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JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Joseph Foure speaks as people participate in the Fentanyl Awareness Day Walk from the Forks to the legislature Sunday, September 13, 2026. reporter: marsha

Fathers united by loss share warning about dangers of fentanyl

Marsha McLeod 5 minute read 7:30 PM CDT

Harlan James Edward Fourre would have turned 35 on Sunday.

But instead of celebrating his birthday, Fourre’s father organized a sombre walk through downtown Winnipeg to commemorate his son and the many others who have died of fentanyl poisoning.

Three and a half years ago, Harlan Fourre took a recreational drug he believed was ecstasy but turned out to contain fentanyl, which killed him, said his father Joseph Fourre, a Red River Métis citizen, actor and filmmaker.

Fourre said his son was a master roofer, working on a job in The Pas around the time of his death. He wasn’t known to use drugs — in fact, his boss relayed that if someone pulled out an illicit substance at the end of a job, Harlan’s response would be: “no thanks, I’m good.”

New

Local

A beluga whale swims behind a boat through the Churchill River. (Joshua A. Bickel / The Associated Press files)

Port of Churchill expansion could chase belugas away, U of M researcher says

Nicole Buffie 6 minute read Preview

Port of Churchill expansion could chase belugas away, U of M researcher says

Nicole Buffie 6 minute read 9:07 AM CDT

As plans to expand the Port of Churchill into a four-season trade corridor gathers momentum, a University of Manitoba researcher has published a report on what ship traffic could mean for the beluga whales that gather in the Churchill River estuary each summer.

Veronica Coppolaro said more vessels in the waterways bring a risk that belugas will stop using the estuary for migration, which would impact the ecological landscape, tourism and communities that rely on the animals for food and cultural purposes.

“There are studies showing that (noises) change the way they swim, they change the way (the whales) are vocalizing, they change their main activity, and so this (expansion) can have consequences at different levels,” she said.

The Churchill river estuary is a marine habitat where the Churchill River empties into Hudson Bay. During the summer months belugas gather in the area to feed and give birth.

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9:07 AM CDT

Health

A golfer is silhouetted at Glen Abbey golf course in Oakville, Ont., on Friday, July 26, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Groups call for end to tariffs on sports gear, warn of economic impacts

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Groups call for end to tariffs on sports gear, warn of economic impacts

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: 9:52 AM CDT

OTTAWA - Some sports organizations and companies are urging governments on both sides of the border to suspend sports-related tariffs, warning of heightened economic challenges and waning participation in healthy activities.

The trade war between Canada and the United States has been escalating for weeks after talks on a trade deal collapsed in mid-August.

The next day, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent duties on $28 billion in Canadian goods, including hockey equipment, golf and gym equipment and fishing rods and parts.

Canada, in turn, implemented retaliatory tariffs on Sept. 8. They also target several categories of sporting goods, including track suits, ski suits and swimwear, golf equipment and fishing rods.

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Updated: 9:52 AM CDT

Local

Justice officials hope to seize homes, vehicles, jewelry, cash from father, son accused in drug-trafficking operation

Erik Pindera 6 minute read 4:01 PM CDT

A father and son arrested last month are accused of travelling across Canada — and using courier services and Canada Post — to supply their Winnipeg drug-trafficking operation, a recent court filing shows.

Devinder Singh, 57, and his 32-year-old son Tarundev Singh, charged by Winnipeg Police Service organized crime investigators last month, are each accused of several counts of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and related drug-trafficking offences, court records show.

Tarundev is also charged with several firearms offences.

Details of the pair’s alleged trafficking operation and the ongoing police investigation — dubbed Project Pink Panther — are contained in a lawsuit filed in the Court of King’s Bench by the provincial civil forfeiture office this week.

Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Awards gala, in Toronto, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada wants ‘unique alliance’ with EU, not membership

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada wants ‘unique alliance’ with EU, not membership

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: 9:25 PM CDT

TORONTO - Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not looking to become a member of the European Union, but is seeking a "unique alliance" with the economic bloc.

Carney was asked Sunday about a Wall Street Journal report that suggested he was exploring whether Canada could become an "associate member" of the European Union.

Speaking at a Toronto International Film Festival event, Carney says Canada will begin discussions with the European Union forged on common values, priorities and strengths.

The prime minister says the world has become more dangerous and divided and that "friends need to stick together in these times."

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Updated: 9:25 PM CDT

Bomber Report

Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Ridge Texada (26) defends against Saskatchewan Roughriders' Shemar Bridges (84) during first half CFL football action in Winnipeg, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Bombers bring A-game in avenging Labour Day loss

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Preview

Bombers bring A-game in avenging Labour Day loss

Taylor Allen 8 minute read 7:11 PM CDT

This season hasn’t been overly pretty at times for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

But if they’ve proven anything over their last four games, including Saturday’s 19-6 Banjo Bowl victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, it’s that they’re capable of beating the CFL’s best when they come to play.

“The sky’s the limit for this team. We can hang with anyone, and we know that,” said receiver Tommy Nield. “It’s just a matter of being consistent and playing team football.”

The Bombers, now 7-6, avenged their Labour Day Classic loss and won the season series with the Riders (8-5) thanks to point differential in their head-to-head meetings.

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7:11 PM CDT

Opinion

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All about Pep Jerrad Peters Friday, Sep. 11, 2026

NHL

CASSIDY DANKOCHIK / THE CARILLON
Winnipeg Jets forward Viggo Bjorck signs autographs at Jets development camp earlier this summer.

