Louis Riel Day

On Louis Riel Day and every day, Prairie Mountain Health recognizes that we provide health services on the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation and on the original lands of First Nations and Inuit Peoples. Manitoba’s health authorities respect that First Nations treaties were made on these territories, acknowledge harms and mistakes, and we dedicate ourselves to collaborate in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in the spirit of reconciliation.

As we pursue equitable and trusted pathways to care for all Manitobans, we thank health-care workers of Métis ancestry for your efforts and commitment as members of a team dedicated to excellent patient care. Shared Health encourages all who deliver health services on the original lands of First Nations and Inuit peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation to recognize our ongoing obligation to the delivery of culturally safe care.

Health-care workers – and all Manitobans – are encouraged to take time to learn more about the contributions of Louis Riel and Métis peoples to our province.

Events in Prairie Mountain Health

Here are just a few events happening in our region for anyone to attend.

Events around the Province

Friday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Join the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) to celebrate Louis Riel Day at University of Manitoba’s Marshall McLuhan Hall, 204-UMSU University Centre! This free event will include short remarks, music (a fiddle jam session!) and lunch.
Feb. 16 – 25, Festival du Voyageur – Western Canada’s largest winter festival for the whole family with lots of entertainment including music, dancing, jigging, French-Canadian food, meeting historical characters, sculptures and much more.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Experience the life of a Voyageur with a Marsh twist during Voyageur Day at Oak Hammock Marsh! Try their friendly Voyageur-themed contests, competitions and games. Participate in their “Concours des Meilleurs” and take home some great bragging rights!
Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Richer Métis Local is hosting a Louis Riel Day Celebration at the Richer Young at Heart Hall located at 22 Dawson Rd. W in Richer, Manitoba that includes performers, kids activities as well as a hot meal of chili, bannock and hotdogs.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Journée Louis Riel / Louis Riel Day at Le Musée de Saint-Boniface in collaboration with the Manitoba Métis Federation featuring free admission, free bannock, launch of Tracy Charette Fehr’s project “Honouring our Mothers” and more.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Set your inner voyageur free at FortWhyte Alive! Spend Louis Riel Day playing voyageur games with FortWhyte volunteers, and enjoy some friendly competition between your family! Try your hand at tug-o-war, a voyageur relay, and other fun games.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Celebrate Louis Riel Day at The Forks for a day filled with family-friendly festivities, like: lively dance parties and lessons for the whole family, engaging arts and crafts, specially crafted kid menus and mocktails, and, of course, winter activities, attractions, and amenities that are unique to The Forks.
Monday, Feb. 19 – Freeze Frame Media Arts Centre for Young People will be presenting free movies for families at Dave Barber Cinematheque (100 Arthur Street) on Louis Riel Day.
More Louis Riel Day events.
Manitoba is once again offering free park entry for the entire month of February so Manitobans and visitors can take advantage of the many winter activities available in provincial parks.
Manitobans are encouraged to get outside and explore fishing opportunities throughout the province during this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend. From Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, anglers may fish without a licence in the province, except in national parks where a federal angling licence is still required.

Prairie Mountain Health Announces New CEO

The Board of Directors of Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that Treena Slate has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Slate will assume the role from Brian Schoonbaert, who will retire effective April 5, 2024.

The Board expressed sincere thanks and appreciation for Schoonbaert’s commitment, dedication and strong leadership as CEO of the health region. “Brian’s commitment to providing quality health care and supporting all PMH staff, physicians and volunteers has always been evident. All who have worked with him will miss Brian’s positive, welcoming, genuine approach.”

Lon Cullen, Board Chair, is pleased to welcome Slate to the role of Chief Executive Officer. “Treena is a familiar face for many in Prairie Mountain Health and the province. With over 30 years in healthcare and 15 years in a leadership role, Treena is bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge into the role of Chief Executive Officer.”

The PMH Board of Directors undertook an extensive search across Canada for a CEO to replace Schoonbaert. Included in the recruitment process, the Board of Directors asked PMH staff what they felt were important qualities for the Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate that PMH staff took the time to provide their input into the selection criteria, and the Board was able to use this feedback in selecting candidates,” Cullen commented. “Those that know Treena recognize her compassion, openness, decisiveness and energy, which will be important qualities to lead Prairie Mountain Health in these challenging times.”

Slate is excited to be stepping into the CEO role. “I am following in some incredible footsteps – Brian will be truly missed by all who worked with him. Prairie Mountain Health has an incredible team of over 7,500 individuals providing quality health care to the residents of PMH – and I feel very fortunate to work alongside these dedicated staff.”

Slate has held many roles during her years in healthcare, including a staff nurse, educator, public health nurse, manager, director and most recently, Regional Lead – Acute Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Prairie Mountain Health.

