Abridged article by Jennifer McFee, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, in Partnership with CentrePort Canada
Alifelong entrepreneur continues to move forward with a mission to remove barriers to transportation and health care. Richard Jones, CEO of MoveMobility, shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey at a WTC Talks event hosted by World Trade Centre Winnipeg.
MoveMobility completed its first wheelchair van conversion in 2007; however, its roots stem back much further. Jones reflected on his youth in England in the 1980s, growing up on his family’s farm.
“The farm was stricken by a fire, and it went through quite a few of the buildings. It left such a mark on me,” he said.
The fire destroyed a year’s worth
of fodder, so nearby farmers stepped up to help and brought truckloads of food for the animals. This gesture of generosity impacted young Jones, who also wanted to find a way to help his
family — and others too.
When he was about 14, Jones launched his first business doing lawn care after school. He built a trailer for the back of his bike
You’ll never know, unless you try!
Zofia Dove
When I go to a grocery store, social gathering or to any public place, for example a concert, I often come across the same person more than once. I meet with them face to face, or in passing, again and again. It usually happens at least two or three times.
Have you experienced anything like that? Has it ever happened to you? Have you noticed?
Just yesterday, I spotted the same young woman three times, yet I
chose not to talk to her like I usually do. Today, afterwards, I wondered what would happen if I had.
I know, from my previous experiences of this kind, that things are not as random as they seem to be.
A few years ago, while grocery shopping, I kept running into the same woman throughout the store. At one point we stood side by side, in front of the dairy product coolers. It was there that I finally mustered the courage and asked her this question: “Did you notice that we have run into each other a few times already in this store? I wonder why, and what in the world
does it mean?”
“Oh, you did? I noticed it, too,” she said. “And I also wondered why it is happening.” She went on to tell me that her best girlfriend just died a few days earlier. From what she said, it sounded as if the friend had suffered a lot before she passed on.
Hearing the friend’s story, I reassured the young woman that I know what it means to lose a friend, since a few years earlier I had also lost a girlfriend to cancer. “She was young and beautiful,” I shared. “Her death changed my life
11 ‘You'll never know' u
Jim Ingebrigtsen
Avexillologist is a person who studies the history, symbolism, origins, and uses of flags and any general interest in flags. An important part of the study is what they mean to the people who live in a specific area of the world. Simply put, national pride. Although I have great admiration and respect for anyone who does that, I’m not exactly one of those people. I’m just a guy who collects flags. I’ve been doing that for more that 40 years but in a very casual way.
I have acquired many of them in my travels to different countries but the majority of them have come from friends who picked them up in whichever countries they have traveled to. There are 195 countries in the world and 254 different national flags. Some countries have more than one flag. You have to consider, as an example, the United Kingdom which includes Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England. I have accumulated more than 130 flags. Most are national flags from around the world but I also have provincial flags, Expo 1967, Pan Am Games 1967, NATO and others. They’re all stowed away in bins in the basement. There is one I consider my favourite. It’s a regulation size Canadian Flag but this one is different. It is signed by the man who designed it.
George Stanley was born in Calgary on July 6, 1907. He was a historian, an author, a teacher and a public servant. Stanley's design was slightly modified by Jacques Saint-Cyr, a graphic artist
Richard Jones, CEO of MoveMobility. Photo by David Lipnowski Photography provided by World Trade Centre Winnipeg.
•
• Prime location with indoor access to shopping, dining, medical services, arena, the Y and Millennium Library.
• security and emergency response services for added peace of mind.
• spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom options available.
• features include in-suite washer and dryer, balcony enclosures, and heated parking.
• suites can be customized according to your preference.
• Cat-friendly.
IF YOU ARE A SENIOR.
You should consider having the following in place Will
The preparation of a will may seem like a daunting task, however, it is essential to ensure that your property is disposed of according to your wishes upon your death. If you pass away without a valid will, the law states what is to happen to your estate.
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document which appoints an individual to handle your affairs in the event you become mentally incapable of making your own decisions. Nothing prevents you from continuing to make your own decisions while you are still competent.
A power of attorney is an extremely valuable document to have in place in case anything happens to you which affects your mental ability, such as a stroke, coma or dementia.
Health Care Directive (Living Will)
A health care directive, commonly called a living will, is a document which appoints an individual to make decisions with regard to your health care only, while you are alive but unable to express your decisions yourself. This document is distinct from a power of attorney and deals only with health care decisions such as whether life sustaining treatments, such as CPR or blood transfusion, should be continued or withdrawn.
Mary’s
MB R2H 1J3 DAVID G. VINCENT (204) 989-4236 www.taciumvincent.com
(formerly Kiwanis Chateau)!
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PUBLISHER
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EDITOR
Dorothy Dobbie dorothy@pegasuspublications.net
ART DIRECTOR
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karl@pegasuspublications.net
GENERAL MANAGER
Shauna Dobbie shauna@pegasuspublications.net
CONTRIBUTORS
Lori Blande, Randy Bolt, Romel Dhalla, Dorothy Dobbie, Shauna Dobbie, Zofia Dove, Stefano Grande, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Kevin Klein, Ian Leatt, Jennifer McFee, Fred Morris, Fred Pennell, Seneka Samarasinghe, Trudy Schroeder.
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ISSUES IN THE NEWS
In defense of our first female premier
Like Danielle Smith, former premier Heather Stefanson is held to a higher order because she doesn’t act like an “elbows up” man. It’s time some women stood up for her.
Iam shocked! Shocked that the Premier of Manitoba would direct such vitriol against his predecessor, then Premier Heather Stefanson, and that he would suggest that she broke the law when she turned over the office to him.
I am shocked at the vicious tone with which this apparent vendetta is being pursued by some of the MLAs, despite the fact that Mrs. Stefanson has denied any wrongdoing and will not be given a chance to defend herself in a court of law.
I write this from more than just hearsay. During her tenure as Manitoba’s first female premier, I had been interviewing her monthly for this publication, and so I spoke to her a few days before the handover of office. She told me then that she was preparing for the meeting with the premier-elect and that part of her duty was to inform him of ongoing files, one of which was the status of the Sio Silica initiative. She told me that the decision was his alone, but she needed to convey that it was one of a number of priority decisions that needed to be dealt with by the new government.
She explained to me how the handover process worked and made me understand that briefing the premier on current files and handing him a briefing letter were a natural part of her duty and obligation.
As we talked, I asked her what kind of premier she thought Wab Kinew would make. She responded that he would do fine, that he was smart and a quick learner. Her remarks were generous and fair, and we went on to other issues in the interview.
This is the context in which I have read the report of the Ethics Commissioner. From what I can see, the then premier took no overt action to promote the signing of the agreement with Sio Silica during the caretaker period. Nor did she try to hide anything from the Commissioner, freely giving him permission and access to cabinet documents.
What the government did prior to the election was to consult the Kinew Government’s transition team to make sure they were thoroughly briefed on the issue which they felt was important as 8,000 jobs were potentially at stake. In Manitoba, that would be a significant injection into our Manitoba economy.
Jeff Wharton, then minister of mines, has admitted that he indeed did continue to press for approval even though he knew he was on shaky ground, but this does not implicate the Premier and it baffles me that she and her deputy premier would be assessed fines greater than those of the perpetrator!
I must also take issue with the statement in item 79 of the report that says, “Although members of the NDP, then in Opposition, met with representatives of Sio Silica and RCT Solutions on two or three occasions before the election, according to Mark Rosner, then the Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition, the NDP never communicated to representatives of Sio Silica, RCT Solutions or publicly that the Project license would be approved in the event the NDP won the 2023 election.”
I was personally told otherwise by a Sio representative that
they had been assured that the new NDP government would approve the permit. Two days after I learned this, the tables turned to the surprise of my informant. The announcement was made that there would be no deal and that a different silica project had been chosen instead. This project was an open pit mine on Hollow Water First Nations Reserve to be developed by Canadian Premium Sand, a wholly owned U.S., subsidiary, to be followed by development of a solar glass production facility in Selkirk.
In late 2024, Canadian Premium Sand issued this announcement: “CPS is working on formalizing elements of the $72 million financial support from the province of Manitoba and has held discussions with Manitoba based indigenous groups related to their participation in the Selkirk Project of $100 million utilizing the federal Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program.” The report went on to say that the Selkirk facility would now also be complemented by a U.S.-based manufacturing facility.
Turns out this was one mighty expensive change of plans for Manitoba!
Regardless, I consider the treatment of the former premier highly prejudicial and unfair. If she had any fault, it was to be far too trusting of people who took advantage of her warm nature to do what they wanted over what was good for her or for the province.
Despite that, Heather Stefanson had a clear vision of where the province needed to go, and she accomplished a great deal in her short tenure. She understood the importance of a modern infrastructure to support trade and development in Manitoba and was working to that end. She understood that the permit process was deeply flawed and tried hard to see that it was repaired. She also cared deeply about people, was always ready to hear personally from Manitobans, and she had great empathy for the folks in the north.
Thank you, Heather. You deserve better than the beating you are taking in the Legislature and in the press!
Dorothy Dobbie
Heather Stefanson was warm and caring.
How to fix Canada’s seriously damaged health system
It doesn’t matter which province you are in, the health care system in this country is in a shambles and nowhere worse than in Manitoba.
Much of the problem is due to universality and a single payer system, where private care in either hospitals or by doctors is prohibited, either directly or indirectly.
In three out of 10 provinces, private practice by doctors is, if not outlawed outright, discouraged by laws that prevent charging more than the system allows. According to the National Institute of Health, “In Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ontario the financial incentive to do so is significantly dulled because opted-out physicians cannot bill more than they would receive if they were working within the public plan. In every other province, optedout physicians can set their fees at any level.”
What this does is limit opportunities, so ambitious doctors look elsewhere, leaving these three provinces with a shortage of physician care. In Canada, Manitoba has the second lowest number of physicians per 100,000 at 219. In Manitoba there are approximately 150,000 people without a family doctor. This puts extra strains on the emergency wards in local hospitals. Currently the University of Manitoba has expanded medical school training from 110 to 140 seats and increased residency spaces from 159 to 190. That will help a little, but the system says it needs 450 more physicians immediately just to fill the need for family doctors. There are also efforts to attract international grads, etc. but none of that matters if they don’t loosen up the rules on private practice, because it is not enough just to get the docs, you have to keep them and allowing them to charge for extra service for patients who are happy to do so to get immediate service is one way to alleviate the stress on the system.
tients dying before they can get seen, not to mention the toll it takes on patients and caregivers when the wait can be a dozen or more hours in a stiff chair and a crowded room. Government has created a new committee to come up with strategies to address this, and the committee members will put their hearts into their work, but it is easy to predict ultimate failure.
