MANITOBA
Manitoba Ford dealer celebrating 125th anniversary
Eight years after Henry Ford got into the business, Metcalfe’s Garage opened its Ford dealership
Myron Love
Treherne, a small town in southern Manitoba (about 125 km southwest of Winnipeg) holds the distinction of being home to the oldest Ford dealership in Manitoba and, possibly, Canada.
In 2000, the Metcalfe Family celebrated their 100th anniversary operating by hosting a dinner and dance for 550 of its customers. Come July 2025, the Metcalfe family will be celebrating their 125th anniversary in business with an equally large party.
The Metcalfe story begins in the late 19th century when farmer Thomas Metcalfe and his family arrived in the Treherne area from Ontario. In 1900, in a natural evolution for an enterprising farm family, Metcalfe, and his son, Clare, opened a farm implement dealership in town.
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Much has been studied, written, and especially argued about changing the time on our clocks every fall and spring. When daylight saving time (DST) arrives, I could care less. Love it.
I remember hearing that DST began because farmers wanted the extra hour in the summer to work in the fields. Not true. In fact, the U.S. agriculture industry was deeply opposed to the time switch when it was first implemented in the U.S. on March 31, 1918.
The first implementation of DST in Canada was by Port Arthur (today merged into Thunder Bay), on July 1 in 1908. Brandon and Winnipeg adopted it on April 24, 1916.
Today, approximately 70 countries utilize Daylight Saving Time in at least a portion of the country. Japan, India, and China are the only major industrialized countries that do not observe some form of daylight saving.
In an effort to avoid the switch in spring and fall, some critics of the time change have suggested that the abolition of DST and a return to permanent standard time would benefit society. They are wrong.
Lives would be saved. Darkness kills. It seems to me darkness in the evening is far deadlier than darkness in the morning. The evening rush hour is twice as fatal as the morning’s. Far more people are on the road, more alcohol is in drivers’ bloodstreams and people are hurrying to get home.
Crime would decrease. Darkness is a friend
Jim Ingebrigsten
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Spring is coming!
It’s almost spring. The days are getting longer and the sunshine is melting the snow. March is always unpredictable but it offers the optimism that the worst is behind us and that kinder days are just around the corner.
I feel the same way about the future of our country. After living under a miasma of anger, division, bitterness and despair for almost 10 years with Justin Trudeau at the helm, it is good to feel that relief is on the way. And while Pierre Poilievre will not flash us a phony smile, promising “sunny ways”, his intelligence and sincere warmth are much more reassuring.
Pierre has a huge job ahead of him. There are so many serious issues facing the country. How do we recover from a population overburdened by more than two million undocumented residents? When people sneak into a country rather than coming in the legal way, it indicates one of two things: that they have a reason for avoiding the law or that they are shirkers who take the easy way out. Neither promises a productive and value-adding citizen. Donald Trump has mounted a mass extradition, but he won’t catch them all, and I doubt that Canada will follow suit. Instead, we will be stuck with freeloaders and shady characters, and it will cost us money to house and feed them, if not directly, through subsidy and social programs.
tors will disappear and the world we live in will fall into ruins. Pierre will have to reverse this by rewarding excellence, by doing away with DEI hiring practices in government and restoring meritocracy, by setting new standards for public service, releasing the unproductive and promoting those who are eager to work and make a difference. And for heavens’ sake, get rid of those ridiculous DEI pledges that are forced on recipients of government grants.
Think about it! If you had a work force of 10 and you strictly followed those artificial restrictions, you would have seven “white” people among whom would be folks with disabilities, gender issues and so on and you and would have to figure out how to accommodate all the other nine diversity headings. It is silly and not representative of anything except some arrogant, slow thinkers’ ideas of how to elevate themselves. Let us hire on merit and suitability for the job.
That is not the worst. The drug trade has had a free run in Canada for the last decade. Money laundering of drug proceeds, which was bad enough before, is now shaping the lives of Vancouverites and Torontonians by driving up the cost of housing to the point of bankruptcy for many families. Getting that under control is paramount.
Perhaps most damaging of all is the bending of minds so that instead of a free and proudly democratic country, we have a lot of young people whose values have been skewed by politically motivated pedagogues who are under the delusion that it is their mission to teach kids what to think rather than how to think. False narratives masquerading as virtues have convinced many, at least for now, that sacrificing self for the benefit of others in the name of “fairness” will build a better world. It will not. It simply weakens the fabric of the world we live in. If everyone is reduced to being the “same”, the strong, the smart, the energetic, the doers, the visionary, the creative and innova-
HOW TO GROW AN ORCHESTRA
Hilarious
SUN, MAR 23, 2025 | 2:00 PM
Change can also be accomplished through symbolic gestures such as relaxing the overbearing security around Parliament Hill, where the “People’s House” is now the forbidden precinct. You can’t even visit your Member of Parliament in his or her constituency office without encountering locked doors and security cameras. Signaling a more open society that promotes excellence while being ready to help those who simply cannot manage, is far healthier than playing Lord and Lady Bountiful with taxpayers’ money.
It won’t take that much to lift the pall of fear and depression that has settled on our land. This is still a country of some wonderful people, many of whom are newcomers who came here through the regular channels and are eager to help us build something even better.
And by the way, the idea of striking back at the U.S. with more punishing tariffs is a mistake. I hope Pierre will abandon this after the election and, instead, point us in the direction of hope and positive action.
Yes, Spring is just around the corner. I can’t wait to once again smell the flowers of positive energy, of joy in accomplishment, and of getting back to creating a land where everyone can take part in the endless and exciting possibilities of Canada.
Dorothy Dobbie
Photo by Jerzy Strzelecki.
Minimum sentencing: Why catch and release?
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley, An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain . . . – Robert Burns
We humans often get caught up in the warm sensation caused by emotions. We make ill informed decisions based on what we consider to be the best of our nature, our need to protect and nurture each other. But we often take action without thinking decisions through to their inevitable conclusions.
Often, our inclination to save and preserve is helpful in the short term but in the longer term, destructive, not just to the social order, but to the very people we hope to protect.
Let me recount my youthful reaction to a day spent at Stoney Mountain Prison, by then a medium security institute.
I was writing a story for the Manitoba Building Trades Council to support the efforts of a man named Gordie Keith (are you still with us, Gordie?) who worked with what was then the Employment Insurance Commission, trying to restore the lives of men who were about to be released from prison. He was lobbying unions to find these folks jobs and get them reintegrated into society. It was a great plan, and I hope it is still in place today. He invited me to see for myself, talk to these individuals and then write about this in a way to inspire union reps who were then in charge of hiring halls for many jobs.
They went on to tell me how many learned more about crime living inside in prison than they had prior to their arrests. Most were between 18 and 25, just kids. They had an overall high average IQ. But here they were, in prison and many would be back again after their release.
When lawmakers play judge
What makes anyone think that a politician sitting in an office can determine that if X-crime (in general) happens, then Y-punishment (specifically) must be the result?
Dorothy Dobbie
So, what can you do to get lawbreakers, especially the violent kind and those who steal or destroy property, off the streets where they cannot harm others? Many, well-intentioned but illinformed people thought that relaxing the punitive nature of justice would answer I thought so too back when I was 24. But it has not turned out that way. The current system of catch and release does not work. Because the consequences are not immediate and, indeed, are so far in the future, they have no weight as a deterrent. Bill C-75 encourages police to release people without the need for a bail hearing. People are arrested, released on a promise to appear, and are back on the streets in very short order. This creates a kind of contempt for the system. I can just hear some kid laughing at the police, whom they know have been emasculated by the current laxness.
Dobbie vs Dobbie
Canada’s criminal justice system exists to uphold justice, fairness, and public safety while balancing the rights of individuals and the protection of society. It is designed to prevent crime, rehabilitate offenders, and ensure accountability, all while respecting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
We entrust judges with this responsibility. Becoming a judge is no small feat. It takes years of education, legal practice, and an unwavering commitment to justice. These men and women know the law inside and out, and more importantly, they know the details of each case that comes before them. They are the ones best equipped to decide what an appropriate sentence should be, based on all the facts, circumstances and legal principles involved.
3. It increases prison populations without improving public safety. Canada’s prison system is already overburdened, and MMS only makes it worse. Instead of allowing judges to impose sentences that might actually help rehabilitate offenders, it mandates imprisonment, even for cases where incarceration does more harm than good.
This is not just ineffective; it’s expensive. The cost of keeping someone in federal prison in Canada is over $120,000 per year. Would that money be better spent on crime prevention, mental health support, or addiction treatment? Most experts say yes.
4. It undermines the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canada’s courts have repeatedly struck down mandatory minimum sentences as unconstitutional under Section 12 of the Charter, which protects against cruel and unusual punishment. In cases like R. v. Nur (2015)1, the Supreme Court ruled that MMS could lead to sentences that are grossly disproportionate to the offence committed.
If a law is so rigid that it forces judges to hand down unjust sentences, it should not exist in a country that values fairness and individual rights.
After seeing how they lived, I was outraged about how humans could be treated the way the prisoners were. Confinement was one thing but boredom wore them down and eroded their souls. During a talk with a dozen of them in Gordie’s office (he left me alone with them) they told me how this boredom was the worst challenge they faced.
With typical 24-year-old aplomb, I answered back that surely this was something they had some dominion over. “I used to work in a battery factory,” I told them, “and I was bored too, so what I did was become the best and fastest bottom dropper in the plant.” (My job was to insert the metal plate at the base of double A battery tubes using a magnetic pencil). “You all have jobs making license plates and stuff. Why can’t you focus on being the best?”
They laughed at me. “If you stick your head above the crowd in any way,” one of them explained, “not only will the other cons get you, but the Warden will come down on you, too.” Showing initiative would mark you out for attention when keeping your head down was the best protection.
Winnipeg has the highest incidence of violent crime, at 676 per 100,000, in Canada – this compared to the next most violent being Thunder Bay at about 550 and only about 200 for Toronto. And the worst incidence is among repeat offenders. Even though the changes to the law were not intended to make it easier for violent offenders to get back on the streets, that has been the result. Offenders scoff at the law, knowing the wheels of justice turn slowly and that arrest just means an inconvenience for a few,
So, what about minimum sentencing? What about limits to police power? Well, back in the day before “liberalization” of the law, there were many ways to get out of imposing a harsh sentence on an undeserving criminal – if any are undeserving. And under a restored minimum sentencing regime, we can be pretty well assured that there will continue to be well thought out exceptions to guard against injustice. We are Canadian, after all.
But at least there will be some deterrent to the lawlessness that exists and threatens so many innocent people right now.
Mandatory minimum sentencing (MMS) removes judicial discretion, forcing judges to impose a predetermined sentence regardless of individual circumstances. The idea behind MMS is simple: if a crime is serious, it should come with a guaranteed consequence. But justice is rarely that straightforward.
While the stated goals of MMS— deterrence, consistency, and public confidence—may sound reasonable, the reality is that these laws often create injustice, rather than preventing it. Here are four reasons why:
1. It assumes all crimes are equal. No two cases are ever exactly the same. A young, first-time offender caught up in a bad situation is not the same as a career criminal. A struggling addict who gets involved in a low-level drug offence is not the same as a gang leader trafficking fentanyl. Yet, mandatory minimums treat them as if they are.
Judges exist to weigh the facts and determine an appropriate sentence— one that considers both the seriousness of the crime and the individual circumstances of the offender. MMS removes that ability.
2. It ignores the reality of crime prevention. One of the biggest justifications for MMS is deterrence, the idea that people will think twice before committing a crime if they know they’ll face a guaranteed sentence.
But study after study has shown that the severity of punishment does not deter crime; certainty of being caught does. Most people who commit crimes—especially those involving addiction, mental illness, or desperation—are not thinking about sentencing laws in the moment. If MMS actually worked as a deterrent, the US, with its harsh sentencing policies, would have the lowest crime rate in the world. It does not.
Recognizing these problems, the Canadian government has started rolling back some mandatory minimum sentences. In 2022, Bill C-5 removed MMS for several drug and firearm-related offences, giving judges more discretion in cases where imprisonment isn’t the best solution. Not surprisingly, some politicians and law enforcement officials pushed back, arguing that removing MMS weakens accountability. But accountability isn’t about blind punishment, it’s about proportionate justice.
