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August 2026

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204-947-1807 Critical care in the heart of CentrePort

The debate continues about gardening

Bold and creamy Piri Piri chicken

Take a journey into the past

The venerable Prairie Dog Central railway sports new look, new services for 2026

Great weekend event to spend with friends and family!

Myron Love

n mid June, my younger daughter Elena and I took a ride on the Prairie Dog Central Railway – and quite an enjoyable journey it was. The theme for that Sunday was the musical “Wicked”. Costumed actors, posing as the six main characters from “The Wizard of Oz” and its spin-off, walked through the railcars interacting with the passengers and occasionally breaking into song. The roughly hour-long ride begins at Inkster Junction Station, just northwest of Player’s Golf Course off Inkster, and proceeds north to Grosse Isle. At Grosse Isle, the passengers got off while the train was being turned around. The local Grosse Isle Heritage Committee has provided a themed gift shop, kiosks for food, ice cream and drinks, a large tent where we could sit in the shade – it was a very hot day – and play areas for kids. I also had the opportunity to engage in conversau 9 ‘Prairie Dog Central railway'

Prairie Dog Central Railway at Grosse Isle. Photo by Robert Linsdell.

Songs sung better together David Sanders, President, Winnipeg Male Chorus

here is something remarkable that happens when voices come together. A familiar melody begins softly. Individual voices join in, each contributing something unique. Soon, those separate voices blend into a richer sound—one filled with warmth, energy, and emotion. For those singing and those listening, the experience becomes something greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps that is why people have sung tou 17 ‘Songs sung better together'

his September 19-20, twenty-three local artists of Charleswood, Headingley and Tuxedo will be hosting YOU in their home studios at the 8th annual Harte Trail Studio Art Tour. This free self-guided art tour is a weekend bursting with colour, vibrancy, and boundless imagination! Your visit to the home studios of our member artists promises to be an immersive and fun experience. Chat with our tour members as they welcome you into their creative spaces and share their passion for their art, stone carving, clay sculpture, photography and ceramics! Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and engaging way to spend your weekend, the Harte Trail Studio Art Tour offers something for everyone. Will you watch the next great masterpiece in progress? Each participating artist has their unique style and medium, offering a diverse array of artwork that spans painting, stone carving, clay sculpture, photography, ceramics, and more. This is your chance to see these artists in their own creative spaces, where you can chat with them about their processes, inspirations, and the stories behind their pieces. The tour not only highlights the exceptional talent within our community but also gives a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore their own artistic side. You might find yourself inspired to try a new art form or delve deeper u 17 ‘Harte Trail Studio Art Tour'

Bold meets creamy – Peri-Peri Chicken over rich garlic rice “Warning: This dish is dangerously delicious — so damn good it’ll have you licking your fingers and begging for seconds, long after the last bite is gone. Consider this your official invitation to play dirty in the kitchen.”

ou know that feeling when the kitchen’s heating up, the spices are swirling in the air, and your hands just can’t wait to get all over that juicy, tender meat? Welcome to Bold Meets Creamy: Peri-Peri Chicken Over Rich Garlic Rice — a dish that’s all about fire and cream, heat and smooth, passion and satisfaction. This isn’t your grandma’s chicken recipe. Hell no. This is the kind of meal that makes your mouth water and your pulse race. The peri-peri sauce? A wickedly spicy, Ian Leatt tongue-tingling tease that’s got just the right Foodies amount of kick to make you sweat. But don’t worry — the garlic-infused, buttery rice is here to cool you down, wrapping you up in a creamy, luscious hug that leaves you weak in the knees and craving more. I love how this dish sneaks up on you — the moment that first bite hits your lips; it’s like a slow dance of flavors. The heat dances a little too close, flirting and daring you to keep going, while the creamy garlic rice soothes every fiery note with a silky smoothness that whispers sweet nothings in your ear. Cooking this is as sexy as eating it. The sizzle as that chicken hits the pan, the aroma that fills the room like a sultry lover’s promise — you know you’re in for a wild ride. Every step is an invitation to get messy, to get hands-on, and to savor every moment like it’s the

last night on earth. And baby, when you serve it up? Watch how eyes lock across the table, how forks slow down just a bit — because they’re savoring not just the food, but the experience. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to feed someone — and then feed on them. So, loosen that apron, pour a little wine, and get ready to play with fire. This dish is hot, creamy, and just a little bit dangerous. Just the way we like it. Chef ’s Tip: Don’t be shy with that peri-peri — if you want it hotter, double the sauce and let it marinate longer. The longer it sits, the more those flavors seduce your taste buds into submission. Wicked Twist: Swap out the chicken for thick-cut pork belly. Slow roast it until the fat melts and the edges crisp — then slather it with peri-peri sauce and serve over the garlic rice. The ultimate naughty upgrade. Here is what you will need: 2 tbsp olive oil 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder Salt and pepper, to taste 1 medium onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken stock 1 cup heavy cream 3 tablespoons peri-peri sauce 1 teaspoon lemon Juice 2 cups cooked white rice Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) The all important how to: Leave the chicken pieces to soak in cold water for an hour or so, to wash the blood. Pat dry using paper towel and then season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning into the chicken to coat it evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high

Lifestyles55 MANITOBA

All about living at the

age of maturity

heat place the seasoned chicken in and then sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set to one side. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent, soft and fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it with the hot sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 12 - 14 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Serve on white rice and dress with a little chopped cilantro. Ian Leatt is a trained chef from across the pond.

A Collection of

Culinary Memories 29.95

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August 2026

ISSUES IN THE NEWS

Identity politics and its harvest of hate

PUBLISHER Pegasus Publications Inc. EDITOR Dorothy Dobbie dorothy@pegasuspublications.net ART DIRECTOR Karl Thomsen karl@pegasuspublications.net GENERAL MANAGER Shauna Dobbie shauna@pegasuspublications.net CONTRIBUTORS Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Greg Barrett, Marianne Cerilli, Romel Dhalla, Dorothy Dobbie, Shauna Dobbie, Zofia Dove, Steven Fletcher, Stefano Grande, Evelyn Jacks, Kevin Klein, Ian Leatt, David Leis, Myron Love, Kathryn Hannah McLandress, McBurney, Fred Morris, Darlene Ronald, Seneka Samarasinghe, David Sanders, Rossita Schaur, Trudy Schroeder, Sherrie Versluis, and Wayne Weedon. Canadian Publications mail product Sales agreement #40027604 PRINT ADVERTISING Gord Gage • 204-940-2701 gord.gage@pegasuspublications.net SUBSCRIPTIONS If you would like to receive Lifestyles 55, we offer both monthly newspaper and online formats. To place your order, call 204-9402700. Subscriptions are $36.00 per year, plus tax. American Express, MasterCard, Visa and cheques are accepted. To view a back issue online visit lifestyles55.net Published monthly by: Pegasus Publications Inc. 70 Jewett Bay Winnipeg, MB R3R 2N1 204-940-2700 Lifestyles55.net pegasuspublications.net

DISTRIBUTION Available at more that 20 rural towns and cities as well as more than 100 locations in Winnipeg. If you would like bulk copies of this publication, contact Gord Gage at (204) 940-2701 or gord.gage@ pegasuspublications.net. Also available digitally at whatsupwinnpeg/lifestyles and on Facebook: Lifestyles55 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Call Dorothy Dobbie at (204) 940-2716 or email dorothy@pegasuspublications.net for more information and guidelines. Any opinions expressed in columns by our contributors are their own opinions entirely and are not necessarily shared by Pegasus Publications Inc. All information presented by the contributors is the responsibility of the writers. Lifestyles 55 is published monthly. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without seeking permission in writing from the publisher. Copyright Pegasus Publications Inc.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meeting with President Donald Trump. Photo by Daniel Torok, courtesy of the White House.

his morning we were greeted with the news that, for the It smacks of jingoism which goes beyond patriotism to the exsecond time this year, the American Consulate in Toron- treme of national righteousness and superiority. So before mimicking any more hate slogans, ask yourself to had shots fired at it. This was just before 5 a.m. The what you really believe. Let’s start with Ameripolice gave chase to the suspect in a white car cans. Do you really believe that all Americans with no plates but gave it up due to high speed should be shunned and scorned because of their and public danger. leader? Do you really believe that the American It was a busy week. A few days before, two president would cause Canada to be invaded and Jewish owned bakeries were shot up, again, forced to become part of the United States? Do in Toronto. Hardly a week goes by where we you really believe we are superior in any way to are not hearing about these violent and senseour American neighbours? less crimes of intimidation. Churches have been Now let’s look at another group that is sufferburned and vandalized. Synagogues and Jewing hate in our once warm and tolerant country: ish businesses have been threatened by bomb the Jews, those folks who have heaped glory on threats and gunfire. Mosques have also been tarour heads over the past century because they are geted although to a lesser degree. (Despite the smart and enterprising. Do you really believe rhetoric and thank goodness, there seem to be they should be persecuted for the events bevery few gender-based incidents or crimes tartween their country and their religiously fevered geted at Black people currently.) neighbours who set up a sneak attack, knowing Why is all this happening? The answers are Dorothy Dobbie the Israelis would be forced to strike back while varied, but many stem from the practice of idenHamas protected their warriors by using their tity politics where groups are singled out for special attention, good or bad, giving rise to anger and resent- citizens as human shields, knowing full well that every citizen ment. People are categorically labeled and given special atten- they lost would fuel the propaganda war they were waging tion by politicians and the media. The latest of these, it seems, against Israel? And even if you believe that was justified, do you believe innocent Canadian Jewish people should be persecuted are Americans. The “elbows up” crowd, whipped into a frenzy of hate by for this? As for church burnings, many of these seem to have been Mark Carney for United States and its leader (and hence for anything connected to him, including several hundred million stimulated by fevered Indigenous rights peoples – many of innocent American citizens) now appears to have spread to the them white – who have distorted the truth about residential schools to an unbelievable degree so that the world thinks our Crazy Crowd on a mission of vengeance. Carney started this as a way to get elected. His extensive edu- ancestors were? Do you really believe that all priests and nuns cation will have taught him the best ways to control a popula- were murderers in disguise just waiting to kill innocent chiltion. The most effective is fear directed at a common enemy. In dren? Do you really believe that hundreds of kids went missing Nazi Germany, the enemy was Jews. In 21st Century Canada, or were murdered by these people and that their bodies occupy we are told the enemy is Americans, followed closely by Pierre unmarked graves in various church yards across the country? You know, of course, that every child has been identified and Poilievre. That the dislike of Trump and hence his countrymen has accounted for including one the list who was buried on his rereached an almost fever pitch came home to me very forcefully serve? You must also know that the Kamloops group was given when I recently posted a Facebook comment saying, “I cannot money to exhume the alleged bodies but now refuse to do so believe the incredible pettiness of my Canada in disinviting the and that a Manitoba group took up the challenge, searched and Americans to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge.” These alleged church basement gravesite and came up with a negative. 20 words unleashed a torrent of hate for Americans from my Do you still believe this? And do you know how much harm fellow Canadians, belying our somewhat smug and self-con- this has done to damage reconciliation and how it has hurt the people we are trying to renew our equal relationship with? gratulatory opinion that we are a kind and tolerant nation. None of these lies and consequent harms happened by acI was shocked. As first I tried to reason with responders, but you cannot keep up with 1,500 comments and more than cident. They are the result of deliberate distortion of facts for 64,000 views. And the rhetoric was often hateful. But what this ulterior reasons that we may or may not understand. Identity politics is always wrong. If you want to hate someillustrates is just how far this despicable “elbows up” salute has penetrated part of the Canadian psyche. And it is frightening. thing, hate that!

