The Wrap: MPI strike, ER promises, slaying victim remembered and a sweet addition to Crescentwood

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

'It didn’t really have to come to this'

All MPI locations were closed and all scheduled appointments were cancelled Monday, including driver testing, driver fitness, damage estimates and adjustments, as the Crown corporation’s 1,700 workers took to the picket line.

Other services remain open, including the MPI contact centre for reporting auto-related personal injuries, collisions that involve a vehicle that can’t be driven, and stolen vehicles. MPI has recommended that anyone with general inquiries, licence renewals or insurance payments go to an Autopac broker, while all other claims will be handled by MPI-accredited repair shops.

Meanwhile, liquor store employees returned to their jobs Monday, a day after the union voted to accept a new four-year contract with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

Malak Abas:

MPI workers walk off job; union, Crown corporation point fingers

For the first time in its 52-year history, Manitoba Public Insurance workers took to the picket lines Monday, leading to service shutdowns across the province. “It didn’t really have to come to thi... Read More

Kevin Rollason:

‘Ripple effect’: MPI cancels driver tests amid labour action

Harold Tabin was preparing to take a budding Winnipeg university student for her driver’s licence test Monday, so she could get herself to school next month. But the 18-year-old’s hopes were dashed... Read More

Tyler Searle:

New contract in hand, Liquor Mart doors reopen

For the first time in more than a month, Lois Kunkel’s 91-year-old mother will be able to enjoy her nightly glass of scotch. “It’s her one pleasure every evening,” Kunkel said with a laugh, as she ... Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'This is a common sense, smart and incremental program'

NDP Leader Wab Kinew says if elected, he will reopen emergency departments at Victoria, Concordia and Seven Oaks hospitals that were closed by the Tories as part of their health system reorganization.

Manitoba’s New Democrats have made no fewer than 15 platform announcements in the last 16 business days, most representing major planks in the party’s platform. Columnist Dan Lett wonders: Why go so hard, so early?

Danielle Da Silva:

NDP commits to reopening three Winnipeg ERs closed by Tories

Manitoba’s New Democrats are promising to ease some of the strain on the health-care system by reopening three Winnipeg hospital ERs if the party is elected in October. NDP Leader Wab Kinew was fla... Read More

Dan Lett:

NDP’s sustained August barrage catches Tories, Liberals in vacation mode

The provincial election campaign won’t begin officially until Sept. 5, when Premier Heather Stefanson is expected to visit Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville and ask that a writ of election be issued. That has no... Read More

'We’re fighting right to the end'

Family and friends of Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin gathered today to remember the 20-year-old who was killed and buried in rural Manitoba a year ago.

Josh Benoit, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder; he intends to argue he is not criminally responsible due to mental disorder, according to his legal team.

Chris Kitching:

Family celebrates slain woman’s life, condemns accused killer’s planned defence

A 21-year-old man accused of killing and burying an Indigenous woman in rural Manitoba intends to argue he is not criminally responsible due to mental disorder, a member of his legal team has confirme... Read More

'It’s sweet all the way through to savoury'

Cinnzeo Bakery Cafés dot British Columbia, Alberta, Mexico and the Middle East. Now, red-lettered signs announce the chain’s arrival on the corner of Stafford Street and Dorchester Avenue in Winnipeg.

Gabrielle Piché:

Cinnamon bun franchise a sweet addition

Cinnzeo Bakery Cafés coming to Manitoba Read More