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Katie May

Katie May

Reporter

Katie has more than a decade of reporting experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she is focusing on public-health coverage with an eye toward systemic policy issues. 

She joined the Free Press as a copy editor in December 2013 and has covered courts and crime beats for the newspaper.

She chased news in Ontario, Nova Scotia — where she completed a bachelor of journalism with combined honours in Canadian Studies at the University of King’s College — the Northwest Territories and Alberta before she arrived in Manitoba.

Recent articles by Katie May

NDP, Tory leaders hit Manitoba byelection campaign trail

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

NDP, Tory leaders hit Manitoba byelection campaign trail

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

A pair of federal party leaders were in Manitoba on Friday, campaigning with local candidates ahead of upcoming June 19 byelections.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh both stopped in the capital city and were headed to the Winkler area to back their parties’ candidates in the Winnipeg South Centre and Portage—Lisgar ridings.

Both described the Liberal minority government as “out of touch” and made their pitches for how they’d each lead the country, if elected to do so.

In Winnipeg South Centre, a seat the Liberals have held for the better part of three decades, Poilievre was showing support for Conservative candidate Damir Stipanovic.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was in Winnipeg Friday.

New tech to make provincial election appearance

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

New tech to make provincial election appearance

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

Provincial election results are expected to be announced more quickly after polls close this fall, thanks to electronic vote counting.

Elections Manitoba is using the technology for the first time in the 2023 provincial election.

Instead of going into a regular ballot box, votes will be put through a counting machine at advance polling stations and on election day (expected Oct. 3). The machines could cut in half the time it takes to count, verify and report the election results.

Shipra Verma, chief electoral officer for the province of Manitoba, said it typically takes three or four hours to count the ballots, on average. This year, it is expecting the manual count to be wrapped up in one or two hours. Many of the ballots will be counted by machines.

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Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

Shipra Verma, Chief Electoral Officer, Elections Manitoba (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Radio host Wheeler drops 2018 wrongful dismissal lawsuit

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Radio host Wheeler drops 2018 wrongful dismissal lawsuit

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

A wrongful dismissal case involving a Winnipeg radio morning show host has concluded.

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Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Local DJ Dave Wheeler dropped his lawsuit against Rogers Sports & Media, the corporate owner of 92.1 CITI FM radio station.

Health task force pushes back against privatization criticism

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Health task force pushes back against privatization criticism

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

Concern about the use of private contracts to clear Manitoba’s pandemic surgical backlog has created harmful rhetoric around the provincial task force’s work, one of its leaders says.

Ed Buchel, provincial surgery specialty lead for Shared Health, pushed back Wednesday on what he described as rhetoric that falsely compares Manitoba’s agreements with private clinics to privatization of the health-care system.

“It is publicly funded, with public oversight, and it is privately delivered. We just need to be really clear, because the emotions run crazy high when we talk about privatizing our system. We are all heavily invested in our system. We are the system,” Buchel said at a news conference at Victoria Hospital. It was also attended by David Matear, executive director of the province’s Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force, and Dr. Peter MacDonald, chairman of the task force’s steering committee.

“So, the rhetoric around that is harmful,” Buchel said.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Ed Buchel, provincial surgery specialty lead for Shared Health, pushed back Wednesday on what he described as rhetoric that falsely compares Manitoba’s agreements with private clinics to privatization of the health-care system.

Red Cross to help First Nation with mental-health crisis

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Red Cross to help First Nation with mental-health crisis

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

A Red Cross crisis team is set to travel to a remote northern Manitoba First Nation after two suicides and five suicide attempts among teenage girls.

The Red Cross team is expected to arrive in York Factory within the next two weeks.

It’s working with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Keewatin Tribal Council “to provide comfort and support to the community members impacted by these tragic events,” stated Jason Small, the Manitoba spokesman for the Canadian Red Cross.

He said the organization doesn’t duplicate efforts, so it won’t arrive in the community while other crisis teams are on site.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press Files

The Red Cross is working with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and the Keewatin Tribal Council “to provide comfort and support to the community members impacted by these tragic events,” stated Jason Small, the Manitoba spokesman for the Canadian Red Cross.

Province urged to halt private sleep studies

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Province urged to halt private sleep studies

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

The provincial government has been asked to stop pursuing private contracts for sleep disorder studies.

The Manitoba Health Coalition, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals and sleep specialist Dr. Nancy Porhownik has called for an “immediate moratorium” on private sleep-study contracts, greater public accountability and oversight of existing agreements, and regulatory limits to protect patients from out-of-pocket costs and conflicts of interest in the private sleep-study market.

They said Tuesday the polysomnography technician workforce is under-staffed and spends too much time trying to fix sleep-assessment equipment that needs to be replaced.

Less expensive sleep-disorder assessments, they said, could be provided within the public system if the sleep disorder lab at Misericordia Health Centre had more funding for additional staff and updated equipment.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Manitoba Health Coalition Provincial Director Thomas Linner (right), Jason Linklater (left), President of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals and Dr. Nancy Porhownik, respirologist, sleep specialist and co-section head of respirology in the University of Manitoba’s department of medicine.

Electoral reform group stuffs byelection ballot with candidates

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Electoral reform group stuffs byelection ballot with candidates

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Activists for electoral reform have set their sights on Winnipeg South Centre.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Winnipeg South Centre candidate Christopher Clacio: ‘people are frustrated with our current political system.’

Manitoba chiropractor cleared of misconduct

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba chiropractor cleared of misconduct

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

A Selkirk chiropractor has been cleared of professional misconduct allegations for sharing vaccine-related news coverage on social media.

Posting links to COVID-related news articles during the height of the vaccine rollout on her personal Facebook page landed Carolyn Weiss in trouble with the Manitoba Chiropractors Association.

The regulatory body charged her with four counts of professional misconduct and launched an investigation of her Facebook activity that relied on posts from a different person named Carolyn Weiss, according to a written decision from its inquiry committee.

The decision clearing Weiss of all misconduct was issued Nov. 23, 2022, and obtained Wednesday by the Free Press.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

A Selkirk chiropractor has been cleared of professional misconduct allegations for sharing vaccine-related news coverage on social media.

Posting links to COVID-related news articles during the height of the vaccine rollout on her personal Facebook page landed Carolyn Weiss in trouble with the Manitoba Chiropractors Association.

The regulatory body charged her with four counts of professional misconduct and launched an investigation of her Facebook activity that relied on posts from a different person named Carolyn Weiss, according to a written decision from its inquiry committee.

The decision clearing Weiss of all misconduct was issued Nov. 23, 2022, and obtained Wednesday by the Free Press.

Funding needed to pursue ‘great interest’ in psilocybin: researcher

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Funding needed to pursue ‘great interest’ in psilocybin: researcher

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

More scientific research has been called for into medical use of so-called magic mushrooms — and University of Manitoba Prof. Lynda Balneaves is one of the Canadian researchers trying to answer those questions.

“I think we need to remain non-judgemental, try to remove the stigma from it, be open to the potential,” Balneaves said.

“We need more research, we need more funding for it and we need more education, just to ensure that the Canadian public is kept safe and they’re using this appropriately for any health conditions that they may be interested in using it for.”

Balneaves, a registered nurse who holds a PhD and has a background in medicinal cannabis research and cancer care, said Wednesday research interest in psilocybin — a psychedelic component of magic mushrooms — has grown over the past couple of years.

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Wednesday, May. 24, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Magic Mush in Osborne Village touts itself as the first store in Winnipeg to sell magic mushrooms (which are banned by Health Canada).

Transit union, mayor to meet on security plan

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Transit union, mayor to meet on security plan

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

The rush-hour stabbing last week on a Winnipeg Transit bus is just the latest violent attack that underscores the need for onboard security, its drivers’ union says.

Chris Scott, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, said he is scheduled to meet June 1 with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham to discuss the city’s plan to hire and train peace officers for its buses before the end of the year.

The union has been getting more reports of passenger-on-passenger violence across the city, he said. “It just goes to strengthen our call for a security team.”

On May 19, an adult male passenger riding the No. 15 route was stabbed in the area of Sargent Avenue and Balmoral Street around 5:15 p.m.

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Tuesday, May. 23, 2023

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Chris Scott, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1505, is scheduled to meet with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham to discuss the city’s plan to hire and train peace officers for its buses before the end of the year.

‘In the path of our ancestors’: Indian Horse Relay closes annual Manito Ahbee festival

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

‘In the path of our ancestors’: Indian Horse Relay closes annual Manito Ahbee festival

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, May. 22, 2023

With his one-year-old son on his shoulders, smiling, Toby Bear stands up against the fence at the front of the race track, taking in the action.

“There they go!” he exclaims, as a clatter of hooves batter the dirt track a few feet away. Riding bareback, without saddles, young racers coral horses painted with traditional designs. At each leg of the race, they swiftly and carefully dismount and hand off the horse to another rider to continue the relay, aiming for as seamless a transition as possible.

Bear raises his arms up to cheer, and his toddler does the same. Behind them, more than a hundred spectators are focused on the second annual Indian Horse Relay at Assiniboia Downs, the last event of the 18th Manito Ahbee Festival, which wrapped up Monday.

“This is my second time here, and I enjoy it. It’s really cool,” said Bear, a Winnipeg resident, as he gestured to his contented son, also named Toby. “This is his second time, too.”

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Monday, May. 22, 2023

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Joseph Jackson celebrates as he and his horse, In it 2 Win It, cross the finish line at the second annual Indian Horse Relay at Assiniboia Downs.

Riding in style for a good cause

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Riding in style for a good cause

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, May. 22, 2023

Wearing their finest fitted suits, buttoned vests and flat caps, a group of bikers cruised through the city Sunday afternoon raising more than $14,000 for men’s health and turning heads along the way.

Winnipeg’s ninth annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health brought together about 50 motorcyclists and some classic bikes on a dapper 10-kilometre charity ride that was just as much about camaraderie as it was about raising awareness.

Longtime friends Gerald Huhtala and Barry Leschinsky were among the gentlemen changing the image of leather-clad bikers, hoping their finery would catch enough attention for a good cause.

“It’s a bit of a spectacle,” Huhtala said with a smile. “I think people will remember (and support Movember).”

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Monday, May. 22, 2023

BROOK JONES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Victor Lopes loosens his helmet strap after completing the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on his 2003 Yamaha Road Star.

MPI names new interim CEO, Herbelin out

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

MPI names new interim CEO, Herbelin out

Katie May 4 minute read Sunday, May. 21, 2023

MPI has a new leader following the unceremonious departure of the Crown corporation’s former CEO.

The new interim president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance is now Marnie Kacher, appointed by MPI’s board of directors to take over the role immediately, the board announced in an unexpected statement Sunday afternoon.

“Effectively (sic) immediately, (former CEO) Mr. Eric Herbelin is no longer employed with Manitoba Public Insurance,” board of directors chairman Ward Keith stated.

The board is recruiting for a permanent president and CEO.

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Sunday, May. 21, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba Public Insurance building

Chief of isolated northern Manitoba First Nation sounds mental-health alarm

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Chief of isolated northern Manitoba First Nation sounds mental-health alarm

Katie May 3 minute read Saturday, May. 20, 2023

Recent youth suicides and suicide attempts in a northern Manitoba First Nation have prompted its chief to call for urgent action from federal and provincial governments to address growing isolation in the community.

York Factory First Nation Chief Darryl Wastesicoot is raising the alarm about the mental-health effects of the lack of transportation, infrastructure and resources in the community about 850 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

“Our youth are very much in trouble right now,” Wastesicoot said Friday.