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Gardening: Is it in Nature, edited conflict with nature?

live for the summers, when I image of nature that pleases your soul. spend every moment I can outOur job is to ensure that we never side. It reinvigorates me both lose this communion, that we conphysically and spiritually. I am outside tinue to understand the critical need as I write this, breathing in the scent of to provide opportunities for natural flowers, listening to the wind chimes encounters even in the hearts of the as a gentle breeze wafts through the ever-growing city scapes. air, hearing bird calls and the rustle of That’s one reason why I always leaves. The sun is beating down on champion the need to protect and the land lending it energy and animat- enhance our urban foring all living things. ests. Trees are a critiMy earliest memories are all about cal vector for so many being outside, playing in the snow, living things in nature. chasing bumble bees, picking wild- So is grass, despite the flowers, lying in the grass listening hate-on for lawns by to the insects. I climbed a tree at five some misinformed enviand spent a glorious time feeling like ronmentalists. Both help a bird high up in the air before I real- retain moisture in the ized I didn’t know how to get down. landscape and contribute All this shapes who you are and, to cooling. While this is without that time in nature and being a municipal kind of garat one with the natural world, I don’t dening, it is even more know what becomes of people. Do critical than the lovely you lose an essential pots of flowers planted part of your humanby the city. ity? Because I cannot Right now, there is see how you can be a concerted effort to anything without that steer homeless people communion. off the riverbanks and Does gardening wild forests in Winchange that? Some nipeg and force them folks think it is an unto attend “safe” drug natural interference injection sites where with the way things there are no redeeming are. I argue that evtraces of green. I can’t erything animate in think of much that the world changes would be more wrongtheir environment as headed. Why not plant Dorothy Dobbie part of the natural ormore downtown trees, der. Just by growing, and set aside green ena plant’s roots irrevocampment spaces until cably change the world of billions of this dreadful scourge of hopelessness microorganisms. Along the way some and homelessness is dealt with. organisms fail, and others get on Instead, it is popular to encourage board to assist the plant in its explora- civic “densification”, which is nection of this world. Nor is this a self- essarily setting up barriers between ish plant invasion. The plant brings people and nature. This is so counenergy from the sun absorbed and terproductive. In Japan, they have a transformed in its leaves, and the or- national network of forested spaces ganisms help breakdown nutrients to called “shinrin yoku”, meaning forest help the plant flourish. bathing, because they have discovered The gardener may offer new adven- and understand the healing value of tures to the plants and the microor- being in nature. Does it matter if this ganisms by giving both the gift of ex- space in natural or nurtured – perhaps ploration and travel. This just speeds the smallest bit if the synergy of local up the chances that the two will find spaces in not respected, but some naeach other eventually through some ture is better than no nature. other agency – birds dropping seeds, And don’t give up in winter, either. squirrels storing food for the winter. Fill your house with plants. They will The wind, the rain, meandering ani- reward you with cleaner air if you mals and even the changing patterns have enough of them and they will of climate are all agents in this world. fill your heart with hope as you help Humans just do it with intent. them through their indoor imprisonWhat matters is the interaction, ment. whether by simply enjoying a walk in Gardening versus nature? There the woods (where, by the way, we are is no adversity here. Get as much of changing the world as we move), or both as you can and you will live lonby laboring in the garden, creating an ger, happier, healthier lives.

garden is full of life and sur- but they are absolutely gardens. How prises and things that grow do you equate them with nature? with or without human Traditional Japanese gardening is touch; it is not nature, though. also a matter of deliberate compoYou could say that humans are part sition, although it can be so subtle of nature so what we do is natural, that it seems to have escaped human but that makes the term too broad. intervention. A few rocks may sugThis could quickly become a seman- gest mountains. Raked gravel may tic argument and nobody wants to stand for water. A path may curve so read that. So, let’s say that the visitor encounters the garden that, for the purpose of slowly instead of seeing it all at once. my discussion, the oppo- Pines are clipped, moss is encoursite of nature is artifice. aged, and each view is considered. And when I say artifice, The Japanese idea of shakkei, or borthink more of the “art” rowed scenery, is particularly revealin the word than the ar- ing. A distant mountain, a stand of tificial, as in flavouring. trees, or even a building beyond the A garden is artful arti- property may be framed and incorfice, but not in the way porated into the garden. Nature is that a play or a painting not simply there. It has been selectis because it hasn’t come ed, edited and presented. completely from the artThe more modern New Perennial ist’s mind. It relies, in- Movement, associated with Dutch stead, on a balance of designer Piet Oudolf, things the artist canhas gardens that look not control, and that like idealized meadmakes it all the more ows or prairies. Large thrilling. swaths of liatris, echiIt is not a painting nacea, rudbeckias and of nature, because it grasses flow together. is made of actual soil, Plants are chosen not water, plants and the only for their flowers, creatures that arrive but for their height, there, whether invited texture, colour, seedor not. But it is still heads and the way they an interpretation of look as they decline. nature. The gardener You leave the seedheads chooses which parts of standing through winnature to include, and ter because their dry Shauna Dobbie which to leave out (or forms are part of the try to). We take a wild composition. You may meadow, woodland know this style from edge or riverbank in our minds and the Lurie Garden in Chicago’s Milturn it into something with paths, lennium Park, the High Line in New boundaries, focal points and a view York City, or the Entry Garden Walk from the kitchen window. We bor- at the Toronto Botanical Garden. row nature’s materials, but arrange These gardens look natural but are them according to human ideas of incredibly difficult to achieve. Somebeauty, comfort, abundance or even one has decided where every drift of what a garden ought to mean. begins and ends, what will stand A gardener can choose to imitate up in August, what will carry the nature fairly rigorously. Food forests eye through the planting and what and permaculture rely heavily on will remain handsome after the first natural processes. A food forest is a snowfall. The more effortless the efdeliberately planted, multi-layered fect, the more expertise it takes to garden meant to produce food. Fruit create and maintain it. Of course, not every garden imior nut trees form a canopy, with smaller trees, fruiting shrubs, vines, tates nature. A vegetable garden may herbs, groundcovers and sometimes be about abundance, a rose garden root crops below. The idea is to make about fragrance and colour, and a the layers work together, rather than front yard about making a house planting a row of one crop and an- look cared for. But they all have other row of something else. Per- something in common: a gardener’s maculture is the broader philosophy decisions set the terms. In nature, behind it: a way of designing useful there is no one to say that a plant is systems by observing how natural in the wrong place, that the colours systems function. But food forests clash, or that the view needs a little are not forests that happen to feed more blue. people. They are gardens that need This distinction is important, partplanning, planting, watering while ly because gardens can be genuinely they establish, pruning, harvesting good for the wider natural world and a firm hand when one plant tries without pretending to be the same to take over the others. The more thing. A garden can feed pollinasuccessful they are, the more human tors, provide cover for birds, soak thought and effort has gone into up rainwater and make room for a them. surprising number of living things. At the other end of the scale are the Of course, it can also introduce ingardens that make no attempt to look vasive plants, rely on pesticides that wild. Knot gardens became fashion- harm more than their intended tarable in Tudor England: low clipped gets, or be kept so scrupulously tidy hedges or aromatic herbs were plant- that it offers little shelter or overwined according to elaborate geometric tering space for insects. Calling all patterns, usually best appreciated gardens nature can make it harder to from an upper window or a viewing see those differences. A native-plant mound. Victorian carpet beds were border may be a wonderful thing. similar, in which low annuals and fo- It is still not the same as a remnant liage plants were laid out in scrolls, tallgrass prairie, with its complicated stars, crests and other patterns. Both web of plants, insects, soil organare acts of horticultural control. They isms, weather and time. may not be overly popular right now, u 15 ‘Nature, edited'

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August 2026

Winnipeg’s three big challenges

innipeg’s municipal elections are October 28; lower “rural municipal” taxes. Symbolically the agency to address this challenge now it is time to start reviewing what candidates for mayor and council are selling. So far, they refers to the municipal region not the capital region and are addressing symptoms of problems, not Winnipeg’s the structure allow each RM a voting rep, while Winnifundamental challenges in key municipal areas. peg with a much larger population also gets only one rep. First planning problems. The story of No wonder the interests of Winnipeg are Winnipeg is told in comparing our city not being addressed. The provincial govfootprint and our population since Unicernment seems to have given up on reity in 1971. Our prairie river city has gional planning, allowed RMs to opt out, grown 86% in serviced land area and only most have gone rogue. As an MLA in east 58% in population. This means there are Winnipeg next to the RM Springfield, I relatively fewer citizens to pay for more saw how important urban planning and urban infrastructure. Reading our planzoning is to avoid land use conflicts bening documents, one would wonder how tween residential, recreation, commercial, this could happen, because Winnipeg has and industrial land uses, including begood planning policy, which is the unique tween municipalities. key responsibility of a city. But that policy Our second big problem is Council’s is routinely ignored in budget and develapproach to economic development that opment decisions. Instead, City Council, still focuses on low taxes and deals attract or EPC and the administration, keep deinvestment as “growth”, shifting the tax Marianne Cerilli signing a city for car reliance that does not burden to residential property owners have a high return in taxes per acre. New while disadvantaging local businesses. metrics are required to measure land use to tax ratio, as This economic development model does not factor in there seems to be a lack of appreciation of the connection green infrastructure like trees and green space, or plan between urban planning and why the city is raising taxes, for long term sustainability and just transition. This trayet cutting services, is still short on revenue, and draining ditional economics does not ensure training and wages reserves funds. are part of the strategy to reduce poverty through ecoThe pressure from ex-urban sprawl is also a problem nomic opportunity not just social programs or charity. that requires new structures and approaches. In 1981 the In short rather than creating an integrated, diversified lopopulation of Winnipeg compared to the surrounding cal economy, using local labour and local supply chains, municipalities was 564,000 to 68,000. Now in 2026 Winnipeg’s economy is like a leaky bucket, or leaky sewer there are about 810,000 Winnipeggers and 170,000 drain, with money leaving our city, especially the downresidents in surrounding municipalities. Winnipeg has town and inner city. grown by about 43%, the surrounding municipalities Thirdly, Winnipeg has a governance culture with struchave grown by roughly 150%. An increase from about tures and procedures that are not as democratic as we 20,000 daily commuters in 1981 to closer to 75,000 in need to make the changes necessary to address inequity, 2026, that live within an hour or so drive. They rely on poverty and environment problems. Many Winnipeggers Winnipeg infrastructure, but pay nothing here, and have are familiar with the authoritarian strong mayor model,

where the mayor chooses the councillors for Executive Policy Committee. EPC operates like a city cabinet with one councillor responsible for each of the standing committees, but with no opposition. Inevitably, EPC councillors become beholden to the wishes and will of the mayor or they are removed from EPC. Also contributing to the democratic governance deficit are large municipal wards which hinder effective grassroots representation, especially in the older neighbourhoods. Plus, the City of Winnipeg has notoriously weak due process and public engagement, with last minute and short timelines for public input, especially on the budget, and development proposals. Winnipeg has no structures for collaborative work between stakeholders on policy or urban development. Although, community engagement on policy development is better, unlike other cities our policy does not guide the budget, is often ignored and not funded. Finally, the autocratic governance plays out in the abusive approach to citizens who are actively engaged in creating a healthy city. Delegations presenting to committees or council, democratic demonstrators, or citizens trying to access public information, are routinely met with hostility. Last term’s governance review has not addressed these challenges. So, this election, ask candidates about their platform ideas on urban planning and land use as it relates to taxation, housing, greenspace, and funding for services. Ask candidates to explain their approach to economic development, to address inequity and climate change, plus how they would remedy Winnipeg’s democracy deficit as these are the way we get at improving other issues from transit to trees, inner city decline and poverty to safety and addictions. Visit anatomyofapothole.ca for more. Marianne Cerilli is an educator, and former MLA working in community development and social innovation. Listen to Marion on CKUW radio, or check out her website at Mariannecerilli.ca.

Government housing policies are killing the Canadian dream

Canada’s housing crisis wasn’t inevitable – it was built one government decision at a time

or generations, Canada offered something re- able than Canada’s largest metropolitan areas. The report’s broader conclusion is equally impormarkable. It wasn’t guaranteed wealth, instant success or a perfect life. Instead, it offered tant. Vancouver and Toronto are now less affordable something more enduring: the belief that ordinary than comparable markets in the United States and the people, through hard work and personal responsibil- United Kingdom. The findings suggest there is little ity, could build a better life than the one they inher- reason to expect affordability to improve unless governments make more land available for housing. ited. Vancouver, Toronto and Edmonton That belief became the Canadian cities operate under the same national dream. economy, the same monetary policy and For millions of families, home many of the same financial pressures. ownership stood at the centre of that What differs most is public policy. If dream. It meant putting down roots, policy choices helped create today’s afbuilding financial security, raising chilfordability gap, different policy choices dren in stable communities and believcan begin to close it. ing tomorrow could be better than Over several decades, governments at today. every level have steadily restricted the Across much of Canada, young supply of developable land while adding adults are asking a question that would planning requirements, environmental have seemed almost unthinkable a genreviews, development charges, permiteration ago: Will I ever own a home? ting delays and increasingly complex Many have done everything they were regulations. Individually, many of these told would lead to success. They purDavid Leis measures were introduced for undersued an education, built careers, manstandable reasons. Collectively, they aged their finances responsibly and saved for the future. Yet for a growing number, home have made it slower, more difficult and more expensive to build new homes. ownership remains out of reach. The economics are straightforward. Restrict the supThat should concern every Canadian, not simply because housing has become expensive, but because ply of land and its value rises. Extend development aphome ownership has long represented one of the prin- provals from months into years and costs rise again. cipal ways Canadians have turned hard work into op- Add tens of thousands of dollars in regulatory costs to portunity. When that pathway begins to disappear, Ca- every new home and those costs inevitably reach the nadians inevitably begin asking whether the promise buyer. Canada is the second-largest country on Earth. We that helped build this country is disappearing with it. It is tempting to view Canada’s housing crisis as the are not running out of land. We are running short of inevitable result of population growth, immigration, land made available for housing under planning sysglobal investment and higher interest rates. Those fac- tems that recognize affordability as an essential public tors matter but do not explain why some Canadian cit- objective. This is not an argument against environmenies remain comparatively affordable while others have tal stewardship or thoughtful planning. Good planning protects the environment while ensuring families become among the least affordable in the world. The latest Demographia International Housing Af- can still build a future of their own. fordability Index, published by the Frontier Centre for Edmonton demonstrates that better policy can proPublic Policy, compares housing markets across sev- duce better outcomes. The city has worked to shorten eral countries using the relationship between median approval times, increase housing supply and remove household income and median house prices. Vancou- barriers that unnecessarily delay construction. No city ver consistently ranks among the least affordable hous- has solved every housing challenge, but Edmonton ing markets in the world. Toronto is not far behind. shows that better policy can improve affordability. Housing affordability reflects thousands of policy Yet Edmonton, despite strong population growth and a healthy economy, remains considerably more afford- decisions made over many years. Those decisions can August 2026

be revisited. Regulations can be modernized, approval processes streamlined and more land brought into development where appropriate. Governments cannot control every market force, but they can remove many of the obstacles they have created. When a young family loses the opportunity to buy its first home, Canada loses more than just another prospective homeowner. It loses confidence in the future. The consequences are already visible. Young adults postpone marriage and children. Skilled workers look elsewhere. Employers struggle to attract talent. Communities lose the optimism that comes from young families putting down roots and planning for the future. No country can flourish if an entire generation concludes that hard work no longer leads to opportunity. Confidence weakens, trust in institutions erodes and the optimism that has defined Canada for generations gradually gives way to resignation. Canada has faced difficult policy challenges before, and history suggests we solve them best when we confront them honestly rather than accepting them as inevitable. Housing should be no different. What is required now is the political courage to remove unnecessary barriers to new housing, challenge assumptions that no longer serve the public interest and restore affordability as a central objective of housing policy. The Canadian dream has never been about guaranteeing success. It has always been about preserving the opportunity to succeed. That opportunity depends on strong families, good education, rewarding work and responsible government. But it also depends on something tangible: the ability of ordinary Canadians to own a home. Restoring home ownership as a realistic goal must once again become a national priority. Housing policy is not simply about building more homes. It is about preserving one of the foundations on which Canadians have built their lives for generations. For generations, Canada offered ordinary people the chance to build a better life than the one they inherited. Preserving that promise may be the most important housing policy of all. David Leis is the President and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and host of the Leaders on the Frontier podcast. A seasoned commentator on Canadian public policy, he focuses on restoring accountability, economic common sense, and civic health to the country’s national, provincial and municipal institutions. lifestyles55.net