Fixing healthcare in Manitoba doesn’t mean breaking it
If you’ve been a patient in Manitoba –and who hasn’t? – you already know how hard it is to get timely care. The health system feels sluggish, overburdened, and out of touch. Wait times for diagnostic tests and surgeries stretch for months. Finding a family doctor is a feat of luck. And behind every hallway conversation about “access to care,” there’s another whispered complaint: too many managers, not enough medicine.
Dobbie vs Dobbie
The “why” is not mysterious. When health care became a government game, it started out fairly simply with lots of autonomy at the delivery level. Small access fees helped to control overuse abuse.
Optional care alternative, another. Doctors were not slaves to paperwork and had more time for patients – they even still made house calls at the beginning. Gradually, though, the system began to gain momentum, adding rules upon rules, each one limiting the autonomy to make decisions, unable to meet needs to “pivot” in today’s terms. Each set of new rules added more restrictions and more paperwork. When things began to break down, instead of going back to basics, abandoning doctrine and looking for real solutions, the fixers added band aids which simply weighed the system down even more.
Management layers increased. Simple things such as what fees to charge the system for what services became a nightmare of detail. The Manitoba Physicians Manual covers 535 pages of detail that docs have to wade through just to get paid. That is just the beginning. The whole system is weighted down with this kind of minutiae.
There’s no doubt Manitoba’s healthcare system is in crisis, but the root of the problem isn’t the absence of private competition, as I’ve been told by my esteemed mother. It’s that we’ve created a system so weighed down by bureaucracy that it’s difficult to get anything done, even when the will is there.
Manitoba’s healthcare system now includes Shared Health, regional health authorities, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the Surgical and Diagnostic Recovery Task Force and the provincial Ministry itself. Each has its own executives, offices, and communication protocols. With five layers of administration, a decision about something as simple as scheduling an MRI can feel like a game of broken telephone.
make long-term practice more rewarding.
Further, recognition and autonomy matter. Doctors are more likely to stay when they feel respected and empowered, when their input shapes local healthcare delivery, and when they’re not micromanaged by distant bureaucracies. Public recognition, involvement in decision-making, and simple respect for their time and expertise can go a long way. If we want physicians to build their careers here, Manitoba must offer more than a job; we must offer a place where doctors can grow, lead, and thrive.
Rather than chasing the illusion that market-driven competition will magically fix what’s broken, Manitoba should look to systems that succeed by design, not by profit motive. Countries like Norway and the Netherlands are frequently ranked among the world’s top-performing healthcare systems, and they achieve this not through two-tiered billing or private queues, but through smart workforce planning, public investment, and streamlined administration.
We know administrative costs are rising. Shared Health’s overhead nearly tripled in four years, yet hospital staffing remains stretched. This isn’t just an issue of money, it’s about flow. When frontline workers have to fight through red tape to deliver care, patients pay the price.
At the same time, Manitoba has the lowest number of family doctors per capita in Canada. More than 150,000 Manitobans don’t have a family doctor at all.
In Norway, where healthcare spending is about 10.6 percent of GDP, the system is fully tax funded. Everyone is assigned a general practitioner, and GP caseloads are capped to prevent burning out. Despite cold weather and remote regions not unlike Manitoba’s, Norway has over five physicians per 1,000 people – nearly double Canada’s average – and uses digital coordination and team-based models to reduce wait times and increase retention.
Opponents will argue that this will drain the system of its current practitioners but that has not been the case in other jurisdictions.
There are other issues as well. Currently wait times for MRI scans are 10 months or longer due to a shortage of both technologists and MRI scanners. Yet the system has rejected the installation of an MRI in the new Portage la Prairie hospital for some obscure reason. In February 2025, there were some 28,366 patients waiting for a scan.
Emergency rooms are the other serious issue. Too often, we hear of pa-
The answers are not simple either. But after a year long examination of other systems around the world, it appears that those that are most effective are those with a public/private options that provide universal health care but with the ability for doctors to practice privately and independently instead of being some sort of quasi bureaucrat. I know it is not popular but the best way to fix a broken system is to free it up, dismantle restrictions, ease the burden of reporting. Focus on outcomes rather than procedure. Reduce management levels. Streamline decision making. Make individuals responsible. But most of all, be open to change.
The province is trying to train more doctors, with medical school spots and residency positions increasing in the last couple of years. That’s really good news, but it won’t mean much if we can’t keep those doctors here after graduation.
Cold winters are a tough sell. We can’t change the climate, but we can change the conditions of practice. That means making the job sustainable. Doctors need to work in well-supported teams with nurses (which is another whole article), technologists, therapists and other allied professionals. They need the option of work-life balance and opportunities for growth, especially in rural and northern regions. Their families need housing, jobs, schools, and social supports, not just signing bonuses and a handshake.
Beyond team support, retention also depends on fair compensation and meaningful incentives. Manitoba could strengthen its physician workforce by offering income guarantees for early-career doctors, expanded rural and northern retention bonuses, and more generous student loan forgiveness programs tied to longer commitments. But financial perks aren’t enough on their own. Doctors also want professional development: opportunities to teach, pursue continuing education, attend conferences, or develop niche specialties in rural settings
The Netherlands, with a mixed publicprivate model, mandates universal insurance while tightly regulating costs and access. Insurers cannot deny coverage or cherry-pick healthy patients, and doctors work in well-supported environments with incentives to provide long-term, preventive care. Their system spends about 10.2 percent of GDP on healthcare, and general practitioners are the cornerstone of care. They are paid fairly and not overwhelmed.
Of course, this level of access and organisation comes with a cost. Both Norway and the Netherlands fund their systems with higher taxes than Canada –Norway’s total tax revenue equals about 36 percent of GDP, compared to Canada’s 34 percent. But the return on that public investment is clear: shorter wait times, better health outcomes, and stronger retention of healthcare professionals.
Manitoba doesn’t need to import these systems wholesale, but we can learn from their core lesson: universal healthcare only works if it is also efficiently run and adequately staffed. That takes coordination, not competition.
What Manitoba needs isn’t competition, it’s clarity. Clearer governance. Clearer communication. Clearer pathways for patients and providers alike.
We need to spend less time duplicating management roles and more time investing in the people who actually deliver care. Every dollar spent navigating bureaucracy is a dollar not spent diagnosing, treating, or healing.
The way forward isn’t ideological. It’s practical. Cut the red tape. Fund the workforce. Make staying in Manitoba a career doctors can commit to, not a stepping stone to somewhere warmer.
Dorothy Dobbie
Shauna Dobbie
More than a game – how the Winnipeg Jets unite us all
There’s a simple truth that’s often overlooked in our noisy, divided world: unity doesn’t need a speech. It doesn’t need a government directive or a social media campaign. Sometimes, it just needs a puck to drop.
That’s what the Winnipeg Jets give us. Not just games. Not just goals. But a reason, however brief, to stand shoulder to shoulder, no matter our differences.
We live in a time when division is the default. Political camps are entrenched. Online outrage cycles spin faster than the news itself. Identity, ideology, background—it’s all used to sort and separate. The gap between us has widened. But then something rare happens: playoff season. Suddenly, we’re wearing the same white jerseys, crowding the same streets, cheering the same team. Bank tellers and truck drivers, doctors and dishwashers, seniors and school kids—we are one. No hyphens, no labels, just Winnipeg.
The Jets don’t solve our problems. They don’t pave roads or fix the ER backlog. But they do something just as important—they remind us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. They give us a team to rally behind, a symbol that transcends economic status, ethnicity, or party politics. And that feeling of unity? It’s not just warm and fuzzy. It’s functional. It makes cities stronger.
Look at how local business benefits. Restaurants, bars, and retail stores thrive during hockey season. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ reported a 15% increase in foot traffic during playoff runs. That means more shifts for servers, more sales for shopkeepers, more reason to believe in this city’s potential. Unity isn’t just moral—it’s measurable.
But here’s where I get serious: we can’t just come together during hockey season and call it enough.
And it’s not a small thing. In fact, it’s exactly what this city – and this country – needs more of.
There is real value in a unifying symbol. Economists and sociologists have long pointed to the “social capital” created by shared civic identity. According to a 2022 study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, community trust and cohesion directly influence resilience, especially during economic stress or crisis. A shared team, a shared pride, builds that cohesion. We often hear that Canada is fractured—east versus west, rural versus urban, Indigenous versus nonIndigenous. We’re told reconciliation is impossible, collaboration is rare, and civic trust is fading. Maybe that’s true at the top. But on game night in Winnipeg, it’s not. On game night, strangers high-five in grocery stores. Neighbours offer up driveway parking to fellow fans. Conversations start not with “Who did you vote for?” but “Did you see that overtime goal?”
That’s the kind of culture we need year-round.
We owe it to ourselves—to this city—to keep that spirit alive beyond the final horn. We need to apply the same loyalty we show the Jets to each other. If we can rally for a team, we can rally for a neighbour. If we can wear white for a win, we can show up for someone who’s lost a job, lost a loved one, or just lost their way.
Because just like the Jets, we all have bad days. We all take hits. But a true team doesn’t turn on each other. They regroup. They get back on the ice. And they cheer each other on.
There’s no reason Winnipeg can’t be that kind of city. One where success isn’t resented, but celebrated. One where problems aren’t someone else’s fault— they’re ours to solve together. One where newcomers are welcomed, not questioned. Where entrepreneurs are encouraged. Where public safety matters. Where we pull in the same direction, like we do for a power play.
Let’s not wait for another playoff run to feel united.
Let’s treat our community like we treat our team. Let’s cheer on the business opening in a tough neighbourhood. Let’s support the teacher, the nurse, the frontline worker—people who, like our players, give everything they have for a cause bigger than themselves. We don’t need to agree on everything to stand as one. We just need to agree on this: Winnipeg is worth it.
We are a city of grit. Of passion. Of pride. We’ve rebuilt after floods. We’ve endured economic slumps. We’ve fought through winters that would buckle other cities. And we’ve come out stronger every time. Because at our best, we’re not just tough. We’re together. So let’s thank the Winnipeg Jets—not just for the goals, but for the reminder. That underneath the noise and division, we’re still a team.
And let’s not wait for another playoff to act like it. Let’s show up for each other. Let’s root for this city with the same energy we bring to the rink. Let’s wear the Winnipeg crest on our hearts, not just our jerseys. We can be divided, or we can be proud. We can be spectators, or we can be teammates. The choice is ours.