He said five teenage girls are currently receiving counselling outside the community following their attempts to take their own lives earlier this month.

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Saturday, May. 20, 2023

York Factory is approximately 850 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Pain clinic backlog symptom service not improving: patient

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Pain clinic backlog symptom service not improving: patient

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

Every three months for the past five years, Judith Perras has had regular treatments at Health Sciences Centre’s pain care clinic.

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Wednesday, May. 17, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Judith Perras, a retired health-care worker, suffers chronic pain from a back injury and regularly visits the Pain Care program at HSC. She’s been a patient there for five years, but was told yesterday there’s a significant backlog due to increased demand. Instead of a regular appointment, she’s been placed on a will-call list in case someone else cancels.

Rural docs want national standards on patient transport

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Rural docs want national standards on patient transport

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

Rural physicians are calling for national standards on patient transfers to combat systemic racism and expand equitable access to health care for Canadians no matter where they live.

“Every person in this country deserves access to high-quality care. It doesn’t mean that you have to live in an urban centre to get high-quality care,” said Dr. Sarah Lespérance, president of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada and a general practitioner in Petitcodiac, N.B.

“I think everyone really recognizes a need, and really wants to see some national standards and a plan in place that improves how we co-ordinate care, how we deliver care, and really breaks down some of those barriers.”

The group held a summit in Ottawa this month that brought together health practitioners, transport agencies and government partners to focus on equalizing medical transportation.

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Friday, May. 12, 2023

Rural physicians are calling for national standards on patient transfers to combat systemic racism and expand equitable access to health care for Canadians no matter where they live.

“Every person in this country deserves access to high-quality care. It doesn’t mean that you have to live in an urban centre to get high-quality care,” said Dr. Sarah Lespérance, president of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada and a general practitioner in Petitcodiac, N.B.

“I think everyone really recognizes a need, and really wants to see some national standards and a plan in place that improves how we co-ordinate care, how we deliver care, and really breaks down some of those barriers.”

The group held a summit in Ottawa this month that brought together health practitioners, transport agencies and government partners to focus on equalizing medical transportation.

Former Guess Who drummer on life support, family calls for return of mask requirements at health-care centres

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Former Guess Who drummer on life support, family calls for return of mask requirements at health-care centres

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

Last month, Vance Masters was at home, on a treadmill, exercising in preparation for his first evening out since the pandemic began.

Now, the 77-year-old internationally recognized musician is on life support in an intensive care unit, after contracting COVID-19 inside a health-care centre.

His family is speaking out about the lack of protection for vulnerable patients in Manitoba, particularly in the wake of rescinded mask mandates in hospitals and long-term care settings.

Bev Masters and the couple’s two adult children are in the process of making heart-rending decisions about how long to continue his life support.

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Friday, May. 12, 2023

The Crescendos, renamed 5 am Event, in London 1966. Left to right Stuart Mckennan, Terry Loeb, Glenn MacRae, Vance Masters. (Supplied)

Winnipeg couple raises concerns about inconsistent home care visits, seeks help they can count on

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg couple raises concerns about inconsistent home care visits, seeks help they can count on

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A Winnipeg couple who relies on home care is raising concerns about the sporadic visits they’ve had over the past two years.

Ron Schepp, 83, and Mae Schepp, 79, began receiving home care during the pandemic and are signed up to receive a 15-minute visit six days a week. But in early May, three consecutive days passed without any visits, and so far this week, they’ve missed two visits.

Mae uses a wheelchair and Ron has rheumatoid arthritis. They’ve been married 58 years, and they’ve reached a point where they need help on a regular basis, Ron said — help they can count on.

“And right now, we can’t,” he said.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A Winnipeg couple who relies on home care is raising concerns about the sporadic visits they’ve had over the past two years.

Ron Schepp, 83, and Mae Schepp, 79, began receiving home care during the pandemic and are signed up to receive a 15-minute visit six days a week. But in early May, three consecutive days passed without any visits, and so far this week, they’ve missed two visits.

Mae uses a wheelchair and Ron has rheumatoid arthritis. They’ve been married 58 years, and they’ve reached a point where they need help on a regular basis, Ron said — help they can count on.

“And right now, we can’t,” he said.

Trauma surgery delay highlights health-care system woes: patient

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Trauma surgery delay highlights health-care system woes: patient

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

A week after being seriously hurt in a car crash, a Winnipeg man is still waiting for surgery amid hospital and ambulance delays.

“I feel lucky to be alive, and I really want to start healing and getting past this,” said Zach Fleisher.

He’s been on a will-call list for surgery since May 2, and is required to fast daily on a 16-hour cycle from midnight to 4 p.m., in case he can get into surgery last-minute.

Until then, he’s waiting at home on painkillers.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

JESSE BOILY / FREE PRESS FILES

On Tuesday afternoon, a full week after the crash, Zach Fleisher was informed a surgery would be scheduled for Friday.

Norwegians among group researching elder-care reform touring Manitoba health facilities

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Norwegians among group researching elder-care reform touring Manitoba health facilities

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

A group of Norwegian researchers, health-care providers and managers is touring Manitoba’s personal-care homes and urgent-care centres this week as part of long-term, international research on elder-care reform.

They’re learning about the effect of the provincial government’s 2017 consolidation of ERs and health-care services as they examine how to improve care for older adults.

The group of 20 Norwegians, eight Albertans and 12 Manitobans are in Winnipeg until Friday for an International Network to Enhance Older Adult Care Transitions (iNET) workshop. They’re focusing on how to improve transfers for elderly patients, between their homes to hospital, or from hospitals to long-term care homes, and learn more about programs that aim to keep people living independently longer.

Frode Fadnes Jacobsen, a university professor and research director at the Centre for Care Research in western Norway, and Malcolm Doupe, associate professor in the University of Manitoba’s Rady faculty of Health Sciences, are co-principal investigators of the iNET project.

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Tuesday, May. 9, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Associate professor Malcolm Doupe is one of the principal investigators in the International Network to Enhance Older Adult Care Transitions (iNET) project.

New Shared Health CEO rolls up sleeves, eager to tackle burnout in health care

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

New Shared Health CEO rolls up sleeves, eager to tackle burnout in health care

Katie May 6 minute read Thursday, May. 4, 2023

As she takes over as CEO of the entity that manages Manitoba’s health care-system, Lanette Siragusa says she, too, has experienced burnout, and will make it a priority to support the wellness and retention of health-care staff.

Siragusa, four days into taking charge of Shared Health, said she realized she was feeling “extreme burnout” in January 2022.

She had left her job as chief nursing officer at Shared Health to go to the University of Manitoba, where she became vice-dean of education at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and associate director of Ongomiizwin Health Services.

“It took me a long time to get back to normal, so there are things you can do to take care of yourself. Just like when you’re healing, healing takes time, but it also takes the right environment. So I think we need to talk to our people, talk to our providers — often they have the answers, and find out from them, ‘What can we do to support you better?’ And it might be different for every person, and we have to appreciate that.”

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Thursday, May. 4, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Since taking the job, Lanette Siragusa said she has met with provincial medical specialty leads, including medical officers of health, and hopes to travel around the province to meet with staff.

Manitoba touts health hires, unable to say how many departures, vacancies

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Manitoba touts health hires, unable to say how many departures, vacancies

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, May. 5, 2023

The provincial government has announced that 900 health workers have been hired since November 2022, as part of Health Minister Audrey Gordon’s promise to hire 2,000 additional staff.

However, the government refuses to say how many workers have left since that time, and how many vacancies remain.

In a statement attributed to Gordon Thursday, the province said it had recently hired 82 allied-health providers, 32 physician and clinical assistants, 438 health-care aides, 259 nurses and 73 physicians.

It could not provide vacancy data to show how many positions in each of those fields remain unfilled.

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Friday, May. 5, 2023

In a statement attributed to Gordon Thursday, the province said it had recently hired 82 allied-health providers, 32 physician and clinical assistants, 438 health-care aides, 259 nurses and 73 physicians. (Winnipeg Free Press / Pool)

Mask mandate to be lifted in Manitoba hospitals, health facilities

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Mask mandate to be lifted in Manitoba hospitals, health facilities

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, May. 4, 2023

The last COVID-19 restriction in Manitoba is about to be lifted: masks won’t be required in hospitals, care homes and most health-care facilities as of May 10.

Shared Health announced the lifting of health-care mask mandates Wednesday, stating most visitors and patients won’t have to wear masks, but will be asked to wear a mask if they are sick. Exceptions include visits to cancer or organ-transplant programs where immune-compromised patients are regularly present.

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Thursday, May. 4, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/Graham Hughes

As of May 10, Manitobans will no longer be required to wear masks in hospitals, care homes and most health-care facilities.

Manitoba hospitals to collect race data as of May 11

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

Manitoba hospitals to collect race data as of May 11

Katie May 1 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

Manitoba hospitals will become the first in Canada to collect data about patients’ race.

As of May 11, patients at hospitals and health centres will be asked during registration if they want to self-declare their race. The information is voluntary and patients can decline.

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

Manitoba hospitals will become the first in Canada to collect data about patients’ race.

As of May 11, patients at hospitals and health centres will be asked during registration if they want to self-declare their race. The information is voluntary and patients can decline.

‘Desperate’ shortage of psychologists causing critical delays in youth care

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

‘Desperate’ shortage of psychologists causing critical delays in youth care

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

A longstanding shortage of psychologists in Manitoba has resulted in particularly long wait lists for children and desperate need in rural and northern areas.

“We’re desperate for child and adolescent psychologists in the public system, and there’s so little access in the rural regions,” said Julia Riddell, a registered clinical psychologist and communications director for the Manitoba Psychological Society.

Manitoba still has the lowest per capita number of psychologists compared with other provinces, according to 2021 data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

There are a total of 280 registered psychologists working in Manitoba, a rate of 20.2 per 100,000 people. The national average rate is about 54 per 100,000, although some provinces didn’t report any data for 2021.

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Wednesday, May. 3, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“We’re desperate for child and adolescent psychologists in the public system, and there’s so little access in the rural regions,” said Julia Riddell, a registered clinical psychologist and communications director for the Manitoba Psychological Society.

U of M breast milk study expected to have global impact

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

U of M breast milk study expected to have global impact

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

University of Manitoba researchers have received a prestigious US$2.5-million grant to study how breast milk affects health outcomes.

“There’s many mysteries to unlock, I think, in breast milk that could have applications well beyond infant health, although certainly in our projects, infant health is the main priority,” said study lead Meghan Azad, a professor of pediatrics and child health who holds the Canada Research Chair in developmental origins of chronic disease.

A team of 12 researchers at U of M is working on this study, and Azad co-directs the U of M’s Thrive Discovery Lab with Natalie Rodriguez. They’re examining breast milk as a biological system and trying to better understand all of its components. The research could have implications, Azad hopes, for public policy that supports breastfeeding mothers and makes babies healthier.

The work is being funded by a U.S. government research agency, the National Institutes of Health, because of the Manitoba team’s access to thousands of breast milk samples, research network, and years of expertise that could translate into a better understanding of breast milk science around the world.

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Tuesday, May. 2, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“There’s many mysteries to unlock, I think, in breast milk that could have applications well beyond infant health, although certainly in our projects, infant health is the main priority,” said study lead Meghan Azad, a professor of pediatrics and child health.

Province pledges to triple Grace ICU capacity

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Province pledges to triple Grace ICU capacity

Katie May 5 minute read Sunday, Apr. 30, 2023

The province is promising to nearly triple intensive-care capacity at the Grace Hospital by spending $30 million on renovations the premier said Sunday will “support a higher standard of care overall.”