Laws should not be written to make sentencing easier, they should be written to make sentencing fair. That’s why we have judges.
Justice isn’t about automatic punishment. It’s about understanding the details, weighing the circumstances, and making a decision based on the facts of each case. That’s what judges do.
Mandatory minimum sentencing assumes that lawmakers, sitting far away from the realities of the courtroom, know better than the judges who hear the cases and see the people involved. But they don’t.
If we truly believe in justice, fairness, and public safety, we need to trust our judges to do their jobs, not handcuff them with laws that assume every crime, every person, and every situation is the same. Because they aren’t.
Note: 1. R. v. Nur (2015) was a Supreme Court of Canada case that struck down a mandatory minimum threeyear sentence for firearm possession as unconstitutional, ruling that it violated Section 12 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms by imposing cruel and unusual punishment, reinforcing the principle that judges—not lawmakers—should determine fair and proportionate sentences based on individual circumstances.
Shauna Dobbie
Governments are overstepping: Stop trying to control our lives
Governments have one essential job: to manage the business of the city, province, and country. They are responsible for keeping us safe, enforcing laws, managing essential services, and ensuring that public systems work efficiently. That’s it. They should not be in the business of dictating how individuals live their lives, think, or believe.
Yet increasingly, governments at all levels are overstepping these boundaries. They seem more interested in social engineering — shaping how we think, what we do, and even what we buy — than in fulfilling the basic responsibilities they were elected to carry out.
This misplaced focus is evident in the deteriorating state of our infrastructure, rising taxes and regulations, and deepening divisions within our communities. Roads are crumbling, transit systems are inadequate, and health care is overwhelmed, yet governments devote time and resources to imposing their vision of what society should look like. This is not governance, it is overreach.
sonal aspects of our lives, such as language and social norms. The issue of pronouns is a case in point. Political leaders have begun to dictate how individuals should address one another, stepping beyond the realm of governance into the domain of personal interaction.
Respect for others is important, but enforcing specific language choices amounts to thought policing. Language is a tool for authentic communication, not a mechanism for political conformity. When governments tell people what they can and cannot say, they undermine the freedoms they should protect.
training grounds for ideological conformity.
The problem doesn’t stop there. Governments often fund programs that indirectly enable this kind of indoctrination. By financially supporting organizations with a clear political or social agenda, they give these groups undue influence over our youth. The result is a generation that is less capable of independent thought and more susceptible to manipulation by vocal minorities or extremist groups. This is a dangerous path that undermines the principles of freedom and democracy.
Take the push for bike lanes as an example. In cities across Canada, including Winnipeg, millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent to build infrastructure for a small segment of the population. The intent is clear: to nudge people out of their cars and onto bicycles under the banner of environmental sustainability.
While reducing emissions is a worthy goal, these policies are often implemented without clear evidence of their effectiveness or sufficient consideration of public preference. The reality is that many Canadians, especially in a climate with long, harsh winters, prefer the convenience and safety of cars. Yet governments insist on imposing their agenda, disregarding the autonomy and practical needs of citizens.
Environmental taxes, such as those on gasoline, further illustrate this point. These taxes are ostensibly designed to reduce carbon emissions, but there is little evidence to suggest they have achieved this goal. Instead, they have made life more expensive for ordinary Canadians. Heating homes, running vehicles, and operating businesses have all become more costly, with no tangible environmental benefit to show for it. This approach doesn’t solve global challenges, it simply shifts the burden onto working families. Governments are also overreaching in more per-
Similarly, government funding for specific cultural or religious groups is counterproductive. By promoting agencies based on ethnicity or cultural identity, governments are fostering division rather than unity. True multiculturalism requires treating all Canadians equally, regardless of their background. When governments fund organizations based on religion or ethnicity, they create fragmentation and weaken the social fabric. This approach is harmful as it prioritizes special interests over the collective good.
The push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the private sector further demonstrates government overreach. Businesses should have the freedom to hire based on merit and their specific needs, not on government mandates. When politicians impose hiring rules or workplace structures, they disrupt basic business practices and create unnecessary tension. These policies do not advance equality, they complicate operations and generate division. The private sector is not a tool for social experimentation, and governments should not treat it as such.
Universities are another battleground for social engineering. Rather than being places where diverse ideas are shared and debated, they are increasingly becoming echo chambers for a narrow set of ideologies. Young people are being indoctrinated rather than educated, often pressured to adopt views that align with specific political or social agendas. Special interest groups, including some with extremist ties, are actively targeting students, encouraging them to embrace divisive or harmful ideologies. This is not education; it is manipulation. Universities should foster critical thinking and open dialogue, not act as
Removing interprovincial
trade barriers
Financial mismanagement is another glaring issue. Governments at all levels are spending beyond their means, racking up debt while neglecting critical infrastructure. Instead of addressing the real problems facing citizens, such as deteriorating roads, underfunded transit systems, and overwhelmed healthcare services, they pour money into non-essential projects and special interest groups. This kind of spending prioritizes political agendas over practical governance and leaves taxpayers footing the bill for initiatives that provide little to no benefit.
The consequences of this approach are evident in our communities’ strained state. Governments that focus on pushing ideological agendas neglect their fundamental duties, leading to societal decay. Public safety is compromised, essential services are underfunded, and communities are increasingly polarized. Politicians seem more interested in making us feel guilty about our history or dictating how we should think than in solving the pressing issues that affect our daily lives. This does not create a stronger society, it creates division and resentment.
Politicians today have lost sight of their primary role. Too many are activists, not leaders. They seem afraid to stand up to vocal minorities and instead follow the path of least resistance, pushing social agendas instead of focusing on their real job. Leadership requires strength and clarity. It means staying in their lane and doing the hard work of governing — fixing roads, managing health care, and ensuring public safety. Governments need to get out of our daily lives and stop trying to control how we think or what we do. Let citizens make their own choices, learn from their mistakes, and take responsibility for their lives. That’s how we build a stronger society. It’s time for leaders to lead and let the rest of us live.
Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.
would add $5,100 to the pocketbook of every Canadian – per year!
As President Trump’s tariffs make waves, Canadians are waking up to a critical reality: our country is far too dependent on the United States. Now more than ever, we need our political leaders to put Canada's national interest above special interests. The time has come to make Canada more self-reliant, starting with how we trade within our own borders.
In 2023, Canada’s international trade accounted for 66% of our GDP, while trade between provinces and territories lagged behind at just 36%. This should concern every Canadian. Our own internal trade barriers cost us dearly, more than barriers between Canada and other nations. Yet, despite the Canada Free Trade Agreement, which was supposed to make interprovincial commerce easier, the reality is much different. As the Globe and Mail pointed out, the agreement is “noted more for the number of exemptions it allows than for the number of barriers it eliminates.” In fact, as of 2023, the Montreal Economic Institute counted 245 such exemptions across Canada. That’s 245 unnecessary barriers to the economic growth we desperately need.
Economist Trevor Tombe has estimated that removing these trade barriers could boost Canada’s economy by up to 7.9%, generating an economic windfall of $200 billion per year, or $5,100 for every person in the country. These are not small numbers! This is the opportunity we’re missing out on by allowing provincial trade restrictions to remain in place.
That’s why the Common Sense Conservative plan is exactly what Canada needs. Within 30 days of Pierre Poilievre becoming Prime Minister, he will bring together the Premiers of all provinces to work on removing as many exemptions as possible. One key area of focus is creating one unified set of trucking rules to get goods moving across Canada, east to west, rather than just north to south. This change alone would add $1.6 billion to Canada’s GDP.
Additionally, the plan includes creating a Blue Seal Professional Licensing Standard, making it easier for doctors, nurses, engineers, and other skilled workers to practice anywhere in Canada, while fast-tracking certification for immigrants trained abroad. It also offers provinces a Free Trade Bonus: for every trade barrier removed, provinces will receive a share of the resulting economic gains, boosting provincial revenues without increasing federal deficits.
What the Prime Minister needs to do immediately, is recall Parliament and pass a Canada First Plan that will:
• Retaliate with dollar-for-dollar tariffs carefully aimed at maximizing impact on American companies while minimizing impact on Canadian consumers. That means targeting U.S. products that we can make ourselves, buy elsewhere or do without. For example, we must retaliate against American steel and aluminum, as Canadians can make those vital products at home.
• Put all the tariff revenues into help for affected
workers and businesses. Government should not keep a dime of the new revenue.
• Pass a massive emergency Bring It Home Tax Cut to bolster the economy, stop inflation and save and create jobs. Canada needs a massive tax cut on work, investment, energy, homebuilding and making stuff at home. The Liberal carbon tax and capital gains tax hikes must be the first on the chopping block.
• Immediately scrap the Liberal anti-resource law C-69 and greenlight LNG plans, pipelines, mines, factories, and port expansions to overseas markets.
• Bring in truly free trade within Canada by knocking down interprovincial barriers to help replace lost north-south trade with east-west trade and to make us self-reliant.
• Rebuild our military and take back control of our borders to regain the confidence of our partners, assert our sovereignty, protect our people and put Canada First.
This is how we begin to move Canada in the right direction: less dependent on outside forces and more focused on harnessing the full potential of our own country. Free trade within Canada won’t replace the U.S. market overnight, but it’s a vital first step to bringing more business home and giving Canadians the economy we deserve.
The Liberals are failing us by allowing these barriers to persist, and it’s time for a government that puts Canada first. It’s time for a Common-Sense Conservative government.
Marty Morantz is the MP for Charleswood-St. JamesAssiniboia-Headingley (Winnipeg West, effective April 22, 2025) and Conservative Shadow Minister for National Revenue.
M.P. Marty Morantz
Kevin Klein
The Liberal Party of Canada under Justin Trudeau: An utter ideological disaster
For nearly a decade, the Liberal government has dragged Canada’s economy into stagnation, saddling the country with crippling debt, stifling productivity, and inflating the cost of living to unbearable levels. The Liberal Party of Canada has governed this country with the reckless entitlement of an unqualified trust fund heir—spending without restraint, stifling competition, imposing ideological policies at every turn, impoverishing the masses and suffocating businesses under mountains of red tape. The result is an economy that is weaker, more fragile, and increasingly dependent on government handouts, while the average Canadian suffers through inflation, a drug epidemic, and a housing crisis.
another 0.4% in Q3 2024 ("Labour Productivity in Canada," Statistics Canada, 2024). Overregulation and government interference have created a hostile investment climate, where businesses spend more time navigating bureaucracy than focusing on growth. Small businesses, once the backbone of the Canadian economy, now spend a record average of 735 hours annually just dealing with regulatory compliance ("Canada’s Red Tape Report," Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 2025).
Romel Dhalla On The Money
Canada's economic vulnerability is undeniable. Our manufacturing sector, resource industries, and trade policies have been so badly mismanaged that if the U.S. imposed a 25 percent tariff, we wouldn’t be able to fight back. The Liberal Party’s policies have effectively boxed us into a corner, making us dangerously dependent on American goodwill rather than our own economic strength.
Federal debt has exploded past $1.2 trillion, with interest payments alone now exceeding $50 billion per year. The Liberals have used crises as an excuse for their fiscal stupidity, remember “the budget will balance itself”, but even as emergency spending should have tapered off, they have continued piling on deficits. With a projected $61.9 billion deficit in the 2024-25 Budget Update, it is clear that the Liberals have no intention of tightening the purse strings. The Liberals are content to print money and let future generations foot the bill for their ideological insanity while ordinary Canadians will continue to struggle under the weight of ever-increasing taxes and inflation.
Under the Liberal government, Canada’s productivity crisis has deepened. Despite mass immigration and a growing workforce, labor productivity has declined for four straight years, falling
Nobody believes in us anymore Global confidence in Canada’s economy is eroding, with foreign direct investment plummeting by 23 percent since 2015 ("Foreign Direct Investment Trends in Canada," Business Council of Canada, 2023, adjusted for inflation). Canada has slipped to 38th in global economic competitiveness, a damning indictment of the Liberals' failed policies ("IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook," IMD Business School, Switzerland, 2023). The economy limps along at a pathetic 1.5 percent GDP growth rate, well behind the 2.4 percent seen in the United States ("Economic Outlook for Canada," Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2023). Under the Liberals, the country has become a joke on the world stage, a land of squandered potential weighed down by a government more interested in socialist economic policy and virtue-signaling than governing.
