A Selkirk-based community mental health worker is hurrying hard toward a lifelong dream of competing in the Brier, Canada’s national curling tournament.

Corey Chambers plays third on Team Calvert, which recently won the 2026 provincial curling championship at the Selkirk Recreation Complex. With the win, the team – that also includes skip Braden Calvert, lead Brendan Bilawka, second Kyle Kurz and alternate Rob Gordon – qualified to compete in the 2026 Montana’s Brier in Newfoundland from Feb. 27 to March 8.

The winner of the Brier gets the honour of representing Canada in the World Curling Championship, which will be held this spring in Ogden City, Utah.

“It feels absolutely unbelievable. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to win provincials and represent Manitoba at the Brier,” he said. “I’ve lost the final three times previously, so to finally accomplish the goal and get the opportunity to play in the Brier is incredible.”

It’s been a long time coming, since Corey has been immersed in the curling realm his whole life.

“Basically my entire family curls or loves watching curling, so I was playing from a pretty young age,” he said. “I’ve always loved the competition and relationships you build along the way.”

When he’s not throwing rocks in the curling rink, Corey is making a difference through his professional role in health care. Although he lives in Winnipeg, he has built his career in the Interlake. He worked at Selkirk Mental Health Centre for seven years before joining Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority in 2019.

“I work as a community mental health worker. I’m responsible for assessing and triaging new referrals at intake as well as completing geriatric mental health assessments,” he said. “My team is amazing – everyone is always available for support or assistance whenever needed.”

Marlane Gibbs, IERHA’s health services manager for mental health and addictions, outlined the important role Corey plays in the health region.

“He’s our intake worker, which is an integral and prominent role as he’s often serving as the liaison between our program and other programs in health care. He is very dedicated to his work with mental health services for the elderly and knows the program inside and out,” she said.

“He is our go-to guy, and he is a great team player on and off the ice. We are so very proud of him.”

From his unique vantage point, Corey can draw connections between positive mental health and engagement in activities like curling.

“Regardless of the activity, I think it’s an important concept to just try to maintain a positive outlook, even when faced with adversity or challenges,” he said. “Just believing that you are always building towards something can help when trying to achieve a goal.”

Looking ahead, Corey is proud to represent the province in St. John’s.

“It’s been a long-time goal to get to the Brier,” he said. “We hope to represent Manitoba well.”  

Three new pediatricians in the Interlake-Eastern health region are currently accepting referrals.

Dr. Wail Seleem started in December 2025 and is based in Selkirk and Eriksdale. Dr. Hammam Akil started in October 2024 and is in Selkirk and Pine Falls. Dr. Carla Bowes is a developmental pediatrician who started in October 2025 and is working in Gimli and Arborg.

All three pediatricians are working as part of a team to serve communities within the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. Contact your primary care provider to schedule a referral.

“For years, families in our region had no local pediatric specialists,” said Dr. Scott Gregoire, vice-president of medical services and chief medical officer for Interlake-Eastern RHA.

“Having three pediatricians now serving our communities is a major step forward that will improve care for children and reduce the need for families to travel for essential services.”

The Selkirk QuickCare Clinic is moving to the Interlake-Eastern Health Services building at 100 Easton Drive on Monday, Jan. 26. To accommodate the move, the clinic will be closed at 5 pm. on Friday. Jan. 23, closed all day Sat. Jan. 24 and Sun Jan. 25 reopening on Monday, Jan. 26 in the new location at 1 p.m.

To make an appointment at the QuickCare Clinic in Selkirk call 204-482-4399 (phones answered at 9:30 a.m. to book same-day appointments) or book with Quick Care Clinic online at medinav.ca

QuickCare clinic health care providers diagnose and treat your minor health issues such as common cold or flu symptoms, minor stomach aches, diarrhea or vomiting, cuts, sores, infections, back or neck pain, stress or anxiety.

Arielle Marshall and Tanner Wachal welcomed a baby boy, Arthur, at 9:18 am at Selkirk Regional Health Centre on Saturday, Jan. 3. He was the first baby born in 2026 at the health centre.

Arthur weighed seven pounds and was 19 inches long. His parents are from Winnipeg.

“Selkirk has a great labour and delivery ward which is why we are grateful to have delivered here,” says Wachal.

Wachal’s mom, Charity, is an RN at Selkirk Regional Health Centre and was present for the birth of her grandson along with Dr. Bunkowsky who delivered him.

Chair of the Selkirk Hospital Gift Shop volunteers, Betty Milkowski, maintained a tradition by gifting Arthur diapers, playpen, toys, blankets and clothing to celebrate the arrival of the first baby of 2026. She said the volunteers make the New Year’s baby gift tradition possible.