Premier Heather Stefanson said her government’s contribution to an expansion of the Grace ICU is expected to add 33,000 square feet of space, add up to 20 beds to the existing 10-bed unit, and upgrade its outdated design. The $30-million in provincial funds will be combined with $5 million pledged by the Grace Hospital Foundation for capital. A total budget for the project, including ongoing operational costs, has yet to be determined. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2024. No anticipated completion date has been announced.

The project’s design, operational budget and plans to staff up the expanded ICU still have to be figured out.

“This expansion project will ensure the Grace and its dedicated health-care professionals can continue to provide the highest standard of care to more Manitobans,” Stefanson said during a news conference at Grace Hospital on Sunday afternoon. She said the funding comes as part of a commitment she made last fall to continue to collaborate with the hospital foundation after the province put $6 million toward upgraded diagnostic imaging equipment for the Grace.

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Sunday, Apr. 30, 2023

KATIE MAY / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

On April 30, Premier Heather Stefanson and Scott Johnston, minister for seniors and long-term care, announced a $30-million provincial contribution to an expansion of Grace Hospital’s ICU. The announcement took place at Grace Hospital. Photo 1: Premier Heather Stefanson speaks.

‘It’s just unfair that my son had to die’

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

‘It’s just unfair that my son had to die’

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

Joseph Fourre says he owes it to his son to tell people about how kind and loving he was.

Harlan Fourre died at 2:29 p.m. Friday after being taking off life-support; the 31-year-old had overdosed while he was with friends in The Pas last weekend.

“He was a generous young man who had a zest and love for life,” Fourre said, adding his son’s last act was to be a candidate for organ donation.

It was important for Harlan’s family to speak publicly about his death after being so open in his last days, his father said. Fourre, an addictions worker, said he doesn’t want to see another family deal with tragedy.

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Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

SUPPLIED

Harlan Fourre died Friday after taking a laced drug in The Pas last weekend.

$30-M surgical centre tabbed for Steinbach

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

$30-M surgical centre tabbed for Steinbach

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

Three new operating rooms are expected to be up and running in Steinbach in 2025, as part of an expansion to the Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

On Friday, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen was in Steinbach to announce the $30-million surgical centre, with three ORs, a new lab space, and 12 patient spots for pre- and post-operative care.

The surgical expansion follows a 2021 announcement of a new renal program, 15 new acute-care beds, and eight new surgical beds for the Steinbach hospital, which will serve as the hub for patients in southeastern Manitoba.

The project is being supported with $8 million being raised by the Bethesda Foundation, its largest donation. The total capital investment for the project is now at $64 million.

Read
Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen says three new operating rooms at Bethesda Regional Health Centre are expected to open in 2025. (Nicole Buffie / The Carillon)

Judge approves payments to stop exodus of physicians from Manitoba Clinic

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Judge approves payments to stop exodus of physicians from Manitoba Clinic

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

A judge has authorized a plan to keep the Manitoba Clinic’s 36 remaining physicians from leaving the insolvent facility by giving them retention payments.

Doctors who continue to practise at Manitoba’s largest private clinic while it looks for a buyer will get $1.3 million in retention payments over the next six months.

Read
Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Manitoba Clinic, which is under creditor protection, can’t afford to lose any more doctors as it gets ready for a sale of its Sherbrook Street building.

Cut Manitoba-North Dakota surgery agreement: health coalition

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Cut Manitoba-North Dakota surgery agreement: health coalition

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Apr. 21, 2023

The Manitoba Health Coalition is calling on the provincial government to stop sending patients across the U.S. border for surgery, in the wake of anti-transgender legislation passed this week in North Dakota.

The contract for spinal surgeries at Sanford Health’s clinic in Fargo, N.D., should be rescinded and the province should review all of its contracts for surgeries and diagnostic testing in the United States to make sure Manitobans aren’t being sent to sites with “discriminatory health-care laws,” said coalition provincial director Thomas Linner.

“From a moral standpoint, should we be giving states that are currently in the process of restricting the medical rights of their citizens based on discriminatory politics rather than medical care the kind of cover that having a contract with a Canadian province would give them?”

In 2022, the province’s diagnostic and surgical recovery task force signed an agreement with Sanford Health to perform spinal surgeries in Fargo for eligible Manitobans.

Read
Friday, Apr. 21, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Thomas Linner of the Manitoba Health Coalition.

Doctors decry province’s lack of transparency, tactics

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Doctors decry province’s lack of transparency, tactics

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

Two Manitoba doctors say the government is trying to discredit them after they spoke out against the province’s diagnostic and surgical task force over their concerns it is prioritizing privatization over patient care.

The two respirologists, Dr. Eleni Giannouli, medical director of Misericordia’s Sleep Disorder Centre, and Dr. Nancy Porhownik, co-section head of respirology in the University of Manitoba’s department of medicine, both described the Progressive Conservative government’s response this week as an attempt to disparage them.

“That was anticipated,” Giannouli said.

“Doctors do not have it easy,” she continued, adding physicians should be able to speak up to advocate for patients and themselves.

Read
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

Dr. Nancy Porhownik (above), co-section head of respirology in the University of Manitoba’s department of medicine, and her colleague, Dr. Eleni Giannouli, medical director of Misericordia’s Sleep Disorder Centre, described the Progressive Conservative government’s response this week as an attempt to disparage them. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Researchers call for provincial action on youth eating habits

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Researchers call for provincial action on youth eating habits

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

Nutrition researchers are recommending Manitoba form a task force to encourage healthy eating habits, after a pre-COVID-19 pandemic study of Grade 9 students found most weren’t getting enough fruits or vegetables.

The majority of students didn’t eat enough healthy food and instead turned to processed foods high in salt and saturated fat, according to the survey of 1,587 students, results of which were recently published in a research report on Food and Nutrition Security for Manitoba Youth.

University of Manitoba researchers Joyce Slater and Alan Katz led the study.

It involved surveying students from across the province on what they ate in a day, finding most of them weren’t eating healthy even if they had access to and could afford nutritious food.

Read
Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

“The reality is that most of the students in the province have diets that are really putting them at risk for future health problems. So if anything surprised me, it was how pervasive that is,” said Joyce Slater, a professor in food and human nutritional sciences.

Manitoba surgery, diagnostic task force announces strides forward in pandemic backlog

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Manitoba surgery, diagnostic task force announces strides forward in pandemic backlog

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

Within 16 months, Manitoba’s pandemic surgical and diagnostic test backlog has been cut by 30 per cent and 26,464 impacted patients have been treated.

On Wednesday — in a public process update — leaders of the diagnostic and surgical recovery task force said it has eliminated backlogs in 10 areas of the medical system, and significantly reduced them in about 15 of 30 key areas.

It is focusing now on bringing down wait times to within nationally-accepted standards, via additional operating room capacity, recruiting more surgeons and specialists, and embracing technology advancements.

“As we deal with our backlog, we are simultaneously dealing with our wait lists, and building redundancy in our system through our people and our places and our equipment, but we have to do that together,” said Dr. Ed Buchel, surgical lead of the task force.

Read
Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Peter MacDonald

Health minister defends private ‘investments’ to reduce backlogs

Katie May and Danielle Da Silva 4 minute read Preview

Health minister defends private ‘investments’ to reduce backlogs

Katie May and Danielle Da Silva 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

Manitoba’s health minister has defended a provincial task force request for private-sector involvement in proposals to fight pandemic backlogs after two physicians went public with their decision to stop giving input to the task force.

“What I want all individuals to know who are providing input is that the task force is there to listen and to consider all the voices, and there are times, believe it or not, where I put forward an idea and they come back with an explanation as to why it might not be the best approach,” Health Minister Audrey Gordon said Wednesday, adding all ideas are “appreciated and valued” even if they aren’t acted upon.

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Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Health minister Audrey Gordon said the two sleep specialists were not members of the task force or its steering committee. However, she said their input was valued.

Provincial task force cites ‘minimal private sector involvement’ in criticizing MDs’ proposal

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Provincial task force cites ‘minimal private sector involvement’ in criticizing MDs’ proposal

Katie May 6 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

A provincial task force repeatedly turned thumbs-down on doctors’ proposed health system improvements, in part, because of “minimal private sector involvement,” a letter obtained by the Free Press reveals.

Read
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

The Misericordia Health Centre (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Sleep doctors resign from backlog task force

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Sleep doctors resign from backlog task force

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

Two sleep specialist physicians have resigned from the provincial COVID-19 pandemic backlog task force over concerns it is prioritizing privatization at the expense of patient care.

Long wait lists for sleep disorder treatment aren’t being solved and there’s been no commitment to add staff or new equipment to Manitoba’s only accredited diagnostic lab at Misericordia Health Centre, said Dr. Eleni Giannouli and Dr. Nancy Porhownik.

Read
Tuesday, Apr. 18, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Nancy Porhownik, respirologist, sleep specialist and co-section head of respirology in the University of Manitoba’s department of medicine, is one of two sleep physicians to resign from the province’s surgical and diagnostic task force this month.

Lawsuit over province’s N95 mask purchase still a year from trial

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Lawsuit over province’s N95 mask purchase still a year from trial

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

It could take years to resolve the legal battle over the Manitoba government’s pandemic purchase of N95 masks.

The government is being sued for US$6 million, plus interest and damages, by a U.S. company that claims Manitoba owes it for a 2020 order of five million masks that were later deemed unsuitable for hospital use.

Read
Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

The government is being sued for US$6 million, plus interest and damages, by a U.S. company that claims Manitoba owes it for a 2020 order of five million N95 masks that were later deemed unsuitable for hospital use. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

HSC cancer-diagnostic scanner sits idle due to lack of staff

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

HSC cancer-diagnostic scanner sits idle due to lack of staff

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

The lack of specialized staff to run nuclear imaging equipment means a cancer diagnostic tool sits unused in a Winnipeg hospital.

Manitoba’s second positron emission tomography scan machine was installed at the Health Sciences Centre in January 2021 with plans to have both machines operating at the same time to meet growing demand for the scans, Shared Health said.

Read
Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

The lack of specialized staff to run nuclear imaging equipment means a cancer diagnostic tool sits unused in a Winnipeg hospital.

Manitoba’s second positron emission tomography scan machine was installed at the Health Sciences Centre in January 2021 with plans to have both machines operating at the same time to meet growing demand for the scans, Shared Health said.

Cabinet minister defends province’s $45M purchase of unused PPE masks

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Cabinet minister defends province’s $45M purchase of unused PPE masks

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

While nearly a half-million unused respirator masks sit in storage three years after the province spent millions of dollars to get them, the cabinet minister responsible for government services defended the early pandemic purchase Tuesday.

Read
Wednesday, Apr. 12, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“What this did was it took Manitoba from (being) in a place where we might not have PPE, to knowing for certain that we would, no matter what, and that’s what’s important,” Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister James Teitsma said during question period in the legislature Tuesday.

Access to at-home sleep tests slow to rise in Manitoba

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Access to at-home sleep tests slow to rise in Manitoba

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 11, 2023

SLEEP disorder patients have accessed less than a quarter of Manitoba’s supply of at-home tests since the province contracted a private company to help clear the COVID-19 pandemic backlog for people waiting for diagnoses.

Read
Tuesday, Apr. 11, 2023

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The provincial government is teaming up with a private company to supply in-home sleep tests to Manitobans waiting for a sleep disorder diagnosis.

U of M chair in advance stroke research unveiled

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

U of M chair in advance stroke research unveiled

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

A neurologist and research scientist has been appointed to advance stroke research in Manitoba over the next five years, thanks in part to a generous charitable donation.