Inflation is eating away at the livelihoods of Canadians. Between April 2021 and April 2024, grocery prices surged by 21.4%, yet the Liberal government chooses to lecture grocery store CEOs instead of acknowledging their role in fueling inflation ("Grocery Prices Have Jumped 21% in Three Years," Statistics Canada, 2024). Housing costs have doubled since 2015, while income growth has lagged by 37%, making homeownership increasingly impossible for average Canadians ('House Price-toIncome Ratio in Canada,' Statista, 2024).
Liberal fiscal, immigration, and housing policies have only exacerbated the crisis, fueling price inflation rather than addressing supply shortages ('Housing Market Insights Report,' Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2023). Canadians are being squeezed from all sides while the Liberals and their ministers smugly dismiss concerns and double down on the very policies causing this economic misery.
Spending must be curbed, taxes cut If Canada is going to recover from the economic devastation wrought by the Liberals, decisive action is required. Government spending must be slashed to restore fiscal discipline. Tax cuts must be implemented to stimulate real economic activity rather than continued reliance on handouts. A Balanced Budget Law is necessary to prevent future governments from recklessly driving the country further into debt.
Canada’s outdated, anti-competitive policies must be dismantled. Foreign ownership restrictions in banking and telecommunications must be lifted to bring down prices and encourage innovation. The grotesque system of supply management that keeps dairy and poultry prices artificially high must be abolished. Interprovincial trade barriers, more restrictive than even those between EU nations, must be eliminated. These simple but crucial changes would immediately inject billions into the economy and increase GDP by up to $130 billion annually (Fraser Institute, 2023).
Priority spending should be on infrastructure Infrastructure development must be prioritized, but not according to the Liberal fantasy of high-speed rail that is, given our economic climate, financial malpractice. Pipelines must be built to secure Canada’s energy independence and ensure Alberta’s resources reach domestic and international markets. The ability of Quebec to veto national energy projects must end, and the overbearing regulatory stranglehold on large-scale infrastructure development must be broken. The Liberals have treated the energy sector like a villain to be crushed rather than a cornerstone of economic security, ignoring the fundamental link between energy and modern civilization.
The Liberal government’s war on
business and industry is strangling Canada’s economic potential. A bloated bureaucracy and red tape are choking economic activity, preventing construction, expansion, and investment. Permitting for major projects must be streamlined, and corporate tax rates lowered to attract investment and keep Canadian businesses competitive on the global stage. Capital gains taxes should be reduced to encourage entrepreneurship and job creation. Every major economy in the world has recognized the need for progrowth policies—except Canada, where the Liberals remain addicted to punishing success with taxation and regulation (see Alberta’s Energy Sector), while rewarding failure with government access and financial grants (see Bombardier and the rebranded SNC Lavalin).
The decay and decline under the Liberal Party of Canada is not a natural consequence of global economic trends; it is the direct result of bad governance, antibusiness policies, and ideological stubbornness. The solutions are clear, and they are not complicated. The problem is not a lack of options, but a government that refuses to change course. If Canada continues down this road, our economy will spiral further into stagnation, and ordinary Canadians will continue to bear the brunt of Liberal Party policy failures. History offers a warning – Argentina was once one of the world’s wealthiest economies before decades of unchecked government spending, soaring inflation, and foreign capital flight plunged the country into economic collapse. If we do not reverse course, Canada will not just struggle—it will replace Argentina as a textbook case of economic decline.
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.
Total-Tub in Winnipeg: The Safe and Easy Solution for Bathtub Renovations
When it comes to home renovations, especially in the bathroom, one of the most important considerations is finding a solution that is both cost-effective and hassle-free. For homeowners in Winnipeg looking to refresh their bathrooms, Total-Tub inserts offer a perfect, safe and easy alternative to traditional bathtub replacements. This innovative service has become a popular choice for those who want a quick and honest solution without the mess and time commitment of a full remodel.
Safe and durable solutions
Total-Tub inserts are designed to fit directly over your existing bathtub, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming demolition. This makes the process significantly less invasive, reducing potential hazards that come with traditional renovation methods. One of the most significant advantages of this approach is safety. The insert is constructed from high-quality, durable materials that provide an extra layer of protection against cracks, chips,
or leaks, ensuring that your bathtub remains in excellent condition for years to come. For families with young children or elderly members, this added layer of security is invaluable.
Additionally, Total-Tub inserts are designed to be slip-resistant, a crucial feature that enhances safety when stepping in and out of the tub. This reduces the likelihood of falls, a concern many homeowners have when it comes to bathtubs.
Easy installation and minimal disruption
One of the key benefits of choosing Total-Tub inserts is the easy installation process. Unlike traditional bathtub replacements that often involve months of planning, demolition, and installation, Total-Tub inserts can be installed in a single day. The process is efficient and involves minimal disruption to your daily life. Since the insert fits over your existing bathtub, there’s no need for tearing out old materials or dealing with the mess of debris and dust.
This fast turnaround is particularly
important for those who want to avoid the extended inconvenience that typically comes with a full bathroom renovation. Whether you’re looking to update the look of your bathroom or need a more functional bathtub, Total-Tub provides a quick solution that gets the job done.
Honest and transparent service
Total-Tub’s commitment to providing an honest and transparent service is one of the reasons why it has gained such a solid reputation in Winnipeg. When you choose Total-Tub, you know exactly what to expect in terms of pricing and services. There are no hidden fees or surprise costs along the way, making it easier to stay within your budget.
The company is dedicated to ensuring that every customer is fully informed throughout the process. From the initial consultation to the installation, you will receive clear, straightforward communication about the materials, timelines, and costs involved. This level of transparency ensures a stressfree experience, allowing homeowners
to make confident decisions about their renovations.
Environmentally friendly option
In addition to being safe, easy, and honest, Total-Tub inserts are also an environmentally friendly option. Since the inserts fit over your existing tub, they help reduce waste by avoiding the need to dispose of old materials, such as a worn-out bathtub. This ecoconscious approach is ideal for those looking to minimize their environmental footprint while still upgrading their bathroom space.
In conclusion
Total-Tub inserts offer Winnipeg homeowners an efficient, safe, and easy solution for bathtub renovations. With their honest service, minimal disruption, and durable, slip-resistant design, Total-Tub is a trusted choice for those seeking a fast, high-quality renovation option. Whether you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your bathroom or need a more functional, secure tub, Total-Tub provides the perfect answer for your home improvement needs.
MPI’s problematic Special Risk Extension Division
Throughout Southern Manitoba, and especially in the South-West of our province, we are reminded each and every day that our economy is driven both figuratively and literally by trucking.
For a while now, that fact has been threatened by the way that Manitoba Public Insurance handles the Special Risk Extension (SRE) program that covers this industry. For months last year, there was a pause in new policies and now combined with uncertain rates in the future we have the perfect storm to undercut this very important industry. All around the province we are already seeing local carriers that have been forced to closeup shop as the nature of their business changes. Application of specific US tariffs, and the threat of more on the way that makes things even more difficult. As much as our economy relies on local drivers, industry estimates that the majority of miles are driven south of the border. That makes a lot of sense: someone has to bring those tropical fruits and out of season vegetables north on a regular enough schedule to keep grocery stores stocked. And that is just one of many industries.
When I was the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in the Stefanson Government, one of our key stakeholders was the Manitoba trucking industry. After a number of meetings, I was reminded how important this industry is to Manitoba.
Piwniuk News from Turtle Mountain
Equally, many manufacturers in Manitoba sell to American firms, and those finished products need to get to market. That is why MPI’s indication that they will limit exposure on US roads all the more alarming. Recently I was the opposition critic for MPI in the Legislature and heard from many concerned truckers and their industry. In a life before politics, I was a broker and saw directly the policy reality of many drivers.
Manitoba is a transportation hub for Canada and North America, with a network of major highway such as The TransCanada Highway and Highway 75 connecting us to Interstate 29. We have three railway companies having major rail yards. We have a very busy international airport and are one of the top three cargo airports in Canada.
The trucking Industry is critical to the movement of freight from these locations to wholesalers, retailers and consumers. As the Stefanson government, we understood that the transportation industry was the main pillar to growth in our economy, especially the future development of our mining industry in the north.
In order for the transportation industry and the economy to continue to grow, we need MPI to be financially healthy. I always say the chain is only as strong as its weakest link; talking about the trucking industry, the weak link is MPI’s Special Risk Extension division.
MPI has said that they are looking at further changes and rate adjustments to SRE policies to address some increases in claims and this will have a dramatic impact on Manitoba industry. They have indicated that they have to increase rates with the trucking industry. As trucking companies will be faced with a huge increase and they
Does the heart know first!
Afriend and I were walking on a narrow path through a wooded area, a path leading to the Bannock Point Petroform located in Whiteshell Provincial Park. This is an ancient site sacred to Indigenous peoples. Two women and a teenager walking in front of us stopped by the big rock at the entrance Not sure what we should do and seeing some tobacco, change and other objects left on the rock by previous visitors, I asked the two Indigenous women if we might enter the space even if we didn’t have any offering. I was told that yes, we could. I followed with another question “What shall we do here?” I was instructed, “Just quietly walk through the area and if it is meant to be, the Spirit will give you a gift - a teaching, some wisdom or an insight.”
I thanked the women, and we entered the space. As advised, we walked around in silence, admiring the turtles, snakes and other configurations of rocks created by Indigenous peoples of the past. The whole area, located in the midst of the forest, was peaceful, tranquil and almost surreal. After spending a good hour
and a half walking around, we left the site, walking deeper into the woods. Suddenly I did receive an insight, a memory of an experience from the past, which I had almost forgotten about. The insight was related to something that took place at a provincial palliative care conference in Winnipeg. One day, I had reached out to the organizers of the conference with the intention of sharing the power of poetry in the healing journey of patients. The organizers put me in contact with Michelle and Ina, two women who also used the arts for healing. As a result, the three of us created an experiential session for the conference. On the day of the session, our audience was sitting on chairs placed in a configuration shaped like a pizza, with spaces between the slices. As Michelle was playing piano, Ina and I were presenting, we were slowly and randomly walking in the spaces between the slices. At one point I walked through the centre of the pizza (where all the slices were pointing) and I experienced something extraordinary. The air in the centre of the pizza was vibrating with energy. I had never experienced this before. While crossing or standing in the centre I was surrounded by this powerful energy. My whole body was vibrating. I wasn’t the only one experiencing this.
will have to pass on the cost of insurance to the wholesalers and retailers, and, eventually, to the consumer.
As MPI continues losing money with the SRE division, this could impact the corporation’s bottom line and could pass on the impact to the regular car insurance policyholders, just like this year Manitoba ratepayers are seeing a 5.7% increase in their MPI vehicle insurance.
We have seen an increase of national carriers that coming to Manitoba to take advantage of competitive prices, which in turn has increased the claims payouts from the SRE line. We must ensure that long-term Manitoba businesses are not the ones left holding the bag at the end of the day. There is still time to reverse the trend and prioritize the Manitoba truckers who have stood by MPI year after year after year, who have paid their premiums and never claimed a fraction of it back. Will they?
Doyle Piwniuk is the MLA for Turtle Mountain.
After the session Ina confirmed that she had felt it as well. By now, you may wonder how all of this is related to my visit at the Petroform site? Remember, as we stepped into the wooded area after our walk, I received a gift – an insight? The message was directly related to the “middle of the pizza” experience, which had occurred about 10 years earlier and which I had forgotten. I suddenly understood that all the energy which I had felt while in the middle of the pizza had been coming from human hearts! How incredible is that! Our hearts are more powerful than we realize! In fact, research at HeartMath Institute has found that the electrical component of the heart is about 60 times greater, and the electromagnetic energy field 5000 times greater, than the levels of the brain. The heart literally has a significant influence on the body down to the cellular level.
What a big surprise!
It seems there is more to the human heart than most of us know. The larger electromagnetic field might be the explanation to the commonly used slogan that our hearts know before our minds do.
Zofia Dove is a professional speaker, author, and hostdirector-producer of the Discover Beauty Everywhere series.