Being of sound mind, I tried to leave a legacy

e smile when we see a bumper sticker that says, if both parents die before the children reach adulthood. “Being of sound mind, I spent it all!” There is We also try to make it simple for a spouse to transfer acsomething about believing the resources saved counts, properties, pension funds, and other assets to the through a lifetime of careful investments, pension fund surviving spouse, so that there is less financial turmoil for payments and RRSP contributions will ensure that our a person who is also dealing with loss and grief and worry. Later in life, after the death of a spouse or a divorce, it retirement years will be filled with adventurous travel experiences, resources to invest in hobbies, and an enjoyable is important to make a legacy plan that reflects the current conditions in life. The care of minor experience of what some people call the children is no longer an issue, and ques“golden years.” tions of inheritance of estate assets after One of the realities of the human condithe death of the remaining spouse become tion is that there is not a defined end point key considerations. This is also the time to our lives. Some of us leave this world to think carefully about potential legacy unexpectedly early, and some people live gifts to organizations and causes that are surprisingly long and healthy lives. Also of interest or concern to the will maker. shockingly, living our years extremely obMany people feel that they are not wealthy sessed with health and longevity, while it enough to consider making gifts to charimay have certain benefits, is not a guarties in their estates, but every person has antee of a long life. Hence, we have the the capacity to make some kind of chariexamples of the cheery centenarians who table contribution. It really does not have attribute their longevity to their drinking Trudy Schroeder to be very large to be of importance. and smoking habits and regular ingestion It can be helpful to make a list of ten of artery clogging foods. Good luck and Random different organizations or causes that have a good genetic mix seem to be important Notes been of importance in your life. Consider factors in the life expectancy lottery, and the following categories: we cannot control those factors very reliEducational institutions: Which schools or universiably. That means that most of us must plan for our older ties had an impact on your life? Would you like to leave a years without having a clear idea of some of the impor- gift to support the school or create a student scholarship tant variables. How many years will you live? How mo- or name a chair or a department? Health care facilities: Is there a hospital, care home, bile and healthy will you be? How long will you stay in your home? Will you need many resources for health care special health care program that you would want to thank or attendant care in the later years of your life? Will you for exceptional support during your life? Research areas: Is there a field of medical research, scidevelop champagne tastes for luxury experiences and designer consumer goods? How important is it for you to entific development, environmental impact, nature presleave a financial inheritance for your family members? Are ervation, or historic research you want to support? Faith based institutions or programs: If you have been there other causes you would want to support through a member of a religious faith group during your life, you your estate planning? Many of us prepare our first wills just after we have chil- may want to support the church, one of its missions, dren, and it seems prudent to have a plan to provide for camps, or social programs with a gift. Cultural and arts organizations: If you have loved resources, guardianship, and security for minor children

museums, art galleries, theatres, orchestras, the opera, the ballet, or choral music, you can find a way to make a legacy contribution that will make a big difference in the future. Sports: If you want to support youth sport programs, training programs, athletic development, or a sports training facility, you can find many organizations that would be very thankful for your support. Social causes: Poverty reduction programs, programs for training, food banks, housing programs, legal services, and social support programs of many types exist that could use your legacy gift for better the lives of people in your community. National causes: There are national parks, heritage sites, wetlands, rare ecosystems, language preservation, and wildlife preservation services that need support to continue their programs. International causes: Do you have an interest in international development, world health issues, clean water, the environment, or world peace? Your legacy gift can help to change and protect the world. Did you think of at least ten causes or organizations you would like to support if you had money to give away? It would be a rare person whose life has not been influenced by some organization or cause. I think of the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, whose life was transformed by access to libraries, and who later in life supported the development of Carnegie Libraries around the world. You and I may not be able to start programs around the world, but we do have a responsibility to leave some charitable impact on this world. It is an important example of generosity to leave for our children and grandchildren. Next month I will write about the ways that you can know that an organization has given consideration and set up a good legacy gifts program that can give you confidence that your gift will be handled responsibly. Trudy Schroeder provides project planning and management services to the community through Arts and Heritage Solutions.

Celebrating 75 years

Hat’s off to the Retired Women Teachers’ Association

he Retired Women Teachers’ Association is cel- the opportunity to learn from guest speakers on topics such as wellness initiatives, new authors, history of Maniebrating a milestone: 75 years as an association. It all started on January 19th, 1951, when 27 toba, fashion and more. Some lunches feature musicians recently retired women teachers met for lunch in The which gets many up on the floor dancing. Luncheons are Georgian Room at The Hudson Bay store. Being recently opened to all retired women teachers, and they may bring retired, the ladies enjoyed each others company and the a guest if they wish. As well as the four luncheons, many road trips have been enjoyed over the years. conversation flowed from one topic to anThe RWTA believes strongly in “givother. One idea that came up was the possiing back” and to help with many different bility of forming an organized association. causes in the community. Since 2013, the The main goals, which remain today, Association has collected 1,100 pairs of were to continue the social relationship and used eyeglasses which have been donated camaraderie formed during their teaching to The Lions Eye Bank which distributes years, to assist and coordinate several pubthem all over the world. At each luncheon, lic initiatives to support the community toiletries and women products are collected and to address any problems that arise conand more than 150 boxes and bags per year cerning the welfare of its members. The laare distributed to 25 shelters and resource dies agreed unanimously and so the RWTA centres in Manitoba. At the February lunwas born. Miss Christine Forrester was the first elected president. The annual membercheon, there is a special collection of new underwear and socks which are then sent ship fee? 25 cents! Rossita Schau to shelters. Fast forward 75 years and our chapter is The Association also addresses concerns still going strong. One of the goals of the as they may arise about the welfare of its RWTA is to maintain lifelong social connections, so four luncheons are held during the year at members, which may include pension reforms, cost of The Masonic Memorial Centre. What a great way to so- living, etc. Also, a Visiting Committee exists who send cialize over a delicious meal followed by entertainment. cards, flowers and gifts to those in the hospital or convaAs former teachers and lifelong learners, we welcome lescing at home.

25 bikes! Kathryn McBurney

ou can help us support childhood milestones through adaptive equipment One of the most rewarding moments as a parent or grandparent is seeing a child ride a bike for the very first time. But for families who care for a child with a disability, there is often the fear they will not see this milestone. This was the sentiment of parents Joel and Diane who care for their 17-year6

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old child, Zoey, who is non-speaking and unable to walk independently, relying on a walker, stroller or crawling when at home. Thankfully, there are adaptive bikes with stability options, specialized seating, harnesses, and other features to support safety, independence and rehabilitation. Adapted bikes are among the most requested equipment funded by the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation, with more than 100 requests each year, from therapists and other agencies. Generous donors are helping children get adapted bikes tailored to their

Our first luncheon will be held on Thursday, September 24th at noon at The Masonic Memorial Centre. Lifetime members (over 90 years of age) will be piped in followed by a delicious lunch and a fashion show. Tickets are $30 each. If you are a retired woman teacher and would like to attend or would like more information about the RWTA, please contact Rossita, Publicity Chair, RWTA at rosieschau@gmail.com OR Debbie, President, RWTA at 204-792-6102. Come out, have some fun and enjoy the company of a great organization. Rossita Schau is the Publicity Chair of the Retired Women's Teacher Association.

unique abilities and needs. These bikes offer more than mobility; they provide freedom, confidence, inclusion, and the chance to participate alongside friends and family. “It gives her the opportunity to go out and be a kid. Summers are very different for Zoey with a bike,” says Joel. Right now, gifts are needed to help fund 25 bikes. These will support children eager to have their first ride. Through the Foundation’s adaptive bike loan program, bikes are returned when youth outgrow them, refurbished, and then fitted to another child’s needs.

This means your donation can help multiple children experience the joy and independence that comes with riding a bike. Today you can help children, like Zoey, gain access to life-changing equipment and create opportunities for many others on our waitlist. Please give at 25bikes.com to help kids with disabilities who are waiting for an adapted bike. With gratitude. Kathryn McBurney is the Executive Director of the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation. August 2026

A tribute to a tenacious lawyer, mentor, and friend, and what a former NDP cabinet minister did for me

Sid Green (left) with Steven Fletcher (right).

Sid’s efforts helped lead to major changes to Manhe Free Press tribute to Sid Green (Man of conviction, July 4) captured so much of the itoba’s public automobile insurance legislation and man I knew: his intelligence, his tenacity, his regulations affecting catastrophically injured people. The impact of that work went well independence and his willingness to beyond me. People Sid would never say what he believed, whether or not it meet have benefited, and will continue was popular. to benefit, because he was prepared to But I would like to add something take seriously the circumstances of a about the difference those qualities 23-year-old quadriplegic whom almost could make in the life of another pernobody knew. son. More than that, Sid became my In 1996, at the age of 23, I was in friend and mentor. Looking back, I an automobile accident after hitting a realize that some of my own philosomoose. I became a complete C4 quadphy was shaped by Sid Green: look at riplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. things critically, question assumptions, I was in deep trouble. but always try to offer a solution. And Manitoba’s no-fault automobile inyes, sometimes doing so will be unpopsurance system was relatively new, and Steven Fletcher ular in certain circles. for people with catastrophic injuries, it Sid understood that popularity and did not always live up to its promise of providing the support necessary to rebuild a life. I correctness were not the same thing. People have spent decades trying to label him poknew virtually nothing about automobile insurance law. My family was at its wits’ end. I had no politi- litically. Was he left-wing? Right-wing? Perhaps he cal career, no public profile and no name that would was so right-wing that he became left-wing, or so left-wing that he came around the other side. have meant anything to anyone. Or perhaps Sid was simply Sid. A friend suggested I speak to Sid Green. He was almost impossible to label because he in“Sid is the kind of guy who will take this up,” I sisted on thinking for himself. What was consistent was told. was his integrity, his intelligence and, perhaps less That turned out to be an understatement. I could not afford to pay Sid. That did not seem visible beneath that famously combative exterior, his to matter to him. When we met, he understood the empathy. When I first met Sid Green, my circumstances felt issues almost immediately. I have met a lot of intelligent and accomplished people in my life, but I nearly hopeless. Sid helped turn hopelessness into hope. have rarely encountered anyone as tenacious — or He changed my life. Through the law and pubas ingenious in constructing an argument — as Sid lic policy changes his work helped bring about, he Green. He had an extraordinary ability to look at a sys- changed the lives of many others as well. That is a legacy worth celebrating. tem, strip away the assumptions everyone else had Steven J. Fletcher is the former MP for Charleswood accepted, and ask the most basic question: does this – St. James–Assiniboia and former MLA for Assiniboia. actually make sense? Sid’s help was instrumental in bringing multiple First printed in the Winnipeg Free Press and reprinted issues before Manitoba’s automobile injury compen- with permission. NOTE: I don’t think there were many people in Winsation appeal process. When matters did not go well there, he took cases to the Manitoba Court of Ap- nipeg who knew Sid Green and did not admire and repeal. Twice he sought leave to appeal matters arising spect him, even if you disagreed with him. He always stood for truth and good sense, I join Steven in his celfrom my cases to the Supreme Court of Canada. He did not always win. That never seemed to dis- ebration of Sid Green, a man who lived a life worth living. He passed away on June 7 at 96. – Dorothy courage him very much. August 2026

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Manitoba Stay-cations

A world of adventure just outside our doorstep – part 2

The Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill.

A beluga whale on Hudson's Bay.