We are Winnipeg. And when we act like it – when we stand together – we are unstoppable.
Kevin Klein is the publisher of the Winnipeg Sun.
MoveMobility CEO shares entrepreneurial insights
to transport a push mower to jobs. As the business grew, he started to skip school to take on more work, resulting in letters home from the principal. By the time Jones finished school, the business was already up and running. His dad joined the endeavour, and over time, they landed landscaping jobs for commercial hotel properties, schools, playing fields, golf courses, cemeteries and more.
Eventually, the family sold their farm and Jones started to look for opportunities in other countries. Since his family is part of the Plymouth Brethren, he reached out to other members around the world — including in Manitoba.
ing calls inquiring about wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which weren’t part of their business at the time.
“I came into work one morning and I said, ‘We’re doing this. We’re going to make this happen’ — not knowing what we’re going in for,” Jones said.
In 2004, they bought Manitobabased business Accutool from one of their contacts, which helped to facilitate the emigration process for Jones and his family. They quickly learned how to operate a business in Canada.
Around 2007, they bought a business called Van Extras that focused on commercial vehicle outfitting. With an eye on expansion, the team logged and analyzed every incoming and outgoing phone call — a practice Jones recommends for every business owner.
Over a six-week period, they received 13 incom-
“For the first six to eight months, we were producing one vehicle a month. Now we’re pushing somewhere between 30 to 40 vehicles a month out the door,” he said. “It’s been a huge journey.”
A turning point for the business took place in 2017 when Jones heard a speaker at a conference talking about the importance of having an in-house innovation team separate from the main business. Jones sought help and hired an engineer. Today, 20 per cent of MoveMobility’s staff work in innovation and engineering.
During the pandemic, they once again responded to customer needs and started to develop mobile medical units equipped with cupboards, drawers and more.
“Now we’re doing six to seven fully outfitted vehicles with that same equipment per month.”
Today, the company is located in CentrePort Canada, which has bolstered their reach even further.
“(At CentrePort Canada,) they network at a dif-
ferent level, and their contact base and the way that they do business is huge,” Jones said. “It’s been an excellent support for us.”
“Over the last 10 years, the vision that I’ve had for the business has really come to fruition and we couldn’t have done it alone. World Trade Centre Winnipeg has been very helpful to us. There are many who have helped us from insurance to finance to research and development,” Jones said.
MoveMobility is expanding its operations with a new 63,000 sq. ft. facility under construction by Contempora Steel Builders. It is expected to create 55 new jobs, bolstering the local economy and the company’s global export capabilities.
“We’re proud to say that hopefully by the end of this year, if not Q3, we should have a fully compliant tested Type II ambulance,” Jones said.
“With the recent disruption in the supply chain, the manufacturing of a product like this in Canada — let alone in Manitoba — is going to be a real flagship for the province.”
And to keep up with MoveMobility’s growth, Jones anticipates their challenge for the next decade will be to find the right talent to continue the upward momentum.
“I think that one of our constraints is going to be recruiting or finding the right people and the right managers to get us to the next level. I think we can do it, but it’s just going to take a lot longer,” he said.
“Business always comes back to people.”
The home of the Winnipeg Jets, now known as the Canada Life Centre. Photo by Wpg Guy.
Kevin Klein
Jennifer McFee
Flogging our flag
Continued from page 1
and was officially raised on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965. Mr. Stanley was a special guest at a Flag Day celebration at the Forks a number of years ago. I was the emcee of the event and I took the opportunity to ask him to sign the flag I had brought with me. I was very grateful. There is still some debate as to the use of the terms Half-Mast or HalfStaff. I’m not going to get into it but I assure you both terms are perfectly acceptable. Here are some other things to consider when you raise your flag: Do’s
• The Canadian Flag should always fly alone on its own flagpole or mast.
• The Canadian Flag can be flown at night without being lit.
people should face the flag.
• Our flag is lowered to half-mast on occasions in a demonstration of sorrow.
Jim Ingebrigtsen
• When our flag is raised or lowered, or when it is carried past in a parade or review,
• Replace a faded or torn flag with a new one. When a flag becomes tattered and is no longer in a suitable condition for use, it should be destroyed in a dignified way.
• The National Flag of Canada should be treated with respect. Don’ts
• The dimensions/proportions of the Canadian Flag have an exact ratio of 2 to 1 (twice as long as it is wide), and must not be modified.
• The Canadian Flag should not be signed or marked in any way except Jim’s flag signed by George Stanley.
• Nothing should be pinned or sewn on the National Flag of Canada.
• The Canadian Flag should never be used as a tablecloth or seat cover.
• It should not be used as a masking for boxes, covering a speaker's podium, draping a platform, as a barrier on a stage or platform, or for any other decoration.
• Be used as wearing apparel, burned in effigy or stepped on.
Thirty-five years ago, I was on the top floor of tallest building in the city. I counted 25 flagpoles. Only 3 of them had flags. Not much has changed. It all about who owns the building. Most owners likely don’t even know, or care, if there’s a flagpole on the roof. It would be a small price to pay to display some national pride don’t you think?
In the U.S. you see Old Glory flying proudly on every building and just about everywhere else.
Not here. Canada Day is July 1. Come on … Elbows Up - Flags Up!
Take a trip down Jim’s free musical memory lane podcasts online at Lifestyles55radio.ca
Mandeville Street – my first home and home to many key players
On September 1, 1950, my parents
Lara and George Morris and sister Rose moved into a new $8,400 unfinished new house on Mandeville Street. I arrived a few months later on the day of a Winnipeg Blue Bomber Playoff victory at Osborne Stadium. For the next 23 years, Mandeville Street was our homestead.
The street between Bruce and Ness currently has the honourary Name of DEM Allen. Douglas Ernest Megget Allen grew up on Mandeville Street. Douglas was a broadcast engineering pioneer. Also, Douglas was a founding member of the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers, and he is a member of the Manitoba Alpine Skiing and Manitoba Sports Hall of Fames. He has been awarded the Order of Canada.
ther George and I picked up a toy truck that I won, a hardware store, a clothing store (owned by Margaret Selinger), a dry cleaner, and a florist shop.
After our family left Mandeville in the early 1970s, Gord Pennell and Dave Richardson were partners in MGM Sports Experts at 2065 Portage Avenue. Pennell was later inducted into the Manitoba Hockey of Fame as Builder. Richardson had a long association with hockey as a player and commentator.
In 1960, Frances Rowlin won a prize for the senior trumpet and solo class at the Manitoba Music Festival.
In 1970, Alexandra Ivanoff took part in a student exchange with Quebec students. The exchange was sponsored by the Council of Christians and Jews.
Assiniboine School. Roy, Pat Fowler and their family lived a few doors south of our house. Roy was a Hong Kong vet and had been a POW. Roy was employed by the Federal Government as a Meteorological Technician. Cornelius Friesen was the founder of the Bridge Drive Inn on Jubilee. George Dunmall, a St. James Police Detective led the investigators who solved the March 1966 Gold Robbery. Elinor Ivanoff was the St. James Collegiate Librarian who successfully lobbied for the construction of a school library. Irene Rowlin was a St. James School Trustee, church organist, and well-known music teacher. Irene died at the age of 105.
During our Mandeville Street years, we had easy access to many of life's needed amenities. The Deer Lodge Tennis Club with the world's biggest tennis racquet, the Assiniboine Golf Club, a playground with a small skating rink, were close to our house. At the other end of the street, there was Cowtun's Drugs, a barber shop, a bakery called Woodies Goodies, Reid's Tom Boy's Grocery Store where my fa-
In 1972, Philip, Phyliss, Darryl, and Stephen Pajot built a scale model of a Canadian Forces CF 104 G Super Starfighter. In 1973 Wilbert and Agnes Aikens won an award for the best beautified homesite.
Our immediate neighbours included the Tilleys, the Harms, the Leonhardts, the Spencers, the Wilsons, the Millars, the Pantings, and the Clubines. Alex (John A.) and Ruby McDonald lived next door. Ruby was an elementary school teacher at
Earl Fast played on the 1941 Winnipeg Rangers Memorial Cup Championship team. This Rangers team is in both the Manitoba Sport and Hockey Hall of Fames. Nils Ling wrote True Blue, the book on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 1984 Grey Cup Winning Season. Andy Fast is a well-known Winnipeg denturist. Vince Orchard was a multi-sport athlete. In 1962, Vince pitched a no hitter for the St. James Optimists in the Little Canadian Championship Tournament. Doug Titterton and Bruce Spencer played in the first St. James Civic Centre hockey game. Shirley Gingell organized Red River Ex Parades, and the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Cheerleaders. During the 1990s, Stan, Shelley Wilson and their family lived in our former house. Stan was the Equipment Manager of the 1.0 Winnipeg Jets. Stan continues to be one of the best in the business for the Utah Hockey Team. Son Denver Wilson won two Stanley Cups as the Assistant Equipment Manager with the Los Angeles Kings.
Several politicians including former City Councillor Jae Eadie, former Premier Greg
Selinger, William Hardy (1962 NDP provincial candidate), and the current Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala have lived part of their lives on Mandeville. Irwin Kumka grew up on Mandeville. Irwin is currently a Victoria Beach councillor. George Robinson spent 45 years at CPR. Alexander Watt worked at Great West Life for 47 years. William Patterson worked at Eaton's for half a century in floor coverings and as a buyer. Wilbert Aikens worked in Eaton's ladies shoe department for 43 years. Bill Harms worked at Eaton's for over 40 years. Bill was the Manager of the Men's Shoes Department on the Main Floor. Anne Patterson, Kevin Harms, Phyliss Pajot, and Cathie Morgan Matula also worked for Eaton's. Fred Sneesby was well known in the real estate business. I will conclude this story by remembering a miracle.
Seven men survive a five-storey plunge I remember a small forest on the northwest corner of Portage and Mandeville. In 1959, the forest made way for the Mandeville Apartments. On June 4, 1959, a hoist collapsed causing seven construction workers to fall 40 feet. It was a miracle that all of these workers survived. The injuries were:
1. Matiaa Zerdin head injuries
2. Athur Eiferer 2 broken ribs
3. Steven Lagozar 2 broken legs
4. Edward Vivier minor cuts and bruises
5. Heinz Karshewsky minor cuts and bruises
6. Gerhard Roever minor cuts and bruises
7. George Goldfuss Minor cuts and bruises
Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist.
Fred Morris From the desk of a gadfly
This is personal
James McCrae looks at his understanding of the shared history of the relationship between Europeans and First Nations from a non-Indigenous perspective
James McCrae
There are parts of our country’s history of which I am exceedingly proud. There are parts of our country’s history of which I feel ashamed.