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Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Nishita Singh has been appointed to advance stroke research in Manitoba over the next five years.

Manitoba First Nations share $3.4M for fire protection

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba First Nations share $3.4M for fire protection

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023

As the chief of Bloodvein joined his colleagues in demanding improved emergency services, after a 49-year-old man died in a house fire on the reserve, Ottawa revealed the annual firefighting budget for Manitoba First Nations is just over $3 million.

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Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Chief Roland Hamilton, in the band office on Bloodvein First Nation, says the community needs proper firefighting equipment, but training is crucial.

First Nations renew federal call for emergency services upgrades

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

First Nations renew federal call for emergency services upgrades

Katie May 2 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

Manitoba First Nations leaders are calling on the federal government to improve firefighting and emergency services in northern and remote communities in the wake of another fatal blaze.

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Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Ottawa hasn’t prioritized improving emergency services on remote and northern First Nations but that needs to change, said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

RCMP lab has two-month turnaround on DNA analysis

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

RCMP lab has two-month turnaround on DNA analysis

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

DNA results for sexual assault investigations should be delivered within 65 days, the RCMP’s national lab says.

Read
Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

Months-long delays in obtaining DNA analysis from swabs collected during a forensic sexual assault examination in Winnipeg were flagged last week by the father of an underage complainant. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Storm to blow across southern Manitoba, dump up to 25 cm of snow in some areas

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Storm to blow across southern Manitoba, dump up to 25 cm of snow in some areas

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

Up to 25 centimetres of snow is forecast to blanket parts of southern Manitoba in an early spring storm beginning Tuesday afternoon. High winds could mix with snow and cause poor visibility, making highway travel dangerous, the storm warning from Environment Canada predicts.

Read
Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

Light snow is expected to begin late Tuesday afternoon and get heavier overnight and into Wednesday, tapering off Thursday evening. (Tim Smith / The Brandon Sun)

Chronic DNA-testing backlog adds insult to injury for victims

Katie May 7 minute read Preview

Chronic DNA-testing backlog adds insult to injury for victims

Katie May 7 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

Sexual assault victims who are already denied immediate care by Manitoba’s health-care system are facing further justice delays owing to lengthy backlogs in DNA testing.

Read
Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

49.8 - SEX ASSAULT AWARENESS Photo of a Forensic Collection kit provided by the RCMP with step by step instructions for sexual assault victims to use to obtain evidence if a patient desires. in an emergency room at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre on Tuesday. Jane Gerster | Health Reporter June 5, 2018

Ottawa promises it’s ready for influx of passport renewals

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Ottawa promises it’s ready for influx of passport renewals

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

The federal government plans to keep the extra service centres it set up to clear the pandemic backlog as it prepares for an influx of passport renewals this summer.

Read
Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

Ron Pradinuk/Winnipeg Free Press Files

The government extended hours at Service Canada passport offices and added 20 sites across the country to clear up passport application and renewal backlogs.

U of M students ‘providers of the future’ as dental plan takes shape: families minister

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

U of M students ‘providers of the future’ as dental plan takes shape: families minister

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

The federal minister responsible for child care and social development toured the University of Manitoba’s dentistry program facilities Friday, promoting the expanded $13-billion Canada dental care plan.

Read
Friday, Mar. 31, 2023

The federal minister responsible for child care and social development toured the University of Manitoba’s dentistry program facilities Friday, promoting the expanded $13-billion Canada dental care plan.

MMIWG licence plates expected this year

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

MMIWG licence plates expected this year

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

Specialty licence plates in honour of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls are expected to be available this year.

Read
Tuesday, Mar. 28, 2023

SUPPLIED

MPI said Tuesday it is leading the development of the MMIWG specialty plate in partnership with the provincial government.

Machines dispense harm reduction supplies to front lines of need

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Machines dispense harm reduction supplies to front lines of need

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 27, 2023

Palm print-scanning dispensers for needles, naloxone and other medications could be the future of harm reduction work in Manitoba.

Read
Monday, Mar. 27, 2023

SUPPLIED

Machines that dispense safe supplies for people who use drugs are being set up by a First Nations-led organization that is working on an agreement with provincial and federal governments to design a new health-care system for northern Manitoba.

Province announces new Selkirk clinic as part of expanded Manitoba Pain Care Program

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Province announces new Selkirk clinic as part of expanded Manitoba Pain Care Program

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

A specialized pain clinic is set to open in Selkirk later this year as part of an expanded chronic-pain health-care program.

Read
Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Health minister Audrey Gordon announced a specialized pain clinic is set to open in Selkirk later this year as part of an expanded chronic-pain health-care program.

Shot slump: COVID booster uptake waning in Manitoba

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Shot slump: COVID booster uptake waning in Manitoba

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

BOOSTER uptake is lagging amid a lack of information about current COVID-19 transmission, as many Manitobans manage reinfections or wait to become eligible for their next vaccination dose.

Read
Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023

Roughly 20 per cent of Manitobans got a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in the past six months, provincial data shows. (Jae C. Hong / The Associated Press files)

Bed bug infestation at Winnipeg hotel ‘disgusting experience,’ family says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Bed bug infestation at Winnipeg hotel ‘disgusting experience,’ family says

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

After discovering bed bugs in his room at a Winnipeg hospital-adjacent hotel, a Teulon man drove home in the middle of the night as his young son was recovering from surgery.

Read
Tuesday, Mar. 21, 2023

SUPPLIED

Photo of what Whitney Bergstrom describes as bed bug feces on a mattress at the Canad Inns Health Sciences Centre location on William Avenue.

Province urging high-risk residents to get spring COVID booster

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Province urging high-risk residents to get spring COVID booster

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

COVID-19 boosters are available for high-risk Manitobans this spring, and most Manitobans will likely be eligible for their next booster in the fall.

Read
Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/TNS)

COVID boosters are being recommended for seniors over the age 65, immunocompromised adults, Indigenous people over age 45 and long-term care residents.

Woman charged after needle attack served time for similar 2018 stabbing

Erik Pindera and Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Woman charged after needle attack served time for similar 2018 stabbing

Erik Pindera and Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

A woman who served time for a 2018 hypodermic-syringe stabbing while in the throes of a likely psychotic episode and high on methamphetamine is accused of a similar attack Sunday.

Read
Monday, Mar. 20, 2023

(David Lipnowski / Canadian Press files)

Nurses, police distressed by sexual assault evidence-gathering delays

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Nurses, police distressed by sexual assault evidence-gathering delays

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

DNA evidence is just one piece of a sexual assault investigation, but delays in collecting it only hurt, never help.

Read
Friday, Mar. 17, 2023

Sgt. Gary Mathez is one of the officers in charge of the Winnipeg Police Service’s sex crimes unit. (Trevor Hagan / Winnipeg Free Press files)

‘Less people to help in emergency situations’: city perfusionist services consolidated to St. B

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

‘Less people to help in emergency situations’: city perfusionist services consolidated to St. B

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

A shortage of specialized staff who operate life-sustaining equipment for cardiac and trauma patients means Manitoba’s largest hospital will soon be without dedicated perfusion services.

Read
Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Bill Gibb is a St. Boniface perfusionist with more than 30 years’ experience and past-president of the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion.

Death rate at Health Sciences Centre ER increases; officials try to determine why

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Death rate at Health Sciences Centre ER increases; officials try to determine why

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

The increase in ER deaths at Manitoba’s largest hospital — 21 so far this year — is being blamed on a rise of severely ill patients who show up needing care.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

‘Urgent action’ required to keep MDs here, Doctors Manitoba says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

‘Urgent action’ required to keep MDs here, Doctors Manitoba says

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

A doctors’ advocacy group is calling for urgent action from the province to keep physicians in Manitoba, which has one of the western world’s worst shortages.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Candace Bradshaw said the province is being “out-manoeuvred” by others in recruiting and retaining MDs.

New head of Manitoba sex assault examiner program based in Alta.

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

New head of Manitoba sex assault examiner program based in Alta.

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Out-of-province remote work from the newly hired head of the province’s sexual assault nurse examiner program has drawn public criticism as the project still struggles with staff shortages.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A teenager was turned away March 13, when they sought a forensic sexual assault exam in the middle of the night after waiting at the Children’s Hospital ER in Winnipeg.

WRHA home care recruitment drive gears up with free training

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

WRHA home care recruitment drive gears up with free training

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

The shortage of home care workers in Manitoba has prompted the WRHA to pledge to add 300 new staff via free, four-week training and no formal education requirements.

Read
Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Hardeep Deol, instructor at WRHA, demonstrates one of the things students will learn, safe client transfers, during a media call at the training centre on Hargrave Monday morning.

$2.1M added to tackling violent crime

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

$2.1M added to tackling violent crime

Katie May 4 minute read Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023

A team of police and child-abuse investigators is set to receive $2.1 million from the provincial government as part of the province’s strategy to tackle violent crime.

Read
Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Duke, the therapy dog, stands by as, from left, Chief Danny Smyth, Winnipeg Police Service, Premier Heather Stefanson, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen, Supt. Rob Lasson, officer in charge of major crime services, RCMP, and Christy Dzikowicz, executive director, Toba Centre, were on hand to announce funding for Manitoba violent crime strategy and supports for children and families at the new Toba Centre in Assiniboine Park Sunday.

Winnipeg spared from the brunt as weekend storm causes widespread highway closures

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Winnipeg spared from the brunt as weekend storm causes widespread highway closures

Katie May 2 minute read Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023

Up to 25 centimetres of snow hit parts of southwestern Manitoba over the weekend during a winter storm that caused widespread highway closures and long-lasting blizzard conditions in some areas.

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Sunday, Mar. 12, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Up to 25 centimetres of snow hit parts of southwestern Manitoba over the weekend during a winter storm.

HSC to open minor-treatment clinic officials expect will relieve pressure on ER

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

HSC to open minor-treatment clinic officials expect will relieve pressure on ER

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

A new minor-treatment clinic on the first floor of the Health Sciences Centre is expected to take some of the burden off the emergency room and better serve patients coming to Manitoba’s largest hospital from northern or rural areas.

Read
Friday, Mar. 10, 2023

A new minor-treatment clinic on the first floor of the Health Sciences Centre is expected to take some of the burden off the emergency room and better serve patients coming to Manitoba’s largest hospital from northern or rural areas. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

HSC hallway death deemed critical incident

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

HSC hallway death deemed critical incident

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

The death of a patient in a hallway of the Health Sciences Centre ER early Feb. 28 has been officially deemed a critical incident.

HSC management said Thursday a full report will be completed later this spring, as required by provincial legislation.

Recommendations aimed at preventing another ER hallway death are expected to be publicly released within three months as part of the investigation.

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Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

SHANNON VANRAES/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The death of a patient in a hallway of the Health Sciences Centre ER early Feb. 28 has been officially deemed a critical incident.

Family of patient who died during pandemic air transfer files lawsuit

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Family of patient who died during pandemic air transfer files lawsuit

Katie May 6 minute read Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

The family of an ICU patient, who died following the failed attempt to airlift her to Ontario at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic’s third wave, is suing the Manitoba government, health authorities and airline.

Read
Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

Supplied

Krystal Mousseau died May 25, 2021, after an attempt to airlift her from Brandon to a hospital in Ontario. At the time, ICU patients were being flown out of province because Manitoba ICUs were full.

HSC staff continue to grapple with ER hallway death

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

HSC staff continue to grapple with ER hallway death

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

A patient’s death in a Winnipeg ER hallway last week has caused “moral distress” for staff and continues to raise questions among politicians.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A patient’s death at Health Sciences Centre overnight Feb. 27 is under internal review as part of a potential critical incident investigation.

