Swan River RCMP have issued an arrest warrant in connection with a fatal collision which occured last summer.

Police searching for Matthew Govereau, a 37-year-old man from Winnipeg, in connection with a head-on collision that killed three people on July 1, 2025, on Hwy. 10, near Road 224 North.

Govereau was driving when his vehicle veered over the center line of the highway and struck a parked vehicle on the opposite shoulder. A 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, who were in the parked vehicle, were both transported to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. 

A 29-year-old man, who was a passenger in Govereau’s vehicle, was also transported to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Following approval from Manitoba Prosecution Service, 18 charges were sworn against Govereau on January 20, 2026, relating to the collision, as well as the weapons and drugs recovered from the vehicle following the collision.

The charges include three counts of impaired driving causing death, three counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, three ounts of careless driving, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possessing a prohibited weapon, two counts of weapon possession contrary to order, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance.

Efforts to locate Govereau have been unsuccessful. His last known address is in Birch River, but he is known to regularly travel throughout the province, including the City of Winnipeg.

If seen, do not to approach him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686 or 204-734-3454, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Assiniboine College’s Alumni Association has selected three of its number  from the Parkland to be recognized for their contributions to the community and Assiniboine students.

This year’s recipients include Twyla Gilroy, who is receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award for Parkland, along with Lance Maxwell and Jonathan Nadolny, who will be honoured with the Excellence in Education award.

“This year’s award recipients have not only excelled in their fields, but they’ve also inspired future graduates by demonstrating the impact an Assiniboine education can have on your future.” said Jayden Lamb, chair of Assiniboine College’s Alumni Association.

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and to have them as part of our alumni family.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to a graduate of the college who has distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community.

A 2003 Applied Counselling Skills graduate, Gilroy lives in Dauphin with her husband Bob, who is a graduate of AC in Business Administration. Their three adult sons Nathan, Jacob and Garret also attended the college.

When she first enrolled at Assiniboine, Gilroy was an at‑home mother seeking something that was just for her.

Her time at Assiniboine provided a meaningful outlet and gave her confidence to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Manitoba.

Today, Gilroy is a dedicated member of a pediatric FASD diagnostic team and notes that she is honoured to walk alongside families as they navigate assessments.

She is passionate about sharing knowledge, reducing stigma, and supporting women.

A committed community volunteer, she serves with Canadian Mental Health Association Swan Valley, the Parkland Crisis Centre, the Harm Reduction Network, and the Manitoba FASD Coalition Inc.

Gilroy values the lasting relationships built through her studies at Assiniboine and encourages graduates to stay open to learning, opportunities, and community involvement.

For the full story, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Two men are facing several charges after RCMP seized drugs and cash from a Camperville residence

On Jan. 20, at approximately 11 a.m., police executed a search warrant at the home seizing over 50 grams of cocaine and $22,000 in cash.

The warrant was executed by Winnipegosis RCMP, with assistance from the Manitoba West District’s Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST) and Dauphin Police Dog Services. In addition to the drugs and money, a weapon was also seized.

Two people were arrested at the scene.

A 33-year-old man and 27-year-old woman face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The names of the accused can not be released at this time, as the charges have not yet been sworn.

Both were released on an appearance notice.

The Manitoba government is using a new report from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) to highlight its work in improving dialysis services in the  province.

The report, examing the period between April 2022 and March 2024 , found the Province wass not managing dialysis services in a manner that promotes efficiency.

“Even though dialysis is a life-sustaining service, the Province does not know if it is achieving the best results for patients and providing the best value for taxpayers,” Auditor General Tyson Shtykalo said in the report. 

Shtykalo’s critique highlights the need for co-ordinated, provincewide oversight of dialysis services in Manitoba, and make several recommendations which would help achieve that.

It is work which is already under way, says  Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

“Dialysis is life-sustaining care, and it requires strong provincial co-ordination to ensure patients receive safe, timely treatment no matter where they live,” Asagwara said.

“The OAG’s report examines a period marked by system strain and years of fragmented planning under the previous government. That was the reality we inherited. Since forming government, we have moved quickly to put proper structures in place, expand access to dialysis closer to home and build a system that is safer, more co-ordinated and focused on patient outcomes.”

Since 2024, the Manitoba government has established a provincial kidney health planning subcommittee, implemented standardized policy and procedure review processes, expanded education and training for kidney health staff, and strengthened supports for home-based dialysis.

These efforts are focused on improving patient outcomes, clarifying accountability, and ensuring dialysis services are delivered as efficiently and equitably as possible, the minister said.

Recent investments, including expanding dialysis services in Norway House Cree Nation,  Asagwara said, reflect the Province’s commitment to addressing long-standing gaps in access to care, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities, while reducing the need for patients to travel far from home for treatment.