Following his response to the destruction of statues at the Manitoba legislature on Canada Day 2021, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister (as he then was) was condemned for his references to the good parts of our history, and not enough comment about our country’s failures.
Two months later, Pallister was no longer Manitoba’s premier.
In response to some acts of destruction, former TRC chair Murray Sinclair posted this on his Facebook page:
“I am not at all impressed by acts of destruction such as this. The people who commit these acts and those who condone them, need to understand how much they set back any chance of moving the dialogue on changing the bad relationship we have, forward. Do you really think this is going to help? Of course you don’t. That’s not why you did it. You may have been instigated by those who want nothing to do with changing the relationship. You may have been instigated by people bent on making you look bad. You may have easily acted to do this because of the anger you feel and some sort of sense of getting even. I feel no pride in any of you who did this.”
Like Pallister, I am proud of my country, but I regret the history of the Indian Act, the treaties, the residential schools, and much more. I am equally troubled that the Act and the treaties remain in place because they treat First Nations citizens as second-class wards of the state – as children – and continue many of the wrongs of the past.
For me, all of this is personal. I am a fifth-generation Canadian, the descendent of “settlers” who contributed to the development of this country, often described as the finest country in the world. Three more generations have come after me.
Eight generations ago, Jane Armstrong and William McCrea (as our family’s name was then spelled) escaped the poverty and lack of opportunity that existed at the time in Europe to seek better lives in Lower Canada (Quebec today). Other ancestors left the United States, as United Empire Loyalists, after the American Revolution. They too “settled” in Lower Canada. (Famous Mohawk leader Joseph Brant {Thayendanegea} and his people left New York in 1784 and “settled” in what was to become Upper Canada because they wanted to remain loyal to the British crown.
Two generations after the arrival of the first McCreas, in 1905, my paternal grandparents moved from Quebec and established their homestead in the new Province of Alberta. Their neighbours were Indigenous people, good neighbours. They were described to me sixty years ago by my aunt as “the real Canadians.” My maternal grandparents and their family - including my mom - arrived as homesteaders in Alberta from Ohio in the mid-1920s. Successive crop failures in Ohio forced their emigration.
Another generation later, my father and 1.159 million other Canadians - including Indigenous Canadians - risked their lives to defend the free world against Nazi tyranny. Forty-five thousand of them, Indigenous and non-Indigenous – offered their lives and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. A freedom we should all be enjoying – together, equally.
Seven of eight generations of my family have belonged to no other land but Canada.
I supported former prime minister Stephen Harper when he offered, in 2008, a sincere apology to those who were hurt by their Indian residential school experiences. I supported the financial compensation that accompanied the apology. I supported the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission because I (naively) hoped it would help heal our country. Instead, we see today that all those efforts and expressions of regret have resulted in still more pain, blame and shame.
I am sad today to observe that since 2008, “reconciliation” has moved in a direction directly opposite to what was intended. The destruction of public property and churches over the past several years is only part of the evidence of that failure. Such acts of destruction simply continue the pain, shame and blame. Indeed, as Murray Sinclair noted, these acts “set back” any chance of healing relationships.
I am at a loss to understand why contemporary, ordinary Canadians have been unable to persuade Indigenous leaders of the sincerity of people who desperately want better lives for the people those leaders purport to represent.
But I realize that those First Nations Canadians who
remain angry remain so because, even now, in 2024, they are governed by a regime that sets them apart from other Canadians. For human beings in a democratic society, Canada’s apartheid system is fundamentally wrong, especially so after all these years. If equality and freedom for all are not the solution, please, someone, enlighten me.
The challenge is for Indigenous leadership as much as it is for government. This essential point is missing in the discussion. We rarely hear about the intransigence of Indigenous leadership when it comes to playing a positive role in making things right. It serves no one simply to protest and throw up the past without working constructively with governments to provide a better deal for ordinary Indigenous folks and to make all Canadians equal.
Until a more co-operative approach to change happens, I fear there will be more destruction, blame, shame and pain.
Or does the continued dysfunctional, unhealed relationship evidenced by protest and destruction simply serve the purposes of Indigenous leadership, who continue to profit from it?
My ancestors, and the ancestors of millions more Canadians, cannot defend themselves today; they are long dead, but we can hope they were ordinary and decent, as
we profess to be.
Nonetheless, their Indigenous neighbours were treated very badly by the system in those times. Sadly, they still are. Non-Indigenous Canadians today bear the burden of blame for all that was – and is – wrong, but we keep electing governments that prolong the injustice. All the while too, First Nations people keep electing leadership who refuse to demand and work toward Indigenous equality. That leadership prefers instead to maintain –and make worse – the perverse “special” First Nations status that continues to hurt so many.
Much of our made-in-Canada apartheid system remains. Read the Indian Act. Read the treaties. Their continued existence is the most damning evidence of the failure of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadian leadership.
As for me and my family, we are grateful for the opportunity to live in a land as great as Canada. Our wish is that we could share that greatness equally with our Indigenous fellow Canadians.
Our regret is that our leaders – Indigenous and nonIndigenous – still stubbornly insist on failing everyone.
James C. McCrae, Brandon, Manitoba was an MLA from Brandon for 1986 to 1999.
Editor’s note: I would very much welcome a response to Jim’s article from an Indigenous perspective. –Dorothy.
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Caring for our elders – a healthier future for Manitoba seniors
In every corner of our province, older Manitobans play a vital role in their families, neighbourhoods, and communities. Whether it’s volunteering at the local food bank, caring for grandchildren, or offering wisdom and guidance to younger generations, your contributions continue to shape the fabric of our society.
As Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all you have done— and continue to do. Our government is committed to honouring your legacy by ensuring that you have access to the care, support, and dignity you deserve as you age.
One of the most important programs available to older adults in our province is the Manitoba Pharmacare Program. This program helps eligible Manitobans 65 and older with the cost of eligible prescription drugs, reducing the financial burden of managing health conditions as we age.
toba Pharmacare Program now covers commonly prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications for menopause management. For many women, the transition into menopause can bring a range of symptoms—from hot flashes and sleep disturbances to mood changes and joint pain. These changes can affect daily life, work, and relationships. For too long, the medications that help manage these symptoms were out of reach for many, either due to high cost or lack of coverage.
By including HRT medications under Pharmacare, we are removing financial barriers and ensuring women can access the care they need during this important life transition. This investment is not just about medication—it’s about validating women’s health experiences and prioritizing gender equity in our healthcare system.
ing ratios, training, and working conditions—because quality care depends on the people providing it.
We are promoting aging in community, through grants to local organizations that combat isolation, support mobility, and build intergenerational connections. And we’re listening closely to the voices of seniors—especially those who have historically been underserved. This includes Indigenous Elders, 2SLGBTQ+ older adults, racialized seniors, and newcomers. Cultural safety is not optional; it’s central to our vision of equitable care.
We believe that Manitoba’s aging population should not be seen as a challenge—but as an opportunity to build a better system that reflects our shared values of compassion, fairness, and respect. We’re holding community consultations, expanding the role of the Seniors Advisory Council, and developing policies that are informed by your lived experiences. Your insights help shape everything from transportation planning to the design of seniors’ housing.
Pharmacare is not just a budgetary line item—it’s a commitment to keeping our loved ones well. We know that for many seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, high drug costs can be a major source of stress. That’s why we’ve strengthened our support for this essential program. We’ve made it easier to apply, increased awareness of eligibility, and continue to advocate for more inclusive coverage. Our goal is to ensure that no senior has to choose between groceries and the medication they need to stay healthy.
I’m also proud to share a new step forward in our ongoing commitment to equity in healthcare: the Mani-
Pharmacare is just one part of a broader vision for senior care in Manitoba. As your Minister, I believe seniors deserve high-quality, culturally safe, and community-rooted care at every stage—whether living independently, receiving home care, or residing in a long-term care home.
That’s why our government is making significant investments to expand and strengthen home care services, helping more seniors age in place safely and with dignity. We are upgrading and rebuilding long-term care facilities across the province to ensure modern, accessible, and respectful environments for residents and staff. We are also supporting frontline workers by investing in better staff-
Healthcare isn’t just about hospitals and prescriptions. It’s about relationships, trust, and belonging. We are building a system that treats aging not as a decline, but as a powerful stage of life—one that deserves support, attention, and celebration.
As we continue this work, I invite you to stay connected. Ask questions, share your experiences, and let us know how we can serve you better. Whether it’s accessing the Pharmacare program, learning about new health supports, or getting involved in your local community, there is a place for you in this conversation.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for Manitoba. We are here to walk alongside you, today and every day.
The Hon. Uzoma Asagwara is the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care and Deputy Premier
Food for the mind - you are what you eat!
Sometimes, eating can seem a little mechanical. You know you need food, like a car needs gas or electricity, to run, and so mealtime might seem like little more than a stop to refuel. But for humans, and especially Older Adults, what we eat can have a much greater impact on our day-to-day quality of life than simply keeping the tank full.
We’ve written before about the health benefits of eating foods rich in protein, and how they can maintain your muscle and mobility later in life. Certain foods can be great for building your body, but did you know eating can also impact your mood, memory, and mental wellness?
Our brains are filled with a variety of chemicals, hormones, and receptors that all react to the food we eat. In fact, Serotonin (sometimes called the “Feel Good Chemical”) is produced in our guts and is directly impacted by what we eat. That means making smart choices about our meals can really affect how we feel and give us an opportunity to improve our mental wellbeing. How Food Affects How You Feel
What we eat has a major impact on how we feel. There’s a simple example of this – are you familiar with the term “Hangry”? This portmanteau of hungry and angry describes the grumpiness many people experience when they are inadequately fed. It’s a direct connection between the discomfort of hunger and our mood. Eating food high in protein and fibre can help you stay full and avoid feeling “hangry” throughout the day.
There are also nutritional impacts on how you feel as well. Certain chemicals like Omega-3s have been shown to combat depression and improve mental wellness when eaten in substantial enough quantities. Omega3s and other brain-boosting amino acids can have long term positive impacts on your emotional wellbeing and
should be part of any diet.
In the shorter term, vitamins and minerals that provide energy and help regulate it are shown to help you maintain a good mood. One of these is B-12, which is most commonly found in meats and dairy products but is available for plant-based eaters in legumes. Even if you do eat a lot of animal products, taking a complex B vitamin supplement is a good way to take full advantage of its energizing benefits.