Slate recently completed her Master of Health Administration through the Johnson Shoyoma School of Public Policy in 2023.

Dauphin Regional Health Centre announces the arrival of its New Year’s Babies – Twins!

The Dauphin Regional Health Centre is pleased to announce the arrival of the first babies born at the Health Centre in 2024. Say hello to ‘twin girls’ and congratulations to proud parents Brittany and Kyle Eden of Ashville, MB.

Baby girl Avery was delivered at 3:00 p.m. on January 1, 2024 and her sister Harper was right behind at 3:02 p.m. Avery weighed in at 6 lbs. 9 oz and Harper weighed in at 6 lbs. 6 oz.

Management and Staff of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre and Prairie Mountain Health extend their congratulations and best wishes to the family!

Virtual Information Session for Nursing Students

Are you a Manitoba nursing student in your final year of study?

Join us at one of our virtual nursing career information sessions coming up on Monday, Dec. 18!

This free information session will offer you:

Information on opportunities, supports, and incentives that may be available to you
Advice from recent nursing graduates about transitioning to the workforce
Guidance from health care recruiters and nursing leaders on applying for jobs and the opportunity to ask questions

Please note that we will be offering sessions at two time slots – one at 12 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. – via the GoTo Webinar platform.

Register Now!

Prairie Mountain Health CEO provides retirement notice

Board of Directors begins recruitment process

The Board of Directors of Prairie Mountain Health announced today that CEO Brian Schoonbaert will be retiring effective April 5, 2024. An extensive recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer is now underway. In acknowledging receipt of his retirement notice at its October meeting, Board of Directors Chairperson Lon Cullen stated:

“It is with mixed emotions that the PMH Board accepted Brian Schoonbaert’s notice of retirement.
Brian’s commitment to providing quality health care and supporting all PMH staff, physicians and volunteers has always been evident. All who have worked with him will miss Brian’s positive, welcoming and genuine approach”.

Schoonbaert’s career in health care has spanned over 35 years – initially as a Finance Director for BGTW (Baldur, Glenboro, Treherne and Wawanesa), then as Vice President – Finance and Information Services for Brandon General Hospital and Brandon RHA. In 2011, he became Chief Executive Officer for Brandon RHA.

With the amalgamations of health regions in 2012, Schoonbaert assumed the role of Vice President, Finance, Capital, Support Services and Chief Operating Officer of BRHC for Prairie Mountain Health. In 2018, he was seconded to the Manitoba Transformation Management Office (TMO), leading several initiatives for the TMO. And in 2021, Schoonbaert assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for Prairie Mountain Health.

Cullen added: “Brian is looking forward to spending time with family – his wife Mary Anne, their six children and 18 grandchildren. We thank Brian for his commitment, passion, and dedication to Prairie Mountain Health. We wish him a happy and healthy retirement!”

During Veteran’s Week we pause to remember

We pause to remember the sacrifices and efforts of those who have supported and protected our families, friends, neighbours and our nation.

Indigenous Veteran’s Day

November 8th is National Indigenous Veterans Day. The First Nations, Inuit and Métis of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country. Learn more.

Remembrance Day

On November 11th, it is important to take time to remember, honour and thank all veterans – At home, around the world and across generations. Read more.

Prairie Mountain Health held its Annual General Meeting November 1st

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) held its 2022-2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, November 1st. The AGM was hosted by Chief Executive Officer Brian Schoonbaert and Board of Directors Chairperson Lon Cullen. Board Finance Committee Chairperson Shep Kaastra and PMH Regional Lead Corporate Services and CFO Dan McGregor also participated to deliver the 2022/23 finance report.

PMH staff, community representatives, organizational members and area residents joined the online interactive meeting held via Zoom.

Schoonbaert recapped strategies and actions related to recruitment, capital planning, and other organizational priorities related to the last operational year (April 1, 2022-March 31, 2023). He also took the opportunity to recognize, acknowledge and appreciate the tremendous efforts of health care staff, physicians and volunteers who have and continue to provide care.

The meeting ended with a question period for attendees to ask their own questions on PMH’s current operations, challenges and initiatives underway within the region.

The detailed 2022/2023 PMH Annual Report and audited financial statements are available on the PMH website here.

Watch the full recording of the annual general meeting:

Watch the 2022/23 Year Recap Video

This video was played during the annual general meeting and is included in the full meeting recording above.

Information updates regarding critical motor vehicle incident

Prairie Mountain Health CRISIS ASSISTANCE

If you are within the Prairie Mountain Health Region and in need of mental health support please call 1-888-379-7699.

Shared Health and Prairie Mountain Health responded to a serious motor vehicle incident which occurred near Carberry on June 15.

