In a joint news conference held today, MGEU and CUPE announced that formal strike notice has been served for more than 25,000 health care support workers across Manitoba. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a strike will begin on October 8, 2024. A number of these often physically demanding jobs start at just above minimum wage ($17.07/hour for many). Far too often people in Manitoba communities are choosing other jobs on the way to something better. Even if these workers had accepted the employers’ last offer, they would still be the lowest paid health care support workers in Canada. “You can’t expect to fix health care if you have the lowest paid health workers in Canada. The employers’ last offer just doesn’t do enough to recruit and retain the workers needed to run our health care,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “Continuing to fill staffing gaps with private agency workers is costly and wasteful. Instead, Manitoba needs to grow its health care workforce to provide the care that patients and residents deserve.” “Every day the employer puts off addressing these issues means patient and resident care will continue to suffer,” Ross said. “Strike action is a last resort, but health care in Manitoba is in crisis and that crisis demands urgent action.” “If Manitoba is serious about fixing health care, it will need to resolve the health care staffing crisis, and that means paying fair and competitive wages for health care support workers,” said CUPE President Gina McKay. “Health care jobs that were once seen as highly desirable are just not competitive anymore. The result is increasing staff vacancy rates that are negatively affecting patients and residents.” Both leaders agreed, fixing health care and delivering quality health care takes a whole team. By serving strike notice today, CUPE and MGEU hope to persuade the employer to come back to the table ready to negotiate a fair deal that respects these workers as key members of the health care team. CUPE and MGEU bargaining committees are ready to return to negotiations as soon as possible to try and reach a settlement before October 8. In the interim, however, both unions are preparing for strike action, should it become necessary. In the event of a strike, agreements have been negotiated with the employer, in accordance with provincial legislation, to ensure essential health care services continue. These health care support staff members work at hospitals and personal care homes, and in the provincial home care program. The workers include health care aides, laundry workers, dietary aides, ward clerks, recreation coordinators, maintenance, housekeeping and other support staff.  MGEU represents 6,500 health care support workers in Prairie Mountain Health and Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.

The Keystone Centre unveiled a significant new addition to Westoba Place, Sept 20, at the Brandon Wheat Kings home opener game against the Moose Jaw Warriors: the “Seat of Truth.” This installation is described as a deliberate effort to foster awareness, understanding, and dialogue surrounding issues of truth and reconciliation. Located on Treaty 2 territory—home to the Dakota, Ojibway, and Métis peoples—this initiative reflects the Keystone Centre’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the rich Indigenous heritage of the area. The Seat of Truth, located in Section 112, Seat 2 in Row K, is easily visible to all guests entering the arena, and the placement serves as a deliberate acknowledgement of Treaty 2, signed in 1871 at Manitoba House, present day Kinosota, MB. This seat will remain intentionally empty to serve as a commemorative action for the spirits and lives of those lost to historical violence, including Residential Schools, and whose memories must be honored. Connie Lawrence, CEO & General Manager of the Keystone Centre, emphasizes the importance of this space: “The ‘Seat of Truth’ is more than just a physical installation; it represents the Keystone Centre’s ongoing commitment to helping our region’s shared history remain visible in a highly public space. It serves as a powerful reminder for everyone who enters the arena that understanding and respect are crucial for building a unified community. The initiative has also been supported by local Indigenous leaders who champion the significance of truth and reconciliation. Jason Gobeil, Outreach Coordinator with the Province of Manitoba, notes, “creating opportunities of awareness and education are pathways to learning about a history untold; the Seat of Truth reminds us of the importance we all play in reconciliation locally and within our province,” highlighting the importance of creating awareness in public spaces. The Keystone Centre invites all community members to engage with the “Seat of Truth” as a space not only for reflection but also for action. As events and gatherings take place within Westoba Place, visitors are encouraged to take a moment to acknowledge the histories that shape our collective identity and to participate in conversations that can lead to deeper understanding. For more information on the “Seat of Truth” and upcoming events at the Keystone Centre, please visit www.keystonecentre.com or reach out directly.

Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose / Breach of Probation YCJA On September 23rd at 1:00AM members were called to Alaska Bay for a bear spray call. A 41-year-old male had been sprayed by an unknown to him male who was just walking by. He believed the male was still there kicking at a door. Police attended and upon a door knock the suspect, a 19-year-old male, opened the door holding the bear mace. He was arrested and held in detention cells. He will attend court in the morning. Foot Pursuit Resulting in Arrest with Old and New Charges On September 22nd a report of a disturbance in the 1300 block of Rosser Avenue was received. The 14-year-old female suspect was known to have a warrant and proceeded to run from Police resulting in a short foot pursuit to 18th and Pacific Avenue where she was apprehended. The accused was taken into custody and later released to CFS. Released on an Appearance Notice with court date of November 19th, 2024. Charges of Endorsed Warrant – Mischief Over $5000 (Damage to Property) and Failure to Comply with Release Order. New Charges - Resisting/Obstruct Police Officer. Theft Under $5000 / Possession of Dangerous Weapon / Failure to Comply with Undertaking On August 30th police responded to a call in the 500 block of Louise Avenue for a report of a break and enter. Suspect was identified on video surveillance climbing a post and entering the apartment by damaging a balcony door. The suspect had stolen a phone and clothing. Police located suspect and items were returned to rightful owner. Initially no charges were going to be pressed, however, the decision was later changed. On September 22nd the 52-year-old male suspect was located and arrested in the 100 block of 10th Street. The arrest resulted in finding a Smith and Wesson replica pistol BB gun. The male is bound by an Undertaking not to possess any weapons. He is being held in custody and will attend court in the morning on September 23rd, 2024. Source: BPS Media Release September 23, 2024

On the evening of 2024-09-22, police responded to an apartment building in the 1200 block of Rosser Avenue as a suspect had smashed a window to a residential building.  An intoxicated 15-year-old female was located and found to have sustained a laceration to her hand from breaking the window.  The accused was arrested and received medical treatment for the injury, whereby she was subsequently lodged at BPS until sober and will be released with conditions to appear in court 2024-11-26. One hour after the arrest of the youth, the mother of the arrestee was found to have threatened the occupant of the apartment with the damaged window in the 1200 block of Rosser Ave.  The suspect proceeded to kick in the door to the apartment, followed by the resident fleeing the apartment unharmed.  The intoxicated 46-year-old female suspect was located and lodged at BPS until sober, where she will be released with conditions to appear in court 2024-11-28.

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine, Possession of Proceeds of Crime At 2:15AM Saturday morning, police conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle driving erratically.  When the officer spoke to the driver, he could see items, consistent with drug trafficking, sitting on the passenger seat contaminated with what he believed to be cocaine.  The driver was arrested and found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine and cash.  The 31 year old male was released with a court date. Impaired Operation/ Drive Over 80mg% At 8:00PM Friday night, police received third party complaint of intimate partner violence at a local hotel.  The male suspect left alone in a vehicle prior to police arriving. The female involved denied any altercation and did not display any signs of injury.  A description of the vehicle was obtained and the vehicle was located driving a few moments later.  The operators driving actions were consistent with impairment and the vehicle was stopped.  The 48 year old male provided two samples of his breath that were over the legal limit.  He was released with a court date and his vehicle and license were seized.