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BRANDON — The chief of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation says he did not consent to the return of motorboats at Clear Lake.

Chief Dwayne Sonny Blackbird, responding Wednesday to Parks Canada’s boat policy announcement, said the decision did not reflect a collaborative or mutually supported outcome, even though engagement sessions took place.

“Our people have a sacred responsibility to protect these waters,” Blackbird said in a public letter. “Engagement without consent is not partnership, it is process without authority. We will not allow our rights to be interpreted as agreement where none has been given.”

He said the First Nation, which has land on the northwest shore of Clear Lake, would continue to assert its jurisdiction in all matters concerning the lake and surrounding lands.

Parks Canada announced Wednesday it would allow motorized watercraft to return to Clear Lake in 2026 for five out of seven days per week, with bans at dawn and dusk during “quiet” periods and an expanded no-wake zone.

A number of prevention measures for aquatic invasive species have also been mandated for the year.

Blackbird came forward last year as the source of a legal threat that helped push Parks Canada to ban motorboats in 2025. Internal Parks Canada documents obtained by the Brandon Sun showed that Keeseekoowenin was arguing to protect its Section 35 constitutional rights to fish at the lake.

Blackbird did not provide a comment on Friday when contacted by the Sun.

Some of the First Nation’s residents feel the new policy is a setback after 30 years of consultations, James Plewak, a resident of the First Nation and senior official for the Coalition of First Nations with Interests in Riding Mountain National Park, said.

Plewak said he does not feel the First Nation’s position has been reflected in the new policy.

“Practically, none of the issues, the points within policy, were discussed at the table,” Plewak said Friday. “I just want to say that I am disappointed with the new approach that the new superintendent has taken.”

A big concern with motorboats is that they are a vector for bringing in invasive species that damage the health of the lake, Plewak said.

He added that Wednesday’s announcement was a symptom of a bigger problem.

“It’s not just boats and motorboats and allowing the lake to open up, but the whole issue of recognition and respect by Parks Canada,” he said. “We are rights holders, and we believe that we should be dealt with as such. Unfortunately, it seems that in this process, with the new superintendent, we’re now relegated to the position of stakeholder.”

He said the First Nation is considering its next steps.

“We’re looking at our options, and we’ll make what we feel will be the best decision. Whether we go to legal avenues or not, we’re weighing our options,” he said. “Certainly, we’re not going to do nothing.”

Parks Canada did not provide a response to Blackbird’s letter before deadline Friday, but a spokesperson said the federal agency would issue a statement in the future.

The decision to allow motorboats and introduce new management measures followed several months of public-engagement sessions, consultation with Indigenous groups, environmental monitoring and a review of literature, Parks Canada said in its announcement.

The aquatic invasive species program will also continue to require all watercraft, fishing equipment, wet suits and inflatable toys to be inspected by Parks Canada staff, and that equipment must be properly cleaned and drained, it added.

The agency also announced it would accelerate the advancement of a joint stewardship or management agreement with Blackbird and Keeseekoowenin, and support the First Nation’s continued participation in a monitoring program of the lake’s ecological integrity.

Plewak said he was surprised to see Parks Canada refer to the management agreement in the boating announcement.

“It’s being presented as some sort of win for the First Nation,” Plewak said. “It’s meaningless, because we are already dealing with it. It’s something we already have, and we already have a timeline on it. We’re about 90 per cent concluded on it, and it’s just some phrases and points in law that we need clarification on.”

Parks Canada’s website says a fishing station established in 1896 was designated for the First Nation and then wrongly removed in 1930. It was returned in 1991 following lengthy negotiations.

The site is seen as a place of healing to members of Keeseekoowenin, Blackbird said last year.

— Brandon Sun

A 69-year-old woman is in hospital after being hit by a car Thursday evening in west Winnipeg.

Police were called just before 5 p.m. to Country Club Boulevard, just south of Portage Avenue.

The woman was rushed to hospital in critical condition and later upgraded to stable, police said in a news release on Friday.

A compact car with a damaged windshield was parked near an apartment building that is a seniors' housing complex.

The driver stayed at the scene and spoke with officers. The collision is still under investigation.

Anyone with information or who may have dashcam, security or cellphone video from around the time of the incident is asked to contact police at 204-986-7085.

Anonymous tips can also be called in to Crime Stoppers 204-786-8477 or submitted online (https://www.winnipegcrimestoppers.org/).

A local organization that rescues abandoned and orphaned black bears is considering legal action to prevent a quarry from being developed near its facility.

Judy Stearns, owner of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, said she’s “extremely disappointed” in the RM of Rockwood council after members voted 4-2 in favour of an application to operate the quarry. The application was put forward by Amrize, a North American building solutions company.

Stearns explained that her rescue was intentionally set up in a quiet location so as not to cause any extra stress on the vulnerable animals. She said this quarry could have a negative impact on the cubs.

