Manitoba providing money for memorial to honour Carman homicide victims
The provincial government is providing funding to the Town of Carman to honour the five people who were killed in February, and to help those who helped the town heal.
Amanda Clearwater, her three kids, Bethany, Jayven and Isabella, and her niece Myah-Lee Gratton, were killed in mid-February, and Clearwater's common-law partner Ryan Manoakeesick has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder. Those charges haven't been tested in court.
On Wednesday, the Manitoba government announced it will provide $20,000 to help the community build a memorial in honour of the victims, and another $300,000 will go to Carman Wellness Connections.
The volunteer-run organization provides mental health supports, and helps, "find solutions that minimize the impact of limited income."
"The front-line staff of Carman Wellness Connections reacted swiftly and compassionately to bring healing to the community by providing resources and emotional health support. Our government is proud to support the important work they do," said Premier Wab Kinew in a news release.
Nancy Clearwater, Amanda's mother, said she is still in shock about the whole situation, but appreciates the government's funding.
"It will help memorialize my (grandchildren) and my daughter, and hopefully bring awareness to domestic violence," she said a news conference Wednesday.
Karen Tjaden, a board member for the organization, said the funding provides stability for them to continue their work.
"With this funding, we can enhance our programs, expand our reach and make a lasting difference in the community," said Tjaden in a news release.
Carman Mayor Brent Owen said the financial support would help the community for many years.
"Almost three months later, I know many are still feeling the impacts of it during this time. Many of us have found hope in watching our community come together and support each other," said Owen.
The Clearwater family will help design the memorial, with the hopes it will be put in a community park. There is no timeline for when it will be built, but Owen indicated the town will likely contribute more funding to the project as well.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.