Zofia Dove
Doyle
Eyeglass frames: Exploring the different materials
Eyeglasses are more than just a tool to correct vision – they are a fashion statement, an essential accessory, and a reflection of personal style. The frames that hold your lenses in place come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, comfort, style, and cost. Whether you're shopping for your first pair or looking to upgrade, understanding the different materials used for eyeglass frames can help you make an informed decision.
Plastic Frames
durability and style.
Metal Frames
Metal frames are known for their sleek, sophisticated look and lightweight feel. There are several different metals used to create eyeglass frames, each with unique properties. The most common materials are stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and nickel silver.
Plastic is one of the most common materials used in eyeglass frames due to its versatility, comfort, and affordability. Plastic frames can be made from a variety of polymers, but the two most common are acetate and propionate.
• Acetate: This high-quality plastic is known for its vibrant colors, patterns, and ability to be molded into intricate shapes. Acetate frames are lightweight, durable, and hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for those with sensitive skin. Acetate is also biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly option compared to other plastics.
• Propionate: This is a softer, more flexible material than acetate, offering comfort and durability. It’s slightly less prone to cracking or fading over time. Propionate is often used for budgetfriendly frames that still provide decent
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel frames are durable, corrosion-resistant, and relatively lightweight. These frames are known for their sleek, modern appearance and long-lasting quality. Stainless steel can also be hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
• Titanium: Titanium is one of the most durable and lightweight materials available. It’s highly corrosionresistant, strong, and hypoallergenic. Titanium frames are perfect for those seeking frames that will stand the test of time without adding unnecessary weight to the face. The downside is that titanium frames tend to be more expensive.
• Aluminum: Aluminum frames are also lightweight but are generally less durable than stainless steel or titanium. They are often used for their modern aesthetic and lightweight feel but are more prone to bending or scratching.
• Nickel Silver: Made from a mix of nickel, silver, and other metals, nickel silver frames are often affordable and can come in a variety of finishes. However,
they may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to nickel.
Wood Frames
Wooden eyeglass frames are a stylish, eco-friendly option that offers a unique and natural look. Often made from sustainable woods like bamboo, maple, or walnut, these frames are lightweight and durable, and their natural grain patterns provide an individualistic touch to the eyewear.
Wood frames are typically hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious individuals. However, wooden frames may require extra care, as they can be sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature.
Carbon Fiber Frames
Carbon fiber frames are a premium option for eyeglasses. Known for their incredible strength and lightweight feel, carbon fiber frames are perfect for those who want something both durable and stylish. Carbon fiber is also corrosionresistant and offers a modern, high-tech appearance.
However, because carbon fiber frames are a specialized product, they can come with a hefty price tag.
Buffalo horn frames: The premium choice for eyewear
Buffalo horn frames are a luxurious and unique option for eyeglasses, known for their natural beauty, durability, and lightweight feel. Made from the horn of water buffaloes, these frames are often considered a premium, eco-friendly choice in the world of eyewear. Their rich texture and color, along with the craftsmanship involved in their creation,
have made them highly coveted by those seeking something distinctive and elegant.
Buffalo horn frames are crafted from the natural horn of water buffaloes, which are commonly found in parts of Asia. The horn is a keratin-based material, similar to human hair and nails, which makes it incredibly lightweight, yet strong and flexible. The material undergoes a meticulous process of cleaning, boiling, polishing, and shaping into frames.
Unlike plastic or metal frames, buffalo horn is a natural material, meaning each pair of glasses is unique in its coloration and grain. The horn can come in a variety of colors, ranging from shades of black, brown, amber, and even ivory, creating a strikingly natural and refined look. These frames can also be engraved or carved with intricate patterns, making them a work of art in themselves.
The choice of eyeglass frame material can make a significant impact on the comfort, durability, and style of your glasses. From lightweight, eco-friendly wooden frames to sleek, high-tech carbon fiber, each material offers its own set of advantages. Consider your personal preferences, lifestyle needs, and budget when selecting your next pair of eyeglasses to ensure that you find the perfect match for both your style and vision needs. Whether you're after bold colors, classic metallic designs, or hypoallergenic materials, the wide variety of frame materials available ensures there's something for everyone.
Dr. Romie Dhaliwal, B. SC., O.D. is the owner and optometrist at Academy Optical.
u Manitoba Ford dealer Metcalfe’s Garage celebrating 125th anniversary
Continued from page 1
In 1911, just eight years after Henry Ford began making cars, the Metcalfes converted their farm implement store into our province’s first Ford dealership. When Clare’s son, Hilliard, came of age, he joined the family business.
We started selling new Ford Model T’s in 1911, and by 1924, we had sold 100 of them in a single year. For most customers, this was their first motorized vehicle purchase, so part of the delivery process was teaching customers how to drive! We most certainly didn’t need to include today’s technology such as Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, My
Ford Touch and Parking Assist back then.
According to a history of Metcalfe’s Garage published in a commemorative book in celebration of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association’s 80th anniversary two years ago, in the early days, new cars were driven to Manitoba dealerships from the Ford assembly plant in Winnipeg. By the 1940s, the cars were coming by train, four to a boxcar, two of them hung by hooks from the ceiling.
In the 1960s, Hilliard’s sons, Bruce and Jack, joined the business. Hilliard passed away in 1977. Neil Metcalfe,
Daylight savings
Continued from page 1
of crime. Moving sunlight into the evening hours has a far greater impact on crime prevention than it does in the morning.
We save energy. Having more sun in the evening requires less electricity for lighting, and reduces the amount of natural gas required to heat homes and businesses.
Recreation and commerce flourish in daylight and are hampered by evening darkness.
To be fair, it has been documented that when the time changes one hour either way there is an increase in the number of people suffering heart attacks.
Strangely, there are no warnings from Health Canada about those of us who have
Jack’s son is the Metcalfe garage’s current president.
“I grew up working here,” says Neil Metcalfe, who also served as president of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association for a two-year term about 15 years ago. “I started here full time in 1997 in as entry level position and have had experience working in every department. My son, Brett, is doing the same now.”
In addition to having children in each generation who have been willing to take over the running of the store, Metcalfe attributes Metcalfe Garage’s success, at a time when very few independent rural (or even city) new car dealers are left, to a strong focus on customer service and a top notch group of employees.
“We have a number of long-time team members among our 27 employees.,” Metcalfe says. “Our service manager,
had to get up early to attend 7:00 a.m. meetings. What about people who have to get up at four or five in the morning to catch a flight to another time zone? I’ve never seen or heard any data alerting travellers of the potential health risk that lies therein.
Here are my final thoughts, pro and con, on the issue:
1. When the time changes on the two Sundays of the year they should always be followed by a national holiday on Monday.
2. Yes! It’s Daylight Saving Time. The clock in my car will finally be correct!
3. Don’t forget to adjust all the clocks you never look at because you have a phone!
Laurent Boulet, has been with us for 30 years. One of our technicians has been here for over 20 years. And another technician retired after an amazing 39year career with us.”
Metcalfe notes that Treherne has a population of about 800 and the dealership serves a market area of about 100 km. “We are the only Ford dealer between Portage La Prairie, Carman and Brandon,” he points out.
“We sell about 350 new and used models a year.”
With Brett showing an interest in taking his place in the president’s office one day and the Ford Motor Company in good financial shape, it looks like Metcalfe’s Garage’s future is secure at least for another generation.
Talk about supporting local business. I know where I am looking first for my next Ford! – Dorothy
4. Is this the one where I get an extra hour of drinking or lose an hour of drinking?
5. It’s National “How Do I Change the Clock on my Microwave” Day!
6. Daylight Saving time is like cutting one end off of a rug and sewing it to the other end to make it longer.
To me, daylight saving time is a sign that spring isn’t far away and summer is right behind it. It’s about hope and promise and don’t we all need just a little bit of that?
Don’t forget, we spring forward on Sunday, March 9.
Listen to Jim’s podcasts and many others online at Lifestyles 55 Digital Radio.
Myron Love
Jim Ingebrigtsen
Dr. Romie Dhaliwal All About Eyes
Port Nelson, Manitoba attracts LNG developer Northern Prince LNG
Blaine Mersereau
Port Nelson, located on the shores of Hudson Bay near the mouth of the Nelson River, has attracted the interest of LNG developer Northern Prince LNG. The proposed location is in the traditional territory of Fox Lake Cree Nation.
In March 2024, Northern Prince LNG entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Manitoba based NeeStaNan Inc., a company co-owned by Fox Lake Cree Nation and NeeStaNan Projects Inc. Fox Lake Cree Nation, through its relationship with NeeStaNan, is advancing a feasibility study on the creation of a new year-round, multifunctional port at Port Nelson. Critical to this is the construction of a new rail line along the original route to Port Nelson that followed a hard bed over an esker ridge.
Northern Prince LNG is a Canadian federally incorporated company created to advance midscale LNG export facilities ideally suited to deliver competitively priced LNG from Canada’s vast supplies of natural gas. Initially established to target the growing demand for natural gas in southeast Asia, the company is now expanding its interests to include exports through Hudson Bay.
Chris Hilliard of Northern Prince LNG says, “Port Nelson is an ideal location to export LNG to remote arctic communities, Europe and other markets along the Atlantic Basin. Canada has potential to be one of the world’s most trusted suppliers of LNG. We have a well-defined, reliable legal system and an excellent reputation as country with stable governance. Our reputation as a friendly, reliable, stable source of LNG is growing increasingly important with our European allies.”
Port Nelson was first established in the early 1900s and was to be Canada’s first arctic port primarily used for the export of grain. Today, it is the object of considerable interest from several Canadian energy companies for its tidewater location and proximity to Europe. An ideal combination for the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Work to develop the site was abandoned in the early 1918 as the War ended. Nothing happened for the next 10 years until efforts were refocused on Churchill as the location for Canada’s new arctic port. Unfortunately, due to ice conditions, the Port of Churchill operates with a limited shipping season lasting from late summer and early fall. That and the difficult terrain over which the rail line was built, have meant that the port has never reached its wished for potential.
“Our plans would see LNG exports happening year-round” says Hilliard. “There are ice class LNG carriers that can call on Port Nelson yearround. We don’t see ice as being a problem this location on the Bay and modern technology allows us to deal with silting concerns. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Fox Lake Cree Nation and NeeStaNan as they undertake a feasibility study for Canada’s next new arctic port and utility corridor.”
The second phase of the project would include a utility corridor connecting the three western provinces with tidewater on Hudson Bay. The corridor would host several pieces of critical infrastructure for Canada including an expanded/ extended rail system, a natural gas pipeline, a high voltage DC power transmission line, and a trunk line for fibre communication.
For the past seven years NeeStaNan has been actively working with provincial governments of the three prairie provinces, indigenous communities and industry stakeholders to cultivate support for critical infrastructure that would provide the prairie provinces with access to a new robust port on tidewater in Hudson Bay. On 11 April 2023, the Manitoba Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the other Prairie Provinces to Advance Economic Corridors and on August 3 of that same year, announced that it would participate in NeeStaNan. The election and a change in government has delayed that participation.
“It is timely that Port Nelson is attracting attention for LNG exports, said Okimakan (Chief) Morris Beardy, Fox Lake Cree Nation.
“Its tidewater location and access to Canada’s
expansive gas resources make Port Nelson an ideal location for a port. Shipping LNG through Port Nelson will be Canada’s ‘quickest to market’ solution for LNG shipments to Europe. We expect to see a positive outcome from the feasibility study. I believe we and other First Nations will be in a good position to host both the Port Nelson development and the accompanying corridor.”
NeeStaNan has also entered into a cooperation and support agreement with The Assini Group (TAG), a 100% First Nation entity with a membership consisting of 10 First Nations with territorial lands spanning north central Manitoba from The Pas to the mouth of the Nelson River.
“We are extremely pleased to have Fox Lake Cree Nation taking the lead role with NeeStaNan,” says Marshall Mudoch, CEO of NeeStaNan Inc. “Support and encouragement from the members of TAG is critical for the success of NeeStaNan and Fox Lake. The traditional territories for the TAG members represent the core areas for the port and corridor development.”
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Chris Hillard of Northern Prince and Okimakan (Chief) Morris Beardy of Fox Lake Cree Nation meet in Vancouver to discuss participating in NeeStaNan’s Feasibility Study.