4 foods to consider for your mood
When you’re reaching for your next snack or meal, consider the contents and how they impact your emotional state. Here are a few mood-boosting foods that will help you not only feel full, but good too.
1. The trail mix usual suspect. Reach into a bag of trail mix, and you’re more than likely to pull out a handful of some of the best moods foods. Nuts, seeds, and berries are all exceptionally good at helping you feel good, and the combination maximizes the impact. Not only are nuts and seeds high in protein and fibre which will help you stay full and avoid “hanger”, they are also rich in the chemical tryptophan, which is an amino acid responsible for producing serotonin, which is one of the hormones associated with a positive emotional state. As for berries, there are some studies that suggest diets high in them may stave off depression. As for the short term, along with the proteins and fibre of nuts and seeds, a delicious bite of a sugary berry is a well-earned treat!
2. Feeling fine with fatty fish. As we noted above, Omega-3s are an essential nutrient for maintaining long-term mental wellbeing. And nowhere are they found in higher quantities than in fat-rich fish such as salmon and albacore tuna. Because your body cannot produce Omega-3s on its own, your diet needs to be adjusted to ensure you’re receiving an adequate amount. Even if you’re not a fish fan, other foods (like eggs) are sometimes fortified with them, so make sure to keep your eyes out for Omega-3s on labels and descriptions. Try our Maple-Flavoured Glazed Salmon - Fillet of
salmon dressed in a delicious maple-flavoured glaze, served with a side of vegetable rice pilaf, brussels sprouts and carrots.
3. Consider fermented foods. It can sometimes be surprising to think of just how much of our food is in some way fermented. From wine and beer to sauerkraut and kimchi, and even most breads, many of our foods rely on microorganisms to achieve its final flavour and form. However, not all fermented foods pack the same probiotic punch. Cooked and processed foods like bread and booze lack the live active cultures like kosher dill pickles and probiotic yogurt. It’s these foods with the live microorganisms that have been shown to stimulate serotonin production in the gut, helping to boost your mood.
4. Treat yourself with dark chocolate. Like all treats, chocolate is best consumed in moderation – even in its dark form. That said, dark chocolate has many advantages over its milkier kin, including being lower in sugar, and containing more flavonoids which have been linked to increased brain health. Mostly, though, the taste and texture of dark chocolate are enormously pleasurable and can be a healthier alternative to a moodboosting treat.
There are plenty of foods available that can help improve your mood. Having access to them and seeing what their nutritional makeup is will help you make informed choices about what to eat to help your emotional wellness. That’s why our meals are labeled and categorized to help you easily make food choices that are right for you, then conveniently delivered right to your door – just one more reason for food to put you in a good mood.
Fred Pennell is the franchise owner of Heart to Home Meals Winnipeg. He and his team provide home-delivered, chef-crafted frozen meals specifically for seniors. Fred is also the President of Pembina Active Living, a community that enhances the quality of life for older adults in South Winnipeg.
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara Minister's Message
Fred Pennell
How our Canadian immigration system is so different from the American system
Randy Bolt
Canada has a reputation for being more benevolent, reflected in our lower incarceration rates, universal healthcare, and lower child poverty rates. So why does Canada exhibit less tolerance for illegal migrants, while the USA grapples with stories of millions labeled as “illegal aliens”, term falling out of favour? This narrative aims to clarify the differences between our immigration policies and the distinct approaches toward illegal migrants in Canada versus the USA.
In Canada, an “immigrant” is defined as someone approved by the Government of Canada to remain permanently. The critical factor is government approval, not merely the presence of an individual living in Canada.
In contrast, the USA defines an “immigrant” as anyone living permanently in the country, regardless of government permission. This key distinction centres on the permanence of residence rather than government authorization.
No other aspect underscores the core difference between our two countries’ immigration approaches than these definitions. In Canada, there is no expectation that an individual can come and remain indefinitely while working illegally. Conversely, the USA is estimated to have as many as 15 million individuals without immigration status living and working permanently. In Canada, the number of undocumented individuals is unclear, with estimates from the Immigration Department ranging from 50,000 to 500,000—figures so vague they obscure the significance of the issue.
One remarkable difference stemming from these definitions is the use of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) in the USA versus Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) in Canada. In Canada, if an employer attempts to use a false SIN, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will reject it and alert the employer that a valid number is necessary for tax deductions (such as income tax, Employment Insurance, and Canada Pension Plan contributions). This could result in audits, disallowance of expenses for wages paid, or even criminal charges against the employer. In the USA, however, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accepts payments associated with false or duplicate SSNs, leading to an estimated collection of about $100 billion annually from undocumented workers in federal and state taxes and Social Security contributions. Yet, these workers do not qualify for federal or state programs, including disability, Medicare, or retirement benefits.
Consequently, payments to undocumented workers in Canada must typically be made in cash or through non-Canadian banks or payment systems, which often are not tax-deductible for the employer. With cash transactions becoming increasingly rare, companies find it more challenging to make these payments.
In the USA, the Supreme Court’s 1982 ruling in Plyler v. Doe guarantees all children in primary and secondary schools access to free education, regardless of their immigration status. Schools are also prohibited from reporting these students or their parents to federal immigration authorities.
In Canada, while all children under the age of 18, are entitled to an education regardless of their immigration status, undocumented or visitor children must pay international student fees. Only Ontario has implemented policies allowing children of undocumented workers to study for free, yet many Ontario school boards struggle to accommodate these children. Other provinces have not followed suit, making it difficult for children of undocumented workers to afford the approximately $14,000 per year in international student fees.
In the USA, 13 states and over 220 cities have declared themselves Sanctuary jurisdictions. This allows undocumented workers to obtain driver’s licenses and other forms of identification, ensure their children can attend school, and limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies (ICE) regarding detention or deportation, even in cases of serious crimes. They are also eligible for state and municipal benefits, such as housing and meal programs, with over 10 million undocumented individuals receiving assistance. Interestingly, undocumented individuals who arrived in the USA before their 16th birthday are permitted to enlist in the military.
Conversely, in Canada, no province has declared it-
self a sanctuary, and only seven cities (Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, Vancouver, London, Ajax, and Edmonton) have done so. Canadian cities have limited civic responsibilities and can generally provide only municipal services to undocumented individuals. No province offers driver’s licenses to undocumented migrants (except for those who arrived legally on student visas or work permits, typically not renewable without proper immigration documentation). Importantly, there are no barriers to collaboration among municipal, provincial, or federal law enforcement officials. An undocumented individual with a criminal record in Canada would generally not be released without the involvement of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Canada was founded on the rule of law, while the USA emphasizes individual rights. This difference manifests in various ways, including gun rights, litigation prevalence, and the presence of millions of undocumented immigrants. If a Canadian political party wished to emulate the American system, change the legal definition of “Immigrant”, allow employers to use false SIN cards, offer drivers licenses to undocumented workers, and allow them to serve in our military – this party would be seen as lunatic
left wing fringe, with zero chance of being elected. Conversely, if a political party in the USA advocated to legally change its definition of “immigrant”, only including those with proper documentation, disallowed the use of fake or duplicate SSN numbers for all 15 million undocumented workers (making it impossible for employers to claim tax deductibility for them), their children having to pay international student fees, not qualifying for any housing benefits, not allowing them to have drivers licenses - this party would be considered to be a fascist hard right party with no chance of being elected.
One final thought. In keeping with a more benevolent society, Canada has what is called Humanitarian and Compassionate applications, which allows people who are well established with children, to remain in Canada, regardless of their current status. We approve about 5,000 cases annually, usually for the best interest of their children. The USA does not have an equivalent stream, and as such continues the deportation of well-established families with American children, or they are simply “tolerated” and allowed to remain in the USA without status (which to Canadians, seems a very odd approach to immigration).
Randy Bolt is president of Visamax Immigration Company of Winnipeg.
Who needs fancy when there is nothing wrong with the Classic Burger
The beauty of the classic burger lies in its perfect simplicity, a culinary icon that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. As you approach the grill, the enticing aroma of beef sizzling over an open flame fills the air, awakening your senses with promises of indulgence. The patty, expertly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection, exudes a warmth that invites you to take that first, delectable bite.
The bun, toasted to golden perfection, cradles the savory patty like a soft embrace. It’s just the right balance of pillowy softness and slight crunch, adding to the overall experience.
Layered with fresh, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy red onion, the ingredients come together in symphonic vibrant harmony, each element enhancing the flavor of the succulent beef and pork mixture.
As you bite into the burger, the explosion of flavors is nothing short of divine. The richness of the meat melds seamlessly with the melted blue cheese, which cascades over the patty like a silken veil. The contrasting textures of the crunchy veggies and the soft bun create a symphony that dances on your palate, each element perfectly complementing the others.
Imagine enjoying this classic creation outdoors, the sun setting and casting a warm glow over the gathering. Friends and family gather around, laughter mingling with the tantalizing scent of grilled perfection. Each bite shared becomes a moment to savor, a reminder of life’s simple pleasures.
The classic burger transcends mere sustenance; it’s an experience steeped in warmth and familiarity. It embodies the sultry allure of summer nights, carefree gatherings, and the joy of good company. In its uncomplicated beauty, it reminds us that sometimes the simplest meals can bring the most profound satisfaction, evoking memories that linger long after the last bite.
Here is what you will need:
300 grams ground beef
300 grams ground pork
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 medium egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
2 tablespoons softened butter
4 thin slices blue cheese
The all important how to:
4 Calabrese buns
1 beef tomato, thinly sliced
Iceberg lettuce slices
1 medium red onion sliced thinly
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
The all important how to:
In a large bowl add the ground beef and pork, breadcrumbs egg and chopped parsley along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly together then shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about 1 ½" wider than the bun. Season both sides of each patty liberally with salt and pepper. Press a wide, shallow indent into the center of each burger. (as the meat cooks, the proteins contract so that the whole patty shrinks and puffs up in the middle)
Heat grill to high. Grill patties until crust develops and they're no longer pink (7 minutes). Flip immedi-
ately brushing with melted butter on top of each patty. Cook for a further 3 more minutes then add your cheese of choice. Continue cooking to desired doneness, 3 minutes more for medium.
Slice open the buns and lightly butter them, place on the grill and toast until golden brown. Remove then on once side add a little mayonnaise the other some Dijon mustard, Add the tomato, red onion lettuce and finally the patty. Have home made fries and salad to complete the experience, sit back laugh lots with friends and family, making more memories to treasure.
— Well done: 165°
— Medium well: 150–155°
— Medium: 145–150°
— Medium rare: 140–145°
— Rare: 135°
Ian Leatt is a trained chef from across the pond.
