Walter Bolger had to hit the brakes for an unusual roadblock in southern Labrador this week.

The 62-year-old seal harvester was driving with his wife in West Saint Modeste, N.L., on Thursday when a massive polar bear strolled casually across the road toward a clutch of houses.

Bolger says the bear then helped himself to a snack from a roadside garbage can, undeterred by panicked yells from the can’s elderly owner.

He says the bear is said to have swum ashore Wednesday, about 35 kilometres away in Red Bay, N.L., and on Friday, it was touring Blanc Sablon, in Quebec, near the province’s boundary with Labrador.

Bolger says the bear was likely out on the sea ice, feeding on seals, before it made its way to Labrador and Quebec.

Wildlife officials in Newfoundland and Labrador say polar bears sometimes come ashore at this time of year, and they’re asking residents to be on alert.

A group of designers beamed with pride as their garments — made entirely from garbage bags — were showcased at a Winnipeg fashion show intended to spread awareness about the struggles and resilience of children in Manitoba's foster care system. 

The province’s heavy civil industry can’t say enough about the government’s continued five-year road plan.

The Trump tariffs, however, are another story.

This year’s $300 million in funding for provincial highway construction projects was announced Thursday.

It’s part of the $1.4 billion over five years in improvements to provincial roads and highways announced in 2023.

The Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador applauds the certainty that a five-year blueprint provides for planning purposes.

However, executive director Kris Mulcahy says the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariffs is a stressor for his industry.

“Equipment is a big one,” he said. “If someone has to get a truck from the States, even if it’s sourced from Canada — some of those parts have to come across the border — that’s a big thing that’s going to have a big impact if people are making new orders for equipment, I think.”

The province announced approvals though the Harvester Enterprise Loan Program, which was launched in July 2024. It expands support for independent fish harvesters and positions the sector for future success.

To date, the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation (IBIC) has approved the following under the program:

• $3.11 million in loan guarantees
• $474,000 in down payment loans
• $269,000 in interest rebates

The Harvester Enterprise Loan Program supports the development of the province’s independent fish harvesting industry through loan guarantees, down-payment loans and interest rebates to fish harvesters.

Qualified harvesters applying for a loan with an eligible financial institution that will be guaranteed by the Provincial Government may be eligible to receive a down-payment loan through the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, as well an interest rebate to reduce financing costs associated with the loan from the financial institution.

Harvesters interested in applying for the program should complete an application form available on the Harvester Enterprise Loan Program website and contact their local financial institution to inquire about obtaining a loan to be guaranteed by the Provincial Government. The financial institution will subsequently coordinate the application with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology regarding the loan guarantee, and the department will coordinate with the harvester directly regarding the down-payment loan and interest rebate.

The program represents an investment of up to $10 million towards the down-payment loans and up to $5 million for the interest rebates. Approvals will be based on budget availability and applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

The program offers increased loan guarantees of up to $2 million for license acquisition, $3 million for vessel-only related items, and $4 million for combining of enterprises. Guaranteed loans are negotiated between the harvester and their financial institution, and must comply with certain conditions, such as a limit on the interest being charged to the harvester.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is investigating a report of shots fired in the capital city’s east end over the lunch hour today.

Police received the call around 12:30 this afternoon and cordoned-off a property at the corner of Virginia Place and Newfoundland Drive with police tape.

RNC say the suspect, or suspects, left the scene in a vehicle before police arrived.

In incident is believed to be targeted. Police have not said whether there were any injuries.

Photo submitted

Students from the I-STEM program at Thomas A. Blakelock HS, Elsie MacGill SS and Aldershot School have been selected as regional finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, where students across Canada create innovative solutions to real-world problems using Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning.

Representing Aldershot School is Keerthana Srinivasan, a grade 12 student at Aldershot School. Keerthana described her experience: ““Through I-STEM, I had the opportunity to not only explore global challenges but also develop the skills to analyze them in a meaningful way. Using tools like the Design Thinking Process, causal models, and gap analyses, I’ve been able to deconstruct complex issues—like faults in photovoltaic farms and satellites—by identifying their root causes and uncovering gaps in existing solutions.”

The competition focuses on how STEM can be applied to help address challenges, both locally and globally, enabling students to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration and community responsibility.

I-STEM is an innovative, regional program for secondary students in Halton and beyond. Students in this four-year program develop innovation skills related to engineering design and design thinking, entrepreneurial thinking skills and global competencies. Students learn to be prepared for technological change and disruption, globalization and shifting demographics.

Only 12 teams have been selected for the next stage of the competition where they will produce a five-minute video explaining how their solution would create a more sustainable, inclusive and healthier world using technology. The teams will enter into the second phase of judging on March 31 as they compete to become national finalists.

Each of the regional finalists have received $2,500 in technology to support and enhance STEM learning. In the next phase, students will have the opportunity to win $5,000 to purchase technology.