It’s March and that can only mean one thing: St. Patrick’s Day!
Growing up across the pond, St. Patrick’s day was always ‘Sausage and Champ’. I know you have probably never heard of champ, but it is simply mashed potatoes with scallions, butter and cream, all honestly perfect for this dish.
From the heart of Ireland, this dish tantalizes the senses. Picture a plate, warm and inviting, where golden-brown sausages lie seductively beside a mound of creamy champ. The sausages glisten, their skins taut and enticing, hinting at the savory richness within. Each bite promises a burst of flavor, a dance of spices and herbs that tease the palate.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the champ. Silky mashed potatoes, infused with the sweetness of scallions, create a luscious base. The aroma wafts through the air, drawing you closer, as if whispering secrets of comfort and indulgence. Each spoonful is a gentle caress, smooth and buttery, melting on the tongue, evoking a warmth that spreads through the body.
As you indulge, the sausages and champ entwine, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that is both grounding and exhilarating. The savory richness of the sausage complements the velvety embrace of the champ, a symphony of tastes that invites you to linger, to savor every morsel. Each bite is a flirtation, a playful exploration of culinary pleasure.
Imagine the setting: a cozy pub, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows, creating an intimate atmosphere. With each forkful, the world outside fades, leav-
ing only the connection between the dish and your senses. Sausage and champ become more than a meal; they transform into an experience, an indulgence that leaves you craving more.
In the end, this dish isn’t just nourishment; it’s a passionate encounter, a celebration of flavors that ignites the spirit, leaving an afterglow that lingers long after the last bite.
Here is what you will need:
½ cup unsalted butter
8 oz. fresh whipping cream
1 medium egg
½ bag potatoes, peeled
4 scallions thinly chopped
2 tablespoon olive oil
8 Irish sausages (fried)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ can Guinness
½ litre beef stock
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
The All important How to:
Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot, fill with water then add salt, place on the stove on a high heat and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling reduce the heat until the potatoes boil slowly, cook until the potatoes are soft.
In a large heatproof bowl, mix butter, egg, cream.
While the potatoes are cooking, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Place and cook the sausages, turning often, until golden brown on all sides. Once the sausages are cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside in an oven proof dish, cover with foil and place in a pre-heated oven at 300°F.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain, then immediately add them to the bowl with the butter mixture. Using a potato masher, mash until smooth. Then stir in chopped green onions, add crushed black pepper to taste.
In same skillet that was used for the sausages return it to a medium-high heat on the stove, toss the sliced onion with olive oil and season with salt. Reduce the heat and leave to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and deeply caramelized, about 30 minutes.
Add the garlic to the onions and cook, stirring, until fragrant. Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine. Add the beer and scraping any bits that have stuck to the bottom of skillet. Stir in stock and mustard, reduce the heat to medium-low, and leave to simmer, stirring occasionally, until gravy is thickened. Remove the sausages from the oven and nestle them into the gravy leave to simmer, stirring occasionally.
Now its time to plate, divide the potatoes among the plates. Top with sausages, then generously spoon the gravy over the top. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Ian Leatt is a trained chef from across the pond.
A Life’s Journey to Siri Vajiraramaya Temple
Ven. Siri Vajiraramaye Ñ-anasiha
Thera celebrated his 90th birthday on Feb. 18, 2025. His parents were Mr. R.G. James Gunasekera of Telijjavila, Matara District and Mrs. Seela Gunasekera (nee Wijesinghe) of Vigoda, Bemmulla in Gampaha District. His father was a government servant (Dept. TeleCom) and with his father’s duty transfers, he had to change five schools.
In 1946, he joined Royal College Grade 6 and completed his school life there in 1952. He studiously followed the school motto “Learn or Depart”. He received the Form prizes from the First Form onwards and his name, R.G.G.O. Gunasekera, is still displayed in three panels in the main hall of Royal College.
According to the Gazette notification published in 1957, there were six vacancies for that year in the Ceylon Civil Service (CCS). He was one of the six in the competitive exam that ensued. His first appointment as a CCS cadet was to the Kandy Kachcheri.
When he entered the University of Ceylon, belonging to the first batch that had complete university education at Peradeniya, he had already completed the London Intermediate Examination. He had his Dhamma education at Vajirarama Dhamma School where he had the opportunity to be at the feet of late Most Ven. Pelene Vajirañ-ana Mahanayake Thera and other renowned monks, such as, Narada Maha Thera, Ampitiye Sri Rahula and Piyadassi Maha Theras. During this period Ven. Rahula Thera asked whether he would like to be ordained, whilst Ven. Narada wanted him to pursue his studies at the University and then consider being ordained. I think Ven. Rahula Thera would have observed the schoolboy Olcott’s Buddhist behavioural pattern that will make him end up as a Buddhist monk.
In 1953, he entered the University of Ceylon, not in Colombo but at the newly constructed garden university campus in Peradeniya. He was in the Faculty of Arts following a four-year special degree.
In 1964, when the Asia Foundation prepared a world study tour for late Most Venerable Madiha Paññ-asiha Mahanayake Thera, he sought a leave of absence for 139 days from the Government of Ceylon to accompany the Mahanayake Thera as Foster/Translator. They embarked from the Colombo harbour by ship to reach Naples and from there by train via Bologna, Innsbruck and Munich to Berlin, and Hamburg, Copenhagen, Paris and London to New York. From New York there was an extensive study tour from East to West coast of USA by road and rail. Among many outcomes of this tour were (1) the establishment of the first Theravada Buddhist Temple in North America, located in Washington DC; (2) introducing the concept of a self-denial fund, learning from observations among Mormons in Utah. It was familiarised as ‘Skip-a-Meal Fund’ by Dharmavijaya Foundation and its collections were used to alleviate malnutrition; and (3) implementing for youth, a programme called Turunu Saviya (Youth Strength) to harness youth strength for development purposes, taking a cue from 4H clubs visited in Chicago.
Instead of having a fashionable wedding in a five-star hotel he went to the Register General’s Office (RGO), Colombo. Bride Anula came with her relations and their marriage was registered at RGO. In his autobiography ‘Nissarana Yatra’ (page 64) it is mentioned that the Register General at the time was late Sugathadasa Samarasinghe, who was my father.
Gal Oya Development Board was established in 1950 to implement a multipurpose river development scheme, similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority, in USA. After completing the irrigation work and settlements in 1961, the developed area was handed to line agencies. In the process, the earlier Batticaloa District was divided into two, namely, Batticaloa and Ampara districts. It is surprising to know that although settlement work was completed few decades ago, Mahaweli Authority is still functioning in Mahaweli areas. In the new District of Ampara, Mr. Gunasekera became the third Government Agent in 1964, when he was 29 years of age. He went to Amapara with three belongings, a newly married wife, his Peugeot 203 and two suitcases. When in Ampara, he was blessed his first baby. Ashok was born in Government Hospital, Batticaloa.
R.G.G.O. (Olcott) Gunasekera’s had a lengthy association with the Cooperative Movement and could be said to be in three phases. He was firstly, the Commissioner of Cooperative Development and Registrar of Cooperative Societies from 1970 to 1973 and was entrusted to implement the recommendations of the Laidlaw Commission Report under which the 10,000+ small cooperative societies were amalgamated into 323 large multipurpose cooperative societies. When he retired from government service in 1973 on terms of abolition of the Ceylon Civil Service, he was 38 years of age. Those days this was the practice among Civil Servants as there was a demand by international agencies for their quality of work and integrity.
Among his social service activities, I would like to single-out Mr. Gunasekara’s leadership with Most Ven. late Madihe Mahanayake Thera in establishing DVF on Nov. 8th, 1977. He was the founder President and continually served in that capacity for 34 years. The DVF was incorporated by Act of Parliament No. 62 of 1979. The projects of DVF come un-
der seven broad Programmes, namely, (1) Promoting Moral Development (2) Economic (3) Education (4) Health and Wellbeing (5) Workshops and Conferences (6) Training and (7) Media and Communication. Board of Trustees of DVF, from its inception, meet for business on every Thursday of a week. These meeting are currently held at the DVF headquarters, constructed during his tenure as President. Some elected life member Trustees living abroad are appointed as Honorary Representatives of DVF. Ranjith Soysa (Australia) and I (Canada) participate in the meetings of the Board of Trustees held on the last Thursday of a month via Zoom. Currently, the Supreme Patron of DVF (Uttara Anus-am, saka) is Most Ven. Tirkunamale Ananda Mahanayaka Thera. Mr. Gunasekera at the age of 79 along with Anula, his companion in life, had a lengthy discussion with Most Ven. Tirkunamale Ananda Mahanayaka Thera about his intentions to get ordained as a Buddhist monk. He expressed that as a Vajirarama Dhamma School student he is anxious to be a resident monk at Siri Vajiraramaya Temple and be guided by the Mahanayaka Thera. He stepped down from all national and international office-bearer ships and resigned from memberships and consultancy boards, which were numerous, and became a ‘lay ten-preceptor’ at Siri Vajiraramaya, Mr. R.G.G.O. (Olcott) Gunasekera was ordained soon after as Ven. Siri Vajiraramaye Ñ-anasiha on the Medin full-moon Poya day of March 05, 2015. During the past ten years as a monk, he has been striving diligently to attain his spiritual goals. He has made very valuable contributions to Siri Vajiraramaya out of which one that is lasting is as regards the development of the 100-year-old Siri Vajirarama Library.
Our family members would like to take this opportunity to wish Ven. Ñ-anasiha Thera good health and a successful life as a monk. May he shorten his sansaric life and may he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana during this life itself. Budu Saranai!
Ian Leatt Foodies
Senaka Samarasinghe
Timeless tale of love and loss
La
Bohème closes Manitoba Opera season
One of the most romantic operas of all time, La Bohème will close Manitoba Opera’s 2024/25 season. Puccini’s enduring masterpiece will be presented at the Centennial Concert Hall Saturday, April 5, Wednesday, April 9, and Friday, April 11.
Poor in cash but rich in dreams, the poet Rodolfo and the frail but beautiful seamstress Mimì chance upon each other one cold winter’s night and fall in love. But soon winter fades, taking with it the love of a lifetime.
Set in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s, this true-to-life tale of struggling young artists living life to the fullest will make you laugh and break your heart.
A brilliant mix of light and darkness, La Bohème is soaring, lyrical, and intensely emotional. This is the music that made Italian composer Giacomo Puccini a legend and inspired the Broadway sensation and hit movie Rent.
“A voice to follow” Le Devoir, soprano Suzanne Taffot sings the role of Mimì and leads an exciting all-Canadian cast of young bohemians. Tenor Zachary Rioux, currently a member of the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, is the poet Rodolfo who steals Mimì’s heart. He has been called “A showstopping tenor.” (Ludwig van Toronto)
Fresh from making his debut at Milan's Teatro alla Scala is baritone Hugo Laporte as the painter Marcello, Rodolfo’s roommate and Musetta’s boy
toy. He’s been credited with a “…sumptuous voice, elegance of phrasing, and supreme musical intelligence.” (Avant Scène Opéra) The fiery Musetta is sung by Charlotte Siegel, named as one of CBC’s 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30 for 2021. “…the right amount of effervescence and flamboyance as the temptress Musetta.” (La Scena Musicale)
Praised for “a voice that is both powerful and expressive” (SesayArts Magazine), bass-baritone Alexander Halliday plays the role of Colline, a philosopher willing to sacrifice his most cherished item to comfort Mimì in her hour of need. Rounding out the cast of Parisians is baritone Clarence Frazer as Schaunard, a musician who is quick to crack open a bottle and celebrate when times are good. “Frazer’s baritone was full and powerful.” (Schmopera)
Winnipeg favourite David Watson will return in the dual roles of Benoit, the bohemians’ landlord, and Alcindoro, Musetta’s latest sugar daddy.
Anna Theodosakis will be making her MO directing debut with La Bohème. Tyrone Paterson will conduct the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The production will also feature the Manitoba Opera Chorus and a children’s chorus.
La Bohème will be sung in Italian with projected English translations.
For tickets: 204-944-8824, mbopera.ca, or in person at the Manitoba Opera Box Office, lower level, Centennial Concert Hall.