Shtykalo’s full report can be found online at www.oag.mb.ca/audit-reports.

Development in Dauphin got a $350,000 boost over the weekend, thanks to the Province’s From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities for All program.

The four community projects supported included Dauphin Recreation Services arena upgrades with $100,000, enhancement to the Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre and Museum to the tune of $100,000, youth programming through Anishinaabe Agowidiiwinan Secretariat valued at $100,000, and career education programming for youth through Career, which received $50,000.

“These investments are a meaningful boost for our community and reflect the strength of our local partnerships,” Mayor David Bosiak said.

“From supporting seniors and enhancing recreation facilities to creating positive opportunities for youth, these projects directly contribute to a healthier, more inclusive Dauphin. We are grateful to the Manitoba government for recognizing the value of investing in community-driven initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced the grants, Saturday.

“Our government is proud to partner with communities like Dauphin to strengthen the places where people come together, stay active and feel supported,” Simard said.

“These investments reflect what we hear from local leaders every day, that when we create safe, welcoming spaces for seniors, youth and families, the whole community thrives. From recreation upgrades to cultural spaces and youth programming, these projects will make a real difference for Dauphin residents for years to come.”

In 2025-26, From the Ground Up - Safe Healthy Communities is investing more than $12 million to support more than 200 community development projects across Manitoba.

The program’s approved grants will fund renovations at local legions and community spaces, as well as programs that help keep young people away from gangs and crime, improve public parks and support seniors looking to stay active.

“I’m proud to see these investments supporting the people and organizations that make our community vibrant and resilient,” Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn, member of the legislative assembly for Dauphin, said.

“Whether it’s creating opportunities for young people, strengthening cultural spaces or improving recreational facilities, these projects reflect the priorities we hear from residents every day. Our government is committed to building safe, healthy communities across Manitoba, and I’m pleased to see Dauphin benefiting from this important program.”

Recent claims that emergency departments in Dauphin and Swan River are at risk of closing due to a lack of available nurses are unfounded, says a Prairie Mountian Health spokesperson.

Concerns have been raised in the wake of efforts undertaken recently to reduce Manitoba’s reliance on private for-profit nursing agencies in the public system.

Manitoba announced earlier this month it will only work with four private agencies to fill vacant shifts at public health care facilities starting, Jan. 15, a sharp decline from the nearly 80 companies the system drew from previously.

The four companies - Elite Intellicare Staffing, Integra Health, Bayshore HealthCare and Augury Healthcare - won the right to work in Manitoba through a competitive bidding process.

Nurses and Manitoba’s official opposition sounded the alarm that shrunken pools of nursing professionals spells disaster for emergency and other departments at the Parkland’s two regional hospitals.

In a written statement, PMH indicated it has not reduced operating room or chemotherapy services at Swan River to support emergency department staffing. Additionally, PMH has not reduced the number of in-patient beds to increase nursing support in emergency departments.

“While PMH has current vacancies, the region regularly reviews and monitors its operations and continues to support safe and reliable service delivery. Recruitment efforts to fill permanent positions continue, which will reduce the need for agency staffing over time,” the statement reads.

“As part of its recruitment strategy, PMH  actively engages with agency nurses working in its facilities, educating them on the benefits of working within the public system and encouraging them to consider permanent roles within the region.

“PMH also works closely with Shared Health’s Provincial Travel Nurse Team to support service delivery where needed.”

In the case of Dauphin, the DRHC’s Special Care Unit has been closed temporarily. The four bed unit, which provides a higher level of care to patients who require closer monitoring, requires two specialized nurses per 12 hour shift.

Any patient transfers that are required as a result will be done in consultation with through the Provincial VECTRS system. The Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resource Service (VECTRS) is Manitoba’s centralized and co-ordinated source for clinical guidance and patient transport support.

“Prairie Mountain Health continues to work to secure the necessary staffing resources to support safe and reliable service delivery for the Dauphin SCU so operations resume as quickly as possible,” the statement continued.

“In addition, PMH has three nurses who are currently taking required specialized training to work in the Dauphin SCU. They are anticipated to have their training completed in February.”

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the federal government to scrap its gun buyback program after collecting only 25 firearms during its Cape Breton pilot project.

“Ottawa’s pilot project cost a lot of money, but only picked up a fraction of the guns projected,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF prairie director.

“Law enforcement experts told the government the gun confiscation won’t work and now the failed pilot project has proven the point.”

The federal government conducted a pilot project to collect firearms from licensed gun owners in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, for approximately six weeks starting in September 2025. The federal government agreed to give at least $149,760 to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to carry out the program.

The government aimed to collect 200 firearms during the pilot project. It only collected 25.

The police and other experts have publicly stated this scheme won’t make Canadians safer.