“Thank you to all the volunteers for all their work running the gift shop. They make it possible for us to donate to the family of the New Year’s baby every year,” says Milkowski. “This has been going on since the first hospital was built in Selkirk and the original ladies auxiliary was founded. Congratulations to new parents Arielle and Tanner!”

In 2025, 455 babies were born at Selkirk Regional Health Centre compared 443 in 2024.

Anyone interested in delivering a baby at Selkirk Regional Health Centre should call 204-482-2150 or email [email protected] to be connected to family medicine obstetrics or midwifery services.

For a tour of the obstetrics unit at Selkirk Regional Health Centre, please call 204-785-7402.

From left to right: Arielle Marshall and Tanner Wachal accept a gift from the Chair of the Selkirk Hospital Gift Shop volunteers Betty Milkowski for New Year’s baby Arthur (centre) who was born Jan. 3 at Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (RHA) is now accepting nominations for this year’s Physician Emeritus Award.

Physicians who are retired or have reduced their practice in preparation for retirement are eligible for nomination if they have provided exemplary service and expertise to their communities.

The nomination can be submitted by either physician colleagues or by community members.

Nominations should be signed and have a paragraph about why the physician should be considered for the award.

The regional Medical Advisory Committee will consider nominations and make the final decision about granting the designation based on the considerations listed above. The award will be presented at the annual physician dinner in April.

“Being acknowledged by the people we care for and by our professional peers is one of the most meaningful forms of recognition in medicine,” said Dr. Scott Gregoire, chief medical officer for Interlake-Eastern RHA. “I’m eager to see physicians in our region highlighted for the exceptional commitment they show to their patients every day.”

Have a physician in mind? Nominations should take into account:

• Length of service (commitment to the community),
• Scope of service,

•            Recognition of exemplary skills by colleagues,

•            Recognition by the community, and

•            Demonstration of the Interlake-Eastern RHA values in their practice (Humility and learning from others; Respect, compassion and collaboration; Actioning reconciliation; responsiveness and accountability.

Please send nominations to Jennifer St. Laurent at [email protected] by February 6, 2026.

The regional Medical Advisory Committee will consider nominations and determine award recipients.

Award recipients will be recognized in-person at the annual physician dinner in April.

Past award winners as posted here: Physician Emeritus Awards – Interlake-Eastern RHA

Project On Track and On Budget for Fall 2027 Completion, Delivering 65 New Beds for Seniors: Minister

Construction of the Lac du Bonnet personal care home (PCH) remains on schedule and on budget for fall 2027 completion, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today. Read on the Manitoba Government news release.

Inclement weather and/or limited road access may cause delay or cancellations of IERHA appointments and/or scheduled events. Power outages may also affect phone and online services. We may be unable to provide notification of cancellations.

Before leaving your home, please call your health care provider’s office to confirm your appointment.

Home Care clients are encouraged to activate their backup plans with family members and friends and/or to call the After Hours number 1-855-474-3340 if required.

For all emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Please be advised due to storm conditions the following services are impacted:

• Whitemouth Clinic is closed today
• Riverton Clinic is closed today
• Winnipeg Beach Clinic is closed today
• Quick Care Clinic is closed today
• Selkirk Community Health Office at 237 Manitoba Ave. in Selkirk is closed today.
• Gimli Primary Care Clinic is closed today
• Arborg Primary Care Clinic is closed today
• Teulon Diagnostics will have no diagnostics services (Lab,X-Ray, ECG or Phlebotomy) available today 8:00-16:00.
• Whitemouth lab will have no diagnostic services ( Lab or ECG) today

Health issues can arise at any time. If you or a family member require non-urgent health care services over the holidays here are some options.

Some doctors’ offices and clinics in the region offer extended hours care and same day appointments. Holiday hours are list at www.ierha.ca or contact your local doctor’s office for appointment information.

Selkirk QuickCare clinic is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and most holidays. Closed at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 24 Christmas Eve. The only day QuickCare Clinic is closed is Dec. 25 Christmas Day Call 204-482-4399 to make a same-day appointment or visit https://www.medinav.ca/ Phones are answered starting at 9:30 a.m. All other clinics will be closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan.1

Arborg Primary Care Clinic will be closed at 4 pm on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Eriksdale Primary Care Clinic has same day appointments available Tuesdays and Thursdays & select Saturdays (Dec. 20, Jan. 3,17,31,Feb.14 &28, March 14).

For minor ailments and non-life threatening concerns virtual care is available through QDoc, a free, provincially funded, online platform that connects patients to doctors by video. Visit qdoc.ca for more information.