An exciting season coming up at RMTC next year
Royal MTC is pleased to announce the 2025/26 season and take the people of the prairies on an unforgettable theatrical journey. Artistic Director Kelly Thornton carefully selected 10 productions, which include world premieres from Canadian playwrights and internationally acclaimed plays making their debut in Manitoba.
“Over the past five years, I’ve been listening to our subscribers and the community about what they want to see on stage, and I think this season is filled with incredible stories that will come to life at our theatres,” says Artistic Director Kelly Thornton. “It’s an entertaining and thought-provoking collection of stories that features extraordinary puppetry, design wizardry of a murder on the world’s most luxurious train, and a deliciously hilarious Christmas musical for the entire family.”
“If you attend more than one show a year, you see the breadth of what we create over a season,” explains Thornton. “Each play we’ve assembled in our 2025/26 season will take you on an incredible journey. Of course, you can visit one or two ‘cities’ but I invite you to join me on a first-class world tour, where you’ll enjoy the extraordinary experience of an entire season.”
John Hirsch Mainstage Life of Pi. In partnership with Citadel Theatre, October 16 – November 8, 2025 (preview October 15).
An epic story of courage, faith and survival, Life of Pi roars to breathtaking life with riveting storytelling and stunning puppetry. Based on the international best-selling novel, Pi’s astonishing tale will have us question what we see with our own eyes. Elf – The Musical. November 27 – December 20, 2025 (previews November 25 & 26).
Bursting with holiday spirit, joyful song and boundless cheer, Elf – The Musical is the gift we all need this Christmas. Buddy the Elf is happy, bighearted and larger than life. Buddy is also larger than the other elves, which makes sense when it’s revealed he’s actually human. Gobsmacked by this discovery, Buddy sets off in search of the World’s Greatest Dad.
Murder on the Orient Express. In partnership with Citadel Theatre, Directed by Kelly Thornton. January 15 – February 7, 2026 (preview January 14).
Showcasing the Queen of Crime’s signature twists and turns, and a luxury train onstage, this witty adaptation keeps us guessing until Hercule Poirot delivers his breathtaking verdict. Detective Poirot is aboard the Orient Express when an unlikeable wealthy American is murdered. With his unparalleled eye for detail and keen instincts, Poirot uncovers secrets and motives as he seeks the truth behind the murder in this suspenseful tale of deception, revenge and justice.
Rogers v. Rogers. Royal MTC presents A Crow’s Theatre Production. February 19 – March 14, 2026 (preview February 18).
A David vs. Goliath story for a new age, Rogers v. Rogers examines the merits of fighting back, the cost of ambition, and the complicated legacy of love and defiance in the shadow of power. Telecom tycoon Ted Rogers spent a lifetime turning Canada’s airwaves into money — and a company into a virtual monopoly. Now his son Edward is fighting to take control of the family empire.
The Last Wife. March 26 – April 18, 2026 (preview March 25).
With sharp dialogue and compelling characters, this historical fight for power explores humanity through a contemporary lens. Katherine Parr, a sharp and determined woman, agrees to marry King Henry VIII on her own terms. As she asserts her agency and fights for equal rights for Henry’s daughters, the volatile King struggles for control and authority.
Rubaboo – A Métis Cabaret. April 30 – May 23, 2026 (preview April 29).
Métis singer-songwriter Andrea Menard's feast for the senses blends master storytelling with the beauty of Métis culture through music, dance and visual art. Rubaboo blends diverse cultural influences and invites us to reflect on the ongoing journey of cultural preservation and pride.
Tom Hendry Warehouse
Wonderful Joe. Royal MTC presents a Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes Production. Created and performed by Ronnie Burkett. October 9 – 26, 2025 (previews October 7 & 8).
A singular and world-class talent, Ronnie Burkett brings his signature style to the Warehouse where he has wowed audiences with previous hits such as Provenance, Happy and Tinka’s New Dress. Joe and
his dog Mister lose their home, and facing separation, head into the world for one last grand adventure. A seemingly simple tale of a simple man, Wonderful Joe is a tender nod to imagination, hope, and the art of filling broken hearts with gold.
A Number. November 13 – 29, 2025 (preview November 12).
What happens when you discover more than one YOU in the world? This psychological thriller explores themes of identity, family dynamics and the ethics of scientific experimentation. Bernard has contentedly navigated life as an only child. When his father reveals the truth about his place in the family order, Bernard’s world is turned upside down. Father and son relationships can be complicated at the best of times but take on new meaning in a world where humans can be replicated.
Holland. In partnership with Theatre Projects Manitoba. February 5 – 21, 2026 (preview February 4).
This world premiere is a hilarious madcap adventure, an unflinching look at disability rights and a love letter to everyday heroes who will do anything for their people. Carrie and Paul are good people with solid friends and great kids. Another constant in their life is Alice, an antagonistic social worker who holds all the cards when it comes to their disabled son. Pushed to the brink, Carrie takes matters into her own hands – in the most outrageous way possible – and goes from doing everything for her family to risking it all.
In the Shadow Beyond the Pines.March 12 –28, 2026 (preview March 11).
Set in modern times but steeped in a dark and haunting past, this atmospheric ghost story explores the shadows of Indigenous life and lore with a hint of humour, and a lot of heart. Amid the mysteries of the vast wilderness of northern Manitoba, three young men wrestle with the loss of their friend by reclaiming the cultural practice of lighting a sacred fire. When they realize they’ve forgotten the flashlight and their phones have died, legends and memories are all they have to guide them through the night.
Subscriptions are on sale now, offering a premium experience at a variety of price points and always offer the most savings for anyone interested in attending more than one play.
Canadian soprano Suzanne Taffot will sing the role of the frail seamstress, Mimì, in Manitoba Opera’s April production of La Boheme. Photo courtesy of Manitoba Opera.
The legendary Ernie Pitts, Blue Bomber
Ernie Pitts was born on March 8, 1935, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Ernie played college football at the University of Denver. He was pursued by both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU) and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. Ernie chose Winnipeg. On June 18, 1957, the Winnipeg Free Press Headline read: Bombers Ink Speedy End (1957-59)
The article referred to Pitts ability to play both offense and defense and his speed. Football in the 1950s was different from today's game. The 1950s Canadian football teams relied heavily on their running game. These teams usually lined up with four running backs in the back field.
A CFL record that will probably never be broken (1959)
On July 25,1957, in the Blue and Gold intrasquad game, quarterback Chuck Curtis became the first Bomber QB to throw a TD pass to Pitts. In an October 1957 game at Calgary's Meewata Stadium, Pitts showed his true football instincts when he caught a pass from Kenny Pleon on a botched extra point attempt. This one-point convert was the
In 1957, the Bombers under new Head coach Bud Grant moved from third to second place. The Bombers defeated the first place Edmonton Eskimos to win the WIFU championship. The Bombers moved on to the last Grey Cup game ever played at Varsity Stadium. After having to play four more regular and playoff season games than the Hamilton Tiger Cats, the Big Four Champions, the Bombers were out of gas. As the Grey Cup game was slipping away, Pitts was involved in one of the weirdest plays in football history. Bomber Punter Gerry Vincent tried to pass to Pitts on a fake punt. Ti-cat defender Ray 'Bibbles' Bawel stepped in front of Pitts and intercepted Vincent's pass. As Bawel was running along the sideline for a possible pick 6, David Humphrey, a Toronto Lawyer watching the game on the sideline tripped Bawel ending the play. Hamilton won 32-7.
In January 1958, the Big Four, and WIFU became the CFL. The historic merger took place at Winnipeg’s Royal Alex Hotel. The Bombers dominated the early years of the new league by winning four out of the first five Grey Cups. In an October 1958 game at Winnipeg Stadium against Calgary, Jim Van Pelt completed a 107-yard touchdown pass to Pitts. In 1958, the Bombers defeated Hamilton 35-28, ending a 17-year Grey Cup drought.
In 1959, Pitts teamed up with Winnipeg quarterbacks Jim Van Pelt, Kenny Pleon and Leo Lewis to score 10 receiving touchdowns against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. On August 29, 1959, Pitts caught five touchdown passes in a 61-8 Bomber victory. Unfortunately, the game was one weekend too early to qualify as a Labour Day game. On September 12, with my father George and me in attendance, Pitts caught two more TD passes in a 41-14 victory over Saskatchewan. On October 12, Pitts scored one touchdown in a Bomber 27-14 victory in Regina. In the final game of the regular season, Pitts added a couple of touchdowns in the famous Tripucka Game. The Riders outscored the Bombers 37-30. However, the Bombers were awarded the victory because the Riders Head Coach, Frank Tripucka, an ineligible player, played Quarterback. No other CFL player has scored as many touchdowns against one opponent in one season. Pitts concluded the 1959 season by scoring the last touchdown in the last minute of the Bomber 21-7 victory over Hamilton in the Grey Cup.
Scoring First in a New Stadium (1960-64)
In 1960, Ernie became the first player to score points in Calgary's new McMahon Stadium. The historic touchdown happened at 4:33 of the first Quarter. Carver Shannon converted. The Bombers won 38-23. In 1960, the 14-and-two bombers lost the western final to Edmonton. In the 1961 Grey Cup, Pitts caught a 40-yard pass from Kenny Pleon in overtime to set up Pleon’s 18-yard run for the winning touchdown. The Bombers won 21-14.
In 1962, the Bombers struggled to remain on top of the CFL. A couple of heads up plays by Ernie Pitts on missed Bomber field goals sealed the deal. In the second last game of the regular season, the Bombers clinched first place with a close 35-34 victory over the BC Lions. In the third Quarter, Pitts scored a touchdown after Neil Beaumont mishandled the ball on a missed Bomber Field Goal. This touchdown was the only one of Ernie's 55 career touchdowns that was not scored on passing play. During Game three of the Western Final, the Bombers trailed 7-6. Gerry James tried a game-winning field goal. The field goal was no good, but the ball made it into the north end zone at Winnipeg Stadium. Pitts, Frank Rigney, and Farrell Funston charged down the field and surrounding Calgary's Harvey Wylie. Wylie tried
Life father like son
Canadians are angry with Donald Trump for threatening a tariff of 25%. Like all wars, trade wars are two-way streets. For over onehundred years, Canada has had tariffs on American goods and has favoured Britain with lower tariffs. Canada has been just as antagonistic as Trump is today.
When Wilfred Laurier was first elected as prime minister of Canada, he favoured and promoted free trade with no tariffs. Laurier believed, tariffs drive away business, having tariffs is like shooting yourself in the foot, but free trade gives consumers the lowest possible prices which would allow all citizens to prosper, and when individuals prosper, the country prospers and grows. Canadian manufacturers complained, without tariffs, they stated, they would not be able to compete with American companies. It didn’t matter what Canadians believed, in the end, it was the USA who squashed Laurier’s idea of free trade.
ferent tune, he proposed keeping tariffs on American goods and having lower, preferential tariffs, on British goods. Many Americans became angered at Laurier’s arrogance, publicly stating, if Canada would not play fair ball, Americans should just march in and take over the country.
Wayne Weedon Food for Thought
However, in 1909, the newly elected president of the USA, William Howard Taft, a believer in free trade, announced that he would accept Laurier’s plan, but it was too late, the now knighted Sir Wilfred Laurier was singing a dif-
Addressing Congress, President Taft explained: We tendered to the Canadian commissioners absolutely free trade in all products of either country, manufactured or natural, but the Canadian commissioners did not feel justified in going so far. It is only reasonable to infer, therefore, that with respect to those articles upon which they refused free trade to us they felt that the profitable price at which they could be sold by our manufacturers in Canada was less than the price at which their manufacturers could afford to sell the same either to their own people or to us. Hence it follows that their refusal to agree to free trade in these articles, as we proposed, is the strongest kind of evidence that if we should take off the existing duty from such articles coming into the United States it would not affect in the slightest degree the price at which those articles could be furnished to the public here. In other words, the proposition
to kick the ball out of the end zone and Funston fell on the ball for the winning touchdown. The Bombers went onto the Grey Cup and defeated Hamilton 28-27 in the Fog Bowl played over two days.