Selling your car? Birchwood’s “At Home Service” does it all
Gordon Gage
You may have a situation like I found myself in with something that you want to get done, but just haven’t been able to get past the ‘how-to’ question. I owned a Chevy Suburban, which was in great shape, but it just sat outside when it could be put to better use. That SUV had served its purpose when there were two kids, two yellow Labrador dogs, clothes, groceries, and all manner of other things that had to get to the cabin for our weekend visits.
At the time, she was the only vehicle that met our needs; it is hard to part with some things, as I am sure you know, but times change. When Larry Millar from The Birchwood Automotive Group and I chatted, he told me about a new program they have just started that I felt compelled to share with you. I knew I wasn’t
the only one who would benefit from this great service.
I didn’t realize that Birchwood Automotive Group is Manitoba’s largest automotive retailer, with 24 dealerships offering sales, service, and parts for almost every vehicle brand. As Larry mentioned to me, “Experience is everything at Birchwood,” but here is the experience that I want to share with you.
If you want to sell a vehicle, Birchwood will come to you for an in-person visit anywhere in the immediate Winnipeg area. If everyone agrees, they will inspect the car, take some pictures, and return with a cheque within 48 hours to pick up the vehicle. This solved a big problem for me, as my truck was uninsured. Here are a few other key points that make their service ideal:
• They will purchase any make or model of vehicle.
• This includes if the vehicle has some damage, regardless of mileage.
• The vehicle does not need to be safety-checked or
insured.
• They will hold an initial phone call to gather some minor details and arrange a time to visit in person.
• They will arrive on time as promised.
• They will communicate by phone, text, or email; it's your choice.
I was very happy with what they had to offer. With over 60 years of service and being a Manitoba-owned family business, I was very comfortable dealing with Birchwood and participating in this new initiative. As Larry put it, “We focus on being helpful, convenient, and friendly.” Now I know where our “Friendly Manitoba” license plate slogan came from!
If you have a soft spot for your cherished ride's future, call the folks at Birchwood Automotive Group and experience their friendly version of a house call. They can be reached at 431-441-2808, by email at webuy@birchwood.ca or visit www.birchwoodwebuy.ca
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Continued from page 1
in a most powerful way. It woke me up from living in denial. It gave a start to my life’s transformation. Her name was Beatrice, and her death gave birth to a new me, to my new life,” I added.
The woman I was talking to listened attentively, then looked at me in an odd way and said, “Interesting! It happens that my name is also Beatrice!”
Now we were standing there by the coolers and looking at each other in surprise.
“Interesting,” I repeated. “that Beatrice, my friend, had the same name as you.” I paused there.
“No kidding!” the woman replied, looking puzzled. In that moment I felt this overwhelming need to tell her that her friend is now free from all physical and psychological pain, from any suffering. “She is totally free,” I reassured her.
“I’m certain,” I added, “that like my friend Beatrice, your friend was grateful for you staying by her side”. She nodded in agreement. The similarities of our experiences were undeniable and this surprised us both.
At the end of our short exchange, the woman asked me for my name.
Reconciliation in action
June is National Indigenous History Month
Every year 140,000 kids need care and treatment at HSC Children’s Hospital. At any given time, 60 per cent of them are Indigenous. Many of them come from remote and northern communities, travelling hundreds of kilometres away from their homes, their families and their cultural supports. They can stay in the hospital for weeks or even months.
That’s why we’re supporting the development of the Indigenous Community Healing Space. It is needed for Indigenous patients and their families and is a priority as one of our ReconciliACTION initiatives.
“My name is Zofia. It is like Sophia in English” I explained.
At this point, the young woman I was talking with, looked at me with very wide eyes, her chin almost on the floor. “I can’t believe this!” she said. “My girlfriend’s name, the one who just passed away, was Sophia.”
Now we were both staring at each other in disbelief! As our eyes filled with tears, we simultaneously reached out and hugged each other as good friends do.
“Looks like Sophia wanted me to give you a message. She is all right,” I said.
Beatrice thanked me and we parted
committed to Reconciliation and are also dedicated to improving health outcomes of all kids who need care at HSC Children’s.
In Manitoba, Indigenous children are three to five times more likely to be affected by disease or other health conditions when compared to non-Indigenous children. It’s a grim statistic that points to systemic challenges Indigenous populations face. This is why everyone at the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the health care heroes at HSC Children’s Hospital and the researchers at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba are
National Indigenous History month is a time to honour the unique experiences, cultures, achievements and stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples – like Janessa.
In 2024 Children’s Hospital Foundation announced Janessa as the first Champion Child from a Northern remote First Nations community. You will remember that Janessa’s home is in Pukatawagan and her healing journey highlights the challenges children in Manitoba’s remote and isolated communities face to get specialized pediatric care.
The 2,000-sq.-ft Indigenous Community Healing Space will include an area for traditional ceremonies, a library with Indigenous children’s books and a place for visiting Elders, healers and Knowledge Keepers to share stories and help comfort kids and their families.
The Indigenous Community Healing Space is being planned through community consultation and with
Unintended consequences
shortly after, never to see each other again! Next time if you keep running into the same stranger again and again, would you stop and talk to them? Would you do it? Perhaps you have messages for each other which are meant to be exchanged! Hmmm. You’ll never know, unless you try!
Life is more than our logical minds would like us to believe!
Life is more than random coincidences! Zofia Dove is an international, professional keynote speaker, author, and producer, host and director of the series “Beauty, it is everywhere”.
guidance from First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders. We believe that it is vitally important that Elders, Knowledge Keepers, other Indigenous community members as well as Indigenous leaders in our medical community build a framework for the development of this much-need resource. When complete, it will provide families with a culturally safe space for healing. Its design will offer a place where children and families can connect with each other and nurture their whole selves – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
In that same spirit, that’s why we wanted Indigenous community members to truly see themselves at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, especially considering how many Indigenous children rely on HSC Children’s Hospital. Last year Picnic started with Indigenous drummers and special messages from Indigenous leaders. Throughout the day, First Nations dancers, Inuit throat singers and Métis fiddlers took centre stage to entertain and educate children and families. On top of this, Indigenous Elders offered teachings all day long inside a teepee, further bridging connections. We’re working to have all of this in place for Picnic this year too. Please help us continue supporting areas of need like the Indigenous Healing Space. You can learn more about our Reconciliation efforts at goodbear.ca.
Bike-friendly cities can present challenges for the mobility challenged
Bicycles are everywhere in Amsterdam. In the morning and at the end of the workday, the huge flow of people travelling confidently among hundreds of other cyclists is a marvel to behold. Walking takes on whole new levels of danger, as the cyclists seem to be appearing from every side at the same time. I am sure that there is a logic and order to the process that I have not yet detected. I try my best to clump up with other walkers and trust that I am standing in the right location for people travelling on two feet.
The centre of Amsterdam with its canals, charming buildings, shops, and flower booths, is simply lovely to look at from the safety of a street side café, but getting around the city despite its excellent tram, bus, and train system is quite daunting. In creating the wonder-
ful appeal of a downtown hub that has many areas that are free of car traffic, the Amsterdam city councillors have also created a city that is certainly more challenging for the very young, and those who are older or have mobility issues. There are large chunks of the city in which cars are prohibited. Even taxis are not able to drive in these areas. There is a network of very efficient trams, subway trains, and busses, but they are conceived with the fleet footed and very good walkers in mind. If you are in a wheelchair or a stroller the sets of stairs, the malfunctioning elevators, the mismatched levels of the waiting platforms and the open doors of the trams pose multiple hazards to those who need a bit of assistance in getting around the city.
While the city of Amsterdam is a marvel of planning for the young and fit hordes who dash happily about the town, there has not been an equivalent level of careful planning made for those who are older or infirm. Perhaps that is the case in most cities. I know that I did not understand the value of the curb cut outs for sidewalk accessibility until I was trying to navigate the city with a stroller. I did not understand the importance of strategically placed benches and resting spots until I realized how vital they can be to seniors who want to travel independently but need rest points along the way so that the excursion is not too exhausting or dangerous. The piles of parked bikes on every bridge make crossing the scenic canals a bit of an obstacle course.
One morning I went downtown for a meeting fairly early on a weekend morning. It was lovely and quiet with a scenic peacefulness that was inspirational. Several hours later, I could hardly find my way back to the tram stop for all the crowds of people and bicycles parked
haphazardly on every side. Upon returning to Winnipeg from that lovely city, I look with wonder and a certain degree of horror at the strange network of bicycle routes we have cobbled together in Winnipeg. We see a certain number of brave cyclists in Winnipeg daring to trust the safety of our bike paths and routes through the city. I expect that many of the cyclists find safe ways to reach their destinations, but I cannot imagine our streets welcoming the vast throngs of bicycles that wend their way through Amsterdam on a daily basis. I would also say that considering the needs of all parts of the population in planning these people transporting routes through our cities is a complex task that involves not only the drivers, the walkers, the cyclists, the delivery people, the mothers with strollers and the elderly with canes and wheelchairs. We want our cities to be welcoming for everyone.
Trudy Schroeder provides project planning and management services to the community through Arts and Heritage Solutions.
Stefano Grande Healthy Living
Manitobans could be winning under Premier Wab Kinew’s strategies
Manitoba, at the heart of Canada, is poised for a transformative economic future, leveraging its abundant natural resources, robust agriculture sector, and diverse manufacturing industries. With a recent surge in investment, job creation, and innovation, the province is showing strong momentum. Under the leadership of Premier Wab Kinew, along with strategic policy initiatives from Ministers Jamie Moses, Adrien Sala, and Mike Moroz, Manitoba is experiencing meaningful growth and is well-positioned for continued prosperity – all in the face of greater global economic uncertainty.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Manitoba’s economy. Industry leaders like Richardson International have put Manitoba on the global agricultural map. Recognizing the vast potential of this sector, Minister Moses introduced the Export Support Programming initiative, which has enabled Manitoba businesses to penetrate international markets. In the fiscal year 2023–24, the program allocated a total of $486,000 to assist 45 businesses in participating in 74 trade events, both domestically and internationally. These events provided platforms for Manitoba companies to showcase their products, forge new business relationships, and expand their market reach.
its economy, contributing approximately 10% to the province's GDP and employing around 63,800 individuals as of 2021. This sector's strength is notably evident in aerospace and transportation, with Winnipeg serving as a central hub. The aerospace industry alone comprises 32 companies in Winnipeg, employing approximately 4,840 people across Manitoba. In 2023, this sector contributed $830 million to the provincial GDP.
