues tallied in the first period.

The Kings broke the game open with three in the second off the sticks of Gough, Mason Smith and Gibbs.

Kuczek and Pearce Gare pulled Winnipeg to within a goal, but Thomas Stewart put the Kings up by two with just under eight minutes remaining.

Matthew McLeod again made it a one-goal game with 49 seconds left in regulation, but Senf sealed the Dauphin victory just 14 seconds later.

Cole Sheffield earned his first win of the season after stopping 17 shots. River Leslie-Toogood made 29 saves in a losing cause.

The Kings will look to keep the momentum going when they face the Steinbach Pistons in a home-and-home this weekend, beginning, Friday in Dauphin at 7:30 p.m.

The rematch goes, Sunday in Steinbach at 2:30 p.m.

It looks like the Province is reluctant to have a discussion with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (SCN) with regards to their request to cancel non-Indigenous moose hunting in the MKO region. SCN Chief Genaille feels that people making decisions in Winnipeg have no idea of how it impacts First Nations communities and people living in the north.
“Without the sustainability of consultations with First Nations people living around the area, and just relying on the input of government officials that live in the City of Winnipeg, they’re not paying attention to the people they’re impacting with the decisions they are making, said SCN Chief Nelson Genaille. “We need proper consultation in this matter and for the Province to listen to the actual land stewards, because when First Nations people go on the land, we see what’s happening.

The election candidates have been confirmed in the upcoming municipal elections for both The Town of The Pas and the R.M. of Kelsey. There will be an election for Reeve in the R.M. of Kelsey with voters having to choose one of four candidates. Tim Atchison, James Berscheid, Margaret Commodore and Neil Scott are running for the position of Reeve for the municipality. Three of the wards have seen candidates appointed by acclamation. In Ward 1, Joe Cote; Ward 3, Davide Novo and Ward 5, Tiffany Anderson are all appointed as members of Council for the R.M. of Kelsey.
Ward 2 has Rodney Forbes and Joel Le Sann running for election. Candidates running in Ward 4 are Dan Davie and Kelvin Dionne, and in Ward 5, it’s Gordon Fidierchuk and Keith Jaeger. The Town of The Pas also has a contested race for mayor with Jennifer Cook and Andre Murphy as candidates. Voters will have to elect six councilors out of nine candidates listed. Trent Allen, Carrie Atkinson, Larry Forster, Gary Hopper, Trevor Lane, Randy Manych, Jim Scott, Sandra Shapiro and Bill Ward are all seeking election at large. Advanced Voting will be held at The Pas Town Office on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting will take place on October 26 between the hours for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Poll station 1 will be held at The Pas Town Office and poll station 2 at the Roy H. Johnston Arena. Mobile Voting for those who reside in a health care facility will be available on Election Day during the following times: St. Anthony’s Hospital from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.; St. Paul’s Residence 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Northern View Lodge from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Kin Kourt from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Pine View Manor from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. In terms of School Board Trustees for Kelsey School Division, Ward 1 has appointed Chris Keller, Linda Michelle and Lorie Stevenson in by acclamation. Check for candidate biographies and platforms in our upcoming edition.

It was an exciting day on Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation last Friday (Sept. 23) as residents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the grand opening of two important buildings - the newly built school and youth centre.

The Dauphin Kings snapped a three-game losing streak with a dramatic come-from-behind overtime win over the visiting Swan Valley Stampeders, Saturday.

Dauphin’s week began with a sloppy 8-4 loss to the OCN Blizzard, Tuesday in OCN, followed by a 3-0 loss to the Stampeders, Friday in Swan River.

On Saturday, the Kings trailed midway through the third period, but tied the game with 1:40 left in regulation on a goal from Mason Smith.

Garrett Hrechka then gave the Kings the win when Nicholas Hatton sent him in all alone and the Dauphin native beat Swan Valley’s Loic Mainguy-Crepault.

Dauphin’s record sits at 2-2-1-0 through the first five games.