“To have a quarry next door and chronic stress on the cubs from the noise and the vibrations and vehicles and dust and everything that goes on with the quarry operation is just not conducive to running a rescue here,” she said in an interview on Thursday.

Stearns added it would be a major undertaking to move the rescue from its current location in Stonewall, noting that it already has all its infrastructure and enclosures in place.

“It would be millions of dollars, and it would take a lot of time,” she said.

Moving forward, Stearns said the rescue is evaluating its options, including legal action.

She said they will review the council meeting minutes and come up with a plan for how to fight this decision.

“We will definitely be fighting this because we can’t afford to lose the province’s only bear rescue.”

CTV News has reached out to the RM of Rockwood and Amrize for comment. We are waiting to hear back.

Christian Schmidt is retiring as head of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service after nearly 33 years with the city.

The city announced Schmidt’s retirement will take effect July 3, 2026.

Schmidt joined the department in 1993 and held a wide range of roles over his career, including paramedic, communications officer, and deputy chief, before being appointed chief in 2021.

Mayor Scott Gillingham credited Schmidt with modernizing the service, including upgrades to facilities and equipment and the implementation of a more advanced dispatch system.

“Just as importantly, he has led with a collaborative approach, working with partners across the system to deliver better service for Winnipeggers,” Gillingham said in a statement. “He leaves the department in a strong position for the future, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”

During his tenure, Schmidt led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped secure a new five-year paramedicine contract that added two ambulances and 20 paramedic positions. He also supported the opening of new stations in Windsor Park and Waverley West, and oversaw the shift to a five-priority dispatch system aimed at improving response times.

The city says additional staffing investments are planned, including 40 new firefighter positions over 2026 and 2027 to help meet rising demand.

A recruitment process will be launched to find Schmidt’s successor.

A Headingley man is sharing his story of how a double lung transplant gave him a second chance at life.

Paul Meilleur was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis about eight years ago.

“It’s a hard few months after (the diagnosis), and then you become ‘This is my life,’ and you have to accept it—other than that slim chance that you might get a transplant because there’s a shortage of organ donations out there,” he told CTV News.

Meilleur was fortunate to receive a double lung transplant about four months after his diagnosis.

“It was 7:22 a.m.—that you’ll never forget—and you get that phone call, and it was an absolute shock,” he said.

April 7 is Green Shirt Day, observed in memory of Humboldt Broncos player Logan Boulet, who died following a fatal bus crash on April 6, 2018, that killed 16 people and injured 13 others.

Before his death, Boulet had registered as an organ donor. His parents, Toby and Bernadine, honoured his wishes, and his organs went on to save six lives.

“By being able to donate (that) has made an impact on so many, and to want them to be registered donors and for them to have conversations – it makes me really proud,” said Bernadine.

For some conditions, such as kidney disease, transplant is often the only path to a full recovery.

“Kidneys are one of those organs where they can come from a deceased donor—but many people are living kidney donors and people can live healthy, full lives and donate a kidney—and many do,” said Jill Goth, manager of programs and public policy at the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Since his transplant, Meilleur says he takes around 40 pills of medications and vitamins, monitors his vitals, and keeps a record of his health every day—something he describes as a small price to pay.

“I think of (the donor) every day—such a selfless act. A true bravery for his family to follow through—on that day, I just can’t imagine how difficult it is.

“It’s life-changing … I decided to take up hockey again and other sports—and it’s just never thought of.”

Those who wish to register as an organ donor can do so online (https://www.signupforlife.ca/).

The federal government is sending help to a Manitoba First Nation as it faces calls from the community and the province to mobilize troops to prepare for the threat of devastating floods.

Federal Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski says she approved the deployment of "humanitarian personnel" to Peguis First Nation, located along the Fisher River north of Winnipeg.

"I have spoken with Premier Wab Kinew and we will work closely with the province and Peguis First Nation going forward," Olszewski said Thursday on the social media platform X.

The province's spring flood outlook indicates the Interlake region, which Peguis is part of, is at risk of flooding due to a large accumulation of snow, a delayed melt and an increased likelihood of rapid spring runoff.

The First Nation has been advised that if conditions remain unfavourable it could see water levels similar to the 2022 flood, considered one of the worst in the community and one that led to thousands being displaced and severe infrastructure damage.

"Peguis is left with little time to safeguard the community. The runoff water is expected to start on April 19, or earlier," said Chief Stan Bird. "Once the runoff starts, Peguis will have only a few days to react."

Work has already started on breaking up ice along the river and with sandbagging, but recent snowfall and cooler temperatures have hampered efforts.

Bird wants the Canadian Armed Forces to provide technical support as the community prepares for the floodwaters. Kinew echoed those calls. In an interview with CBC he said the province has put in a request for military assistance.

Public Safety Canada said personnel will complete an assessment and additional resources could be deployed later on.

A team of former military members and first responders from the non-profit Team Rubicon is expected to provide aid in the community, said Lisa Naylor, Manitoba's minister of transportation and infrastructure.