Churchill weather forecast.

Thompson, you will be filled with wonder that all this is ours to enjoy. Snow Lake Tracing your way back from Thompson to Highway 39, go west. It’s a reasonable three and a half hours to Snow Lake, a tiny lakeside community of about 840 souls, but on the way, you get to pass by beautiful Wekusko Falls. You will want pictures. The scenery is breathtaking all the way along – giant pines and tamaracks, wildflowers and glimpses of water. Occasionally, you come across an inukshuk erected by some enterprising teenager. Stop at Snow Lake for lunch. The motel isn’t much to look at, but the food is good, and you are a stone’s throw from the public dock where it is worth a quiet half hour contemplating the lake. Marvel at Main street – wide as Portage Avenue, but one way only! Flin Flon Then it’s on to Flin Flon, home of the iconic Flintabbatey Flonatin, just a couple of hours up the road. Flin Flon is a bustling town with a thriving

arts community. Be sure to stop into the Flin Flon Arts Council gallery and, if you plan to spend the night, drop into Johnnie’s social Club next door to hear some of the finest music around. See if you can get a local to give you a tour and show you the former red-light district or where the mine manager lived. You will want to visit the famed Flin Flon Forum, home to a long line of renowned NHL hockey players. Notice the boxed, aboveground sewer and water lines that couldn’t make it through the hard-rock, granite hills. You will marvel at the main mine shaft that dominates the town. There is a good hotel in town, if you want to spend the night, and several excellent restaurants. The twin town of Creighton is just across the Saskatchewan border – really, it is just one big community, with a combined population of about 8,000 when you put Creighton, Denare Beach and Flin Flon together. You might have to tear yourself away from this fascinating little community, but The Pas awaits, just south on Highway 10, only an hour and a half away. The Pas The big surprise here is that this is a farming community, even though we generally think of The Pas as a treed wilderness with a logging operation. The Pas is almost on the same parallel as Edmonton and, thanks to the deposits of the Carrot River, which carries silt from the Rockies through Alberta and Saskatchewan, the rich alluvial soil is about 16 feet deep soil on which you can grow just about anything; the season is the same length as that of Portage La Prairie. But it is not just grain that does well here. World famous Black Angus cattle, famed for producing mouth-watering beef, don’t mind the sometimes-wet conditions and thrive here. The Pas is also a Ducks Unlimited mecca. Nearby, just 15 minutes away, is Clearwater Lake, one of the clearest lakes in North – you can see the bottom at 35 feet deep (11.9 metres) – and it is teeming with fish! You will want to visit the mysterious moss-lined caves while you are there. The Pas is also the home of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation which operates a hotel and shopping mall across the river.

Dorothy Dobbie Part 2 of 2 Churchill The train arrives at Churchill first thing in the morning, so you have the whole day to explore after you check into your hotel. There are several to choose from and even a B & B. You will want to book an excursion out into the Bay, whether on the Lazy Bear Expedition boat or, for the adventurous, a kayak trip among the whales in the Bay. Belugas are very curious and will play with the kayaks. If you go out on the big boat, you may even see polar bears in the water or one of the islands. There is much more to see and do. One worthwhile visit in town is the Itsanitaq Museum which is filled with ancient carvings that depict life before the Europeans. It is smaller, but more authentic than the Winnipeg collection. There is also a gift shop here. There are several other good gift shops. My favourite is the Arctic Trading Company, but there is also one at the Lazy Bear Lodge and another next door. You will inevitably visit the Town Centre built in 1976. It contains a health centre, an indoor sports plex, including gym, curling rink, and bowling alley, hockey arena as well as a pool and an indoor children’s playground. A feature is the big polar bear slide in the centre of the common space. There is an elementary to Grade 12 school, a theatre, a gallery and space for the municipal council. You can take a dog sled ride even in summer, although this one is on wheels. Don’t be in such a hurry to take in the BIG things that you overlook the plants and land animals. Some of the tundra excursions will take the time to show you the fascinating little fauna and flora highlights. There are also several other points of interest including a trip across the Bay to the 250-year-old Fort Prince of Wales which took 40 years to build and surrendered without a shot fired – a great place for the kids to get a firsthand look at history. This just scratches the surface. When you finally get back on the train for the return journey to

Black Angus at The Pas. 8

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August 2026

Take a journey into the past

The venerable Prairie Dog Central railway sports new look, new services for 2026 Continued from page 1

tion with a wood carver by the name of Fred Gross who had a table in the back of his van displaying some of his works of art: miniature railway engines, woodland animals, fish, and Canadian flags to list a few. Fred related that he has been a woodcarver for over 40 years and has sold his carvings to people from all over the world. I couldn’t help but notice that there was a group of teenagers with camping gear occupying the platform in front of the old train station. Upon inquiry, I learned, as I kind of expected, that they were a scout group that had come out on the Prairie Dog Central to Grosse Isle the day before, camped out overnight and were waiting to go home again. The entire experience is a trip back in time, before planes, even before cars and trucks, to an era when the railway was the main source of transportation between towns and cities and every community of any reasonable size had a railway station. And the Prairie Dog Central experience is authentic. According to Events and Community Engagement Prairie Dog Central Railway at Grosse Isle. Photo by Robert Linsdell. Director Brenda Bourns, the locomotive was built in Scotland in 1882 for was to be abandoned and in addition sists of five passenger cars of different the CPR. It is Canada’s oldest active to that, the Transcona shops (where vintages and capacities and a caboose. vintage locomotive. It was sold to the the train was stored and maintained) “Families and other groups can book City of Winnipeg in 1918 and was could no longer support the Prairie individual rail cars or the caboose for used largely by WinniDog Central Railway special events,” she reports. peg Hydro for the next operations. ConseThe locomotive and rail cars are 40 years. The engine quently, soon after 1996 maintained by a corps of volunteers – was put out to pasture the Prairie Dog Central most of whom are retired CN and CP in 1961 and sold by the Railway ceased its train employees – with the help of a few stuCity to the newly creatoperations for two sea- dent volunteers. ed Vintage Locomotive sons and the Society For this year, under the leadership of Society in 1968. embarked on a major new CEO (as of last November) Jeffery According to historifundraising campaign Bannon and Bourns, there has been a cal information on the raising $1.3 million noticeable upgrade to the Prairie Dog Prairie Dog Central dollars to purchase the Central’s amenities and overall operaRailway website, the Oak Point Subdivision. tion. Whereas in past years, the railway new railway service was The St. James Station – offered 40 rides, this year, the goal is to inaugurated on July 11, which was built in 1918 reach 76 rides. 1970. From 1970 to – is listed as a Heritage “We have only had to cancel one,” Myron Love 1974, the train operatBuilding by Parks Can- Bourns notes. ed out of Charleswood ada. Under special apIn addition to the usual “Great Train along Wilkes Boulevard proval, the Station was Robbery”, the railway is offering a on the former Canadian National relocated to its current location at “Wine and Charcuterie” outing, a trip Cabot Subdivision. From 1975 to Inkster Boulevard and Sturgeon Road with five comics provided by Yuk Yuks 1996 the train then operated out of along Prairie Dog Trail. Operations on board and another featuring several St. James and the old St. James Sta- began shortly thereafter travelling alumni Winnipeg Bomber along for tion immediately west of Polo Park from Inkster Junction Station to the the ride. on the Canadian National Oak Point Manitoba community of Grosse Isle For kids, there were “Harry Potter”, Subdivision and ran to Grosse Isle for a stopover before heading back to “Toy Story”, “Power Rangers”, “Spiand back. Inkster Junction Station. derman”, “Barbie”, “Princess Power” In 1996 the Society was advised by In addition to the locomotive, and superhero themes over the sumCN that the Oak Point Subdivision Brenda Bourns notes, the train con- mer.

Some readers may be interested in a planned ride highlighting local breweries and distilleries scheduled for August 28 providing the organization gets its liquor license in time. Also this year, for the first time, Prairie Dog Central is offering concessions in the form of snacks, drinks, popcorn and chips, both on the train and within Inkster Station. In the Freight Shed, passengers can buy branded merchandise – clothing, souvenirs, and train memorabilia or get their photos taken – for free – against themed backgrounds. On the side of the station is a new children’s play area – with inflatable games and activities for kids while they wait for departure. The Prairie Dog Central’s season runs from the beginning of May until Halloween. Bourns adds that management is working on a new and ambitious project – the resurrection of the “Moonlight Special” that used to take Winnipeggers to Winnipeg Beach and back on weekends in our parents and grandparents’ day. Readers who may be interested in booking a ride of the Prairie Dog Central can go to www.pdcrailway.com or buy tickets at tickets@pdcrailway.com.

STAY ACTIVE • EXERCISE • SOCIALIZE

leisureGUIDE Programs for Older Active Adults

winnipeg.ca/leisureonline

August 2026

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Critical care in the heart of CentrePort

Hannah McLandress, Student, CentrePort Canada Inc.

tanding in the hangar at the STARS Manitoba base, the alarm blares as a call comes over the radio: a patient in western Manitoba may need transport to Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre. The fire engine red medical helicopter sits in the hangar. It’s one of ten in the STARS fleet; one of which is assigned to each of the six bases: Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg, while the other four serve as backups. The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service’s (STARS) Manitoba base sits within CentrePort Canada’s 20,000-acre footprint on the Winnipeg Airports Authority campus. The patient in western Manitoba is being assessed by their local medical team, so STARS is on standby. While they wait for the go-ahead, they start getting the helicopter ready. Even though every call is different, the preparation is the same: the medical team checks the equipment and grabs anything specialized, and the pilots do a weather check to make sure the helicopter can travel safely and prepare for takeoff. When official dispatch calls come through, the team and the helicopter are ready to go in as little as 10 minutes. Each time the STARS team takes off, there are two pi- Photo provided by STARS. lots, a nurse, and a paramedic on board. Every mission is directed by a transport physician, who can ride along heavy stuff,” said Madeline. “Orion is here to help rewhen needed. Inside the helicopter is a fully stocked lieve some of that pressure.” mobile intensive care unit with portable versions of As the hangar doors open, the nearby construction standard emergency room equipment. adds to the background noise. At the Most of it is retrofitted to attach to the Winnipeg Richardson International helicopter’s walls, and all within reach of Airport, the YWG West Lands developthe medical team. ment has begun. It will create over 200 STARS’ Manitoba base is the busiacres of airside, shovel-ready industrial est of the six, with the helicopter flying land for businesses requiring runway acan average of 800 missions per year. cess and multimodal connectivity. STARS is called for critical emergencies At STARS, the base is expanding after such as highway traffic collisions or farm 14 years in operation to include a stateequipment accidents, and transport calls of-the-art medical simulation lab and adto bring patients from rural health faciliditional spaces for staff and equipment. ties to the nearest trauma centre. “It’s really exciting,” said STARS Man“The work they do is incredible,” itoba provincial director Grant Thersaid STARS Manitoba development ofrien. “Not just our expansion, but the ficer Madeline Wieler. “Our teams are development all around us, too. When Hannah extraordinarily skilled and can deliver we first opened, there wasn’t much hapMcLandress care wherever our patients need it – in pening on this side of the airport, but the air, on the side of the highway, or in because of CentrePort, the development ditches,” she said. increased and continues to,” he said. In Manitoba, STARS has a team of over 50 profesAs a charitable not-for-profit, STARS relies on govsionals including pilots, nurses, paramedics, and one ernment, businesses and community funding to keep accredited facility dog, Orion, who provides emotional its bases fully operational. STARS works closely with support to all of STARS’ team members. local first responders, including the RM of Rosser Fire “The teams come back having seen some pretty Department, to serve southern Manitoba.

“STARS has an incredibly important role in saving lives in rural Manitoba,” said Mike Palmer, Deputy Reeve of the RM of Rosser and chief of the Rosser Fire Department. “Without them, those outcomes would’ve been very different.” The Rosser Fire Department and STARS Manitoba have a longstanding relationship; Mike and his team have assisted STARS pilots in training exercises to ensure they’re fully accredited. STARS is also linked with Manitoba’s Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resource Services (VECTRS) and Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. to reach patients in northern Manitoba. “Anyone in a rural community knows who STARS is because we're a lifeline when someone in their community needs critical care,” said Madeline. “As we've established ourselves here in Manitoba, it's fantastic to see that folks who live in the city also recognize that we're there for them when they need us.” Another message comes over the radio: The potential mission to western Manitoba has been called off, so the crew takes a breath. Their day isn’t over though; there’s a little over three hours until their shift ends, and the next call could come through at any time. “We’re grateful to be part of CentrePort,” said Grant. “They’re making a strong commitment to Manitoba, and we are too.”

Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba Trade Fair with 15 stalls, which were operated alongside SLAM participating in Folklorama Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba (SLAM) con- the above ceremony. On 23-4-2016, in the morning hours, the SLHC, Mr. ducted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 17th, 2026, at 7.00 pm, in room 130, Agricultural Building, Javad, visited the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. He inquired about the progress of acceptUniversity of Manitoba. ing two Human Rights Activists proAfter a decade as President of SLAM, posed by the Sri Lankan community. I observed that several improvements had Further, on 23-4-2026, Interim Sri been introduced to benefit the commuLankan Business Council of Manitoba nity. (I-SLBCM): (1) On 22-4-2016, SLHC I am happy to note that SLAM has alMr. Javad Chaired the Sri Lankan Busiready registered with Folklorama on April ness Council at the Community Hall of 8, 2026 (announced by Folklorama). Way the PTL. (2) On 27-6-2016, conducted back in 2017, SLAM called a meeting a meeting with the Vice President of the at the Community Hall of the Pembina Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. (2) On Trails Library to discuss the possibility 3-8-2016, conducted a Board Meeting. of participating in Folklorama. During (3) Inaugural Business Leaders meeting that meeting, it was observed that SLAM held on 15-9-2016. SLAM participated as could not take on this venture. Senaka Samarasinghe a facilitator for these meetings. However, Currently, Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoit was not possible to register SLBCM. ba (SLSM) is a subsidiary of SLAM. On I am happy to note that SLAM is trying to establish a 6-6-2015, SLAM’s 13th AGM was conducted. Its first Board meeting was held on 22-6-2015. During this meet- youth group, whereas during my tenure too we tried but ing, several proposals were made. Introducing a Seniors’ were unable to achieve the target. We wish SLAM all the group for SLAM was one of them. When the Board of success in this great endeavor. Soft Ball Cricket Tournament SLAM discussed this, Daya Perera called for an informal Chitral Dasanayake, President, Bloomfield Cricket and dinner meeting at his home with about 15 invitees on 13-6-2016 to prepare the framework. On 23-6-2016, a Cultural Club, was invited to the 18th Annual “SoftBall meeting was held at the Community Hall of the Pem- Cricket Tournament” on July 18th (SUN), 2026, at St. bina Trails Library (PTL) to establish a seniors’ group Vital Park. They organized a special renaming ceremony for SLAM, named Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba (SLSM). at 4.00 pm as “Perera Memorial - SoftBall Tournament”. Community Update At the AGM (17-7-2026), it was discussed to connect This was held on July 6th (MON), 2026, at the Comwith the Sri Lankan High Commissioner (SLHC). During my tenure (2015/2017), we invited the SLHC Ah- munity Office, 134 Plaza Drive, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Janice Lukes, Acting Deputy Mayor, City of Winnipeg, mad A. Javad as the Chief Guest of the Annual Sri Lankan New Year ceremony (23-4-2016). He inaugurated the sent an invitation to so she would provide an update on 10

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(a) activities among the community groups, (b) Waverly West Ward, and (c) Users of the Community Office. Mayor Scott Gillingham and his secretary, along with Janice Lukes, and Nafya Naso, her Senior Advisor, Community and Public Relations attended. Janice served 12 years in South Winnipeg and Waverley West. She has decided not to seek re-election in the 2026 civic election. Further, she declared that Nafiya Naso will run for City Councillor, Waverley West, and she asked for support for her in October 2026 during the City Election. I met quite a few community group leaders. Among them, I communicated with Songyan Liu, Executive Vice President, Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association. Harvn Rashid, President, Canada Bangladesh Association of Manitoba, and two long-standing friends, namely Suni Matthews and Sandra Sukan. The Mayor and Janice requested to arrange a meeting in “Colombo-Winnipeg, on Aviation History” during the second week of September 2026. Furthermore, both of them asked me to prepare an agenda with Nafiya in July 2026. Summer Walking: Assiniboine Park The first “Committee Meeting” (10th Anniversary Celebration of Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba) was held on July 21st (SUN), 2026. Attendees via Zoom were Ismath, Felix, Lileena Elian, and Doreen. I was unable to attend. They decided to call on the above date and location. Ismath, Felix, Elian, and I started the meeting. Felix invited Bandula and Gamini to join us. I showed three coffee-table books and one magazine-type book. All agreed to print a coffee-table book, obtaining money from a funding agency. All enjoyed the scheduled walking session, followed by the picnic lunch August 2026

The saint and the tailor Part one of a six-part series

Greg Barrett “Can a woman forget her nursing child, Or show no compassion for the Child of her womb? Even these may forget, Yet I will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)

here was a buzz of anticipation among the Italian seniors on that 15th day of November 2023. My wife, Erina, and I had just completed a brief presentation in preparation for the seniors’ visit to the Shrine of Vasyl Velychkovsky, Bishop and Martyr, at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Winnipeg. As we concluded our presentation, a gentleman in the group who had obviously been paying close attention asked to speak to us. When he approached us, he had one question: When did Bishop Velychkovsky come to Winnipeg? When we told him that the bishop arrived here on June 15, 1972, the man replied in a voice full of emotion, surprise and awe, “I know this man!” With an emotional intensity born of tightly held memories, Romolo Fracassi told us his story. Romolo was born in 1935 in the town of Pescina, Province of Abruzzo, Italy. He was apprenticed as a tailor and became fully trained in the time-honored skills of his profession. Romolo came to Winnipeg in 1957 and created a successful career in the city making men’s suits and clothes out of his store at Ellice Avenue and Notre Dame Avenue in downtown Winnipeg. During 1966, Dr. Zenon Matwichuk visited Romolo’s shop and asked him to tailor a man’s suit. So began a close working relationship that lasted for many years and included making suits for Dr. Matwichuk’s sons, Paul and George. At the time, Zenon Matwichuk was a medical doctor working out of the clinic he established at the corner of Machray Avenue and McGregor Street in Winnipeg’s North End. Dr. Matwichuk was born in Poland of Ukrainian parents and after receiving medical training in Europe and Canada, he created his practice in Winnipeg in 1960. Zenon Matwichuk’s wife, Maria, was born in what was then Yugoslavia and later married Zenon in Ukraine. They eventually came to Canada and established their life in Winnipeg. Long before Zenon and Maria and Romolo walked the streets of Winnipeg, in a totally different part of the world, a baby boy was born. This child was destined to play a central role in the life of the underground Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ukraine and to profoundly affect their lives. The child, Vasyl Vsevolod Velychkovsky, was born June 1, 1903, in what is now Ivano-Frankivsk, a diverse community with Polish, Russian and Jewish influences. IvanoFrankivsk is located in the western Ukraine in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains close to Lviv. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 9, 1925, in Zboisk near Lviv in Ukraine at the age of twenty-two. After World War I, the Peace Treaty of Versailles 1919, provided for the re-emergence of Poland as a sovereign state that became known as the Second Polish Republic. Between 1918 and 1939 Western Ukraine was incorporated into the Second Polish Republic. This created serious resentments and tensions in the region as a volatile mix of Polish, Ukrainian and Jewish populations struggled to gain control of their own destinies. As Father Vasyl began his ministry within this conflicted environment his work was fraught with unrelenting stress and pressure from the very beginning. This was the reality for the next 16 years of his priesthood but by 1939 change was in the wind. On August 23, 1939, Nazi Germany, positioning itself for the coming war, signed an agreement with the Soviet Union known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The treaty was signed by Vyacheslav Molotov, the Soviet Foreign Minister and Joachim von Ribbentrop, the German Foreign Minister. This agreement had a secret protocol that divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence. On September 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland from the west and very soon after the Soviet Union attacked Poland from the east and World War II began. By October 6, 1939, Poland was crushed and the Soviet Union was in control of territory stretching to the Bug River. From this time on, Stalinist oppression became policy in Ukraine. Under this policy the Soviet focus was to eliminate any possible source of opposition to soviet rule. The lawyer Raphael Lemkin August 2026

(1900 –1959) explained this strategy in the follow- featuring an organized and systemic exploitation ing manner: “… attacking the church was targeting of Ukrainian resources – one more period of time the soul of Ukraine, attacking the intelligentsia was when the country and its people were subjected to targeting its mind and starving the peasantry aimed conditions of war, murder, betrayal and nation-wide to destroy the national idea, as suffering. It is estimated that over they were the primary bearers of 5 million Ukrainian civilians were Ukrainian culture and language.” killed during World War II – among The political repression unthem, 1.5 million Jews. It was also leashed by Stalin and his soviet during this time of German occupagovernment in the fall of 1939, tion that between September 29 and 30, 1941, more than 33,000 Jews, was terrifying, hateful and relentRoma and Soviet prisoners of war less. Young Father Vasyl faced a were murdered in a ravine known nasty grind of daily oppression as Babi Yar located on the outskirts as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic of Kyiv. One historian referred to Church, its bishops, its priests and this event as “… the single greatits people were caught squarely est atrocity on the eastern front:” in the crosshairs of the effort to Large scale killings were also carried Russify Ukraine. All of their fabriout by the Nazis in Odessa and the cated charges and purges took an district of Lublin. The fact was that enormous toll on the emotional, during the period of the Second spiritual and mental health of the people affecting their well-being World War, Ukraine became the Bishop Vasyl Velychkovsky for many years afterwards. principal battleground on the Eastern In June 1941 Germany, hungry Front. Yet despite these conditions of for lebensraum (living space) and looking for Jews, war in the midst of killings, atrocities, hunger and invaded the Soviet Union in a surprise attack. Dur- exploitation, Father Vasyl continued to carry out his ing this invasion Germany quickly occupied large ministry of serving anyone who needed his help. parts of Ukraine including Kyiv, Odesa and Lviv. The German occupation quickly became brutal To be continued next month . . .

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The AI conversation Canada isn't having

A Canadian worker now produces roughly seventy cents of output per hour for every dollar produced by an American worker.

early every discussion about artificial intelligence in business ends up in the same place. Which jobs will disappear? Which professions are safe? How many people will be replaced? Those questions make good headlines. They are also the wrong questions. The right ones are about productivity, and about who owns the technology that delivers it. Canada needs to get both right, because our starting position is weak. The Bank of Canada has called this country's productivity performance an emergency, and the numbers support the language. On the Bank's own figures, a Canadian worker now produces roughly seventy cents of output per hour for every dollar produced by an American worker. The OECD projects that Canada will record the lowest growth in real GDP per person of any Romel Dhalla advanced economy over the coming On The decades. A country in our position canMoney not afford to get artificial intelligence wrong. Businesses don't exist to employ the greatest number of people possible. They exist to produce the greatest value possible with the resources they have. Every productivity leap in history worked the same way: it let people accomplish more in the same time. Artificial intelligence belongs on that list, and unlike most claims made for it, this one has been measured. In a randomized trial run by Harvard researchers inside Boston Consulting Group, consultants using AI completed 12.2 per cent more tasks, finished 25.1 per cent faster and produced work rated 40 per cent higher in quality. The weakest performers gained the most. None of that is automatic. The same study found consultants were far more likely to get things wrong when they pushed AI past its competence. The gains go to professionals who learn the tool, challenge it and verify its work. Most professionals will be forced to adopt AI, because their competitors already have. The lawyer who reviews more case law in an afternoon, the accountant who delivers faster at lower cost, the advisor who arrives at every meeting with deeper research: each one forces the rest of Public sector unions understand where this is the market to respond. Clients don't pay for slower. heading, and their responsibility is to protect their Firms will still need experienced people to exercise members. Governments have a different responsibiljudgment and stand behind the work, so the labour ity: they must protect taxpayers by delivering better market will adjust more slowly than the headlines services as efficiently as possible. Those objectives suggest. But as each professional becomes more pro- will collide. The collision is manageable. The public ductive, firms grow without hiring at the same pace. service loses thousands of employees to retirement The consequences land first at the bottom of every year, so a government serious about modthe ladder. Every profession has relied on junior ernization can hold service levels while shrinking employees to research, prepare reports and review through attrition and redeployment, replacing prodocuments while learning the business. Stanford re- cesses instead of people. Ottawa has already accepted searchers, working from American payroll records, the principle: Budget 2025 targets a public service of have already documented a sixteen per cent relative roughly 330,000 by 2028-29, some 40,000 below decline in employment among early-career workers the 2024 peak, with attrition named as a primary in the occupations most exposed to AI, while em- driver. What it cannot do is protect outdated adminployment among experienced workers in the same istration and rising headcount at the same time and fields held steady. If AI does the apprenticeship work, call that fairness to anyone. firms will recruit fewer graduates, and every profesThere is a second question, and in the long run it sion will face the same question: if nobody does the matters more: who owns the technology producing junior work, where do the senior professionals of these gains? Canadian businesses are building their 2040 come from? Firms that treat AI purely as a operations around foreign AI. Customer relationreason to stop hiring will discover, fifteen years from ships, pricing models, software development and now, that they automated away their own succession product design will increasingly depend on intelliplan. The winners will use the gains to train juniors gence developed somewhere else, and AI will end faster on harder problems, not to eliminate them. up embedded in whatever proprietary knowledge Government should be paying the closest atten- a company has built. Most business owners are fotion of all, because no employer in Canada processes cused on the productivity gains. Far fewer are asking more information than government. Applications, whether they're comfortable building one of their permits, licences, procurement, benefits and inter- most valuable assets on technology they don't own, nal administration consume enormous amounts of can't control and can't audit. time and money. Treasury Board figures show the The frustrating part is that Canada helped invent federal public service grew from 257,000 in 2015 this technology. The foundational research behind to a peak of nearly 368,000 in 2024, and even after modern AI came out of Canadian universities and two years of decline it remains about a third larger earned Canadian scientists the field's highest honthan it was a decade ago. Yet Canadians still wait ours. Yet according to Stanford's AI Index, private weeks or months for services that involve little more AI investment over the decade to 2024 reached than collecting information, verifying it and making roughly US$470 billion in the United States against a routine decision. The government's own figures about US$15 billion in Canada, a gap of more than put the immigration backlog above two million ap- thirty to one that is still widening. We produce the plications at its peak. More people did not fix the researchers and export the returns. We've done this problem. Better processes will, and AI can now sup- before: decades of shipping out raw materials and port exactly those processes. buying back finished products. 12