“We know that the gun buyback program is going to have, essentially, zero impact on the crime in Toronto,” said Clayton Campbell, the president of the Toronto Police Association.

The union representing RCMP members says Ottawa’s program, “diverts extremely important personnel, resources, and funding away from addressing the more immediate and growing threat of criminal use of illegal firearms.”

Budget 2025 says the government has committed $742 million to carry out the program, but the government has not been transparent on these costs to taxpayers.

The Liberal Party initially said it would cost $200 million in 2019. The Parliamentary Budget Officer said it will cost up to $756 million to compensate owners for their firearms. Other experts put the final price tag at about $6 billion.

The government has a history of ballooning costs for gun-control programs. The government initially promised the long-gun registry would cost taxpayers only $2 million. The final tab was more than $2 billion before it was scrapped. 

“The results of this pilot project show exactly why police officers, academics, licenced gun owners and everyday taxpayers knew that the gun ban was going to be a failure from the start,” Haubrich said.

“The federal government needs to own up to its failure, listen to the experts and direct resources to stop illegal gun smuggling instead of confiscating guns from licensed gun owners.”

The Bayer Crop Science Parkland Super League of Curling returned from its Christmas break with two games on Sunday.

Kyle Forsyth of Turko Fertilizer defeated Chad Sahulka of South Fork Ag. Services, 6-0, while Glenn Toews of Nutrien Ag Solutions beat Greg Todoruk of Richardson Pioneer, 5-3.

The game between Rob Fisher and Fire Line Group’s Bryan Preston was postponed and Colten Stadnyk of Gilbert Plains Co-op had the bye.

Forsyth regained sole possession of first place with a record of 7-1, while Todoruk drops to 6-2. Toews is third at 5-3, while Fisher is 4-3. Preston is 2-4, Stadnyk is 1-6 and Sahulka is 1-7.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has released its annual New Year’s Tax Changes report to highlight the major tax changes in 2026.

“The Manitoba government is making most Manitobans pay more taxes next year,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie director.

“Premier Wab Kinew’s sneaky bracket creep tax hike and property tax changes are leaving many Manitobans with higher tax bills that they can’t afford.”

Bracket creep - The government stopped indexing income tax brackets to inflation in Budget 2025. That’s a stealth tax hike called bracket creep. It means that inflation can automatically bump taxpayers into a higher tax bracket and increase their tax bill.

Bracket creep will cost taxpayers $82 million in 2025. The cost to taxpayers will increase every year due to inflation.

Education property tax - The Manitoba government replaced the 50 per cent school property tax rebate and $350 education property tax credit to a flat $1,500 tax credit for principal residences only in 2025.

About 55 per cent of Winnipeg property owners are paying higher property taxes under the new system, according to the City of Winnipeg. Education property taxes will still cost taxpayers about $206 million more this year compared to last year.

The government is increasing the rebate from $1,500 to $1,600 for 2026.

A Winnipeg family making $75,000 pays about $5,830 in provincial taxes every year. That’s more than a similar family living in Regina, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal.

“Manitobans are overtaxed and need serious relief to make life more affordable and the economy more competitive,”  Haubrich said.

“Instead of hiking taxes, Kinew should be focused on taking less out of Manitobans pockets every year, not more.”

The federal government’s income tax cut will save the average taxpayer $190 in 2026, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

The federal government is also increasing payroll taxes, the industrial carbon tax and alcohol taxes in 2026.

You can read the CTF’s New Year’s Tax Changes report online at www.taxpayer.com.

It’s been said that you cannot know where you are going without understanding where you have been.

So with a new year looming we took the opportunity to look back at some of the news, good and bad, that made headlines in the Parkland in 2025.

January

• The early part of winter saw Dauphin Public Works’ focus set squarely on snow removal.

Several citywide cleanups took place in January and the work performed by the crews was been exemplary, said Public Works and Operations director Mike VanAlstyne.

“The way our crews operate and the efficiency and the ability to clean up time and time again after these major storm events is remarkable,” he said.

“Within 72 hours we’re pretty well back to normal. I don’t think many communities could say the same, especially communities of our size.”

With the work on Main Street South completed, there was additional work to do, however, a new services agreement with the province provided compensation for the extra work.

February

• As the health region spending the most, Prairie Mountain Health was directed to reduce private agency nursing costs by 15 per cent by the end of the fiscal year.

March

• Justice Minister Matt Wiebe was joined by local MLA Ron Kostyshyn in the City to meet stakeholders regarding the Dauphin Community Justice Centre project. Both mayor David Bosiak and reeve Ernie Sirski left the meeting pleased to see the project moving forward.

April

• The Rural Municipality of Dauphin presented its financial plan.

In a press release, council stated it put together a budget it felt ensured quality service to its citizens through a modest increase of two per cent to the municipal requirements.

For the full story, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.