Grape expectations

As Canada’s newest top doc, Dr. Joss Reimer immediately had to confront two deadly global outbreaks

OTTAWA — The whirlwind that has been Dr. Joss Reimer’s career has officially touched down in Building 62.

A modern, non-descript complex in a suburban industrial park, Building 62 is the only name given to the headquarters of the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Reimer’s new home as the country’s chief public health officer.

For the record, whirlwind is hardly an exaggeration.

Seven years ago, Reimer was a well-respected, somewhat low-key obstetrician and medical educator in Winnipeg. Along the way, she spent time as a YouTube public-health influencer, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s medical director for public health, the provincial government’s medical officer of health and — in the role most familiar to Manitobans — the medical lead and official spokesperson for the provincial COVID-19 vaccine implementation task force.

Around the NSL: Wild’s new bench boss; Badu hat trick; Maroons still mighty

It was inevitable the Calgary Wild were going to replace Sinead McSharry. The club announced the hiring of Aussie Leah Blayney as head coach the day after dropping Sunday’s game 3-1 to Ottawa, with McSharry returning to her original role of assistant coach with the club.

In fairness to the Wild here, though, to only lose 3-1 to the Rapid — which has launched itself into team-to-beat status this season — in enemy territory isn’t that bad. Yes, a loss is a loss, but this time it wasn’t for lack of effort. Calgary came out of halftime with energy and Meggie Dougherty Howard cut Ottawa’s lead in half in the 65th minute. And the Rapid’s cushion was only padded two minutes into stoppage time by Jazmine Wilkinson.

It’s understandable something had to change, but with the regular season nearing its halfway mark, is this bench-boss changeup too little, too late?

Northern Super League superfans should find out Saturday when the club hosts the Vancouver Rise (6 p.m. CT, TSN+). But before we get to Week 12, here’s other storylines from Week 11.

Mayor flip-flops on cutting tree-planting budget after intense criticism

Public opposition has prompted Mayor Scott Gillingham to change his mind about chopping $1.2 million from the city’s tree-planting program.

Province has ‘serious concerns’ with Winnipeg personal care home

The Manitoba government has placed licensing conditions on a Winnipeg personal care home after an inspection uncovered “serious concerns” related to the safety of senior residents.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara confirmed the province issued the order against the Extendicare Heritage Lodge — an 86-bed nursing home at 3555 Portage Ave. — effective June 9.

“This is an important oversight tool, and it is not used lightly. Conditions are imposed when there are serious concerns that require enhanced oversight and clear, corrective action,” Asagwara said in a statement.

“Our expectation is simple: Extendicare must meet the standards Manitoba seniors and families deserve. We will continue working with the (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority) to monitor this facility closely and ensure the required improvements are made.”

Frustration, not fear, as Exchange swells after drug crackdown

Natassia Brazeau says she doesn’t feel unsafe living and working in Winnipeg’s Exchange District — instead, she feels heartbreak.

She said that feeling intensified last week during the Winnipeg Police Service’s controversial 10-day crackdown on open drug use and drug trafficking which pushed people away from the Main Street strip.

Brazeau, who owns a business in the area, said she has never seen so many people head to the Exchange District at once.

“I’m absolutely enraged at the police response last week,” Brazeau said. “Not only was that incredibly short-sighted and doesn’t do anything, it doesn’t assist anyone that are already in incredibly vulnerable situations.”

Kinew vows to speed up 12-month timeline to revive Dauphin hospital

Premier Wab Kinew said he was told Dauphin’s hospital may not be able to reopen for a year after floodwater got into the basement and damaged the building, including its HVAC system.

He called that “unacceptable.”

“We are going to throw a ton of resources and time and energy towards accelerating that as much as possible,” he told reporters at a briefing at the Manitoba legislature Friday.

The Dauphin Regional Health Centre sustained significant damage as a result of recent intense flooding in the Parkland region following massive rainfall. The medical hub was evacuated on Canada Day and its emergency department was closed after the site lost power and the use of its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.