Southern chiefs unveil MMIWG2S+ family support team

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Southern chiefs unveil MMIWG2S+ family support team

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

A dedicated team to support First Nations families whose loved ones have been slain or gone missing has been established in southern Manitoba.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels said one of his mandates is to ensure that the organization is able to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and appropriate supports in all of our programs and services.

‘Probably the biggest issue that we face every day’: ER deaths national concern, doctor says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

‘Probably the biggest issue that we face every day’: ER deaths national concern, doctor says

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Hospital staff across the country have been raising the alarm about the number of people who die in ERs while waiting for treatment, says the president of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.

Read
Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Hospital staff across the country have been raising the alarm about the number of people who die in ERs while waiting for treatment. (Winnipeg Free Press files / Mikaela MacKenzie)

Prairie research hub to work on vaccines

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Prairie research hub to work on vaccines

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Manitoba researchers have joined forces with other experts across the Prairies to work on vaccine development, testing, and surveillance of emerging viruses to prepare for future pandemics.

Research collaborations are being formed across the country because of a $10-million federal investment intended to speed up Canadian work on vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests in advance of another global outbreak.

Read
Friday, Mar. 3, 2023

Dr. Jason Kindrachuk (Danielle Da Silva / Can Star Community News files).

HSC ER swamped when patient died in hallway

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

HSC ER swamped when patient died in hallway

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

The Health Sciences Centre ER was dealing with double the usual number of high-acuity patients when a male patient was pronounced dead in an ER hallway about an hour after arriving in an ambulance early Tuesday, hospital officials said Thursday.

The extreme backlog of patients waiting to be admitted to a hospital bed prompted the ER to enact “over-capacity protocols” later that day.

For the first time Thursday afternoon, hospital leaders publicly acknowledged the patient’s death, saying a critical incident investigation is underway.

Read
Thursday, Mar. 2, 2023

The HSC ER was dealing with double the usual number of high-acuity patients when a male patient was pronounced dead in an ER hallway about an hour after arriving in an ambulance early Tuesday, hospital officials said Thursday. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

HSC hallway death investigation to be made public: premier

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

HSC hallway death investigation to be made public: premier

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

An investigation into the recent death of a patient who had been waiting in a Winnipeg emergency room hallway will be made public, the Manitoba premier says.

Few details about the Health Sciences Centre event Feb. 27 have been released.

On Tuesday, Shared Health stated — in response to Free Press inquiries — the “potential critical incident” happened within a one-hour window Monday night.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

In response to questions from the opposition leader, Stefanson said the results would be shared publicly.

Nurse-recruitment trip to Philippines a success, Manitoba’s health minister says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Nurse-recruitment trip to Philippines a success, Manitoba’s health minister says

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

An international nursing recruitment mission has been declared a success for Manitoba, even as politicians face questions about the ethics of plucking highly trained health professionals from other countries amid global demand.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Provincial recruiters’ trip to the Philippines late last month resulted in nearly 350 letters of intent issued to applicants who want to work in Manitoba, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced Wednesday.

Emergency patient waiting for treatment dies in HSC hallway

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Emergency patient waiting for treatment dies in HSC hallway

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

PROVINCIAL health officials are investigating a “potential critical incident,” after an emergency room patient died overnight Monday while waiting for treatment in a hallway at Health Sciences Centre.

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Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A patient died while waiting for treatment in a hallway of the Emergency Room at Health Sciences Centre Monday night.

Husband pays thousands of dollars for private home care as public system collapses

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Husband pays thousands of dollars for private home care as public system collapses

Katie May 6 minute read Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

When his wife of 62 years was given a prognosis of two months to live, Raymond Duerinckx decided it would be best for her to spend her final days at home.

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Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Family run home care Photo of Raymond Duerinckx, 87, and his daughter Michelle Duerinckx, sitting next to their wife and mother who is on palliative care at home for heart failure. Story: Raymond Duerinckx, 87, and his daughter Michelle Duerinckx are looking after their wife and mother who is on palliative care at home for heart failure. She will be 90 in a few days. They had to obtain private home care, partly covered out of pocket, because Tannis never got the consistent home care services she needed upon being released from the hospital. The private costs are partially funded under the province’s self-management care program, but Raymond spends over $1000 every two weeks to keep the private care. Meanwhile, Michelle cares for her mother all night and works as a home-care worker during the day. Feb 24th, 2023

Hospitals get IT upgrade to better track patient flow

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

Hospitals get IT upgrade to better track patient flow

Katie May 1 minute read Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

Winnipeg hospitals are getting a technology upgrade aimed at helping health authorities track more patient-flow information in real-time.

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Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

Winnipeg hospitals are getting a technology upgrade aimed at helping health authorities track more patient-flow information in real-time.

Home care workers back widower’s calls for change

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Home care workers back widower’s calls for change

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

Manitoba home care workers are speaking out, appalled by “heartbreaking” delays that kept a dying woman from receiving in-home palliative service until it was too late.

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Eric De Schepper said he was touched by the letter, and it encourages him to keep advocating for change — as he promised his common-law wife Ellis, who passed away last week.

Second year of COVID saw spike in youth hospitalizations

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Second year of COVID saw spike in youth hospitalizations

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

THE second year of the COVID-19 pandemic brought a dramatic increase in hospitalizations, particularly for babies and toddlers, says a new report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

The latest data — released today — show COVID-19 and other respiratory infections were more commonly to blame for hospitalizations among the youngest Canadians compared with earlier in the pandemic. (Bloomberg photo by Allison Dinner)

Incentives not enough for nurses faced with re-registering

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Incentives not enough for nurses faced with re-registering

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

A $10,000 bonus isn’t enough to entice retired nurses back to the profession, including some who helped out at vaccination clinics during the pandemic.

New incentives, which were announced by the Manitoba government last week, won’t help unlicensed nurses who are up against a lengthy process to re-register, two retired nurses said Wednesday.

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Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Former operating room nurse Kendra Haight has advocated for a fast-tracked return-to-work process for retired nurses who have experience, but lack the practice hours required to renew their licence.

Debate needed on bear spray: police chief

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Debate needed on bear spray: police chief

Katie May 2 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

Winnipeg’s police chief says it’s time to talk about cracking down on bear spray sales and their illegal use after a series of bear-spray attacks in the West End and downtown.

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Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

JAMES TURNER / FREE PRESS FILES

On Sunday, more than three people were injured by bear spray in a string of assaults.

Province adds to prosecutions budget to target illegal guns, organized crime

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Province adds to prosecutions budget to target illegal guns, organized crime

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

An increase in gun violence is driving a $1.4-million boost to the Manitoba Prosecution Service’s budget, the provincial government says.

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Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“This increased support for prosecutions is about going after illegal guns and targeting organized crime that is causing fear in communities and victimizing Manitobans,” Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen said.

International nurse program prepped ahead of Philippines recruitment

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

International nurse program prepped ahead of Philippines recruitment

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

A plan to allow unlicensed international nurses to work in Manitoba while completing their registration is being finalized, and could be in place in time for the arrival of new recruits from the Philippines.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A plan to allow unlicensed international nurses to work in Manitoba while completing their registration is being finalized. Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, believes the intention is to have the program up and running soon so it’s an option available to newly recruited nurses.

Licensing plan for international nurses still in development

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Licensing plan for international nurses still in development

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

A plan to get unlicensed, internationally educated nurses working under supervision in Manitoba’s health-care system is underway, but hasn’t launched yet.

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Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba approved 27 applications from international nurses in 2022 and has 39 applications in progress. (The Canadian Press files)

Diagnosis of hope as recruited doctors on way to join MS clinic

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Diagnosis of hope as recruited doctors on way to join MS clinic

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Waiting for treatment for multiple sclerosis is like running a marathon without knowing where the finish line is, says Victoria Morningstar.

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Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Victoria Morningstar was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nine months ago and is still waiting for treatment. (Supplied)

Manitoba not expanding access to PCR tests for COVID, antiviral treatment

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba not expanding access to PCR tests for COVID, antiviral treatment

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Manitoba has no plans to return to widespread lab testing for COVID-19 despite expanding access to PCR testing and treatment in some parts of the country.

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Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

Manitoba will continue offering PCR tests on a case-by-case basis as directed by a doctor, and hasn’t expanded eligibility criteria for antiviral treatment. (Rebecca Blackwell / The Associated Press files)

Former Ukrainian soldier, now living in Manitoba, embraces ice climbing

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Former Ukrainian soldier, now living in Manitoba, embraces ice climbing

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

A former Ukrainian soldier’s warm Winnipeg welcome involved scaling a 60-foot tower of ice — and he wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

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Monday, Feb. 6, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Michael Malets, who is a former Ukrainian soldier, celebrates climbing to the top of the 18-metre (60 foot) ice tower during Festiglace on Sunday.

Manitoba task force to target doctors’ paperwork burden

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba task force to target doctors’ paperwork burden

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

A new provincial task force on cutting unnecessary paperwork for physicians is expected to make a public report on its progress later this year.

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Friday, Feb. 3, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Candace Bradshaw, president of Doctors Manitoba, with Health Minister Audrey Gordon.

Hospital staff will ask Manitobans to self-identify race in effort to reduce health-system discrimination

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Hospital staff will ask Manitobans to self-identify race in effort to reduce health-system discrimination

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

Starting in April, Manitoba will become the first province to ask hospital patients to identify their race.

The collection of racial data is aimed at tackling systemic discrimination of patients and health-care workers and could lead to changes in triage and worker retention, Dr. Marcia Anderson hopes.

Anderson, executive director of Indigenous affairs at Ongomiizwin, the Institute of Health and Healing within the University of Manitoba’s faculty of Health Sciences, has been working on the idea for years as an extension of the Truth And Reconciliation Commission’s call to action for the health-care system.

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Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The collection of racial data is aimed at tackling systemic discrimination of patients and health-care workers and could lead to changes in triage and worker retention, Dr. Marcia Anderson hopes.

Flu, RSV numbers down at Children’s Hospital

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Flu, RSV numbers down at Children’s Hospital

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Respiratory viruses are no longer causing a surge of hospitalizations among children in Manitoba after a prolonged and severe flu season.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

January brought a significant drop in patient volumes to the children’s emergency department at Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital, recent figures from Shared Health show. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Manitobans fighting COVID fines lose in court

Katie May 7 minute read Preview

Manitobans fighting COVID fines lose in court

Katie May 7 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Dozens of Manitobans are still fighting hefty federal fines for violating pandemic protocols, four months after Ottawa lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions at Canada’s border crossings.

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Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023

Trucks block the border crossing at Emerson on Feb. 16, 2022 to protest various public health orders. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Patient’s patience not a virtue: he waited years for spinal surgery assigned to MD who left Manitoba

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Patient’s patience not a virtue: he waited years for spinal surgery assigned to MD who left Manitoba

Katie May 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

Jeff Delaney put his faith in Manitoba’s health-care system.

Now he’s advising others not to make the same mistake, lest they fall through the cracks.

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Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

Jeff Delaney put his faith in Manitoba’s health-care system.

Now he’s advising others not to make the same mistake, lest they fall through the cracks.

Thompson resident headed back to Winnipeg for rescheduled hip surgery

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Thompson resident headed back to Winnipeg for rescheduled hip surgery

Katie May 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

A Thompson man who flew to Winnipeg and waited five hours in a hospital gown for an urgent hip replacement that didn’t happen is cautiously optimistic he won’t be disappointed a second time.

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Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

Leon Gillis, 59, was supposed to have surgery Dec. 6, but his operation was cancelled a few hours after he arrived at the hospital. (Supplied)

Physicians drowning in ‘soul-sucking’ paperwork, Doctors Manitoba president says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Physicians drowning in ‘soul-sucking’ paperwork, Doctors Manitoba president says

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

A provincial task force to save doctors from “drowning in paperwork” has yet to get off the ground.