Anyone experiencing mental health or addiction concerns can call Interlake-Eastern Health’s 24 Hour Crisis Line at 1-866-427-8628. Other mental health resources are profiled at www.ierha.ca > Programs & Services > Mental Health & Addictions.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, always call 911. In the event you need to visit an  emergency department, visit www.ierha.ca and click on “Emergency Dept. Schedules” in the upper right hand corner to see emergency department status within the Interlake-Eastern health region. You can also call 1-886-267-5818 to select your community of choice and listen to a recorded message on emergency department status.

Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities have memory trees for patients, residents, and visitors to mark the loss of a loved one this holiday season. As in previous years, IERHA’s palliative care program is providing a way to honour people who have passed away, including with memory trees in public places.

Lorraine Schmidt, a palliative care volunteer coordinator with IERHA says the trees are meaningful ways for people to grieve their loved ones.

“When we experience a significant loss, it’s important to do what we can to experience our grief in a way that will help us heal,” says Schmidt. “Sometimes honouring those we are grieving during the holiday season can be helpful.”

Interlake-Eastern RHA’s palliative care program, along with the help of companion volunteers, community groups and other RHA program staff, will once again be placing trees in several communities. Everyone is invited to honour the memory of loved ones by placing card ornaments on a tree set up in:

• Arborg Hospital and PCH,
• Ashern Hospital and PCH,
• Beausejour Hospital and Primary Health Centre,
• East Gate Lodge in Beausejour,
• Eriksdale Hospital ,
• Fisher Branch Hospital and PCH,
• Gimli Hospital,
• Lac du Bonnet Health Centre and PCH,
• Lundar PCH,
• Oakbank Primary Care ,
• Pinawa Town Plaza,
• Selkirk Regional Health Centre,
• St. Laurent Community Health office,
• Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall,
• Stonewall & District Library,
• Goodwin Lodge PCH in Teulon,
• Teulon Library, and
• Whitemouth Health Centre and PCH.

Schmidt goes on to say that during the holiday season when so much focus is on family, it can be difficult for people who are grieving to feel like celebrating.

“These meaningful gestures and letting people know that grieving is ok is very important around any special day or time of year when our sorrow is heightened.”

Public and facility trees are set up now. Card ornaments and grief resources for all ages will be placed with each tree.

This holiday season, everyone can access online mental health support at any time on www.ierha.ca www.ierha.ca/programs-services/mental-health/. The RHA also has a 24-hour crisis line: 1-866-427-8628.

Seniors Giving this Season:

For some, a small gift or card can go a long way to brighten the day of those who aren’t able to get out and enjoy this time of year’s festivities. All personal care homes in the region accept holiday greeting cards and small gifts from groups in the community for seniors living in personal care homes. These cards and gifts can be sent directly to the recreation department in the personal care home in your community. Find the contact information for personal care homes here:

In addition to this, throughout December, staff in facilities put on resident and family Christmas dinners or teas as an opportunity for residents, families and staff to celebrate during the holiday season. On December 25, all personal care homes prepare a Christmas dinner for residents in the facility.

The Manitoba government is moving forward with construction of the emergency department at E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital in Eriksdale in the new year following the recent awarding of the construction-management tender, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today, adding this project will renovate and modernize the emergency department and acute care areas in the hospital, improve patient flow, strengthen service delivery and better meet the health-care needs of the Interlake region. Read more.

Respiratory virus season has now arrived, and there are a few things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.

Prevention measures include:

• Practising good hand hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer when washing isn’t possible.
• Drinking plenty of fluids and ensuring you get enough rest.
• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze by using a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs. Keeping shared spaces clean by wiping down frequently touched surfaces such a door knobs, counters and phones.
• Staying home when you’re sick.

It’s also recommended to get the most updated flu and COVID vaccine. Book an appointment by calling 1-844-626-8222 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday or by using the online booking system at manitoba.ca/protectmb.

When to stay home

If you become sick and are otherwise healthy, it is best to stay home when experiencing common symptoms, which can typically be addressed at home. These include:

• Sore throat.
• Blocked or runny nose.
• Cough.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting (but you’re not dehydrated).
• Diarrhea (but you’re not dehydrated).
• Fever that responds well to medication.