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The predictable objection is that frontier AI models cost billions and Canada is a small market. That misunderstands the opportunity. Canada doesn't need to outspend Silicon Valley. It needs domestic capability where it counts: models built for Canadian industries, trained on Canadian data, running on Canadian infrastructure, governed by Canadian law. We have the ingredients: world-class expertise in finance, mining and agriculture, abundant hydroelectric power, and a climate built for data centres. Previous generations built railways, banks and energy systems here because they formed the backbone of the economy. AI belongs on that list. Getting there takes more than speeches. It takes three things: regulatory approvals for computing infrastructure measured in months rather than years, government procurement that gives real weight to Canadian data residency and Canadian-owned AI, and patient capital that keeps our companies from selling early or leaving. None of this requires new invention. It requires decisions. Every generation faces a handful of choices that shape its economic future for decades, and this is one of ours. Canada can build the infrastructure, protect its intellectual property and become a country that exports intelligence. Or it can keep renting one of the most important technologies of this century and accept that the wealth, the expertise and the decisions will live somewhere else. We have everything we need except the urgency. It's time to find it. Romel Dhalla, is President of Dhalla Advisory Corp., provides strategic corporate finance advice to companies and high net worth individuals. He was a portfolio manager and investment advisor with two major Canadian banks for 17 years. 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 the author 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. August 2026

Pre-budget consultations – a glimpse into the future

ere you aware that there is an important invitation waiting for you from Finance Canada? The next federal budget will be presented this fall and you have until September 8 to give your views in a Pre-Budget consultation. While it’s highly likely the government has already set its fiscal, social and economic direction, this invitation is an important way for you to participate in our democracy. Why Participate? Obtaining insight into government decisionmaking is a key reason to get involved. The annual budget provides Evelyn Jacks a glimpse into how the government is going to spend your money over the next five years. There will be an opportunity to understand private sector forecasting over this reporting period, which predicts things like the growth of our economy, interest rate trends, labor market trends and the health of our dollar. The pre-budget consultation is a chance to see whether what’s important to you will be addressed, and even more telling, what the government is missing entirely. By the time the Budget arrives this fall you will be looking for important priorities you want the government to pay attention to. Now is the time to give voice to your con- the future, an investment in a Tax Free Savings Account may be a better opcerns. Distraction or Precision? You’ll tion from a financial planning point of also get to judge whether this pre-bud- view for most Canadians, than the new get consultation is simply a distraction Canada Strong Fund referenced in the or if it will provide the precision you pre-budget questionnaire. This is a need to see to make your financial life version of a commonly known Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), and a new a bit easier. Consider the questions being asked; federal government priority. The government notes on its webaside from anonymous questions to identify yourself, there are 11 of them, site that our Canada Strong Fund will with pre-selected responses, which invest in strategic Canadian projects would be unfortunate if not for an op- and companies, with the “clear objecportunity to expand on the things you tive to achieve commercial returns to are most passionate about. Time will build the wealth of Canada.” Norway is home to the largest SWF tell how precise the government will be in representing Canadians’ answers and like many other countries that have one, that fund is build on surplus revin the final budget document. I’ve selected a couple of the ques- enues, thereby taking the risk out of a tions as an example. How would you debt-funded investment vehicle, which is what Canada would be creating. answer these questions? The Canada Strong Fund carries 1. What are the biggest financial with it the risk of underperforming or concerns for you or your family? 2. If you were designing the federal even producing investment losses, if budget, what would you suggest to interest rates rise or economies sputter further. That could happen with the help grow Canada’s economy? 3. What actions are the most impor- turmoil of Canada U.S. trade negotiatant for the Government of Canada to tions. Investors will want to talk to their help Canadians get ahead? 4. In the Spring Economic Update, financial advisors about this option as the government announced that it a part of their overall tax and wealth would introduce the Canada Strong management strategy, at a minimum. The numbers tell the story. In the Fund – a national investment initiative that would strengthen Canada’s Spring Economic Update, Canada’s economy and give Canadians a direct fiscal position was somewhat alarmstake in its success. What would be ing. Canada’s overall federal debt of most important to you if you chose to $1.3 trillion is climbing to a staggering $1.6 trillion, and this should be of participate? Creating wealth – Part of your high concern, as the cost of servicing plan? When it comes to saving for that debt is now projected to be over

August 2026

$80 Billion by the turn of this decade. That eats up a lot of room to provide for urgently needed social services. On a per capita basis, our real GDP grew by only 0.6 per cent in 2025 after declining in both 2023 and 2024 and risks are high that economic growth could be further impacted by global events. The government released several scenarios for GDP growth last spring, which reflected volatility due to a protracted global disruption in oil prices, which of course, is occurring at the moment. Private sector forecasters expected real GDP growth of only 1.1 per cent in 2026, rising to 1.9 per cent in 2027; and then, flatlining at the same levels across the forecast period ending in 2030. Overall this is 1.6% lower than the pre-tariff scenarios projected in 2024. How do you feel about this? What’s missing? While the direction of the pre-budget questions are clearly focused on building the economy, which is strategically on point for the times, there seems to be little on how to deal with the real life issues Canadians are talking about: a very broken health care system, the impending health care crisis in an aging demographic or how to reform the tax system to put more money into people’s jeans every two weeks to deal with the inflationary costs of global economic and political volatility. Meeting the challenge with your voice. To say the least, we are in challenging economic times in which fed-

eral and provincial books are awash in red ink. This will guarantee, with certainty, that deferred taxation is in our future. Understanding the numbers is a big part of your responsibility as a voter and in the work your Member of Parliament does. While some of the terminology may seem a bit overwhelming, the reality is that federal budgets are about whether the government of the day has its fiscal house in order and can manage the risks coming in the foreseeable future. Your vote and your voice has power in our democracy. Be sure to weigh in with your thoughts on this pre-budget consultation. To participate, scan the QR code below or go to https://www. canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/consultations/2026/pre-budget-consultations-2026.html Evelyn Jacks is an award-winning business leader, a tax literacy advocate, and best-selling author of 55 books on the subject of tax planning and family wealth management. Hear her podcast, Real Tax News You Can Use. Listen here or anywhere you do your streaming.

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Isreal's demise

lmost eighty years ago, with hu- Frye gave much evidence and proof of bris, while quoting from their the veracity of his lectures, while Harpur holy books in an attempt to could give no evidence of the truthfuljustify their seizure of lands and their ness of what he was teaching. For any antagonistic behaviour tostudents with doubts, wards their neighbours, Harpur advised, they Zionists created the new should trust in the Lord State of Israel, which to strengthen their faith. turned out to be a fragSome students complained ile entity with a foundato Frye that Harpur, by tion of fairy tales, fictional asking for blind faith, was characters, outright lies, asking them to close their and deceit. Northrop Frye eyes so they could see betprophesised, decades shall ter. At least one student pass and Israel will rise, facetiously asked Harpur if grow, and prosper until it he should park his brain at hits a final apex; and then, the door when he entered Wayne Weedon like a house of cards in a the classroom. changing wind, Israel will For decades, Harpur did Food for collapse and crumble, ultinot waiver on his teachThought mately to be absorbed by ings. In time, as attitudes its Arab neighbours. and laws against blaspheNorthrop Frye and another profes- my relaxed, Harpur began to admit to sor, Thomas Harpur, were teaching the his own reservations. “Keep the popuBible to undergraduate students at the lace uneducated, ignorant and stupid as University of Toronto. Harpur, taught a method of controlling them.” Harpur a literal interpretation of these books remembered these words along with Edwhile Frye taught the Bible as literature, ward Gibbon’s statement, "Religion is as a fictional history of Jews and Chris- regarded by the common people as true, tians. As silly as this may seem today, at by the wise as false, and by rulers as usethat time, this was very dangerous talk; ful." It became obvious, Harpur’s faith by Canadian laws, Frye risked being ar- was showing signs of fraying. rested and imprisoned for questioning Harpur had not been properly educatthe veracity of the Bible. ed, he had never learned how to think; Although their teachings were op- instead, he learned how to gobble up posed, there was no animosity between information and regurgitate it. This is Frye and Harpur. However, dissent be- how he earned several university degrees came apparent in the student popula- and his ordination as an Anglican priest. tion, especially for the students who The only time Harpur had to think on were studying under both professors. an exam was when he began to examine

himself. Harpur wrote and published a book, The Pagan Christ, which details his journey into enlightenment as he began delving into what Frye had been telling him. Like Frye, Harpur came to realise, all the justifications for creating the State of Israel are false. There was no enslavement of Jews in Egypt, there was no Exodus, there was no parting of the Red Sea, there was no Moses, there was no flaming bush, there were no commandments, there were no wanderings in the desert, there was no manna from heaven, there are no chosen people, and there was no promise of land. Plainly stated, there has never been any gods and there has never been any legitimate justification for Jews to occupy Palestine. Many scholars are now in agreement

with Frye. Many believe that the false foundations of Israel are disintegrating and are about to collapse. Some are predicting that a New Age of Reason which has no room for religion is just on the horizon. Others fear that Israel will make every effort to bring the whole world down with them as they smash into the abyss. I have faith in the goodness of common folks who are just beginning to wake up from a very long sleep. Once the populace begins to think, to plan their own destinies, and run their own lives, they will no longer be slaves governed by fear. They will no longer be slaves to their religion. Religion teaches man to be a slave to one or more gods through their earthly representatives. Reason teaches individuals to depend upon themselves, to work with hand and brain, and to overcome difficulties and obstructions by thinking and acting and not by praying. This is the path to maturity, and mature people do not fight. This is why the advent of a New Age of Reason can have only one result; it will lead into an age of peace and goodwill towards all men. There will no longer be any reason to fight. We will all be the same; all children of the Universe. By the way; there is no Santa Claus, no Easter Bunny, no Tooth Fairy, no witches, no wizards, and Harry Potter is a fictional character. This is all verifiable. Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manitoba writer of novels and short stories. To sample his wonderful work go to Wattpad. com.

Winnipeg's downtown has become zombie land We are seeing the results of compassion without accountability, which really is just abandonment

business owners dread opening in the morning, because they don't know what they'll find in their doorway. Needles. Human waste. Sometimes a person too alk down Main Street on any far gone to move. Compare that to citgiven afternoon, and you'll ies that have taken a recovery-first apsee it before anyone has to proach, mandating treatment as a condition of release rather explain it to you. People bent than leaving addicts double at the waist, frozen on the sidewalk with a mid-stagger, lost somewhere pamphlet, and the difbetween standing and colference in outcomes is lapsing. Winnipeg Police offinot subtle. Winnipeg cers have started calling parts keeps choosing the verof downtown "zombie land" sion of compassion that in private conversations with asks nothing of anyone, me, and they aren't exaggerand the results are exating. This city has allowed actly what you'd expect. open-air drug use to become Then there's Mayor normal in its core, and the Scott Gillingham's tenpeople running city hall and day public safety blitz, the province have responded Kevin Klein rolled out with plenty with press conferences inof media attention as stead of consequences. That has to change, and it starts with treating the October election approaches. For addiction as a crisis that requires inter- ten days, downtown saw a real police vention, not a lifestyle that requires ac- presence and real consequences. Then the ten days ended, the cameras left, and commodation. The scale of what's happening down- everything went back to the way it was. town is not a mystery to anyone who If a crackdown works for ten days, that works or shops there. Crystal meth, is proof enforcement is effective, not crack and fentanyl have turned stretches proof it's unnecessary. What it actually of Main Street, Portage Avenue and the proved is that this mayor understands surrounding blocks into places small what needs to happen and chose not to

Lifestyles55 MANITOBA

All about living at the

age of maturity

do it, because sustained enforcement requires political courage he hasn't shown outside of an election cycle. For a typical Winnipeg family, none of this is abstract. It's deciding not to take the kids to a downtown event because you don't want them walking past someone smoking fentanyl on the sidewalk. It's a small business owner on Main Street who has stopped calling police because officers show up, move someone along, and watch them return an hour later, because there's no consequence attached and no treatment bed waiting. It's a transit rider who has changed her route home because the bus shelter has become a place to use, not a place to wait. These are not inconveniences. They are Winnipeggers being pushed out of their own downtown by a problem city hall refuses to actually confront. The predictable response from advocacy groups is that policing doesn't solve addiction, that what's needed is more compassion, more funding, more of the same approach we've been running for years. That argument might carry weight if the current approach were working. It isn't. Handouts to organizations that call themselves advocates, without any requirement that they move people toward treatment, have

not shrunk the no-go zones downtown, they've entrenched them. Compassion without accountability isn't compassion. It's abandonment with better branding. What Winnipeg needs is straightforward. Police need the mandate and the resources to maintain a consistent, daily presence on Main Street and the surrounding core, not a ten-day stunt before an election. Every arrest for drug possession should come with a direct pathway into mandatory treatment, not a citation and a release back onto the same corner. The province needs to fund treatment beds and recovery programs at the scale this crisis demands, and redirect money currently going to groups whose only measurable output is opposing enforcement. And city hall needs to stop pretending that unsupervised drug use in public spaces is someone else's problem to solve. Gillingham had his ten days. They proved the model works and that he won't commit to it. Winnipeggers deserve a mayor willing to apply pressure on this problem every day of the year, not just the ten before an election matters. Downtown Winnipeg is not lost. But it will be, if the next four years look like the last four. Kevin Klein is the publisher of the Winnipeg Sun.