A Moncton-area area artist has collaborated with a local business to make a café space look like a walk-in colouring book.

Tasha Wiese continues to battle serious health complications after undergoing a life-changing amputation.  

Her family, including her uncle Bryan Bartel, is deeply grateful for the community’s support and the care Tasha is receiving at the Health Sciences Centre. However, it is still an extremely difficult time.  

"It's going OK," says Bartel. “Just watching the family is probably really the hardest. Just seeing the struggle and pain that they go through day by day and it's a roller coaster. They get good information and they're feeling positive. And then there's a setback of some kind.” 

He shares that it has been an emotional journey not only for Tasha, but for those closest to her. 

“It's just a bit of a roller coaster ride just watching the family and well for Tasha obviously, but she's been unconscious a lot. So, it's hard to quite fully understand what she's all going through. But obviously it's a tremendous struggle.” 

One source of comfort has been the exceptional care from staff at HSC. He says his brother Ken and sister-in-law Bev are blown away by the tremendous support. 

“There is one-on-one care there 24/7. And they're including them. There's proper communication from the doctors. There's a whole team of doctors that come through once a day or maybe even more and then each specifically has their specialty, and they speak into it, and what they can expect, and they project what might happen. It's quite a process and they're just so, so impressed and feel supported by that. So that has been just a tremendous blessing and experience for them.” 

Though visiting hours have been limited due to Tasha's condition, Bartel and his wife have found ways to show their support for the family during this time. 

“We have been able to see Tasha a couple of times. Because of her health condition, it's been quite limited seeing her directly, but my wife Cheryl and I, we've gone in several times,” he says. “We're trying to be as supportive as we can and yet we recognize they need their rest.” 

As the family continues to navigate this difficult journey, the Steinbach community is stepping up in heartfelt and generous ways. 

Tasha, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Steinbach Pistons, is now receiving that same support in return. The team has donated proceeds from a recent 50/50 draw directly to her GoFundMe campaign. 

Related Stories:

• Steinbach Pistons show support for devoted volunteer, Tasha Wiese

Local businesses are also joining in to help. Chinos Bistro and Sunshine Greenhouse have pledged to donate $3 from every specialty coffee sold, as well as from each gelato purchase, to support Tasha and her healing journey. 

“This community is just so great when there's a need and we're seeing it firsthand in our family,” Bartel says. 

A GoFundMe campaign continues to raise funds for Tasha and her husband for those looking to give directly.  

Bartel, who owns MJ’s Kafe, welcomes monetary donations to be dropped off at the restaurant. 

“There are some people that have dropped by MJ's and dropped off an envelope of cash,” Bartel says. “I think we've had about 10 people doing that already and we will make sure that it goes directly to Tasha’s needs.” 

He’s also hoping to plan a special event at MJ’s on April 30th. 

“We found out what Tasha's favourite burger was, what she likes on her burger,” he explains. “So, what we're planning on doing at this point, we're planning on doing Tasha's favourite burger promotion and it's going to be April 30th, pick up a burger. It's going to be from 11 to 7 pm. 100% of the sale of that burger is going to go to Tasha's needs. And so, we're working on that. We would just love to see the continued community support.” 

He describes his niece as someone who thrives in social settings. 

“Tasha was a people person, big time,” he says. “Her smile. And she wasn't one to sit and read a book at home alone a whole lot. She liked to be with groups of people. And I think that’s what Tasha will need, in the years to come.” 

Beyond monetary donations, Bartel asks the community to keep praying, supporting, and sharing words of encouragement. 

“This is a long game. This is something that's going to take months and years to just to continue healing and movements forward, steps forward. Just that community support, continuing that would be what I would say is what's needed. Certainly, the prayers for Tasha and her family.” 

For those interested in donating to the GoFundMe, please click here. 

With files from Adi Loewen 

NL Health Services, in partnership with Compass One Healthcare, Community Connections Housing Coalition, Placentia Chamber of Commerce and other community partners pleased to announce the expansion of the Meals on Wheels program to Placentia.

“NL Health Services is pleased to provide access to nutritious, freshly prepared meals which is an essential part of supporting individuals to live independently and with dignity,” said Debbie Walsh, vice president and chief operating officer, Eastern-Rural zone. “The Meals on Wheels program provides seniors and those in need with healthy, dietitian-approved meals delivered directly to their homes, promoting food security and aging in place.”

The Meals on Wheels program offers freshly prepared, easy-to-heat meals designed for seniors, individuals recovering from illness and those with limited mobility. Orders will be taken starting the week of April 28, 2025, with the first deliveries beginning the week of May 5, 2025.

Applications for the program are now open and can be completed via phone by calling (709) 227-0003.

“The introduction of Steamplicity plates into a Meals on Wheels program marks a significant step forward in enhancing meal quality, safety, and choice for our clients,” said Greg Bayne, Regional Vice President for Compass One Healthcare. “This innovative approach not only ensures meals retain their nutritional value and flavour but also offers the flexibility for individuals to enjoy their meals when it best suits them.”