The game against OCN was one where the entire team did not play well, according to Kings head coach and general manager Doug Hedley.

“It wasn’t just the goaltender. It wasn’t just the d-men and it wasn’t just the forwards. It was everybody. It was a team effort. We didn’t compete. We didn’t stick battle,” he said. “It’s a tough place to play in if you’re not used to it. Whatever energy you have in that building, you have to feed off of it. And we didn’t.”

Get a full recap and more in this week's Dauphin Herald. 

Volunteers Tanya Love and Jennifer Balchen decorate cookies for the Smile Cookie campaign at the local Tim Horton’s store.

The week-long event was a success with Dauphin in the running for most cookies sold nationwide.

Several local businesses matched daily sales throughout the week, with all proceeds going to the Maamawi Park Family Toboggan Run.

Less than ideal weather may have delayed the start of the construction season for the City of Dauphin, but everything is on track to complete the 2022 capital plan.

The budget included provisions for reconstruction of Crocus Bay and a section of 10th Avenue Southwest from Main Street to First Street. Resurfacing projects include Elm Street from Poplar Avenue to Oak Avenue and Tulip Crescent. Milling and overlaying was also planned for a section of Second Street Northeast from First Avenue to Fourth Avenue.

Finally, construction of a back lane in the west end between King Street and West Street will be completed at a cost of $23,000.

Get a full rundown in this week's Dauphin Herald!

Dauphin mayoralty candidates continue their campaigning this week with their thoughts on the concept of leadership and their specific qualities which will enable them to effictively lead Dauphin city council for the next four years.

The following are responses to the question, “The effectiveness of any policy developing body - elected, appointed or volunteer - can eventually be traced back to manner in which it is steered by leadership.

What is your vision of being a leader and if elected as mayor of the City of Dauphin what style will you employ to ensure citizens get the most from their local government over the next four years?”

Kerri Riehl

Councils’ role is to be the decision-making authority. They steer the ship. City administration is responsible for implementing the decisions made by council. In other words, they row the boat. Elected officials are to serve you, the people who have chosen Dauphin as their home. The goal is to achieve office creating an environment which improves the lives of people in our community. People before politics. My vision and goals of leadership.

Residents want to be seen, heard, and feel that they are a valued member of the Dauphin community. I believe when the communities’ voice is ignored, our opportunities as a community are diminished.

I joined council in 2018 after I asked for a meeting to address my concerns about the rising crime within the community. The existing council did not respond for six months. Council asked me to attend a meeting only after I held two public town meetings which I organized myself.

Once elected, each councillor was to submit goals for the four years. I attended a meeting where my defined goals were discussed. That was my introduction to being a councillor in Dauphin in 2018. I left the meeting feeling defeated. I was not privy to the goals of other councillors. At the following council meeting I received the list of “our” goals for the next four years.

I went on a quest identifying councillors’ role and responsibilities. My intention was to understand the process thoroughly. I am now competent in the process.

Change takes courage, the courage to break away from the old ways of doing things that are not achieving the needed results. We require leaders who are respectful even when the status quo is challenged. This can be achieved by speaking about the issues and not about personalities. This is the foundation of politics as I believe it.

My vision of being a leader is “creating an environment where all people feel valued and heard as contributing members of our community.”

My leadership style can be described by one of my staff. I share it with her permission as follows:

“I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done for me since we met in September. You gave me a chance. You helped me fill out forms and always check to make sure I am ok. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. The way you treat your employees with respect and caring nature makes this job so much more stress free and makes me love it here. I never had a boss give me a birthday present before. For everything you have done, I’ll be forever grateful and in debt. You will always have me perform at my best any time you need me. You’re an amazing individual, an amazing employer and I hope to be half of the person you are one day. I hope you feel just as appreciated as you make me and others feel. You deserve it. Thank you. You have my full support as you walk your journey of life. I am only a call away. You would make a great Mayor.”

