EU accuses Meta and TikTok of breaching transparency rules

The planned closure of the U.S. Consulate in Winnipeg has sparked an important discussion about the value of local diplomatic representation, not only in relation to the United States, but also about Manitoba’s and Canada’s place in the world.

For more than six decades, the Consular Corps of Manitoba has been part of that international presence. Today it brings together representatives of 34 countries, forming a network that continues to grow as nations recognize the value of being connected to Manitoba, its people and its institutions.

That’s why the decision to close the U.S. office stands out. Since reopening in 2001, the Winnipeg consulate has provided meaningful local connections among governments, businesses, institutions and communities. At a time when more countries are choosing to establish representation here, its departure will be significant for Manitoba.

When people think of consuls, they may think first of national-day celebrations, cultural events and official visits. These are important occasions. They recognize the many communities that have helped build Manitoba and Canada and they help us better understand one another.

It was the baby’s picture that got to me. Featured in an ad seeking plasma donors, I looked at the infant and the accompanying message that I could help save lives. A few days later I was at the donation centre on the University of Manitoba campus.

That was 15 years ago. Almost weekly since then, I have returned to sit for an hour or so while blood is pumped out of me, plasma is extracted, and then the blood is pumped back in.

Grifols, the Spanish company that operates the U of M clinic as well as donation centres across Canada, paused collections on Aug. 14 as it deals with questions surrounding the deaths of two people following donations at Winnipeg locations.

Health Canada said the deaths were not linked to plasma donations, but raised concerns about alarm monitoring and other procedures and issued a non-compliance order for a clinic on Taylor Avenue.

The forgotten specialists

The Manitoba government’s recent announcement of 4,724 net new health care workers left out a profession that is critical to the health of Manitobans — clinical psychologists.

Clinical psychologists and clinical health psychology residents play an essential role in our health-care system, working alongside our physicians and allied health colleagues to provide psychological services in both mental health and behavioural health medicine to Manitobans across their lifespan.

Clinical psychologists specialize in the assessment, treatment and diagnosis of complex mental health disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions and physical health conditions. They can be found within hospitals, outpatient clinics and primary care settings throughout the province.

A woman was stabbed in the Spence neighbourhood Saturday and Winnipeg police are investigating.

The stabbing happened before 4:45 p.m. Aug. 22 in the 600 block of Ellice Avenue, and a passerby called 911 when the injured victim, in her 30s, asked for help. The victim was taken to hospital in unstable condition with an upper-body wound and was later upgraded to stable.

General patrol officers canvassed the area and the Winnipeg Police Service's major crimes unit took over the investigation. Police are asking anyone with information to contact major crimes at 204-986-6219, or leave an anonymous tip at Crime Stoppers: 204-786-8477 or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.