Avalanche risk expected to rise in parts of B.C. this weekend

PCs renew calls for CFS inquiry

The Progressive Conservatives renewed calls to put Manitoba’s child and welfare system under the microscope Thursday, tabling a motion that urged the province to appoint a commissioner to lead a public inquiry.

Families critic Jodie Byram’s opposition day motion, which was ultimately defeated by the NDP majority, reiterated demands for an inquiry into the systemic failures of Child and Family Services, more than 20 years after the death of Phoenix Sinclair first prompted demands for answers.

“We have seen far too many children die under the care of CFS, and we need to determine where the gaps are in the system in order to make the system a safer place for children,” Byram told reporters before the motion was defeated in the legislature.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine said in an interview that her department, CFS agencies and authorities are “doing good work” and won’t call an inquiry.

Bjorck banking on patience that first NHL point will come

Viggo Bjorck believes it’s just a matter of time.

But the 18-year-old rookie forward for the Winnipeg Jets says he’s not worrying about his first NHL point after plenty of close calls and near misses so far.

The more important number is 3-0-1 — his team’s record at this point as they head into action on Friday night, hosting the Anaheim Ducks at Canada Life Centre to close out a busy stretch of five games in eight days.

“Just got to keep trying. Eventually it will come, I believe,” Bjorck said following his team’s optional skate on Thursday, which he participated in.

Orphaned polar bear cub has new home at Winnipeg zoo

It’s a grey September afternoon and a small group is gathered for a special behind-the-scenes visit with Assiniboine Park Zoo’s newest resident.

“Heeeeere, bubba,” animal-care specialist Caitlin Gordon-Hall hollers from between a double layer of chain-link fencing.

After a beat, a small white face appears at the entrance of the private enclosure. The polar bear cub sniffs the air before trundling toward the fence, where his keepers have been working to encourage calm behaviour around humans ahead of his public debut on Thursday.

Gordon-Hall offers sing-song affirmations while the cub, who is nearly 200 pounds and 10 or 11 months old, observes the fawning strangers with guarded curiosity.

Klein claims he was offered PC party position to exit 2022 mayoral race to help Gillingham win

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein said he was offered a position with the provincial Tories if he pulled out of the 2022 mayoral race that saw then-city councillor Scott Gillingham defeat former mayor Glen Murray.

Green growth focus of hydroponic gathering

In a town where fresh produce is hard to come by, Rick Barentsen has a line on some lettuce.

Barentsen is part of an initiative at an education centre in Leaf Rapids that grows 60 heads of fresh leafy greens each week, year-round, using indoor hydroponic growing systems.

The veggies are distributed to many of the northwestern Manitoba town’s 300 residents. It’s a boon to a community where Barentsen said the local grocery store has not carried fresh produce for the last six months.

“Being the only food grower in the community, it makes a big difference for the 90 families that we have,” he said. “We harvest it, we wrap it in plastic food bags (and) we hand it out the same day.”

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Caution. Avoid shopping (except for food and gas) and important decisions all day. The moon is in Virgo.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You might have to put your own emotional considerations second to those of someone else because an element of service is a theme for you. You also might explore ways to improve your health, especially through diet. Be aware there’s a moon alert all day.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)