Under Minister Sala's leadership, the Manitoba government has implemented targeted financial incentives to bolster the manufacturing sector. A key initiative is the Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, which offers an 8% tax credit (7% refundable and 1% non-refundable) to businesses acquiring qualified plant, machinery, and equipment for manufacturing or processing in Manitoba. This incentive encourages capital investment, fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness within the sector. Additionally, the government has invested up to $1.5 million in grant funding to the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) to develop a made-in-Manitoba program. This initiative aims to support local manufacturers in adopting advanced technologies and improving productivity.
Workforce development remains a critical focus for the Kinew government, with the restoration of the 1:1 apprenticeship ratio, which ensures the effective training of skilled tradespeople. Moreover, recognizing the demands of an increasingly technological world, the province launched a specialized artificial intelligence training initiative, preparing Manitobans for emerging job markets and helping businesses remain competitive globally.
A significant economic opportunity for Manitoba lies in dismantling internal trade barriers within Canada. Premier Kinew’s government is committed to enhancing market accessibility, allowing Manitoba companies to thrive and compete on a larger scale. Additionally, plans to establish a trade office in Washington, D.C., further underline the administration’s proactive approach to expanding international economic ties.
However, that same Washington office may also become critical in confronting escalating trade frictions with the United States. As Manitoba companies become increasingly export-reliant, any disruptions to crossborder supply chains—whether from new tariffs, Buy American policies, or retaliatory measures—could have cascading effects on jobs and investment. Diplomatic engagement and economic diversification will be vital in safeguarding Manitoba’s gains.
Building on this momentum, the 2024–25 fiscal year saw an additional investment of $86,000, supporting 19 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to diversify and expand their export activities. These funds enabled companies across various sectors— including agriculture, manufacturing, education, and bio-environmental industries—to participate in trade shows and missions outside of Manitoba.
The impact of this support is evident in the province's agri-food export performance. In 2024, Manitoba's agri-food exports reached $9.39 billion, accounting for 45.1% of the province's total international exports. This represents a slight increase from the previous year, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness of Manitoba's agri-food sector in the global market. Notably, the United States remained the top destination for Manitoba's agri-food exports, accounting for 46% of the total in 2024. Key exports included canola, pork, potatoes, and oats.
However, this heavy reliance on the U.S. market also introduces a critical vulnerability. Ongoing U.S. trade policies and unpredictable tariff threats—particularly targeting agricultural goods—pose a serious risk to Manitoba’s continued export success. As recently as 2023, the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian canola and pork resurfaced in political discussions, potentially undermining years of market development. A 10% tariff on key agri-food exports, for example, could translate into hundreds of millions in lost trade revenue and severely impact rural jobs and producers across Manitoba.
These strategic investments and support mechanisms have undoubtedly expanded Manitoba's global economic footprint. Yet, they are now at risk of being eroded by rising protectionism south of the border—a reminder of the importance of diversifying export markets beyond the United States, including the European Union, Japan, and emerging economies such as India. Manufacturing get its due Manitoba’s economic strength is further enhanced by its manufacturing industries, especially in aerospace and transportation. Renowned firms like New Flyer Industries, Magellan Aerospace, and StandardAero exemplify this excellence. Minister Adrien Sala has actively supported these industries through targeted financial incentives, fostering innovation and ensuring global competitiveness.
Manitoba's manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of
These strategic investments and support mechanisms have not only strengthened Manitoba's manufacturing capabilities but also reinforced the province's reputation as a leader in aerospace and transportation manufacturing. The province’s strategic collaboration with the federal government and the NFI Group, establishing an "All-Canadian Build" facility in Winnipeg, marks an exciting step into the green industrial economy. This pioneering facility will produce electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses, generating good jobs and showcasing Manitoba’s forward-thinking industrial leadership.
Yet, similar to agriculture, manufacturing in Manitoba is not immune to the ripple effects of international trade tensions. The U.S. Buy American Act, which prioritizes American-made goods in federally funded projects, has already limited access for Canadian manufacturers, including bus and equipment exporters. For New Flyer and similar firms, future growth could hinge on navigating or offsetting these trade restrictions. Without sustained federal advocacy or bilateral agreements, Manitoba's manufacturing export strength may face mounting barriers.
In a strategic move to bolster its position in the rapidly evolving global economy, the Manitoba government has established the Innovation and Productivity Task Force. Co-chaired by Jim Balsillie – renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former co-CEO of BlackBerry – and Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz, this task force is charged with developing a comprehensive strategy on artificial intelligence (AI), data security, and future innovation by the end of 2025. Balsillie or BlackBerry fame, heads tech task force
Balsillie brings a wealth of experience to the role, currently chairing the Council of Canadian Innovators and having founded the Centre for International Governance Innovation. His leadership is expected to provide Manitoba with a competitive edge in navigating the complexities of the modern digital economy. The task force comprises a diverse group of experts, including industry leaders. Their collective expertise will guide the development of policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing Manitoba's innovation ecosystem, ensuring the province remains at the forefront of technological advancement and economic growth.
This appointment is nothing short of a major coup. I’m genuinely excited to see what this Task Force will produce. If done right, it could redefine Manitoba’s innovation trajectory.
Infrastructure and fiscal responsibility promised Investments in infrastructure and community development are also critical aspects of Manitoba’s economic strategy. Initiatives such as the revitalization of Portage Place in partnership with True North Real Estate Development promise substantial economic revitalization for downtown Winnipeg. Furthermore, the government's substantial $8 million investment through the Building Sustainable Communities Program reflects a tangible commitment to strengthening community infrastructure and quality of life.
Fiscal responsibility is another hallmark of the Kinew administration, evidenced by Manitoba’s prudent 2024 budget that prioritizes employment, skills training, and healthcare. With a projected $662-million improvement in deficit forecasts, the government demonstrates a clear commitment to sound financial management and sustainable economic policies.
Recognizing the immense potential of Manitoba’s Indigenous communities, the provincial government has made significant investments in Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic participation. These tailored initiatives promise to unlock new opportunities and drive inclusive economic growth across Manitoba.
Under Premier Wab Kinew’s focused and strategic leadership, Manitoba is coming out as an innovative policy leader within Canada's economy. I believe the policies and initiatives implemented by this government will set the foundation for a prosperous, innovative, and sustainable economic future. However, this momentum must also now be defended – actively and persistently –in the face of growing international trade risks. Manitoba is winning under Wab, but the game is changing. Our collective future will be largely dependent on the provincial and federal governments’ ability to quickly dissipate the threat of ongoing tariffs. If the quality of leadership in Manitoba continues on its current path, there’s every reason to believe the Province will improve and prosper well into the future.
Romel Dhalla is Managing Director of Blumont Business Acquisition Partners. He was a portfolio manager and investment advisor with two major Canadian banks for 17 years. Romel provides strategic corporate finance advice to companies and high net worth individuals. Contact him at romel@dacorp.ca. Any views or opinions represented in this article are personal and belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that he may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
Romel Dhalla On The Money
Who needs tenant insurance? I live in a life lease rental
Do you need tenant insurance? Maybe? Maybe Not?
At the best of times, insurance is complicated, misunderstood and poorly explained. “Just sign here and you will be covered”. Sound familiar?
For tenants in life lease buildings getting proper insurance coverage is even crazier.
Tenant insurance coverage in life lease buildings is fraught with pitfalls and is highly misunderstood by all parties. As a result, tenants are sold insurance coverage ranging from basic tenant insurance to full blown condominium coverage or something else again.
Few insurance agents understand the distinctions between life leases and condos or basic rental apartments. They do not always realize that life lease coverage is different; that in addition to the basic tenant insurance policy, residents may also need extra insurance to cover other ‘things’ pertaining to their particular building policies and especially what is outlined in the lease agreement.
wonder what all that legalese really means.
I learned, as a tenant in a life lease building, even though I don't own the suite or anything in the suite (besides my furniture, clothes and 'stuff'), and I have little say in building management, I have to have 'special riders' on my insurance to cover more than what is on a typical tenant policy. All because I paid an entrance fee that gives me "the right to occupy the residential unit for as long as I live" I 'need special' insurance and some paragraphs in my lease agreement say so.
Building owners and management companies are not always conversant in the vagaries of life leases compared to other types of residential complexes under their umbrella.
Furthermore, many tenants don't really understand the nuances of life lease living. I thought I had it down pretty well. I discovered that when it comes to insurance you almost need a legal degree to read the lease and even then it's dicey because the lawyers don’t always ‘get’ life leases either.
When tenants move into a life lease complex they are handed a huge stack of papers, including a lease agreement and Government Schedules pertaining to their lease and to the Life Lease Act, and are asked to 'sign here'. If you are like most people in this situation, you 'sign here' as requested. You do not take an hour or so to actually read the documents, line by line. That is, until you get settled into your new home and then you
Being in office is all consuming. You focus intensely because you have to. Your job comes first, even over family. Your schedule is in the hands of others. There are always demands on your time and your attention. Then it all comes to an abrupt halt. It is impossible to change momentum on a dime, so many head over the cliff and fall very hard to the bottom.
At the federal level, a shockingly large number of Canadian members leave the House each election. The average turnover is 30 per cent, but some years it is as high as 50 and even 60 per cent, a very large percentage amongst democracies. A number of studies have examined this phenomenon, without any satisfying conclusion.
A few of the departing cohort will make a smooth transition back to their old careers or to another career. Even so, with such an abrupt cessation of income, the first six months to a year can be tough financially for principal or only breadwinners. Savings, if any, can be absorbed quickly in such circumstances. Obviously, it is harder for the involuntary departing members than for those who decided not to run again.
Many, who had a “job” find it very difficult to become re-employed and even those who worked in occupations that guarantee re-employment (as professionals or in the public service, for example), find the transition very hard. Often, they leave after a short period of reinstatement because they no longer “fit in”.
The why, leads up to the hardest part of all: “rehabilitation”.
If you don't know what you don't know then how will you be able to ask the right questions? If you don't know what questions to ask, how are you going to know if you have the proper insurance for yourself and for the building you live in.
After attending an MLLOA sponsored presentation on 'Life Lease Insurance' I found out I had a number of questions that needed answering by my building management company.
The added insurance is 'recommended' but not mandatory. The following are the riders or endorsements. NOTE: the names of the ‘riders’ will differ depending on the insurance underwriter and broker firm.
1. Life lease deductible coverage - in case of an assessment for your 'share' of the building's insurance deductible in the case of a claim.
2. Life lease unit coverage - in case the building insurance is inadequate, is not effective or there is no insurance; it excludes any improvements made to the unit.