The Bombers missed the playoffs in 1963 and 1964. There was an obvious need to improve the defense. The Bombers Defense gave up 397 Points (almost 25 points a game) in the 1964 season. The Bombers only won one regular season game in 1964. The latter half of the 1960s
Head coach Bud Grant and defensive coach Johnny Michaels brought in a new Three M Linebacking Core of Al Miller, Phil Minnick and Ken Maglicic. In January 1965, Grant announced that Pitts would be moving to defensive. During the regular season, the Bombers only gave up 262 (16 per game) points. The Bombers finished at 11 and 5. The rebound season included four and five game winning streaks. The Bombers won 10 more games than they had won in the previous season. Pitts and the defense were dominate in a 15-9 victory over Saskatchewan on a snowy November Sunday afternoon at Winnipeg Stadium. The Bombers beat Calgary in the Western Final before losing 22-16 to Hamilton in the Wind Bowl Grey Cup at Toronto's CNE Stadium.
In 1966, the Bombers finished second in the West and lost the western final to Saskatchewan. In early 1967, Bud Grant left for the Vikings. A four-year playoff drought followed. Pitts played another three years on these non-playoff Bomber teams In 1968, Pitts earned his final western all-star. In 1970, Pitts went to the BC Lions, On August 4, 1970, Pitts played his last game at Winnipeg Stadium. The Lions won 48-21 On September 24, 1970, Ernie Pitts tragically died.
Conclusion
Ernie was involved in many of the most famous plays in Bomber history. Pitts was a Western All Star on offense in 1957, 1959, and 1960. Ernie caught 337 passes for 5,525 yards. In 1966 and 1968, Ernie was named a Western Conference Defensive All Star. During his five years on defense, Ernie intercepted 17 passes. Pitts played 218 regular season and playoff games for the Bombers. In 1986, Ernie was posthumously inducted in the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Hall of Fame. In 2019, Ernie was inducted into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. In 2020, Ernie was named to the 90th Winnipeg Blue Bomber Ernie should be added to the Ring of Honour at Princess Auto Stadium.
Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist.
to put on the free list for entrance into the United States all articles that Canada has declined to make free in both countries would not lower the price to the consumer here. Thus, the reason why meats were not put on the free list in this Canadian agreement was because Canada felt that the competition of our packers would injuriously affect the products of their packing houses. If that be true, how would it help our consumer or lower the price of meat in our markets if we let their meat in free while they retained a duty on our meat? Canadian consumers could not help but notice that prices in the USA were
lower than in Canada. Despite citizen protests, Laurier would not accept Taft’s offer, and a tit-for-tat trade war continues under our current prime minister.
What happened to Justin Trudeau’s promise to make Canada a more affordable country? Why did he threaten grocery chains with penalties if they did not lower prices? Was this all for show? Trudeau’s actions tell a different story. His actions are creating inflation and higher prices for consumers. Did the carbon tax make living in Canada more affordable? Will the high tariffs on imports bring down prices? Rather than making Canada more affordable, Trudeau is making Canada a place of poverty, with Canadians going deeper and deeper in debt and being able to afford less and less.
Do you remember the extreme inflation we experienced when Justin Trudeau’s father was prime minister? Do you remember house prices doubling and tripling with mortgage rates over twenty percent? Do you remember the federal debt doubling, and doubling, and doubling again under Pierre Trudeau’s leadership? Pierre Trudeau spent taxpayers’ money like a drunken sailor, putting Canada deeper and deeper in debt.
Like father like son.
Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manitoba writer of novels and short stories. To sample his wonderful work go to Wattpad. com.
Fred Morris
From the desk of a gadfly
US President William Howard Taft in 1908.
Meet Jack – your 2025 Champion Child
We’re so grateful for donors who put their heart into helping kids like Jack. We introduced Jack as your new 2025 Champion Child on February 6. He’s a charismatic, funny and happy kid who will need HSC Children’s Hospital until he reaches adulthood. Jack was born at 26 weeks along with his brother Jori. Together they weighed less than five pounds. Sadly, Jori didn’t make it longer than six days. Jack had a condition called hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, putting harmful pressure inside his skull and required five life-saving brain surgeries before he turned two to treat it.
Today, Jack loves doing everyday things like cleaning. As any kid his age does, he likes arts and crafts, cooking and playing on the swings. Flags of any kind though, are his absolute favourite! We at the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba are so pleased to have Jack take on the role of Champion
The Journal
Child this year. March is Child Life month and Music Therapy Month. I don’t need to remind you that being a kid in hospital can be tough. That’s why I’m so grateful we have the very special Child Life team and music therapists to help kids and their families at HSC Children’s. All year long they provide purposeful and fun opportunities for distraction and play so kids can be kids while in hospital.
Stefano Grande Healthy Living
Child Life specialists are experts in childhood development. Programming includes music therapy, the library program, Children’s Hospital Television (CHTV), special holiday celebrations and of course, play. Technology is a big part of it too and we think it’s so cool that this program normalizes children’s experience in the hospital by giving something that’s familiar to them like video games, movies, tablets and more. Believe it or not, video games can also help kids improve their physical rehabilitation.
Music therapy also offers something very special to kids at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital. Through the program kids can play instruments like drums and guitars or simply listen to one of the music therapists. The program brings the healing power of music to children in need of treatment and care. It truly is wonderful.
This year the Children’s Hospital Book Market celebrates its 65th anniversary! The beloved event relies 100 per cent on volunteers who help collect and sort donated books before each Book Market. It then relies on volunteers to pack up and deliver books to the sale. Equally important, at the sale we also need volunteers to manage the many tables, help buyers find their perfect read and ring through purchases. Do you have time to help? If so, please inquire about volunteering opportunities by emailing the event organizers at bookmkt@ mymts.net.
And, don’t forget, the 65th Anniversary Book Market sale is at St. Vital Centre from Friday April 25 to Sunday, April 27!
Stefano Grande is President and CEO, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
The following story is part a new feature, a fictional work by our columnist Wayne Weedon, The Journal. Wayne is a brilliant writer whose style consists of simple declarative statements that stick in your mind as he leads you through an intricate web of circumstances to reach the lesson he set out to teach.
Pregnant and deserted by her lover, a young girl moves in with her grandfather. When the baby boy is born, the grandfather agrees to look after him so his granddaughter may go to work. Despite the age difference, the relationship between the boy and his great-grandfather was more like two siblings than that of an adult and child. As this boy grew into a young man, he loved to look back and tell stories about his great-grandfather, whom he always called “Pops”.
Hank, a former Blood Indian from Alberta, gave Pops a journal. Pops gave it to his great-grandson, asking him to read it. It became a lesson in history.
August 2, 1947
Teacher asked her students to look over the first lesson in their binders. She explained, the reason she decided on a boarding school and not a day school, is because, by living together twenty-four hours each day, there would be no outside distractions. Students could concentrate on what needs to be learned, and, by working together and helping each other, all the students could consistently strive to become the person they deserve to be. Because regular nutritional meals would be needed for physical stamina and brain energy, Julie Anderson, an excellent cook, was brought on board.
Reading the first lesson, I could clearly tell she had been influenced by Orison Swett Marden and Success Magazine. Marden’s writings were adopted as textbooks in Japan, and they were instrumental in rousing the Japanese to not only destroy the Russian navy, but to also win a war against their bigger and more powerful neighbour. This was a real-life David and Goliath event.
We read the first lesson together:
It is very rare to find people who are masterful in their personality, masterful in what they undertake; people who approach a task with the assurance of a conqueror; who can grapple vigorously with the problems of life; who always keep themselves in condition to do their best without strain; who seize with the grip of a master the precious opportunities which come to them.
We become what we think about. Our opinion of ourselves will be reproduced by the life processes within ourselves to transform our body for health or for disease. If you would make the most of yourself, never picture yourself as anything different from the person you want to become. Whenever you think of yourself, form a mental image of a perfect, healthy, beautiful, noble being, not lacking in anything, but possessing every desirable quality. Positively refuse to see anything about yourself which would detract from your personality. Insist upon seeing only the truth of your being, the man or woman Nature intended you to be, and not the distorted being, the burlesque man or woman, which your ignorance and unfortunate environment, wrong thinking, and vicious living have produced.
The estimate you have of yourself, the image of yourself which you carry in your mind, will mean infinitely more to you than other people may think of you. If we would make the most of our lives, if we would be and do all that
it is possible for us to be and to do, we must not only think well of ourselves, but we must also be just to ourselves physically and be good to our bodies. To be the highest, the most efficient type of man or woman, it is just as necessary to cultivate the body, to develop its greatest possible strength and beauty, as it is to cultivate the mind in order to raise it to its highest power. There are plenty of people who are good to others but are not good to themselves. They do not take care of their own health, their own bodies, do not conserve their own energies, husband their own resources. They are slaves to others, tyrants to themselves. People, because they lack stamina, force and physical vitality become weaklings mentally from being weaklings physically.
Most of us are at war with ourselves, are our own worst enemies. We expect a great deal of ourselves, yet we do not put ourselves in a condition to achieve great things. We are either too indulgent to our bodies, or we are not indulgent enough. We pamper our bodies, or we neglect them, and it would be hard to tell which mode of treatment produces the worst results. Few people treat their bodies with the same wise care and consideration that they bestow upon a valuable piece of machinery or property from which they expect large returns. Take the treatment of the digestive apparatus, which really supplies the motor power for the whole body, and we will find that most of us do not give it half a chance to do its work properly. The energy of the digestive organs of many people is exhausted in trying to take care of superfluous food for which there is absolutely no demand in the system. So much energy is used up trying to assimilate surplus, unnecessary food, improper food, that there is none left to assimilate and digest that which is needed. People are constantly violating the laws of health, eating all sorts of incompatible, indigestible foods, often when the stomach is exhausted and unable to take care of simple food. They fill their stomach with a great variety of rich, indigestible stuffs, retard the digestive processes with harmful drinks, then wonder why they are unfit for work, and resort to all sorts of stimulants and drugs to overcome the bad effects of their greediness and foolishness. Many go to the other extreme and do not take enough food or get enough variety in what they do eat, so that some of their tissues are in a chronic condition of semi-starvation. The result is that while there is a great overplus of certain elements in some parts of the system, there is a famine of different kinds of elements in other parts of the system. This inequality, disproportion, tends to unbalance and produce a lack of symmetry in the body, and induces abnormal appetites that often lead to drinking or other dissipation. Many people resort to dangerous drugs in their effort to satisfy the craving of the starved cells in the various tissues when what they really need is nourishing food. There are only twelve different kinds of tissues in the body and their needs are very simple. For instance, almost every demand in the entire system can be satisfied by milk and eggs, though, of course, a more varied diet is desirable, and should always be adjusted to suit one's vocation and activities. Yet, notwithstanding the simple demands of Nature, how complicated our living has become! If we would only study the needs of our bodies as we study
the needs of the plants in our gardens and give them the proper amount and variety of food, with plenty of water, fresh air, and sunshine, we would not be troubled with disordered stomachs, indigestion, biliousness, headache, or any other kind of pain or ache. If we used common sense in our diet, lived a plain, sane, simple life, we would never need to take medicine. But the way many of us live is a crime against Nature, against adulthood, against our possibilities. It is amazing that otherwise shrewd, sensible people can deceive themselves into practising petty economies which are ruinous extravagances. No good mechanic would for a moment think of using tools that are out of order. Think of a barber trying to run a firstclass shop with dull scissors and clippers! Think of a carpenter or cabinetmaker attempting to turn out finished work with dull chisels, saws, and planes! Whatever else you do, husband your strength, save your vitality, hang on to it with the determination with which a drowning man seizes and clings to a log. Store up every bit of your physical force, for it is your achievement material. Having this, the person who has no money is rich compared with people of wealth who have squandered their vitality, thrown away their precious life energy. Gold is but dross compared with this, diamonds but rubbish. Dissipators of precious vitality are the wickedest kind of spendthrifts; they are worse than money spendthrifts; they are suicides, for they are killing their every chance in life. Of what use is ability if you can not use it, of forces that are demoralized, weakened by petty, false economies; what use is great brain power, even genius, if you are physically weak, if your vitality is so reduced either by vicious living or lack of proper care? To be confronted by a great opportunity of which you are powerless to take advantage, because you have let your energy leak away in useless, vicious ways, or to feel that you can only take hold of your great chance tremblingly, weakly, with doubt instead of assurance and a consciousness of vigor, is one of the most disheartening experiences that can ever come to a human being. If you would make the most of yourself, cut away all your vitality sappers, get rid of everything which hampers you and holds you back, everything which wastes your energy. Get freedom at any cost. Do not drag about with you a body that is half dead through vicious habits which sap your vitality and drain off your life forces. Always ask yourself, “What is there in this thing I am going to do which will add to my lifework, increase my power, keep me in superb condition to do the best thing possible to me?”