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Nature, edited Continued from page 4

High Line garden on 20th Street in downtown New York. Photo by Beyond My Ken, CCSA 4.0. A garden is one of the ways we express our relationship with nature. It is where we admit that we want beauty, food, shade, order, memory and a

place to sit. It is also where nature refuses to follow the plan entirely. Plants die. Birds arrive. Seedlings appear in the wrong places. Bugs, rabbits and

A knot garden. Photo by Evelyn Simak, CCSA 2.0.

deer invade. We do not make nature when we make a garden. We make a living work of art from nature’s materials and then

enter into a long negotiation with it. That seems to me more interesting, and more honest, than calling it nature.

PUZZLES

SUDUKO

Answers page 13

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Limerick's second word, usually 4 Delicate 9 Eat greedily 14 Medical insurer 15 Delayed 16 Radio receiver 17 Australian running bird 18 Univision news anchor Jorge --19 Make amends 20 Open grassland 22 Preserved 24 Funded August 2026

26 Biblical weed 27 Hilltop 28 Not that 29 --- for Charlie 32 Expatriate 34 Rowboat lever 35 The Pope 36 Confined 37 Demand 38 Face protection 39 Affirmative votes 40 Obtain 41 Battle Born State 42 Short numbers 43 Elapse

44 High-hat 45 Cheap sensational magazine 46 Perturbed 49 N Y C's - Park 53 Lexicographer's interest 54 Whiffs 55 Enjoy to the full 57 U S capital once and briefly 58 Pal of Kukla and Fran 59 Dodge 60 Accountant's letters 61 Senses 62 Works 63 Agency which initiated the Waco siege

DOWN 1 Location question 2 Capital of Jordan 3 Speech snippets 4 Book opener 5 Genetic component of some viruses 6 Pointed 7 Religious painting 8< 9 Brenda and Ringo 10 Adorable child 11 Author unknown 12 Mathematician --- Descartes 13 Adele's dancing brother 21 Pigs out 23 Locks or strands 25 Ram's dam 28 Tip sellers 29 Largest Moroccan city 30 Portable player 31 "Two Mules for Sister ---": Eastwood/MacLaine film

32 Pulitzer winner Jennifer --33 Salad sauce 35 Fulcrums 37 Loathed 38 Enterprises 40 Young ladies 41 Intelligence agency 43 Prize monies 45 Hazard 46 Nightclub show 47 Pyramid place 48 Kickless coffee 49 Upper limit 50 Indolent 51 Short-tailed rodent 52 Valley 56 Weird

lifestyles55.net

SJCI 2001 to 2026 – an iconic arena remembered with lego

In 2016, Trixie Maybituin received awards from t. James Collegiate has continued into a new century. The century has been defined by 911 the St. James Assiniboia School Division and the and COVID. This story revives a few recent Optimist club for her volunteer work, Trixie orSJCI memories. ganized various school activities including dancIn 2013 with the help of a land transfer from es, fund raisers, a 30-hour famine, and a haunted Bourkevale Community Club a track was con- house. In 2021 Altea Manzano, Angelynne Cusostructed south of the original Portage Avenue dio, Zia Dacara, Julia Lucier, and Hailey Roberts building. In 2013, SJCI hosted a public meeting won Manitoba Council of International Co-opon traffic safety after a serious accident at the cor- eration awards for their research on social issues. ner of Portage and Ferry. The west end In 2020, Adrien Sala presented Grade of the original 1951 Portage Avenue 12 student Camryn Malixix with a St. School was damaged by fire just beJames Aspiring Artist Award. In 2016, fore Christmas 2021. Bea Requerne and Hillary Cuthbert A couple of teachers deserve menwon medals in a Skills Manitoba comtioning. As a player, Tina Nikitas petition for hairstyling. Tony Scarpino represented Manitoba in hockey (the was the teacher. Aces) and soccer (Team Manitoba). Many students have attended both Tina taught at SJCI and coached the Brooklands School and SJCI. I found SJCI Girls Hockey Team. After Tina's an interesting 2013 archive about inpassing at the age of 30, Robyn Goodteraction between the two schools. win, an SJCI player, organized several SJCI students, Monica Sarell, Sierra hockey tournaments to raise money Betker, and Patricia Bulos made panfor cancer research. Ashley Van Agcakes and read books to Erel Cabaguio Fred Morris gelen, the head of the SJCI Physical and other future SJCIers. Educators From the desk Education department has spent the Adam Lister, Brooklands teacher Kim of a gadfly last decade and a half at SJCI. Ashley Johnston-Rempel, and Rex Fergucoaches a variety of teams. Ashley is son Baird, helped organize the event. the longtime coach of the Females under 18 Hock- Rex had been the Vice Principal of SJCI prior to ey Avros. In 2023-24 Tara Tuchscherer, a humani- becoming the Principal of Brooklands School. ties teacher, received a Manitoba Excellence in Edu- During his 14 years as Brooklands Principal, Rex cation Award was a driving force in the upgrading of the school Several SJCI athletes excelled. Nash Bockstall grounds surrounding Brooklands School. In 2020, won three consecutive (2015-17) St. James Ath- Rex won the Distinguished Principal of the Year letes of the Year awards. Nash excelled in volleyball, Award from the Canadian Association of Principals basketball, and badminton. Briana Ehrmantrault I found a very touching archive about a group of was the 2017 Junior Athlete of the Year. Briana seven Grade 12 girls regularly getting together to played volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and socialize as they prepared to graduate in 2016. The field, and handball. After graduating from SJCI, group includes Jordana Kilgour who has complex Briana won two consecutive Women's Athlete of medical issues. the Year awards at the Canadian Mennonite UniOutside guests included the Winnipeg Symphoversity. Tiffany Ortega was the February 2022 Ur- ny Orchestra which performed a concert, Michael ban Athlete of the Week after leading the Jimmies Champagne, and speaker Austin Gauthier from the Varsity Girls Basketball team to a victory in the Live Different Movement. Stonewall Invitational Tournament. In 2020, SJCI Several SJCIers of this recent era have left us far Julia Raposa, then a recent SJCI graduate, and her too early. In April 2009, Jessica Bodnar, a grade mother, Jennifer Raposa, were teammates on the 12 student, became critically ill. After an extended Winnipeg Wolf Pack of the Western Woman's Ca- hospital stay, Jessica attended her June 26, 2009, nadian Football League. Julia and Jennifer may be graduation. Sadly, Jessica died two years later while the only two-generation teammates on any football awaiting a heart transplant. In 2010, Jewan Kim, team. a recent immigrant from Korea, was killed along

Puzzles’ Solutions

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with his brother and mother in a car accident. On October 30, 2016, Marlene Komus, age 26, was killed in a tragic car accident. Marlene had attended SJCI in the early 2000s. Marlene became the News Director of Radio 610 Thompson. At the time of her passing, she was an account executive with Canstar. In 2023, Phoenix Thompson, a 15-yearold student, was tragically murdered near SJCI. During COVID, Lorelei Steffler was the principal. Erel Cabaguio, a 2020 graduating student, is quoted in a Winnipeg Free Press story. “This year was unforgettable. We are part of history.” During recent years, service dogs providing emotional support for students have become part of the hallways of SJCI and George Waters Middle School. English Teacher Garet Coates, Guidance Counsellor Myriane Orloff, and Head Secretary Robyn King have championed this program, Congratulations to the dogs, Charlie, Daisy, and Lucy for their contribution to SJCI. In 2006, the Winnipeg Arena was demolished. Scott Templeton, a 2014 SJCI Grad, became a teacher. Scott has a fascination with Lego. In the fall of 2022, Scott, using Lego, released his recreation of the Winnipeg Arena. The details were very precise, including a unique design of the men's washroom. The student presidents, starting in 2000, have been Michelle Stone, Gavin Johnstone, Kim Penner, Jeff Foster, Amanda Medeiros, Crystal Galapon, Kristie Pedrosa, Rita Gordon, Holly Hunter (a current St. James Assiniboia school Trustee), Stacey Mikolayanko, Bahija Zeid, Brendan Gali, Alex Olson, Scott Templeton, Chris Lansang, Vanessa McKay, Trixie Maybituin, Amalie Herath, Nica Torres, Lea Veronica Cumlat, Chellan Ramirez, Altea Manzano, Bryn Siemens, Alexa Caymo, Julinna Cases, Ashela Lula, and Ashlyn L (not sure of the last name). Question Period about the 1950s Story When were the first classes held in the Portage Avenue St. James Collegiate building? Answer On Tuesday September 4, 1951, more than 400 pupils attended classes in 8 rooms on the main floor, and 4 rooms on the second floor. The building was still under construction. (source Page 3 the September 4, 1951 Winnipeg Free Press evening paper) Future Project. As we prepare for the 2051 100th Anniversary of Portage Avenue SJCI, I am going to start collecting names of SJCI students and staff who live to be 100.Please send me any names and a few details to fredmorris@hotmail.com. Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist.

August 2026

Songs sung better together Continued from page 1

gether for centuries, and why men have continued to gather with the Winnipeg Male Chorus for over six decades. Music has always had the power to bring people together. Long before streaming services and earbuds made music a solitary experience, songs were shared. Families gathered around pianos. Friends sang around campfires. Communities came together in churches, schools, and choirs. Singing wasn't simply entertainment; it was participation. It was something people experienced together. That tradition remains alive today. While many people think of choral singing as old-fashioned, the Winnipeg Male Chorus embraces an astonishing variety of music that reflects the tastes and memories of modern audiences and singers. Recent repertoire has included arrangements inspired by artists such as Supertramp, Elton John, Michael Jackson, the Doobie Brothers, and Leonard Cohen. Songs that once played through radios, cassette decks, and car stereos find new life through the harmonies and richness of male voices. Familiar melodies become fresh again, not through technology or special effects, but through the timeless power of people singing together. For many men who grew up with the soundtrack of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, there is something deeply satisfying about rediscovering those songs in a new way. Music that once accompanied road trips, dances, and family gatherings becomes part of a shared musical experience that creates new memories while celebrating

old ones. Yet the rewards of singing extend far beyond the music itself. In an age when people often find themselves isolated despite being constantly connected, choirs offer something increasingly rare: genuine community. An evening rehearsal becomes a welcome break from the pressures and distractions of daily life. For a few hours, work, errands, and responsibilities fade into the background. Attention shifts to learning music, creating harmony, and enjoying the company of others. There is laughter. There is encouragement. There is satisfaction in working together toward a common goal. And there are friendships. Choirs bring together people from dif-

ferent walks of life. Members may come from different professions, generations, and experiences, but music creates common ground. What begins as a shared interest often develops into lasting camaraderie. Many singers will tell you they joined for the music but stayed for the friendships. Research has also shown that singing contributes to overall well-being. It can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Unlike many activities that become more difficult with age, singing is something that can be enjoyed throughout life. Whether someone has years of experience, sang in school, or simply enjoys singing along with their favourite songs, there is always room for another voice.

Perfection is not the goal. The joy of singing comes not from flawless performance, but from participation—from contributing one's own voice to something larger than oneself. No single singer creates the sound. It is the blending of voices, the listening to one another, and the shared commitment to the music that make the experience meaningful. That spirit extends beyond rehearsals and concerts. Through performances in personal care homes and community events, the Winnipeg Male Chorus seeks to share music with audiences who may no longer have many opportunities to experience live performance. Familiar songs can evoke memories, spark smiles, and create moments of connection that remind us all the power music holds. As we prepare to begin another season this September, the Winnipeg Male Chorus invites new singers to come and try out a rehearsal at no cost. We meet Tuesday evenings at 800 Point Road in Winnipeg starting September 1st under the direction of renowned conductor Jeremy Vallance. Check out WinnipegMaleChorus.ca or email wpg.male.chorus.info@ gmail.com for more information. No formal training is required—only enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to join others in making music. Because at its heart, singing has never really been about individual voices. It has always been about bringing people together. And some things, after all, are simply better when shared. Songs sung better together.