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Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

ERIK PINDERA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Some examples of unnecessary paperwork include duplicate forms, annual required documents for patients with lifelong conditions and even forms that ask physicians to answer “strange” questions, Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Candace Bradshaw said.

Southern chiefs want voice in national health-care funding talks

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Southern chiefs want voice in national health-care funding talks

Katie May 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

Southern Manitoba First Nations leaders are calling out the erosion of the health system for Indigenous patients and are asking for a seat at the table when Canada’s premiers discuss health-care funding.

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Monday, Jan. 30, 2023

First Nations leaders want a seat at the table when Canada’s premiers discuss health-care funding with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, says Jerry Daniels, grand chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Health official answers sex assault nurse program critics, says fixes on the way

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Health official answers sex assault nurse program critics, says fixes on the way

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Manitoba health officials are again promising improvements to the province’s sexual-assault nurse examiner program after glaring deficiencies were publicly highlighted earlier this week.

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Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Monika Warren, chief operating officer for provincial health services and chief nursing officer at Shared Health, during an announcement at the Brodie Centre Monday morning, that the federally funded Canadian Institutes of Health Research will see $6.6 million in new funding from the pan-Canadian initiative called the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR). 220627 - Monday, June 27, 2022.

Threats temporarily close three Manitoba schools

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Threats temporarily close three Manitoba schools

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Multiple threats led to temporary closures at Manitoba schools this week.

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Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023

Three threatening voicemail messages were sent recently to Clearspring Middle School (Jan. 18, 19 and 25), all late in the school day. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

Holy Family care home misses CUPE workers’ retroactive pay deadline

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Holy Family care home misses CUPE workers’ retroactive pay deadline

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Retroactive wage increases were expected to be fully paid out to roughly 18,000 health-care support workers in Manitoba by the beginning of this week, but some personal-care home staff are still waiting.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Holy Family Home management advised staff the Aberdeen Avenue facility wouldn’t be able to make the full retroactive payments to eligible employees earlier this week, according to memos obtained by the Free Press.

Morale teetering at Manitoba Clinic

Chris Kitching and Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Morale teetering at Manitoba Clinic

Chris Kitching and Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

A doctor who works at the Manitoba Clinic says staff are trying to keep things business as usual for patients, while the site’s uncertain future weighs heavily on them.

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Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Creditor protection proceedings are ongoing to restructure the Manitoba Clinic's finances. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba Clinic losing more docs, deal critical

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba Clinic losing more docs, deal critical

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Doctors are fleeing Manitoba’s largest private medical clinic as the desperate facility continues to seek provincial help to avoid financial collapse.

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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Manitoba Clinic will lose 20 physicians between now and April, leaving only 36 expected to remain in practice there, according to a new report. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Bail denied for co-accused in library homicide

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Bail denied for co-accused in library homicide

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

Two teen boys co-accused in the slaying of a Winnipeg man at the Millennium Library have been denied bail.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

The Millennium Library has been closed since Dec. 11 when 28-year-old Tyree Cayer died after being stabbed in the facility. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Frostbite flourished amid pandemic closures: advocates

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Frostbite flourished amid pandemic closures: advocates

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

Pandemic restrictions that resulted in limited operations at homeless shelters last winter are partly to blame for a 10-year high in severe frostbite cases, outreach workers say.

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Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

Pandemic restrictions that resulted in limited operations at homeless shelters last winter are partly to blame for a 10-year high in severe frostbite cases, outreach workers say.

Suspect in unsolved 1979 Winnipeg slaying charged with kidnapping in Alberta

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Suspect in unsolved 1979 Winnipeg slaying charged with kidnapping in Alberta

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

An Alberta man who was a suspect in a local unsolved murder case has been charged with kidnapping.

Lester Landry, 65, is accused of confining a woman in a vehicle and driving her to a secluded area against her will after she responded to his ad for housekeeping services.

The woman escaped the vehicle when it slowed down on a highway near the outskirts of Medicine Hat and called police on Jan. 14, the Medicine Hat Police Service announced in a news release Wednesday.

Read
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023

An Alberta man who was a suspect in a local unsolved murder case has been charged with kidnapping.

Lester Landry, 65, is accused of confining a woman in a vehicle and driving her to a secluded area against her will after she responded to his ad for housekeeping services.

The woman escaped the vehicle when it slowed down on a highway near the outskirts of Medicine Hat and called police on Jan. 14, the Medicine Hat Police Service announced in a news release Wednesday.

Store owner seeks social media assist to snap break-in string

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Store owner seeks social media assist to snap break-in string

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

A downtown storefront owner has appealed to social media after his business was targeted three times within the past month by what appears to be the same thief.

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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

Surveillance video of break-ins at Eph Apparel shows the same man breaking into the store three times. (Supplied)

Manitoba ‘poor performance’ mars accessibility standards report card

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba ‘poor performance’ mars accessibility standards report card

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

Manitoba accessibility advocates have issued the provincial government a passing grade — barely — when it comes to implementing and enforcing accessibility standards legislation on behalf of people with disabilities.

Barrier Free Manitoba has published a mock report card with an overall D grade, outlining its concerns with the province’s progress — and what the organization describes as a lack of consultation — in bringing into force the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

However, the non-profit coalition gave Manitoba F grades on protecting people with disabilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, on the existing complaints process, and on what it describes as a provincial failure to honour a human rights focus and basic intent of the legislation.

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Monday, Jan. 16, 2023

Manitoba accessibility advocates have issued the provincial government a passing grade — barely — when it comes to implementing and enforcing accessibility standards legislation on behalf of people with disabilities.

Barrier Free Manitoba has published a mock report card with an overall D grade, outlining its concerns with the province’s progress — and what the organization describes as a lack of consultation — in bringing into force the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.

However, the non-profit coalition gave Manitoba F grades on protecting people with disabilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, on the existing complaints process, and on what it describes as a provincial failure to honour a human rights focus and basic intent of the legislation.

HSC replaces access screeners with private security

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

HSC replaces access screeners with private security

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

Local health-care facilities have been phasing out COVID-19 screeners at their entrances over the past few months. At Health Sciences Centre, the move means 32 term employees will be out of work next week.

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Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Health Sciences Centre is phasing out its team of COVID-19 screeners. The 32 term employees will be out of work next week.

Boosters promoted as subvariant Kraken rears head

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Boosters promoted as subvariant Kraken rears head

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

In the face of the most contagious COVID-19 subvariant yet, Manitobans need to get up-to-date on booster shots and wear masks to protect young children from respiratory viruses, the president of Doctors Manitoba says.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/Lars Hagberg

Approximately 18 per cent of eligible Manitobans have received a bivalent COVID-19 booster since the shots rolled out in September.

Second Alberta lawyer charged after Manitoba judge followed

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Second Alberta lawyer charged after Manitoba judge followed

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

A second Alberta lawyer has been charged after admitting he knew about a plan to spy on a Manitoba judge while he presided over a legal challenge to provincial public health restrictions that had been launched by a group of churches.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Chief Justice Glenn Joyal said he noticed he was being followed by a suspicious vehicle as he left the Law Courts parkade in July 2021 and drove around town doing errands.

Korbin ‘just had a big heart’; dad raises funds to buy game systems for Children’s Hospital

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Korbin ‘just had a big heart’; dad raises funds to buy game systems for Children’s Hospital

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

When his son was hospitalized for weeks at a time, Joey Halldorsson brought his video-game console from home, bought a TV and set everything up to give Korbin a virtual escape.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Joey Halldorsson of AAA Electric has set up a fundraiser to supply video-game systems to HSC Children’s hospital.

Home care workers file grievance over perceived contract delays

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Home care workers file grievance over perceived contract delays

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

The union representing Manitoba home care workers is questioning a delay in improving working conditions, after a new contract for health support employees was agreed to in September.

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Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

The current contract is in effect for 2017-24 and took years to negotiate, Debbie Boissonneault said.

Highly contagious COVID strain yet to appear in Manitoba

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Highly contagious COVID strain yet to appear in Manitoba

Katie May 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

Manitoba health officials have not yet recorded any cases of an emerging, highly contagious COVID-19 variant that is taking over in other countries.

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Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

The province is tracking the new variant, but hasn't had a report of it showing up in Manitoba, yet, says Health Minister Audrey Gordon. (Tyler Searle / Winnipeg Free Press files)

CancerCare Manitoba to offer life-saving therapy in spring

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

CancerCare Manitoba to offer life-saving therapy in spring

Katie May 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

A specialized cancer treatment previously only available outside the province will be offered here in the spring thanks to a $6.6 million provincial government investment, CancerCare Manitoba announced Monday.

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Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“We want to ensure that we are providing care here in Manitoba and building the capacity right here in our province,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon (centre).

Change to how COVID deaths recorded causes spike in Manitoba stats

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Change to how COVID deaths recorded causes spike in Manitoba stats

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Manitoba recorded more COVID-19 deaths in 2022 than it did in the previous two years of the pandemic, but the province’s public health team advises against making such a comparison.

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Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

This transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19. (NIAID/TNS)

Lawyer charged in relation to spying on Manitoba judge

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Lawyer charged in relation to spying on Manitoba judge

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

An Alberta lawyer has been charged with obstruction-of-justice offences nearly a year and a half after he admitted to hiring a private investigator to spy on a Manitoba judge.

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Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/Bill Graveland

Alberta lawyer John Carpay has been charged with obstruction of justice.

Waiting for answers ‘absolute horror,’ Manitoba cancer patient says

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Waiting for answers ‘absolute horror,’ Manitoba cancer patient says

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

At the beginning of 2022, Rick Wiens was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At the beginning of 2023, he’s preparing to start chemotherapy — his final treatment option.

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Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Waiting for answers in a “broken” health-care system is akin to torture, says Rick Wiens, who is set to undergo chemo as a final treatment option for prostate cancer.

Children’s Hospital ICU still swamped

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Children’s Hospital ICU still swamped

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022

High rates of respiratory viruses continue to cause severe illness among young children, but no cases of invasive strep have been reported in Manitoba to date.

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Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022

The pediatric intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital normally has nine beds; it had 21 patients Thursday morning. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Manitoba COVID deaths take weeks to be counted

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba COVID deaths take weeks to be counted

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

In the past two months, fewer than 15 Manitobans have reportedly died of COVID-19 — but during that same time frame, Manitoba’s pandemic death toll has retroactively grown by 70.

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Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

ANDREW VAUGHAN / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The province continues to update its death and hospitalization counts weeks after those patients died or were admitted to hospital.

Complaint filed after surgery at Grace cancelled

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Complaint filed after surgery at Grace cancelled

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

A Thompson man who flew to Winnipeg for a hip replacement, only to have his surgery cancelled at the last minute, has filed a complaint and is still waiting for his procedure to be rescheduled.

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Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022

Leon Gillis, 59, was supposed to have surgery Dec. 6, but his operation was cancelled a few hours after he arrived at the hospital. (Supplied)

Disappointed, weary holiday travellers in Winnipeg grounded by miserable weather elsewhere

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Disappointed, weary holiday travellers in Winnipeg grounded by miserable weather elsewhere

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

Hopeful holiday travellers are taking their chances at Winnipeg’s airport, despite widespread cancellations across Canada due to winter storms in many regions of the country.

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Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

As of early Friday afternoon, 11 flights out of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport had been cancelled and eight were delayed.