Young Winnipeg Jet hopeful, Viggo Bjorck, shines brightly in prospects tournament

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read Preview

Young Winnipeg Jet hopeful, Viggo Bjorck, shines brightly in prospects tournament

Mike McIntyre 8 minute read 4:59 PM CDT

It’s safe to say Viggo Bjorck made plenty of new friends and fans this past weekend — including members of his own Winnipeg Jets prospects team which split a pair of tournament games in Quebec.

Take Davis Burnside for example. The undrafted 22-year-old forward, who signed with the Manitoba Moose last spring after finishing up at Ohio State University, couldn’t believe his eyes when he was put on a line with Bjorck, the eighth-overall pick from this summer’s draft and one of the most exciting young players in 2.0 Jets history.

“You see all the highlights and you just can’t wait to play with him,” said Burnside.

It wasn’t long before they teamed up for a highlight of their own. Bjorck made a sensational through-the-legs, no-look pass to Burnside on Sunday afternoon, setting him up for a shorthanded snipe in an eventual 6-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs young guns.

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4:59 PM CDT

Local

MORGAN MODJESKI / FREE PRESS
Daniel Emond, president and CEO of Adult & Teen Challenge of Central Canada, cuts a ribbon to open the organization’s new community services office at 1020 Main St. in Winnipeg.

Drug recovery centre opens office in ‘heart of the city’

Morgan Modjeski 5 minute read Preview

Drug recovery centre opens office in ‘heart of the city’

Morgan Modjeski 5 minute read Yesterday at 3:38 PM CDT

Richard Halverson found his freedom from addiction through Adult & Teen Challenge and, six years later, he hopes a new Winnipeg location will bring hope to the city.

Dozens gathered Saturday morning to mark the grand opening of the recovery centre’s community services office on Main Street.

Located inside the former Wojcik funeral home, the bright-white building — which was also formerly a liquor store — will serve as an access point for people fighting drug addiction. That includes connecting them to addictions support, housing and training.

“For me, I always start with: ‘What’s your story?’” said Halverson, who now works for the faith-based organization.

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Yesterday at 3:38 PM CDT

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SUPPLIED
Zac Uminski indicated he wouldn’t be withdrawing his mayoral candidacy after his derogatory comments were shared.

Mayoral candidate denounced for online comments

Morgan Modjeski 5 minute read Preview

Mayoral candidate denounced for online comments

Morgan Modjeski 5 minute read Updated: 2:34 PM CDT

A Winnipeg mayoral candidate is facing criticism after he posted derogatory comments about immigrants and used the word “gay” as an insult online.

Sydney Adams said the response she got from Zac Uminski, who is seeking the city’s top office alongside 12 other individuals, left her baffled. She recently criticized Uminski over his use of artificial intelligence to produce campaign material, to which he replied he can’t afford to hire people to make art or “do whatever gay s—- you think is better than AI.”

“What was going through my head was that this is just unacceptable,” she said.

Adams said Uminski also posted other disparaging remarks about newcomers.

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Updated: 2:34 PM CDT

Local

PAUL CHIASSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Bell is currently evaluating upgrade options for its infrastructure in the southwest region.

Citizen reports help highlight connectivity issues across southwest Manitoba

Nicole Buffie 7 minute read Preview

Citizen reports help highlight connectivity issues across southwest Manitoba

Nicole Buffie 7 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:43 AM CDT

A southwestern Manitoba man has created a map to document cell service blackout spots in an effort to push for better access in rural areas.

Mark Custance compiled more than 300 citizen reports over the last few months to document where service in southwest Manitoba is strong, spotty or doesn’t exist at all.

“I’ve heard people complain and say, ‘cell service sucks’ or ‘this is not working.’ But what does the data actually say?” Custance said from his office in Melita, where he has installed a cell-service booster to maintain connectivity with the rest of the world.

Analyzing where service is good and poor, he cross-references it with the location of cellphone towers across the region.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:43 AM CDT

Uncategorized

George Chuvalo poses for a portrait after the announcement in Toronto on Friday, March 11, 2016 of upcoming events commemorating the historic 1966 Muhammad Ali versus George Chuvalo boxing match. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Canadian boxing icon George Chuvalo, known for his two Ali fights, dies at 89

Bill Beacon and Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 9 minute read Preview

Canadian boxing icon George Chuvalo, known for his two Ali fights, dies at 89

Bill Beacon and Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 9 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:48 PM CDT

George Chuvalo, a hard-nosed heavyweight who never hit the canvas despite taking on the world's best boxers, has died.

Sully's Boxing Gym in Toronto, where Chuvalo trained during his career, confirmed his death in a social media post Saturday. The gym said Chuvalo died on his 89th birthday.

"Today, Sully's lost a piece of its history," the gym said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also paid tribute to Chuvalo, calling him "a heavyweight boxing legend, a family friend and a Canadian icon."

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:48 PM CDT

Local

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES
Progressive Conservative party health critic Kathleen Cook says health authority officials upended her plan to visit the Dauphin care home.

Tory health critic ‘disappointed’ after being rebuffed by health officials

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Preview

Tory health critic ‘disappointed’ after being rebuffed by health officials

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Yesterday at 11:53 AM CDT

The health critic for the Progressive Conservative party says her ability to get information about the accelerated reopening of Dauphin’s emergency department was stymied by Prairie Mountain Health officials because they refused to meet with her.

“I wanted to meet with PMH staff to discuss the status of the facility and the challenges they’re facing and getting services back online,” Kathleen Cook said Friday.

“I was very disappointed that Prairie Mountain Health declined me that opportunity.”

Cook said she asked for a meeting a few days after the Sept. 7 reopening of a temporary ER at the hospital, that was severely damaged by flooding.

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Yesterday at 11:53 AM CDT