Much precious energy is wasted in fretting, worrying, grumbling, fault-finding, in the little frictions and annoyances that accomplish nothing, but merely make you irritable, cripple and exhaust you. Just look back over last week or last month and see where your energy went to. See how much of it leaked away in trifles and in vicious practices. You may have lost more brain and nerve force in a burst of passion, a fit of hot temper, than in doing your normal work in an entire day.
• • •
Wayne Douglas Weedon is a Manitoba author who writes a combination of fictional and factual stories, essays, and novels.
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
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
Headingley Seniors’ Services 5353 Portage Avenue / 204-889-3132 ext. 3 seniors@rmofheadingley.ca www.headingleyseniorsservices.ca
Indigenous Senior Resource Centre Inc. A1- 100 Robinson Avenue / 204-586-4595 executivedirector@isrcwpg.ca www.asrcwpg.ca
Manitoba Korean 55+ Centre 900-150 River Avenue 204-996-7003 / www.ksam.ca
North Centennial Seniors Association of Winnipeg Inc. 86 Sinclair Street / 204-582-0066 ncsc@shaw.ca / www.ncseniors.ca
North Point Douglas Seniors Centre 244 Jarvis Avenue
Rainbow Resource Centre 545 Broadway / 204-474-0212 ext 255 OTR@rainbowresourcecentre.org www.rainbowresourcecentre.org
The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Avenue / 204-946-9153
sheila.keys@salvationarmy.ca
South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 117-1 Morley Ave / 204-478-6169 resources@swsrc.ca / www.swsrc.ca
Southdale Seniors 254 Lakewood Boulevard / 204-257-6171 gm@southdale.ca / www.southdale.ca
Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba 113 Stan Bailie Drive 204-261-9647 / www.srilankanseniorsmb.ca
St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre 3-203 Duffield Street 204-987-8850 / info@stjamescentre.com www.stjamescentre.com
Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave / 204-222-9879 tcs@mymts.net / www.transconaseniors.ca
Transcona Retired Citizens Org. 328 Whittier Ave. West 204-222-8473 / trco328@shaw.ca
Vital Seniors - 3 St Vital Road 204-253-0555 / stmary@mymts.net www.stmarymagdelenewpg.org
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
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
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 psfsmeals@shaw.ca portageservicefors.wixsite.com/psfs
RIVERTON
Riverton Seniors Activity Centre 12 Main Street / 204-378-5155 rdfc@mymts.net / www.rivertonfc.com
SANDY LAKE
Sandy Lake Drop In Centre 100 Main St. / 204-585-2411
Municipality of Harrison Park - Age Friendly Initiative Committee 204-585-5310
SELKIRK
Gordon Howard Centre 384 Eveline Street / 204-785-2092 executivedirector@gordonhoward.ca www.gordonhoward.ca
SNOW LAKE
Snow Lake Senior Centre 71 Balsam Street 204-358-2151 / snowsrs@mymts.net
SOUTH JUNCTION Piney Regional Senior Services 204-437-2604 / lgdseniors@gmail.com
ST. LAURENT Age Friendly Committee of St. Laurent 204-906-9607
STARBUCK
MacDonald Services to Seniors 204-735-3052 / info@mcdonaldseniors.ca www.macdonaldseniors.ca
STEINBACH
Pat Porter Active Living Centre 10 Chrysler Gate 204-320-4600 / ed@patporteralc.com www.patporteralc.com
STONEWALL
South Interlake 55 Plus 374 1st Street West - Oddfellows Hall 204-467-2582 / si55plus@mymts.net www.si55plus.org
SWAN RIVER
Swan River & District Community Resource Council 126 6th Ave N / 204-734-5707 resourcecouncil@srseniorservices.com
Swan River Senior Citizens Centre 702 1st Street North / 204-734-2212 THE PAS The Pas Golden Agers 324 Ross Avenue / 204-623-3663 seniorsthepas@gmail.com
THOMPSON Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council Inc.
4 Nelson Rd. / 204-677-0987 thompsonseniors55@gmail.com thompsonseniors.ca
TREHERNE Treherne Friendship Centre 190 Broadway Street 204-723-2559 / jstate1066@gmail.com
VICTORIA BEACH East Beaches Social Scene 3 Ateah Road / 204-756-6468 ebssinc1@gmail.com www.ebseniorscene.ca
East Beaches Resource Centre 3 Ateah Road / 204-756-6471 ebresourcec@gmail.com ebresourcec.weebly.com
VIRDEN
Seniors Access to Independent Living 204-851-2761 / sail.cao.2023@gmail.com
WINKLER Winkler & District MP Senior Centre 102-650 South Railway Avenue 204-325-8964 director@winklerseniorcentre.com www.winklerseniorcentre.com
The golden years of our favorite friends
In your typical general veterinary practice, we have long referred to our animals as belonging to one of three typical life stages, each with their associated health and wellness needs: puppy or kitten, adult, and senior are common terms you’ve probably heard. Recently, however, the guidelines have been updated to reflect the fact that our animals are living longer, which is itself a reflection of improved nutrition, veterinary care and environment. The differentiation between young adult and mature adult is perhaps a subtle, but important, one.
Overall, this is a good thing. Most would agree that Forever wouldn’t be enough time with our companions. However, just like us, our senior pets undergo many changes as they age. These added years make some of these changes all the more pronounced. Many are attributed to normal aging or slowing down. We have previously discussed the aches and pains that our seniors develop, as well as dental disease, which is inevitable with advancing years. However, there are also cognitive changes that we should be paying attention to. These will often start off subtly – minimal enough not to ring any alarm bells – like waiting for a door to open from the wrong side or sitting instead of lying down in response to a hand signal. But these can be early signs of something more. This month we wanted to talk about cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS),
a condition that affects the brain of our companions, a deterioration similar to that seen in Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Paw Prints
Studies show that roughly one third of senior animals, 28% of dogs and 35% of cats, will be affected by cognitive dysfunction syndrome by the age of 11 or 12. As it is a syndrome, it is characterized by a group of symptoms, which are primarily behavioral in nature. The acronym DISHAAL has classically been used to describe these symptoms. DISHAAL stands for the following:
- Disorientation
- Abnormal Interactions
- Sleep/wake cycle disturbances
- House soiling
- Activity changes
- Anxiety
- Learning/memory changes
In addition, in cats, increased vocalization is quite common, in particular, at night. In many animals, some of these signs, such as nighttime anxiety, will be combined. Unfortunately, age is by far the biggest risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction, and as much as many of us wish we could stop time when it comes to our dearest companions, we simply cannot.
Much of what we know about the pathophysiology of this condition in our animals is extrapolated from research in humans, and the exact cause is unknown.
As we slide slowly out of winter
We do know that there is neuronal degeneration and deposition of beta-amyloid plaques, and that these conditions cause include oxidative damage and compromised cerebrovascular blood flow. We also know that it is progressive, and that while there are things that we can do to help slow things down, there is no cure.
Diagnosis can be a little difficult. Since CDS is characterized by behavioral changes that cannot be attributed to any other medical condition, we must make a reasonable effort to rule out these other medical conditions. This includes changes in thyroid function, pain, and other neurological diseases. Bloodwork and adequate pain control are paramount.
While there is no stopping this condition, and there is no way to turn back time, there are medications and supplements that can help slow it down and improve quality of life. There are also many enrichment tips and activities that can be instituted. As with many things, the sooner these are started, the more effective our interventions can be. If you are seeing some of these symptoms in your furry friend, reach out to your pet’s veterinary team. Talk to them about what you’re seeing and discuss things you can do to help slow things down and add enjoyment to their golden years.
Until next time fellow paw print loving friends . . . Silver Heights Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the Winnipeg region, and is located on Ness Avenue in St. James. Contact them at 204-504-5600 or visit their website at silverheightsvethospital.ca
Drink water, sleep well, stay active, see friends and enjoy healthy meals
The new year is well under way, going into our 3rd month of 2025 and that means it’s the perfect time to look at what goals we should have that prioritize our wellness. We still have a couple of months of winter left here in Manitoba. And this goes beyond losing a few pounds or eating more vegetables (although for some those can be great goals!) Wellness also means considering our emotional and mental health too.
Everyone’s goals need to be as unique as they are. For instance, some people may want to eat a bit more to maintain weight and get proper nutrition while others may want to cut back on snacking. It’s important to consider what’s right for you.
For seniors, this can be especially important as we age and may need to prioritize strategies that benefit our body and mind. Here are a few ideas for goals to set at the start of this year that look after your holistic health.
Goals for your body
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity is important for seniors to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. This can help prevent falls and other injuries and can also improve overall health and well-being.
Many community centers offer a variety of exercise classes specifically designed for older adults, such as yoga, tai chi, and low-impact aerobics. Walking, swimming, and cycling are also great options that are easy on the joints and can be enjoyed outdoors. Just make sure to check with your doctor to make sure a new activity is right for you.
Eat a healthy diet: This is a big one for us here at Heart to Home Meals. A healthy diet is important at any age, but it becomes increasingly important as we get older. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help seniors maintain their strength, energy, and overall health. Our meals are clearly labeled so you know you’re getting the nutrition you need.
Limiting sugary drinks and snacks and limiting saturated and trans fats can also help you maintain a healthy weight and lower their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and dia-
betes. This doesn’t mean you have to cut out all sugar! Having something to look forward to eating is a healthy practice too.
Drink plenty of water: Hydration is extremely important for seniors, as your body's ability to regulate fluid balance can decline with age. Without enough water, you risk problems like fatigue, confusion, and an increased risk of falls.
Water is the best choice for hydration, but you can also get fluids from other sources such as soups, fruits, and vegetables. It's also a good idea to carry a water bottle with you so you can easily stay hydrated throughout the day. In fact, keeping a water bottle on hand is a great, easy, and straightforward goal to set this year!
Goals for your mind
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is good for every part of your body but can be especially good for your mind. It can help you feel more rested and alert, and can also improve mood, memory, and cognitive function.
Establishing a regular bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help you get the rest they need. This may include setting a
consistent bedtime, avoiding screens before bed, and making sure the bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
Stay mentally active: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, reading, or games can help you give your brain a boost and prevent memory loss that’s related to aging.
Many community centers and libraries offer classes and programs specifically designed for seniors, such as language classes, art classes, and computer classes. Learning a new skill is a great way to stimulate your mind and can be fun as well!
Goals for your emotional wellness
Stay socially active: Social connections and activities are important for everyone to stay mentally and emotionally healthy. Participating in activities such as volunteering, joining a club or group, or simply spending time with friends and family can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Even if your mobility is limited, using technology to stay in touch with friends and families, or joining an online community is a great way to keep up a social life.
Manage your stress: Stress can have
at 204-940-2701 or gord.gage@pegasuspublications.net
negative effects on both physical and mental health, and it is important for everyone to find ways to manage it. Engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can be helpful in reducing stress. Seeking support from friends and family, or seeking professional help if needed, is also a great idea.
A healthy outlook for the rest of 2025
It’s hard to deny the motivation we feel at the beginning of a new year, let’s refocus and prioritize our wellness for the rest of the year. Leveraging that to set goals that prioritize our health is a great way to increase our wellness now, and down the road. One place you can start is with Heart to Home Meals, where eating well is made easy (and delicious). Get in touch with us today 204-816-8659, and we’ll show you how we can help you reach your wellness goals this year!
Advice from Heart to Home Meals.
OPEN HOUSE
Look no further than Fred Douglas Chateau (formerly Kiwanis Chateau)! Looking for a place to call
• LIFE LEASE independent living for 55+ in a close-knit community.
• 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.
430 Webb Place, Wpg, R3B 3J7 • 204-306-4617 • Email: sisaac@freddouglas.ca www.facebook.com/freddouglaschateau • freddouglaschateau.ca
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.