NDP calls for rescue of Manitoba Clinic

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

NDP calls for rescue of Manitoba Clinic

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

The NDP is calling on the provincial government to help rescue Manitoba’s largest private medical clinic, which was granted creditor protection three weeks ago.

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Friday, Dec. 23, 2022

The Manitoba Clinic was granted creditor protection on Nov. 30. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Man flushes ‘three grand down the toilet’ as surgery cancelled

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Man flushes ‘three grand down the toilet’ as surgery cancelled

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

A Thompson man is out roughly $3,000 in flights, hotel costs and lost wages after his surgery in Winnipeg was unexpectedly cancelled in early December.

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Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022

Leon Gillis, 59, was supposed to have surgery Dec. 6, but his operation was cancelled a few hours after he arrived at the hospital. (Supplied)

Cancellation of cancer surgery opens eyes to health system woes

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Cancellation of cancer surgery opens eyes to health system woes

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

After speaking publicly about his unexpectedly cancelled cancer surgery, a Winnipeg man now has a new appointment and firsthand knowledge of the health-care system’s lack of capacity.

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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

David Gaboury had surgery scheduled for Dec. 15 to remove his prostate. It was cancelled after an influx of emergency surgeries at the Grace Hospital. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Children’s Hospital lull keeps surgery slate full

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Children’s Hospital lull keeps surgery slate full

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital has avoided widespread surgery cancellations thanks to a lull in critical illness.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

As of Tuesday morning, there were 17 patients in the pediatric intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg police officer cleared in June fatal shooting

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg police officer cleared in June fatal shooting

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

No charges will be laid against a city police officer who shot and killed an armed man six months ago on a North End street.

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Monday, Dec. 19, 2022

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba found a Winnipeg police officer was justified in shooting a man who was running around the area of Mountain Avenue and Salter Street with a knife. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Arrest made in July assault on senior

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Arrest made in July assault on senior

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Five months after a Winnipeg senior was shoved into oncoming traffic, police have arrested a suspect.

Read
Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Five months after a Winnipeg senior was shoved into oncoming traffic, police have arrested a suspect. (John Woods / The Canadian Press)

Flu siege, RSV force drastic action at Children’s Hospital

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Flu siege, RSV force drastic action at Children’s Hospital

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Children’s elective surgeries are being postponed, nurses with pediatric experience are being called in and city health-care agencies are being told to staff up as an unprecedented surge of influenza continues to strain resources.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Starting Thursday, the children’s hospital is cutting back on procedures that are not time-sensitive so surgical and recovery nurses can instead help out in critical-care units. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files)

Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press HSC - Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital

Daily public health updates should be in the past: Roussin

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Daily public health updates should be in the past: Roussin

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Manitoba is in the middle of a severe early flu season, with a potential resurgence of COVID-19 on the horizon, but frequent public health updates are not on the schedule.

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin (Winnipeg Free Press Files)

Flu kills 17 Manitobans in 2022

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Flu kills 17 Manitobans in 2022

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Seventeen Manitobans have died of the flu so far this year, including one young person under the age of 18.

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Dr. Brent Roussin cautioned that people may perceive flu as being a lower risk because it’s more commonly known, whereas COVID-19 caused high alarm when it emerged as a new coronavirus nearly three years ago. (Mike Sudoma / Free Press files)

‘He loved his community more than almost anything’: Winnipeg MP Carr dead at 71

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

‘He loved his community more than almost anything’: Winnipeg MP Carr dead at 71

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

Days after getting his final private member’s bill passed into law, Winnipeg member of Parliament Jim Carr has died following a battle with cancer.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg South Centre Liberal incumbent Jim Carr celebrates his win at his election night party at Fionn MacCool’s in Winnipeg on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021.

Number of fires at homeless camps rising

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Number of fires at homeless camps rising

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

Freezing temperatures and an increasing number of tent shelters throughout the city have led to an increase in the number of fires sparking in temporary homeless camps.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The site of a tent fire at an encampment on Higgins Avenue on Dec. 5.

Manitoba reports first child death of flu season

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Manitoba reports first child death of flu season

Katie May 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

Manitoba has recorded its first influenza death of a child this flu season.

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Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

Manitoba has recorded its first influenza death of a child this flu season. (AP Photo/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Michael Shaw, Doug Jordan)

Former Oakview Place health-care aides face one assault charge each

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Former Oakview Place health-care aides face one assault charge each

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

The number of criminal charges against two health-care aides accused of abuse at a Winnipeg long-term personal care home has dwindled as the investigation continues.

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Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Oakview Place long-term personal care home.

Province urged to boost vaccine messaging as flu cases spike

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Province urged to boost vaccine messaging as flu cases spike

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

Doctors are urging the Manitoba government to boost its messaging about the importance of the flu shot amid low uptake, including among babies and pre-schoolers, as influenza cases continue to surge.

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Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Doctors are urging the Manitoba government to boost its messaging about the importance of the flu shot amid low uptake.

Lower patient volumes at Children’s Hospital likely calm before expected storm, ER director says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Lower patient volumes at Children’s Hospital likely calm before expected storm, ER director says

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

Patient volumes at Children’s Hospital have dropped below last month’s record-high levels, but the peak of flu season has yet to come, a member of the facility’s leadership team says.

Read
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

Dr. Karen Gripp, emergency department medical director and section head at the Health Sciences Centre hospital, said admissions are still at the normal level and visits to the ER appear to be declining, at least temporarily. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press Files)

No injuries, increased concern in wake of encampment fire

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

No injuries, increased concern in wake of encampment fire

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

At his makeshift home at a Higgins Avenue encampment, Damian woke Monday morning to the sight of flames licking up the side of a building a few metres away.

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Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Firefighters were called to a blaze on the first 100 block of Higgins at 8:20 a.m., and had it under control within 20 minutes, the City of Winnipeg said. The cause is still under investigation.

Manitoba MPs Gazan, Ashton demand action from Ottawa to stop ‘genocide’ of Indigenous women

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba MPs Gazan, Ashton demand action from Ottawa to stop ‘genocide’ of Indigenous women

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

MANITOBA members of Parliament called on the federal government to devote more resources to protect Indigenous women as a criminal investigation into an alleged serial killer continues.

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Monday, Dec. 5, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

People gathered at the Oodena Circle at the forks for a vigil to name and remember MMIWG on Sunday.

Service-dog user urged to file human rights case

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Service-dog user urged to file human rights case

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

A service dog user, who spent years fighting for his rights at a Manitoba tribunal, says it too often falls on discriminated individuals to push for long-term change.

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Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

Veronika Kanya was on her way to jiu jitsu class with her service dog Apache on Nov. 27 when she says two consecutive Uber drivers refused to give her a ride, saying “no dogs,” even after Kanya explained she is blind and her dog is not a pet. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Flu on rise, RSV awareness spreads

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Flu on rise, RSV awareness spreads

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

Flu cases continue to rise in Manitoba, and sick children are steadily showing up in emergency rooms.

Read
Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

As of early Thursday, there were nine patients in pediatric intensive care and 48 patients in the newborn ICU, according to a Shared Health spokesperson who stated Children’s Hospital patient volumes have stayed high this week. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files)

Creditor protection keeps Manitoba Clinic doors open

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Creditor protection keeps Manitoba Clinic doors open

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

Manitoba’s largest private medical clinic is in financial crisis and has been granted creditor protection.

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Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Winnipeg-based Manitoba Clinic will now have to restructure its operations and finances under court supervision.

Uber drivers say no to woman’s guide dog

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Uber drivers say no to woman’s guide dog

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

A visually impaired Winnipegger is considering filing a human-rights complaint after she was denied two consecutive Uber rides because of her guide dog.

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Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

Veronika Kanya and her guide dog Apache were denied rides by two different drivers on the weekend. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Four more teens arrested, charged in aftermath of wild East St. Paul party

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Four more teens arrested, charged in aftermath of wild East St. Paul party

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

RCMP have rounded up four more suspects in the aftermath of an out-of-control house party in East St. Paul last month that culminated in police officers being verbally assaulted and serious damage to their vehicles.

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Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

A person of interest the RCMP are looking to identify and speak with in connection with the house party. (RCMP / Handout)

City lab works on tracking flu in wastewater

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

City lab works on tracking flu in wastewater

Katie May 2 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg is developing tests to allow Canadian cities to track flu transmission by analyzing sewage.

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Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg is developing tests to allow Canadian cities to track flu transmission by analyzing sewage. (Winnipeg Free Press)

Hospital has handle on ‘crisis’ of sick kids

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Hospital has handle on ‘crisis’ of sick kids

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The Children’s Hospital is reassuring parents it won’t run out of space or staff despite children getting sick at an unprecedented rate.

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Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022

The Children’s Hospital is reassuring parents it won’t run out of space or staff despite children getting sick at an unprecedented rate. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press Files)

HSC Foundation hoping Tuesday translates to giving

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

HSC Foundation hoping Tuesday translates to giving

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

Manitoba’s largest hospital needs mobility aids to help recovering critically ill patients regain their strength after they’ve spent months on ventilators.

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Monday, Nov. 28, 2022

SUPPLIED

Staff of HSC Winnipeg’s IICU, pictured left to right: Shannon Smith, physiotherapist; Allie Blazek, clinical resource nurse; Tracy Simcoe, manager of IICU and respiratory therapy; and Dr Adrian Robertson, IICU medical director.

Wastewater could become new front for flu detection

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Wastewater could become new front for flu detection

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

Sewage surveillance for flu cases could soon be a national reality.

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Friday, Nov. 25, 2022

Scientists are working on validating tests to detect influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in wastewater. The tests aim to detect A and B strains of both viruses, says the Public Health Agency of Canada, which operates the National Microbiology Lab (above) in Winnipeg. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Online tool to track waits at private clinics in Winnipeg

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Online tool to track waits at private clinics in Winnipeg

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

Wait times at private walk-in clinics will be posted online as part of Manitoba health officials’ plans to reduce extreme waits in emergency rooms and urgent care centres.

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Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

Wait times at private walk-in clinics will be posted online as part of Manitoba health officials’ plans to reduce extreme waits in emergency rooms and urgent care centres. (Nicolas Tucat/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Doctors demand province escalate efforts to attract physicians

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Doctors demand province escalate efforts to attract physicians

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

Doctors Manitoba is calling for immediate action to tackle the worsening physician shortage, just weeks after Manitoba introduced a wide-scale human resources plan for the health sector.

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Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022

ERIK PINDERA/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Dr. Candace Bradshaw, a Winnipeg family doctor, said solving Manitoba’s family doctor shortage is doable if the process is streamlined and time-wasting paperwork is eliminated to reduce doctors’ workloads.

Fewer Manitobans vaccinated against flu strain wreaking havoc at Children’s Hospital

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Fewer Manitobans vaccinated against flu strain wreaking havoc at Children’s Hospital

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

Only 12.5 per cent of Manitoba children have been vaccinated against this season’s influenza strain, which is causing widespread infection and serious illness, particularly in babies and toddlers.

Read
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Only 12.5 per cent of Manitoba children have received their flu shot so far this fall — totalling just under 20,000 doses administered to children as of Nov. 12.

Province changes COVID epidemiology reporting, provides less detail

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Province changes COVID epidemiology reporting, provides less detail

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

Changes to Manitoba’s provincial COVID-19 data may make it more difficult for some researchers to ascertain early warning signs at this point in the pandemic.

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Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Previously, Manitoba had been publishing some of the most detailed hospitalization counts in the country.

Growing number of sick kids straining health system, likely to worsen

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Growing number of sick kids straining health system, likely to worsen

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

The unprecedented number of Manitoba children needing emergency care due to a confluence of respiratory infections is stretching the health system — and the surge of illness likely hasn’t reached its peak, officials warn.

