Melissa Ridgen

Network Managing Editor - National News

Author Archives

• Free-roaming feathered friends (mostly) welcomed with aplomb in Manitoba town

  A flood in 2011 put one tourist attraction at risk while creating a new one and the town of Souris has leaned in to being the place where wild peacocks roam free

  Canada

  Apr 29
• Businesses, lake users fear ‘knee-jerk’ action by Parks Canada to combat zebra mussels

  As ice continues its spring thaw in many parts of the country and boaters and paddlers gear up to hit the water, an invasive species that’s been slowly making its way westward across Canada for nearly four decades threatens to end the boating season before it even begins in Riding Mountain National Park. Parks Canada...

  Canada

  Apr 28
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• Man acquitted in Tina Fontaine murder found dead, says her aunt

  Raymond Cormier, a career criminal and the man police believed killed Tina Fontaine, has reportedly died and “took all the answers with him” said Fontaine’s aunt Thelma Favel.

  Crime

  Apr 23
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• CEO parts ways with Indigenous women’s advocacy organization after feds slash funding

  The Native Women's Association of Canada has seen its federal funding cut by nearly $50 million to just $10 million, resulting in its staff of 75 being reduced to 30.

  Canada

  Apr 12
• ‘Psychopathic’ Manitoba AI Easter Bunny ‘maybe just dealing with a lot,’ says creator

  Canadian History Ehx podcast used AI to generate an Easter Bunny suited to each province. Most are depicted as noble adventurers but Manitoba's is disturbing.

  Trending

  Mar 26
• Staff sound alarm over at-risk teens being “scooped” in group home dispute

  "We've had suicide attempts, AWOLs, drug use. Destabilization all around the unknown. It's very heartbreaking to see," Adara Curtis, an employee at one of the homes said.

  Perspectives

  Mar 15
• Parents support Manitoba group home currently under fire for giving teens weed

  A Manitoba group home is under investigation by the province for giving teens cannabis as a form of harm reduction. But some parents support the practice.

  Canada

  Mar 8
• ‘Highway out was on fire’: Calls for inquest grow into ‘slow’ N.W.T fire response

  Last summer was the worst wildfire season on record for the Northwest Territories with 70 per cent of the population being evacuated. Residents are seeking accountability.

  Environment

  Feb 5
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• Dementia projected to surge 273% in Indigenous communities while support services lacking

  New research from the Alzheimer Society projects dementia to surge 273% among Indigenous people in the coming decades

  Health

  Jan 22
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• Cold snap draws attention to need for home maintenance on First Nation

  A cold snap and a viral video have put the First Nations housing crunch back in the spotlight.

  Canada

  Jan 16
• Ontario woman found dead after police allegedly don’t respond to 911 call

  Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit is looking into the death of a woman in Thunder Bay, Ont., after they say the local police force didn't respond to a domestic call.

  Crime

  Jan 4
• Police in Ontario looking for Grinch who cut down community Christmas tree

  Kenora OPP are investigating a mischief after someone cut down the community's traditional Main Street Christmas tree. Mayor Andrew Poirier says residents are shocked and angered.

  Crime

  Dec 31, 2023
• ‘It was unnecessary’: Death of Indigenous mother sparks bias concerns in Ontario healthcare

  The death of an Indigenous mother a year ago in Ontario is raising some concerns over healthcare bias. 

  Canada

  Dec 14, 2023
• Soldier and family left houseless in battle with municipality

  A war vet is homeless after a long battle with the RM of Whitehead near Brandon, Man. escalated to his home being seized over permit violation and "safety concerns."

  Canada

  Nov 10, 2023
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• Child welfare worker charged with aggravated assault on five-year-old

  Two-year investigation results in aggravated assault charges against a former child welfare worker involving a five-year-old girl

  Crime

  Oct 30, 2023
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• Lawyers for family charged with falsely claiming Inuit identity appear in court

  An Ontario woman and her twin daughters are charged with fraud over allegedly falsely claiming to be Inuit and accessing benefits meant for Inuit

  Crime

  Oct 30, 2023
• ‘We claim her, end of story’: Buffy Sainte-Marie’s Piapot family hurt by allegations

  Indigenous icon Buffy Sainte-Marie's identity was brought into question by a CBC investigation, her Piapot family says the accusations are "ignorant, colonial -- and racist."

  Entertainment

  Oct 27, 2023
• Premier Kinew tells Métis righting a historical wrong is an ‘important priority’

  Manitoba Métis hope land where the village of Ste. Madeleine once stood will soon be returned to them. Premier Wab Kinew says it is a 'priority.'

  Canada

  Oct 26, 2023
• “For the past month we’ve had no hot water!” Brandon nurses complain to union

  The Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, Man. was without a convenient supply of hot water for nearly a month as its water system was upgraded, causing concern from staff.

  Health

  Oct 21, 2023
• Métis government offers $10,000 reward in 2000 cold case of eight-year-old Marcus McKay

  The Manitoba Metis Federation put up a $10,000 reward in the case of Marcus McKay, who went missing July 15, 2000 while hunting near Mallard, Man.

  Crime

  Oct 20, 2023
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• Residential school survivors shaken to see nun working at polling station

  Residential school survivors say they were traumatized Tuesday when an Elections Manitoba worker showed up in nun's apparel.

  Politics

  Oct 6, 2023
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• Construction workers evicted from Manitoba First Nation amid sex crimes investigation

  Manitoba First Nations Police confirmed they are investigating reports that a teen was sexually exploited at Sandy Bay First Nation.

  Crime

  Aug 30, 2023
• ‘We’re all brothers and sisters’: Yellowknife cab driver helps fellow evacuees in Calgary

  A Yellowknife cab driver hasn't stopped offering rides to his fellow northerners in Calgary who had to leave their homes due to wildfire evacuations.

  Canada

  Aug 26, 2023
• Red River Métis displaced by cattle want land back from Manitoba

  A Métis village was burned to the ground in 1938 to turn the land into a community pasture for cattle. The Manitoba Métis Federation and descendants want it back.

  Canada

  Jul 18, 2023
• Northwestern Ontario ‘heartbroken’ to lose longtime Ojibway chief and role model

  Eagle River First Nation along with Treaty 3 territory is in mourning with the passing of Chief Arnold Gardner, a respected elder who has led his community since 1993.

  Canada

  Jun 2, 2023