Harte Trail Studio Art Tour Continued from page 1

Artists from Tuxedo, Charleswood and Headingley are part of the Harte Trail art tour. Supplied photos. into a creative hobby. For those in search of a special gift or the perfect addition to your home decor, this event is a treasure trove of artistic options. Each studio promises to be a unique experience, offering insight into the diverse techniques and styles that make each artist's work distinctive. Planning your visit is easy. Simply mark your calendar for September 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and set aside time to explore each studio. Gather your family and friends and make a day or even a weekend out of it! To help you navigate the tour, pick up one of our Harte Trail Studio Art Tour August 2026

brochures. These brochures are available at various locations throughout the city, or you can visit our website to download a printable version. The brochure includes a detailed map and highlights each of our 23 talented artists. With so many unique creative spaces to explore, you’ll want to make sure you visit them all! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Harte Trail Art Tour Newsletter and be the first to receive the most up-to-date tour info. Artist info, FAQ’s and additional Tour Info can also be found at our website at https://www.hartetrailstudiotour.net/ How to Participate • Mark your calendar today for Sep-

tember 19-20, 10 am to 4 pm • Set up that date and rally your friends! Chat with family and friends to make this a weekend outing! • Download the brochure and studio location map from our website or pick up a hard copy at locations around the city. • Plan your route – Take your time to explore each studio and enjoy the creative atmosphere. You will want to visit all 23 artists! • For further tour info and FAQs, check out https://www.hartetrailstudiotour.net/ or scan the QR Code for direct access.

Home is Where the hARTe is Bonus Tip! You will receive a passport at the first location you visit. If you visit 5 or more Artists – your stamped passport is eligible to win $400 towards a purchase from your favorite artist or artisan. Fast Facts • Dates – September 19-20 10am to 4 pm • Event Name - Harte Trail Studio Art Tour (Yes – it’s Free) • Email htstudiotour@gmail.com • Phone (204) 793-7449 • Website https://www.hartetrailstudiotour.net/ lifestyles55.net

Manitoba Association of Senior Communities North Centennial Seniors Association of Winnipeg Inc. 86 Sinclair Street / 204-582-0066 ncsc@shaw.ca / www.ncseniors.ca

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 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/

Pembina Active Living (55+) 933 Summerside Avenue / 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 Rainbow Resource Centre 514 St. Mary Avenue / 204-474-0212 ext 255 OTR@rainbowresourcecentre.org www.rainbowresourcecentre.org Riverwood Church Community 325 Talbot Avenue / 204-668-3181 www.riverwood.cc/elmwood

Barbados Association of Winnipeg, MB Inc. 204-202-7197 barbadosassociaationof wpg@outlook.com Black Seniors Support Inc. D-50 Scurfield Boulevard / 204-599-8566 resourcecoordinator@blackseniors.ca www.blackseniors.ca Bleak House Centre 1637 Main Street / 204-338-4723 bleakhousecentre@gmail.com www.bleakhousecentre.com

The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Avenue / 204-946-9153 sheila.keys@salvationarmy.ca Somali Help Age Association 519 Beverley Street / 204-881-6364 somalihelpage@gmail.com South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 117-1 Morley Ave / 204-478-6169 resources@swsrc.ca / www.swsrc.ca Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba 113 Stan Bailie Drive / 204-261-9647 www.srilankanseniorsmb.ca

Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Avenue W 204-632-8367 / bpscc@mymts.net

St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre 3-203 Duffield Street / 204-987-8850 info@stjamescentre.com / www.stjamescentre.com

Centro Caboto Centre 1055 Wilkes Avenue / 204-487-4597 ext. 1 executivedirector@cabotocentre.com www.cabotocentre.com

Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave / 204-222-9879 tcs@mymts.net / www.transconaseniors.ca

Charleswood Active Living Centre A 357 Oakdale Drive / 204-897-5263 info@charleswoodseniorcentre.org www.charleswoodseniorcentre.org Dakota Community Centre 1188 Dakota Street / 204-254-1010 ext. 217 seniorresources@dakotacc.com www.dakotacc.com Delmar Seniors 110 Adamar Road / 204-421-2592 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 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

GET CONNECTED - JOIN A CENTRE! Stay Active - Stay Connected www.manitobaseniorcommunities.ca

DELORAINE Deloraine Community Club Inc. 111 South Railway Ave E / 204-747-2846

PLUMAS Plumas Seniors Citizens Club Inc. 102 White Street / 204-386-2029

Seniors’ Outreach Services of BrenWin Inc. 204-747-3283 / sosbrenwin@gmail.com sosbrenwin.com DUFRESNE Tache Senior Services 28007 Mun Road 52 N. / 204-230-2131

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Road N. / 204-857-6951 hermanpriorcentre@gmail.com www.hermanprior.com

ELIE Cartier Senior Citizens Support Committee Inc. 11 Magloire Street, Suite #1 / 204-353-2470 cartierseniors55@outlook.com ERICKSON Services to Seniors Erickson, Onanole, Sandy Lake & Area Inc. 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+ Activity Centre 17 Loni Beach Road / 204-642-7909 gimli55@mts.net / www.gimlinewhorizons.com GLADSTONE Gladstone Senior Support 36 Morris St N / 204-385-3026 info@gladstoneseniorsupport.com

Transcona Retired Citizens Org. 328 Whittier Ave. West 204-222-8473 / trco328@shaw.ca

GRAND MARAIS Grand Marais & District Seniors 36058 PTH 12 / gmdseniors@gmail.com www.gmdseniors.ca

Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association 204-291-7798 / wcsa.wpg@hotmail.com www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca

GRANDVIEW Grandview Seniors Drop In 432 Main Street / 204-546-2272

BEYOND WINNIPEG

HAMIOTA Hamiota 55+ Centre Community Co-op Inc. 44 Maple Avenue

ALTONA Rhineland C.A.R.E. Inc. 240 5th St NE / 204-324-1528 carealtona.com

KILLARNEY Killarney New Horizons Centre 520 Mountain Avenue / www.killarneymbseniors.ca

ASHERN Living Independence for Elders Inc. #4-61 Main Street / 204-768-2187 lifeashern@gmail.com

Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain Service for Seniors 415 Broadway Ave. / 204-523-7115 seniorservice@killarney.ca

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 BIRTLE Valley Services for Seniors 663 Main Street / 204-842-3296 valleyserviceforseniors@gmail.com

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 Club De L'Amitie de la Broquerie Inc. 97 Rue Princiapale / 204-424-5522 LUNDAR Lundar Community Resources 35 Main Street / 204-762-5378 lcrc@mymts.net

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy / 204-669-1710 admin@gnalc.ca / www.gnalc.ca

BOISSEVAIN Seniors’ Services of the Turtle Mountain Area 204-534-6816 / seniorservicetm@gmail.com

MANITOU Pembina Community Resource Council 315 Main Street / 204-242-2241 pembinacrc@gmail.com

Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main Street / 204-339-1701 becky@gwensecter.com / www.gwensecter.com

BRANDON Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. 311 Park Avenue E / 204-571-2050 reception@brandons4s.ca / www.brandons4s.ca

MINNEDOSA Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc. 31 Main Street S / 204-867-1956 mdsasca@gmail.com

Health Checks brandonmbhealthchecks.ca healthchecksbrandon@gmail.com

MORDEN Morden Activity Centre 306 N Railway Street / 204-822-3555 mordenactivitycentre@gmail.com www.mordenseniors.ca

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 Keewatin Inkster Neighbourhood Resources 1625 Logan Avenue / 204-774-3085 kinrc@mymts.net La Fédération des aînés de la francophonie manitobaine inc. 123-400, rue Des Meurons 204-235-0670 / direction@fafm.mb.ca Manitoba Korean 55+ Centre 900-150 River Avenue 204-996-7003 / www.ksam.ca

CARMAN Carman & Community 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

Lifestyles55 MANITOBA

All about living at the

age of maturity

NEEPAWA Neepawa & District 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 204-248-7291 / ndslchezsoi@gmail.com PILOT MOUND Pilot Mound Fellowship Centre 203 Broadway Avenue / 204-825-2873 PINE FALLS Winnipeg River Senior Services 37 Maple Street / 204-367-9128

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 ROSSBURN Rossburn Community Resource Council 71 Main Street / 204-859-3386 rosscomm@outlook.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 Active Living 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 STE. ANNE Villa Youville 15 Charriere Road / 204-422-5624 yannb@villayouville.ca / www.villayouville.ca ST. LAURENT Age Friendly Committee of St. Laurent 204-906-9607 STARBUCK / SANFORD 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

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Building a Manitoba where seniors can thrive

s we celebrated Canada Day, many of us vices, particularly in rural and northern communigathered with family, friends, neighbours, ties where seniors often face additional barriers to and community members to reflect on what accessing help. makes Manitoba such a special place to call home. To improve community-based supports, we Among our province's greatest strengths are the are providing $182,000 in ongoing funding to seniors who helped build the commustrengthen seniors' resource and navinities we cherish today. Through their gation services in Winnipeg. These leadership, hard work, volunteerism, funds include funding for programs and care for others, older Manitobans provided by Black Seniors Support, have shaped our province for generaGolden Rule Seniors Resource Centre tions. and Pembina Active Living. These orOur government believes every seganizations help seniors access health nior deserves to age with dignity, incare, community programs, social opdependence, and connection to their portunities, and culturally responsive community. That's why we are making supports that reduce isolation and targeted investments that help older keep people connected. Manitobans remain active, healthy, and Food security is another critical part supported close to home. of healthy aging. No senior should We know that aging in place is about Hon. Uzoma Asagwara have to worry about where their next Minister's much more than health care. It means meal is coming from. That is why having access to nutritious food, transour government is proud to continue Message portation, social connections, commuthe Seniors Food Security Program nity programs, and the right supports through our partnership with Heart to when challenges arise. Home. We are also working with Indigenous, rural, This year, our government is investing an addi- and northern organizations to ensure seniors across tional $250,000 in the Alzheimer Society of Mani- Manitoba can access nutritious food and the suptoba, bringing provincial support to $575,000 ports they need to remain healthy and independent. annually. This funding will help expand dementia Together, these investments reflect a simple but education, caregiver supports, navigation services, important belief: seniors deserve support not only and early intervention programs for seniors and when they need medical care, but throughout every families across Manitoba. aspect of their daily lives. We are also increasing funding for Age & OpThe work of supporting seniors belongs to all portunity by $100,000 annually, bringing provin- of us. Governments have a role to play, but so do cial support to $267,000. This investment will families, neighbours, community organizations, strengthen elder abuse prevention and response ser- and volunteers. Building age-friendly communi-

ties means creating places where older adults feel respected, included, and empowered to continue contributing their knowledge, experience, and leadership. I encourage all Manitobans to take a moment to recognize the seniors in their lives. Reach out to a neighbour, spend time with a loved one, or simply take time to listen to the stories and experiences of those who helped build the Manitoba we know today. Together, we can continue building a province where seniors are valued, supported, and able to thrive in the communities they call home. The Hon. Uzoma Asagwara is the Minister of Health, Seniors and Longterm Care and Deputy Premier.

Community champions show the power of one idea

ne of the things I've learned over the years is that every act of generosity has a story be-

ers become traditions that continue for decades. The Children's Hospital Book Market, for example, has raised more hind it. than $10 million since it began more For some, it's a way to give back than 65 years ago, while the BMO after a child has received Bear's Paw Golf Tourcare. For others, it's about nament has raised more supporting children's than $2 million since it health in a way that feels started in 1987. Those acmeaningful to them. complishments are amazCommunity Champiing, but they all started ons support children’s with someone deciding health in countless ways. they wanted to help. That might mean hosting That's why I believe so a garage sale, a workplace strongly in community fundraiser, celebrating a fundraising. It gives peobirthday by giving back ple an opportunity to supor a business donating a port children's health in a Stefano Grande portion of its sales. way that feels meaningful For Community to them while helping enHealthy Champion Macy Mahon, sure children and families Living it meant organizing a have access to the equipneighbourhood lemonment, research, programs ade stand to support children receiv- and care they'll need when it matters ing care at HSC Children's Hospital. most. Some Community Champions also Every fundraiser, regardless of its inspire the next generation to give size, helps strengthen the community back. I've even seen teachers introduce of support that makes better care posphilanthropy in the classroom, help- sible for children and families. It also ing students learn that giving back can reminds us of what's possible when start at any age. people come together around a comWhat inspires me most is seeing mon goal. where those ideas lead. If you've ever thought about orgaSome Community Champion initia- nizing a fundraiser, I'd encourage you tives raise a few hundred dollars. Oth- to explore the idea. You don't need a

August 2026

Community Champion Macy Mahon with her Lemonade Stand. large budget or years of event-planning experience. Whether it's a neighbourhood garage sale, a school project, a community event or something completely unique, every fundraiser starts with an idea. If you've been thinking about becoming a Community Champion, I'd encourage you to reach out to Paula Kreitz, our Community Engagement Officer, at pkreitz@goodbear.ca. She'd be happy to talk through your idea, answer your questions and explain how

the Foundation can support your fundraiser. I'm continually inspired by the generosity our community shows children and families receiving care at HSC Children's Hospital. Every Community Champion reminds me that meaningful change often begins with one idea—and someone deciding to take that first step. Stefano Grande is the president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

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STAIRLIFTS FROM

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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.

2026 Legal Fees* Standard Fees* Last Will and Testament Last Will and Testament Power Power of Attorney of Attorney Care Directive Health CareHealth Directive Complete Testamentary Package * plus GST and PST - Rates are per person.

Seniors Standard Seniors $300$225.00 $325 $200.00 $250$175.00 $275 $150.00 $100$ 75.00 $125 $ 50.00 $600 $650 $50 Discount $75 Discount Home and hospital visits are also available $250.00* (includes both meetings) *For documents of average complexity. *plus *All GST legal and fees PST are subject to applicable tax.

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August 2026