Naylor said the province has been working on additional prevention measures, including allocating $1 million to Peguis to pay some of the costs.

"The department has been cutting ice, removing snow, steaming out culverts, everything we could think of to do in advance to try and prevent it," she said.

Peguis First Nation has dealt with several floods in recent decades. The community was relocated in 1907 — from good farming land close to Winnipeg to its current location on a flood-prone river delta — under a surrender of land to the federal government that was later deemed illegal.

"We shouldn't have to experience this (and) plan (for) this year in and year out. Our people's lives are put on hold," said Bird.

Leadership has long called for permanent flood protection. Naylor said a study is underway to determine options, but that it will ultimately be up to the community to decide how to proceed.

Two hospitals, a Shoppers Drug Mart and a city clinic are among Manitoba’s latest batch of potential measles exposure sites.

According to a provincial bulletin issued Thursday, the exposures were reported at five locations in Winnipeg, Man. on April 4 and 5.

The exposure locations on April 4 are the Ray of Hope Medical Centre on Henderson Highway between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and the emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital from 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. the next day.

Concordia Hospital was the site of two separate exposures on April 5. The first was during its extended hours primary care clinic between 12:45 and 4:30 p.m., and the second was in the urgent care department between 10:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. the next day.

The final exposure was reported at the Shoppers Drug Mart on Henderson Highway between 3 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. on April 5.

People who were at those sites during the specific times are asked to monitor for measles symptoms and check their vaccination records.

According to the latest provincial data updated on April 2, there have been 393 confirmed and 61 probable cases of measles in Manitoba in 2026.

The province also noted there have been 16 cases of measles in pregnant women and two cases of congenital measles as of Feb. 1.

A plan to crack down on some fireworks displays could be considered next year, amid concerns that many are done illegally.

“There are more fireworks complaints than permits issued for fireworks, leading to an understanding that many fireworks that generate complaints are set off illegally,” writes Lisa Gilmour, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s assistant chief of community risk reduction, in a new report.

WFPS received 306 calls about fireworks last year, while 144 consumer and professional permits were approved to set them off.

In Winnipeg, people who set off fireworks without a permit can presently be fined up to $500. To legally use fireworks, individuals must obtain the permit, be at least 18 years old and set off the devices at least 100 feet (30 metres) away from all buildings and trees.

In an interview, Gilmour said the exact number of illegal displays that were reported isn’t clear, partly because one event can trigger multiple complaints. She noted “very few” private homes have enough yard space to allow fireworks to be used legally.

“Fireworks can be set off safely, if the guidelines and the instructions are followed,” said Gilmour.

While the colourful displays are a key staple of some cultural and national celebrations, such as Diwali and Canada Day, they can also create noise and fire hazards.

Coun. Vivian Santos, chairwoman of community services, said she has received complaints of fireworks being set off around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., while the displays can also pose a fire risk.

“There’s a safety component. People need to realize you should not be setting off fireworks in your neighbourhood because it can go (onto) somebody’s roof and set (their) house on fire,” said Santos (Point Douglas).

In Winnipeg, the WFPS is only dispatched to fireworks calls if there is a risk of fire or injury. In 2025, crews attended 41 such calls and were not dispatched to 267 others.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs recommended a ban on the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Canada in 2022 due to safety concerns.

The WFPS report calls for staff to report back with new enforcement options in the first quarter of 2027 but does not specify the exact change that would be proposed. The report notes any ban on consumer fireworks would allow permitted professional fireworks displays to continue.

The city could also consider firework free zones, such as parks. The report says violating either of those potential rules could lead to a fine of between $1,000 and $5,000. However, Gilmour said no specific option is being recommended or ruled out at this point.

Santos said she doesn’t support banning fireworks, noting they can be an important part of many celebrations, though she believes higher fines might be needed.

“Our fines are very nominal in Winnipeg … Maybe there is an opportunity to say if you do get caught and you are putting your neighbours at risk, a heftier fine might be a bit more of a deterrent,” she said, noting Brandon allows a fine of up to $1,000.

However, Santos said current WFPS staffing levels could make new rules difficult to enforce.

“We are quite challenged already with Winnipeg fire and paramedics, with the number of calls that they deal with on other issues,” she said.

The owner of Archangel Fireworks on Pembina Highway said education must be the key focus of any new rules.

Kelly Guille said he doesn’t expect the city to ban consumers from using fireworks and believes ongoing consultations between the city and industry members will help ensure any new rules make sense.

“Higher fines are not a concern for me. That is really up to the governing bodies to see what they think could be a greater deterrent for people breaking the rules,” said Guille.

Coun. Janice Lukes, who first called for the city to study how best to control fireworks, said she’d like to see more responsibility put on those buying the products.

“Maybe, if you buy fireworks, you have to take out a permit (first) … I’d like that explored,” said Lukes (Waverley West).

The councillor said she doesn’t believe WFPS can devote more staff to enforcement.

“Our fire department is very strapped. They’re working at maximum capacity,” she said.