3. Unit 'owner' improvements - insures improvements made by you or previous tenants, above the original building specifications. Yes, even if you didn’t do any improvements you are expected to insure the improvements. However, if there is a claim and you are okay with the original make up of the suite then you probably wouldn’t bother with coverage.
Rehabilitation?
When I lost office in 1993, a former Liberal cabinet minister, Judy Erola, asked me to go to lunch when I returned to do my Ottawa cleanup chores. What she said shocked me but also prepared me for what I certainly had not expected.
“Some of us go as long as a decade before we are “rehabilitated” in the eyes of the community, Dorothy,” she said. “It takes them a long time to forget.”
Why forget? I wondered. She had been an amazing minster, one of only three women at the time, and it was my impression that she had been doing a very good job. But none of that mattered, she explained. You are now part of an alien group, an outsider.
As I thought about it, I realized that she was right and that this “alienation” had started the minute I agreed to put my name forward for election. Immediately, I felt attitudes around me change and that change – that setting apart –continued and increased, as I became a member. Even close friends treated me differently, but I was too focussed on the job to take notice.
4. Collectively ‘owned’ property coverage - insures your proportionate share of collectively owned property in the case of a claim.
5. Sewer back-up coverage - in case the sewer backs up into your suite. It can happen even on the third or fourth floor if there is a blockage on the floor(s) below you.
To add to the mess of insurance, did you know your landlord and/or management company cannot require you to have tenant insurance! And, there are areas of the city where you can’t purchase insurance even if you wanted to. Yup, they are called ‘blackout areas’.
So you thought you were clear of 'ownership' when you sold your house and decided against 'condo living'.
We can sit back and watch the grass grow or the snow fall and enjoy the contractors cutting and shoveling. But we can't get out of some responsibility even as residents in a life lease building.
This article is only scratching the surface of the complex and thorny issue of insurance for life lease tenants. It is meant only to make you aware of what is out there and strongly suggest you do your own investigating; ask questions of your insurance provider. If you don’t get answers that make sense, maybe do more research.
Lori Blande is a Life lease tenant in Winnipeg and an MLLOA member.
I always understood while I was an MP that both the special treatment and the rough handing by the media and others was not about me, personally, but reflected the office and the government of the day. I could keep this separate in my head – I was still the same person – but others, even close friends, couldn’t make that differentiation.
Political PTSD
But even worse can happen. Many newly separated members enter a state of post-traumatic stress – there is no other way to describe what happens. Some recover more quickly than do others, but those who don’t, suffer greatly. First is the physical let-down – they stop pumping adrenaline, which often brings a corresponding deterioration in health. Some become ill. Then there is the stress, both emotional and financial. Former members have to find a way to re-establish in an environment totally altered from prepolitical life, and without the community support they thought they had. Some may have lost their families because of the separation and shift in priorities that come with the job. They are truly alone.
This is a sad reflection on the way we reward political sacrifice. We should and can do better. As a start, you can help by welcoming back former members. There are many out there right now from all parties because of the recent election, and they need your understanding and warmth now and over the next 12 months or so. Sometimes it takes that long for them to realize the full impact of what has happened to them. They matter and what they have given their country is important. Constituents, friends and colleagues need to be there for them. Invite them to be part of your group. Asked them to be on a volunteer board. Don’t shun them. Here to listen
If you are a defeated member of any party and need a sympathetic ear, feel free to call me at 204-291-3715. I’d be happy to go for coffee and hear what you are going though. Maybe I can help. Maybe all I can do is listen, but I am here for you.
Dorothy Dobbie, C.M., Immediate Past President Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.
Need insurance? It depends.
Lori Blande Life Lease news
Dorothy Dobbie
Creative Retirement Manitoba Inc.
204-481-5030, hello@crcentre.ca www.crcentre.ca
WINNIPEG
20 Fort Street Seniors Club
2200-20 Fort Street / FortStSeniors@Shaw.ca
Manitoba Association of Senior Communities
Pembina Active Living (55+)
170 Fleetwood Rd. / 204-946-0839
office@pal55plus.ca / www.pal55plus.ca
Rady Jewish Community Centre 123 Doncaster Street / 204-477-7539 lmarjovsky@radyjcc.com / www.radyjcc.com
GET CONNECTED - JOIN A CENTRE!
Stay Active - Stay Connected
www.manitobaseniorcommunities.ca
ERICKSON
Comfort Drop In Centre 31 Main Street 204-636-2047 / areas@mymts.net
FLIN FLON
Flin Flon Seniors 2 North Avenue / 204-687-7308
A&O Support Services for Older Adults Inc.
200 -207 Donald Street 204-956-6440 / Toll Free: 1-888-333-3121 info@aosupportservices.ca www.aosupportservices.ca
Archwood 55 Plus 565 Guilbault Avenue / 204-416-1067 archwood55@shaw.ca archwood55plus.wildapricot.org/ Bleak House Centre 1637 Main Street / 204-338-4723 bleakhousecentre@gmail.com www.bleakhousecentre.com
Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Avenue W 204-632-8367 / bpscc@mymts.net
Centro Caboto Centre 1055 Wilkes Avenue / 204-487-4597 ext. 1 executivedirector@cabotocentre.com www.cabotocentre.com
Charleswood Active Living Centre
A 357 Oakdale Drive / 204-897-5263 info@charleswoodseniorcentre.org www.charleswoodseniorcentre.org
Crescent Fort Rouge 55 Plus 525 Wardlaw Ave. / 204-299-9919 cfruc55Plus@gmail.com www.crescentfortrouge.ca
Dakota Community Centre 1188 Dakota Street / 204-254-1010 ext. 217 seniorresources@dakotacc.com www.dakotacc.com
Dufferin Senior Citizens Inc.
377 Dufferin Avenue / 204-986-2608
Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre 180 Poplar Avenue / 204-669-0750 healthrelations@chalmersrenewal.org chalmersrenewal.org
Fort Garry Seniors Resource Council 200 - 270 Donald Street / 204-792-1913 fortgarry@aosupportservices.ca www.aosupportservices.ca/resources/seniorsresource-finders
Garden City Community Centre Seniors 55+ 725 Kingsbury Avenue / 204-940-6111 facilities@gardencitycc.com www.gardencitycc.com/seniors
Golden Rule Seniors Resource Centre 625 Osborne Street / 204-306-1114 goldenrule@swsrc.ca facebook.com/goldenruleseniors
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy / 204-669-1710 admin@gnalc.ca / www.gnalc.ca
Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main Street / 204-339-1701 becky@gwensecter.com / www.gwensecter.com
Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association 204-291-7798 / wcsa.wpg@hotmail.com www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca
Y.A.H. Seniors Club
Windsor Community Centre, 99 Springside Dr. 204-233-0648 / yah@windsorcc.ca
BEYOND WINNIPEG
BEAUSEJOUR
Beau-Head Senior Centre 645 Park Avenue 204-268-2444 / beauhead@mymts.net
BINSCARTH / RUSSELL
Senior Services of Banner County 204-532-2391 seniorservicesofbannercounty@gmail.com
BOISSEVAIN
Seniors’ Services of the Turtle Mountain Area seniorservicetm@gmail.com / 204-534-6816
BRANDON
Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. 311 Park Avenue E / 204-571-2050 reception@brandons4s.ca www.brandons4s.ca
Health Checks - 204-728-1842 brandonmbhealthchecks.ca healthchecksbrandon@gmail.com
CARMAN
Carman Active Living Centre 47 Ed Belfour Drive / 204-745-2356 www.activelivingcentrecarman.ca
CRANBERRY PORTAGE
Jubilee Recreation of Cranberry Portage Legion Hall 217 2nd Ave. SE / 204-271-3081
CRYSTAL CITY
Crystal City & District Friendship Club Inc. 117 Broadway St. / 431-867-0122 crystalcityfriendship@gmail.com
DAUPHIN
Dauphin Active Living Centre Inc. 55 1st Avenue SE / 204-638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com
DELORAINE
Deloraine Community Club Inc. 111 South Railway Ave E / 204-747-2846
Seniors’ Outreach Services of BrenWin Inc. 204-747-3283 / sosbrenwin@gmail.com sosbrenwin.com
GILBERT PLAINS
Gilbert Plains and District Community Resource Council Inc. / 204-548 4131 gpdcrc@mymts.net / gpseniors.ca
Gilbert Plains Drop In Centre 22 Main Street North / 204-548-2210
GIMLI
Gimli New Horizons 55+ Centre 17 North Colonization Road 204-642-7909 / gimli55@mts.net www.gimlinewhorizons.com
GLADSTONE
Gladstone Seniors Inc. 32 Morris Ave. North / 204-385-2205
GRAND MARAIS
Grand Marais & District Seniors 36058 PTH 12 / gmdseniors@gmail.com www.gmdseniors.ca
GRANDVIEW
Grandview Seniors Drop In 432 Main Street / 204-546-2272
HAMIOTA
Hamiota 55+ Centre & Restore Community Co-op Inc. 44 Maple Avenue / 204-764-2658
KILLARNEY
Killarney New Horizons Centre 520 Mountain Avenue www.killarneymbseniors.ca
Killarney Service for Seniors 415 Broadway / 204-523-7115 seniorservice@killarney.ca
LA BROQUERIE and STE. ANNE Seine River Services for Seniors Inc./ Services Rivière Seine pour aînés Inc. 93 Principale Street / 204-424-5285 src@seineriverservicesforseniors.ca seineriverservicesforseniors.ca
LUNDAR
Lundar Community Resources 35 Main Street / 204-762-5378 lcrc@mymts.net
MANITOU
Pembina Community Resource Council 315 Main Street 204-242-2241 / pembinacrc@gmail.com
MINNEDOSA
Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc. 31 Main Street S 204-867-1956 / mdsasca@gmail.com
MORDEN
Morden Activity Centre 306 N Railway Street / 204-822-3555 mordenactivitycentre@gmail.com www.mordenseniors.ca
NEEPAWA Neepawa Drop In Centre 310 Davidson Street / 204-476-5103 Neepawa-dropin@outlook.com www.neepawa.ca/district-drop-in-center
NOTRE DAME DE LOURDES Club D’age Dor Notre Dame ndslchezsoi@gmail.com / 204-248-7291
PILOT MOUND
Pilot Mound Fellowship Centre 203 Broadway Avenue / 204-825-2873
PLUMAS
Plumas Seniors Citizens Club Inc. 102 White Street / 204-386-2029
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Road N. / 204-857-6951 hermanpriorcentre@gmail.com www.hermanprior.com
Portage Service for Seniors 40A Royal Road N. / 204-239-6312