Prairie Mountain Health offers our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

We want to thank all first responders including members of Shared Health Emergency Response Services team, for your remarkable response to today’s tragic events. Work is underway to ensure supports are available to all who responded today with the utmost of skill and professionalism.

Brandon Regional Health Centre as well as Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg and the Winnipeg Health Region received patients related to this event, and/or had patients relocated in order to create capacity at Manitoba’s tertiary centre (HSC).

The Code Orange called earlier in the day triggered an all-system response to the incident. Response teams transported patients and emergency department, surgical and critical care teams at HSC and Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) supported the care needs of incoming patients.

June 16 – Updated statement from Shared Health

Message from Brian Schoonbaert, CEO, on behalf of Prairie Mountain Health

Yesterday, our region and some of our communities were thrust into the most tragic and surreal circumstances that one could never imagine possible, or be fully prepared for. There are no words to cover the enormity of the tragedy in the critical accident near Carberry.

On behalf of our staff, Board, communities and stakeholders, our hearts ache, and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all involved with this unbelievable tragedy.

From the bottom of our hearts, we sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support we have received from throughout the country.

We thank the emergency personnel who answered the call to deal with this major critical incident—coordinating response to a mass casualty event is complex, difficult and physically and emotionally taxing.

We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the significant contribution staff at Brandon Regional Health Centre made yesterday as the initial primary site managing the majority of accident victims who were sent to hospital.

The response of ALL of our health teams was extraordinary! It was an incident unlike we have ever managed in our facility or region. It was truly an ‘all hands on deck’ response, with every department stepping up and doing their part. Quite simply, it’s another example of our “healthcare heroes” in action, and as always, it’s awe-inspiring and never in question!

The Emergency Medical Services response to this tragic event was well-coordinated, patient-centred and highly efficient. We thank Shared Health and STARS Ambulance for all of their assistance.

Mental Health and Wellness

Witnessing and responding to such a tragedy is, of course, unexplainably difficult. We realize that people must support each other and make no hesitation in reaching out for support. It’s okay, to not be okay.

We have mental health teams of professionals working with and supporting the communities of Dauphin, Carberry, Brandon and Neepawa. Mental health support for those impacted by yesterday’s tragedy can contact the general mental health crisis support line at 1-888-379-7699.

An update regarding community support in Dauphin:

In collaboration with our partners at the City and RM of Dauphin, we are providing support at Credit Union Place (Curling Rink), which is now the area for overall community support. The support centre commenced operation today (June 16) at Noon. Please watch for more information about the centre and hours of operation, which right now are Noon to 10 pm. PMH is also collaborating with officials in Carberry, and we currently have mental health support present there now.

Individuals in the health region who are struggling with their mental health are encouraged to call 1-888-379-7699 to access support.

We know the days to come for members of our communities will be unquestionably difficult and filled with sorrow and grief. We urge those impacted or affected not to hesitate to seek health supports, which are readily available.

Thank you.

More Help is Available

Tragedies such as the incident near Carberry can have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being.

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with this news and is in need of support, please know help is available.

Wellness Together Canada counsellors are available 24/7 to speak with anyone in need of assistance by calling 1-866-585-0445. Help is also available by reaching out to one of the resources listed below or by visiting https://ow.ly/4EVn50OPZZh.
Crisis Response Centre: 204-940-1781 or toll free 1-877-499-8770
Klinic Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support Line: 204-786-8686 or toll free 1-888-322-3019
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services: 204-571-4182 or toll free 1-866-367-3276
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
For any members of Shared Health ERS team seeking immediate support please contact our Employee Assistance Plan at 204-786-8880 or 1-800-590-5553.

Other Resources

St. Paul’s Personal Care Home will be undergoing a maintenance update over the span of two weeks, beginning May 29th, with the installation a back-up generator.

St. Paul’s PCH is located at 703 Jackson Street in Dauphin.

Timeline of Project

Staff parking lot located off of Pioneer Ave will be temporarily closed.

May 29 – Preparation of job site, including barricading/closing of staff parking lot located on the south side of the personal care home, on Pioneer Avenue.
- Staff will be advised of parking options when available.
May 30 – Arrival of heavy equipment. This may temporarily affect traffic on Pioneer Avenue and Jackson Street, however, major delays or a full blocking of the street are not anticipated.
May 31 – June 7 – Construction on site for installation of generator.
June 8 – A planned power outage will occur within the facility for the hookup of the generator. Staff and management will have contingency plans in place for meals, laundry, washroom facilities, cooling areas and more. The exact length of time during which there will be no power within the facility is unknown, however it could be as long as 12 hours.
- Manitoba Hydro will be on site to assist.
- No other homes/buildings within the area will be affected by the power outage. Power will only be disconnected within St. Paul’s Personal Care Home.

