The Wrap: Critical incidents increase, ex-teacher charged, eclipse day, new WestJet routes and Monahan a perfect fit

Health-care unions say chronic staff shortages are the reason critical incidents were up by 30 per cent in the first three quarters of 2023 compared with 2022.

Incidents such as skin or tissue breakdowns or falls “are absolutely due to the inability to provide oversight to all patients,” said Manitoba Nurses Union president Darlene Jackson.

Unions stressed employee retention has to be a priority.

A former physical education teacher at College Beliveau has been charged with sexual assault and exploitation for allegedly having a sexual relationship with an underage student.

Police began investigating in February after being told about a sexually exploitative relationship between a female teacher and a female former student who was underage when the incidents allegedly happened.

Monday’s solar eclipse travelled through parts of North America, from Mazatlan, Mexico, through southeastern Ontario, across Montreal and on through the Maritimes.

Despite overcast conditions over much of Manitoba, the mild spring weather drew out amateur astronomers, families and students playing hooky for a look at the spectacle, which Canadians haven’t seen since the last one in 2017.

Winnipeggers looking up to the sky got to see a 60 per cent eclipse, which resembled a crescent rather than a ring of fire.

WestJet said Monday it will soon offer daily, year-round flights connecting Winnipeg to Montreal and Ottawa and is launching seasonal service to Nashville.

The airline does not currently offer direct service between Winnipeg and Montreal but has offered direct service to Ottawa three times a week for most of the year.

Daily, year-round flights connecting Winnipeg and the two Canadian cities will start June 3. Twice-weekly service between the Manitoba and Tennessee capitals is scheduled to begin Sept. 16. Service to Nashville will be the airline’s seventh direct international connection out of Winnipeg.

Sean Monahan has been an ideal acquisition for the Winnipeg Jets.

Since being traded from the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 2, Monahan’s impact has been undeniable. He has 11 goals and 21 points in 29 games. That impact also stretches well beyond the numbers, as he has provided a presence to the second scoring line while contributing in virtually every area.