When to seek non-emergency care

If you’re not seeing any improvement or if your symptoms continue longer than five to seven days, different options are available depending on your situation. You can:

• Book an appointment with your primary care provider, who can provide care for non-urgent cold and flu symptoms and administer vaccinations for flu and COVID. If you are currently looking for a regular primary care provider, contact Family Doctor Finder at 1-866-690-8260 or visit gov.mb.ca/health/familydoctorfinder/.
• Visit a clinic in your community. Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has a list of clinics at ierha.ca/find-us/.
• Visit a pharmacist for flu and COVID vaccinations, prescription refills and care for certain medical conditions.
• Seek 24/7 virtual care through QDoc, which provides health-care services remotely. Patients can consult with health-care providers via video calls, phone calls or online messaging in their home. Services that can be provided remotely include requests for prescription refills and requests for medical advice. Call 1-833-736-2362 or book online at qdoc.ca/.
• Book a same-day appointment at the QuickCare Clinic in Selkirk by visiting medinav.ca or calling 204-482-4399.
• Visit Easton Place Medical Centre (15 Wersch St.), which accepts walk-ins. To minimize your wait time, call ahead to make a booking at 204-482-4044.

When to visit an emergency department

Anyone who has a medical emergency that can’t wait should call 911 or visit their closest emergency room. Examples of situations that require a visit to the emergency department include sudden or new chest pain, difficulty breathing, numbness, loss of vision, slurring of speech or an object in the eye or ear. Other emergency situations include loss of consciousness, severe injury, severe back pain, pregnancy complications or suicidal thoughts.
“As we move through respiratory virus season, our priority is ensuring that every resident has clear, practical guidance to stay healthy and to know where to seek care when they need it,” said Dr. Scott Gregoire, vice-president of medical services and chief medical officer for Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.
“By taking simple preventive steps, staying home when ill and choosing the right care option for your situation, you help protect yourself, your family and our health-care teams. Thank you for working with us to keep our communities safe and our emergency departments available for those who need them most.”

Nurse Karen Bernauer administered a flu shot to Rene Fontaine in Lac du Bonnet.

Read news release: Province of Manitoba | News Releases | Manitoba Government Expands Prenatal Care in Interlake-Eastern Health Region with Midwifery Services

View the presentation from Nov. 6 and explore the new strategic plan: Strategic Plan – Interlake-Eastern RHA

Primary health care clinics in Beausejour, Whitemouth and Pine Falls have welcomed new physicians who are all accepting patients.

“Interlake-Eastern RHA has been working hard to recruit physicians to communities across the region, and that work is paying off,” says vice president medical services and chief medical officer Dr. Scott Gregoire. “These additional doctors will benefit families in the eastern part of the region by ensuring they receive consistent and reliable health care, in their own communities.”

Beausejour

Beausejour primary care doctors from left to right: Dr. Shiva Shrestha, Dr. Nadia Parvez, Dr. Nazukjit Nijjar and Dr. Roque Nepomuceno.

Dr. George Gerges is also new to Beausejour Primary Health Care Clinic, as of this summer.

The new doctors will join the existing Beausejour physician group of Drs. Van Rensburg, Awopetu, and Tanner, and Nurse Practitioner Hessie Sookermany-Leoppky.

Call Beausejour Primary Health Care Clinic at 204-268-4966 to schedule an appointment with the following physicians: Dr. Gerges, Dr. Nepomuceno, Dr. Shrestha, Dr. Nijjar, or Dr. Parvez. Call Beausejour HEW Primary Care Clinic at 204-268-2288 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Awopetu who is also accepting new patients.

Whitemouth

Dr. Shiva Shrestha will also be joining existing Nurse Practitioner Derek Edwards at Whitemouth Primary Health Care Clinic.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shrestha in Whitemouth call 204-348-2291.

Pine Falls

Dr. Behnaz Soltani and Dr. Ahmed Waheed are accepting patients at Pine Falls Primary Health Care Clinic.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soltani or Dr. Waheed in Pine Falls call 204-367-2278

Family Doctor Finder can help anyone in Manitoba find a home clinic that can meet their needs. Register online (https://forms.gov.mb.ca/family-doctor-finder/) or call 1-866-690-8260 to begin the process.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced plans to move from a nationwide strike to rotating strikes effective Saturday, Oct. 11.

While we continue to monitor the ongoing labour situation, effective Wednesday, Oct. 15, the provincial health system will resume using Canada Post for non-urgent items only.

Clinics and service areas will resume the use of Canada Post for distribution of patient appointment letters and pre-appointment information that is NOT considered to be urgent or time sensitive. 

Packages, supplies and urgent appointment letters to patients will continue using alternative services.

Patients with upcoming clinic appointments at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg may continue to receive their appointment confirmation by text message. The text messages, which will originate from a Manitoba 431 phone number, will not include patient information and will only identify the facility, date and time of the scheduled appointment. Messages will include the clinic phone number in the event patients wish to confirm their appointment by phone.

Patients will not be asked to disclose financial information over the phone or via email and should not engage with anyone who says they require financial information before a health appointment. If patients have questions about the legitimacy of a call, they are encouraged to contact their clinic or care provider directly.