Please note, the above timeline/dates may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check back regularly for the most up to date information.

Contact

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

When passion meets opportunity.

By Alexandra Wenger, Winnipeg Free Press

As a rural nurse, you’re so much more than your job title. There’s a certain kind of flexibility in rural nursing that allows you to develop your skills in different ways.
Chandel Bailey-Morrison

When Chandel Bailey-Morrison’s kindergarten teacher asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Chandel already knew her answer. She wanted to become a nurse.

“I always knew nursing was my calling,” Bailey-Morrison said. “As a kid I was always helping people. To this day, when I care for people, it reminds me of my purpose on this earth and it makes me feel whole.”

Bailey-Morrison’s health-care career started early, with those kindergarten dreams, and continued on into high school when she became a health-care aide and worked in both hospice and palliative care environments.

“Palliative care was the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. It’s such an honour to care for people in their final stages of life,” she said. “I have some truly heartwarming memories, including a patient who asked me to give her a bath while listening to Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World.’ She got me to dance around the room singing at the top of my lungs. We laughed until we cried. It was the best day — and literally her very last day on earth.”

*Originally published in the Winnipeg Free Press as part of a National Nursing Week special feature*

Her goal of becoming a nurse was realized when Bailey-Morrison graduated with a nursing degree in 2014. From a dream planned out and pursued from the early age of five, Bailey-Morrison’s career path has taken her to some unexpected places, including to Dauphin, where she is care team manager at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC).

“While I was in college, I met the love of my life,” Bailey-Morrison explained. “She was in school for paramedicine and when she got a job in Dauphin, I took the leap with her. We were engaged nine months later.”

Together, the couple started their new careers in Dauphin with the intention of staying for two years to gain experience before returning to Winnipeg. Years later, they haven’t left and no longer have plans to.

“I never thought I’d live outside the city borders far from family. At first, Dauphin was a big culture shock and rural medicine had a significant learning curve,” Bailey-Morrison said. “Out here, our scope is a bit broader so I’ve had more opportunities than I would have in the city. Where Winnipeg sites might have specific IV or code teams, here in Dauphin we are those teams.”

During her five years working at the DRHC, Bailey-Morrison has explored many different opportunities and worked in a variety of specialties, including medicine, surgery and maternity while using her experience to help both new and existing staff expand their education in her current leadership role.

“As a rural nurse, you’re so much more than your job title. There’s a certain kind of flexibility in rural nursing that allows you to develop your skills in different ways. You have the ability to jump in and get orientated on different units and if you show interest and want to learn, you can try it,” she added. “All your career goals can be made possible here. There’s just so much room to grow.”

As care team manager, Bailey-Morrison is responsible for half the Dauphin facility, including three of its largest units, overseeing everything from staffing, hiring, recruitment, finances and budgeting to patient safety and operations.

“I’ve been given great opportunities to climb the ladder in my career. I think my journey would have looked a lot different if I had stayed in Winnipeg,” Bailey-Morrison said, crediting the mentors she had along the way for inspiring both her interest in leadership and her approach to her current role.

“When I was a health-care aide, Monika Warren (now chief nursing officer for Shared Health) was one of the people who encouraged me to become a nurse. I’ve always said if I was ever in a leadership role, I would want to be like her. The way she speaks to people and her calmness during crisis is just so remarkable. It really stuck with me and inspires me to this day to be a great leader.”

These days, Bailey-Morrison’s everyday tasks are quite different from those she was responsible for in a direct care nursing role, but she has found her calling in leadership and is known around the facility for her commitment to staff, ability to bring teams together to succeed and willingness to be an extra set of hands whenever they are needed.

While Dauphin wasn’t in the original kindergarten dreams, it has become home for Bailey-Morrison and her family, offering small-town charm and big opportunities.

“Living in rural Manitoba offers the best of both worlds. Dauphin is beautiful and economical, my commute is convenient, and there are tons of outdoor activities and a diverse and supportive community. My definition of family has changed, and it’s here. Dauphin is home.”

This article was originally published in the Winnipeg Free Press as part of a National Nursing Week special feature. Click here for the full feature to read about more nurses and their careers throughout Manitoba.

Author: Carey Solomon

Louis Riel Day

Louis Riel Day

Events in Prairie Mountain Health

Events around the Province

Prairie Mountain Health Announces New CEO

Prairie Mountain Health Announces New CEO

Dauphin Regional Health Centre announces the arrival of its New Year’s Babies

Dauphin Regional Health Centre announces the arrival of its New Year’s Babies – Twins!

Nursing Info Session

Virtual Information Session for Nursing Students

CEO retirement notice

Prairie Mountain Health CEO provides retirement notice

Board of Directors begins recruitment process

Veteran’s Week