There are 17 candidates running to fill sixcouncillor positions. I have spent three years on council, including one term as deputy-mayor. The mayor must understand the process to be effective.

Our current mayor speaking as deputy-mayor during his media interview on Oct. 4, 2021, stated “the first year was a throw away because you have to absorb so much information. I feel like I was useless for that first year because I had to learn so much.”

Our previous mayors had experience as councillors prior to fulfilling the role as mayor.

Leaders steer decision makers, it is essential they understand how the process works. Councillors must have the knowledge and experience to understand when they are being steered in the wrong direction. Knowledge comes from experience working within the process, and I have both.

I relocated 11 times in the RCMP yet chose to make Dauphin the place I call home.

I have three promises.
1. The governing process will be followed with integrity and transparency.
2. I will see you, hear you, and treat every individual respectfully.
3. I will never forget that I serve and work for you.

David Bosiak

A leader’s greatest responsibility is to the people around them.

People are complex and managing relationships is a key attribute of effective leaders. Sometimes this requires them to be a peacemaker, sometimes a morale booster, sometimes a champion.

I strongly believe the true test of a leader is how they treat the complex and varied people around them. Are they getting the best out of these people? Are they creating and maintaining positive relationships between all the members of their team, especially during challenging times?

My leadership style has been forged over a professional and volunteer career spanning more than 40 years. I’ve worked with dozens of organizations and communities, big and small, and been involved with several provincial and national organizations.

These experiences range from multi-year, multi-million dollar projects to small, struggling not-for-profit organizations. In many of these situations I gained group trust to hold leadership positions. Each of these situations taught me something. Being willing to listen, to engage in meaningful dialogue, to disagree without becoming confrontational, to strive to achieve consensus and to keep going when things get tough are all traits of effective leadership.

An experience comes to mind that highlights my leadership capabilities. It was the early 1990s. I had just been hired as the new general manager of the Dauphin Joint Recreation Commission, and was representing the DJRC at a provincial meeting of the Manitoba Parks and Recreation Association (MPRA).

At the meeting, MPRA was informed that the City of Winnipeg had changed their department structure. No longer were city recreation staff able to participate on the board of MPRA, which quickly led to its demise. In one fell swoop Manitoba became the only province in Canada that did not have a provincial recreation organization. As a result, Manitoba lost its seat around the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) national table.

Being concerned about the plight of recreation in Manitoba, I quickly engaged with a group of recreation contacts. We agreed that something had to be done. We reached out to our networks, advocated for support, and after a short time of energetic planning, formed a new provincial recreation organization - Recreation Connections MB. I soon became the organization’s president, and helped lead Manitoba back to becoming an active and participating member of the CPRA.

My own leadership style evolved over time through this experience and others like it. I have developed and continue to base my style of leadership on a few key values that I believe embody effective leadership.

If elected mayor I commit to bring these values to city hall:
• Empathy – Leaders must care for and respect others and their opinions as much as they care about their own. I cannot recall an effective leader who did not rely on the efforts of others to achieve success. Leaders rarely succeed alone.
• Passion – Leaders must believe fully in their mission and pursue it with vigor. They must be able to bring people along and share their passion. True leaders don’t impose their opinion - they light a path that others want to walk down.
• Integrity – Leaders should be aware of what the rules are and set an expectation that they be followed. This creates a secure and transparent environment where the team has confidence in procedures. Leaders should never expect others to do what they themselves would not and should create an environment of trust, where people feel free to share opinions and ideas openly and without fear.\

Effective leaders think and talk about solutions, not problems. They surround themselves with smart people and aren’t afraid of them or their opinions. They create an environment where great ideas turn into reality. Leaders don’t complain – they get the job done.

Elect me on Oct. 26, and this is the kind of leadership you can expect.

Police would like to remind everyone in town to please take the keys out of your vehicle when going inside, and lock your vehicle doors all the time.

Locking your vehicle doors is the first deterrent for thieves.

Read about this and more in this week’s RCMP Report.