Jagmeet Singh promised to hire more doctors Saturday, while Mark Carney announced measures for trades workers and Pierre Poilievre pledged to cut red tape.

A local personal care home operator believes the AG’s recent performance audit on personal care homes has tarred all operators with the same unflattering brush.

Former provincial cabinet minister Paul Oram, who owns and operates a number of personal care homes, takes exception to the notion that there is no oversight of personal care operators.

Oram told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that they see Central Health zone representatives “every single day.”

He says quarterly reports are conducted, and “there are file cabinets in every home” that contain documents on meetings that take place every single quarter and contain quarterly reports. “When it comes to staffing, every single month, our managers have to do up a list of the number of residents we have, what their levels of care are, and the number of staff we had on each day.”

Oram admits staffing can be challenging at times. He cites a recent Norwalk virus outbreak that knocked out half his staff, but he’s amazed at how his staff still manage to step up when there’s a need.

He’s had staff go to work in Glovertown from Gander and vice versa. And if they’re really in a pinch, their managers will even go in to work.

In response to the devastating ice storm that struck Ontario on March 29 and 30, Burlington Hydro crews were immediately mobilized after the storm passed to support restoration efforts in affected communities. The storm caused extensive damage, leaving trees and power lines encased in ice and cutting power to hundreds of thousands of customers across the province.

Utilities across Ontario have been working tirelessly to restore power, but challenging conditions – including blocked roads, fallen trees, and lingering ice – hindered progress. Burlington Hydro joined the collective effort, sending two crews and three vehicles to aid Lakeland Power in Huntsville and Bracebridge in bringing power back to communities in need.

‘We couldn’t be prouder of our crews,’ said Gerry Smallegange, President and CEO of Burlington Hydro. ‘Storm recovery of this scale is incredibly demanding, and it’s heartening to see our employees rise to the occasion to assist fellow utilities.’

Ontario’s electricity providers have a long-standing tradition of supporting each other in times of crisis, and Burlington Hydro is honoured to contribute to this collective effort.

Burlington Hydro and Lakeland Power are members of the Ontario Mutual Assistance Group (OnMAG). OnMAG provides utilities a single point of contact to request & offer mutual assistance resources when damaging events occur within a member’s service territory. It is subscription based, and member led.

The competition is heating up for Toonik Tyme’s second snowmobile race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut and back, Sunday — this time without qamutiks.

Start time is 10 a.m. on the ice near the causeway across Frobisher Bay from Iqaluit city centre.

Registration remains open until race time. So far, 16 racers have signed up.

“My only advice is that they drive safe and get hydrated the day before the race,” said Jamie Anilniliak, who took first place in the Toonik Tyme race from Iqaluit to Kimmirut with qamutik, last Sunday.

Instead of racing this weekend, Anilniliak plans to serve as “gas man” for racer Joshua Kilabuk, positioning himself at Mount Joy.
Because this weekend’s racers are not pulling qamutiks, the traditional wooden sled used by Inuit hunters, they will each have a person stationed along the route to gas up their machines one time during the 240-kilometre race.

Eleven of the 17 racers from last weekend’s contest have re-registered to compete again this weekend, including second-place finisher Alex Kilabuk and fourth-place finisher Davidee Nowyook.

Gary Eeseemaile shares stories from the trail after experiencing mechanical issues during the first Toonik Tyme race last Sunday. He plans to race again this weekend. (Photo by Daron Letts)

Racers Lodie Ipeelie Jr., Kyle Oolayou, Gary Eeseemaile, and Robert Pudluq did not manage to finish last weekend’s race, but they plan to participate again on Sunday.

The prize pool depends on the number of participants, with the intention being to put all of the entry fees into the pot, said Stephen Johnson, administrator of 123Go!, the organization that oversees Toonik Tyme, Iqaluit’s annual spring festival.

The organization will add an additional $10,000 on top of the registration amounts collected. The entry fee per racer is $500.

Without the qamutik, race times will be quicker than last week, said Pitseolak Alainga, president of the 123Go! board, during a pre-race meeting Thursday at the Arctic Winter Games Arena.

During the meeting, Alainga stressed the importance of sportsmanship among the competitors, as well as the need for multi-organization support to keep Toonik Tyme sustainable as a festival.

He encouraged the racers at the meeting to approach their employers and other local associations to consider contributing to the financial and volunteer needs of Toonik Tyme.

The rest of the 60th annual Toonik Tyme spring festival begins with a civic holiday on April 11 and runs until April 20.

Corey Payette's residential school musical, Children of God, plays to a sold-out Yellowknife house on Saturday. Payette walked us through some of the backstory.

Canada's Éliot Grondin won a snowboard cross silver medal at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Que., on Saturday to claim the overall World Cup season title.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council and its components are still in court over how the council is being run following a dispute about an election. Here's the latest.