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Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

(Ruth Bonneville / Free Press files)

‘Reality is pretty bleak… for Canada’s children’s hospitals’

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

‘Reality is pretty bleak… for Canada’s children’s hospitals’

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Nov. 21, 2022

As upper-respiratory viruses continue to send Manitoba children and their worried parents to hospitals, there are increasing calls for health officials to come up with a plan to deal with the emergency-ward crush.

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Monday, Nov. 21, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

There were 177 ER visits to Health Sciences Centre children’s hospital Sunday, a higher daily total than the average 145.8 visits per day for the month of October, Shared Health data shows.

COVID threat level ‘severe’ in Manitoba

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

COVID threat level ‘severe’ in Manitoba

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

The post-Thanksgiving surge in COVID-19 transmission is just starting to simmer down, but Canadians can expect it to flare back up as winter tightens its grip on the country, a national research group says.

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Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

Manitoba still has among the highest COVID-19 risk in the country. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Fatal stabbing triggered by argument over $5: witness

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Fatal stabbing triggered by argument over $5: witness

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

A sudden argument over what sounded like $5 preceded the slaying of a 37-year-old man in Winnipeg’s Centennial neighbourhood in March 2020, a trial heard Tuesday.

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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

Dylan James Mousseau

Ex-workers celebrate Air Canada court victory

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Ex-workers celebrate Air Canada court victory

Katie May 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Ten years after they were laid off, Winnipeg aviation workers are celebrating a long-awaited legal victory.

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Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

As part of the outcome of the class-action lawsuit former Aveos workers brought against Air Canada, the corporation has been ordered to pay compensation to former staff. Air Canada hasn’t confirmed whether it will appeal the court ruling.

Appeal of murder conviction denied

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Appeal of murder conviction denied

Katie May 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

A convicted killer’s appeal has been denied a decade after he was found guilty.

Read
Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

A convicted killer’s appeal has been denied a decade after he was found guilty.

Family of teen killed in crash fall victim to allegedly fraudulent fundraiser

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Family of teen killed in crash fall victim to allegedly fraudulent fundraiser

Katie May 4 minute read Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

A grieving family is heartbroken after an online fundraiser using the name and image of their late son collected nearly $12,000 in allegedly fraudulent donations.

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Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The family of David Bunguke gather at their home on October 21, 2022, days after his death. Bunguke’s father John Bungkuke, stands on the right.

Sharing child-welfare system stories helps women heal

Reviewed by Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Sharing child-welfare system stories helps women heal

Reviewed by Katie May 4 minute read Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

This collection of 10 women’s stories is not an easy read, but it is a necessary one.

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Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

Homeless man off to jail after assault on senior in skywalk

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Homeless man off to jail after assault on senior in skywalk

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Nov. 11, 2022

A Winnipeg man who randomly attacked a disabled elderly woman in a downtown skywalk has about eight months left to spend in jail after he was sentenced earlier this month.

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Friday, Nov. 11, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

A Winnipeg man who randomly attacked a disabled elderly woman in a downtown skywalk has about eight months left to spend in jail after he was sentenced earlier this month.

Polo Park ceiling collapses near second-floor food court

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Polo Park ceiling collapses near second-floor food court

Katie May 2 minute read Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

A structural engineer is investigating after a second-floor ceiling collapse at Polo Park mall Saturday.

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Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

Lanz Rivera photo

A structural engineer is investigating after a second-floor ceiling collapse at Polo Park mall on Saturday.

Man arrested in Portage after Friday gun incident

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

Man arrested in Portage after Friday gun incident

Katie May 1 minute read Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

A 37-year-old Portage la Prairie man has been charged with several gun offences.

Read
Monday, Nov. 7, 2022

A 37-year-old Portage la Prairie man has been charged with several gun offences.

Manitoba stands pat on Paxlovid prescription process

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba stands pat on Paxlovid prescription process

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

Manitoba isn’t moving to expand access to Paxlovid for individuals infected with COVID-19 via granting prescribing power to pharmacists, as has been done in other jurisdictions.

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Friday, Nov. 4, 2022

People eligible to receive Paxlovid can only get it prescribed by a doctor. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

COVID-19 transmission spreading in Manitoba

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

COVID-19 transmission spreading in Manitoba

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

COVID-19 transmission, hospitalizations and deaths appear to be on the rise in Manitoba.

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Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

There were 116 hospitalizations, including seven ICU admissions, and 11 deaths associated with COVID-19 last week, according to the latest epidemiology report from the provincial government.

Health spending projected below national average

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Health spending projected below national average

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

MANITOBA’S annual health-care spending is projected to hit $11.8 billion before the end of this year, new data show, as Canada’s overall health spending climbs to $331 billion.

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Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba’s annual health-care spending is projected to hit $11.8 billion before the end of this year, new data shows.

‘It’s devastating’: doctor rings alarm bell over ER pressures

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

‘It’s devastating’: doctor rings alarm bell over ER pressures

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

For the first time, 10 years into his medical career, Winnipeg emergency department physician Dr. Kristjan Thompson thought about quitting.

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Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Hospitals should have a “laser focus” on keeping the nurses they have before more leave the sector due to all-time high levels of burnout, said Dr. Kristjan Thompson, a Winnipeg emergency department physician.

Rates of street-drug poisoning increasing in Winnipeg

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Rates of street-drug poisoning increasing in Winnipeg

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Oct. 24, 2022

Harm reduction advocates are raising alarm about increasing rates of drug poisoning in Manitoba and lack of political will to make changes they say would save lives.

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Monday, Oct. 24, 2022

People who want naloxone kits can only get two per visit to pharmacies or organizations that stock them, something front-line personnel would like to see changed. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

COVID level in Winnipeg wastewater rises

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

COVID level in Winnipeg wastewater rises

Katie May 1 minute read Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

The viral load of COVID-19 in the city’s wastewater is on the rise.

Read
Friday, Oct. 21, 2022

The viral load of COVID-19 in the city’s wastewater is on the rise.

COVID transmission spikes in Winnipeg: wastewater data

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

COVID transmission spikes in Winnipeg: wastewater data

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

COVID-19 transmission in parts of Winnipeg nearly quadrupled over Thanksgiving weekend, recent wastewater surveillance data suggests.

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Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

COVID-19 transmission in parts of Winnipeg nearly quadrupled over Thanksgiving weekend, recent wastewater surveillance data suggests. (NIAID/TNS)

New vax messaging could prevent COVID, flu crisis: expert

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

New vax messaging could prevent COVID, flu crisis: expert

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

Heading into flu season with low uptake of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines is a reason to hit refresh on public-health communication in Manitoba, a Winnipeg epidemiologist says.

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Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

Chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin (above) should build on the familiarity he has forged with Manitobans over the past two years by making public appearances consistently and drawing on results from public-opinion surveys, says epidemiologist Cynthia Carr. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

Simulation adds new level to nursing education

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Simulation adds new level to nursing education

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

She’d never call herself the Ms. Frizzle of nursing education, but Sufia Turner’s approach to lessons at the University of Manitoba’s College of Nursing does draw some inspiration from the cartoon teacher aboard The Magic School Bus.

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Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022

Surgery slates on schedule in Oct.: Shared Health

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

Surgery slates on schedule in Oct.: Shared Health

Katie May 1 minute read Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

NO surgery slates are expected to be cancelled in October due to lack of staff.

Read
Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022

NO surgery slates are expected to be cancelled in October due to lack of staff.

MPI helps drive brain injury research funding

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

MPI helps drive brain injury research funding

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

A portion of Manitobans’ auto-insurance premiums are being used to further fund research into traumatic brain injuries.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Frederick Zeiler, a Neurotrauma Neurosurgeon, during an announcement that the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, along with Manitoba Public Insurance and the University of Manitoba, will be committing $3.5 million in combined support towards research into severe traumatic brain injuries.

Candidates duke it out at Jewish Federation forum

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Candidates duke it out at Jewish Federation forum

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

THE full-house audience was pre-warned not to cheer “or jeer” during a Monday night mayoral forum with the six-highest polling candidates hosted by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

Winnipeg mayoral candidates Jenny Motkaluk (from left), Glen Murray and Robert-Falcon Ouellette participate in a mayoral forum sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg at the Asper Jewish Community Campus. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

Heritage advocates lobby to save homes

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Heritage advocates lobby to save homes

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

There’s not much conservationists can do to stop fast-tracked demolition of near-century-old homes in the city’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, the executive director of Heritage Winnipeg says.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

The two-storey home at 1188 Wellington Cres.

Regiment service honoured

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Regiment service honoured

Katie May 2 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

A monument dedicated to more than a century of service from one local military regiment was unveiled Sunday during a ceremony at Vimy Ridge Park.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

People gather at a dedication service in honour of the memory of the officers and men of the Queens’ Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada who have died or were injured in first and second world wars at Vimy Park Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.

Right to timely bail hearings in spotlight

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Right to timely bail hearings in spotlight

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

A Norway House woman who was detained for more than 25 hours without a chance for release has doubled down on a court declaration that her charter right to a timely bail hearing was violated.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

A Norway House woman who was detained for more than 25 hours without a chance for release has doubled down on a court declaration that her charter right to a timely bail hearing was violated.

Three out of 8 people who go to city ERs don’t need it, CEO says

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Three out of 8 people who go to city ERs don’t need it, CEO says

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

Hiring more hospital staff is the No. 1 priority for health-care administrators, who are trying to reduce long ER wait times by pointing Winnipeggers toward walk-in clinics.

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Monday, Oct. 3, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Dr. Shawn Young, COO, Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg.

Union raises alarm over rural 911 call centre staffing

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Union raises alarm over rural 911 call centre staffing

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

When rural Manitobans call 911, they may wait more than five minutes before a dispatcher picks up the phone, according to the dispatchers’ union.

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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

JENNY KANE / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

When rural Manitobans call 911, they may wait more than five minutes before a dispatcher picks up the phone.

Gordon to meet with HSC emergency-department nurses

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Gordon to meet with HSC emergency-department nurses

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

Manitoba’s health minister will meet with overburdened emergency-room nurses at Health Sciences Centre for the first time since the pandemic began, amid the ongoing crisis in the hospital’s emergency department.

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Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Health Minister Audrey Gordon is set to attend two town hall meetings at Health Sciences Centre, the first of which is Thursday, followed by a second on Oct. 7.

Judge rules against Skip the Dishes’ ‘unconscionable’ attempt to block class-action suit

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Judge rules against Skip the Dishes’ ‘unconscionable’ attempt to block class-action suit

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

A proposed class-action lawsuit on behalf of Skip The Dishes delivery drivers is slowly moving forward after a Manitoba judge ruled it was “unconscionable” for the company to try to take away couriers’ right to sue.

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Wednesday, Sep. 28, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Skip The Dishes, the food delivery service, is facing accusations it is trying to skirt labour laws by failing to provide employee benefits to couriers it considers “independent contractors” rather than employees.

Indigenous, political leaders sign health-care anti-racism declaration

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Indigenous, political leaders sign health-care anti-racism declaration

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Sep. 26, 2022

Systemic change in Manitoba’s health-care system will incorporate Indigenous culture and will no longer tolerate racism, Indigenous and provincial leaders declared Monday.

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Monday, Sep. 26, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

The declaration paves the way for databases that can chart Indigenous patients’ experiences and follow them through the medical system from admission to discharge, said Dr. Barry Lavallee, CEO of Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc.

City OKs fast-tracked demolition of Wellington Crescent home

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

City OKs fast-tracked demolition of Wellington Crescent home

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

A 93-year-old home that has become a problem house in Winnipeg’s most prestigious neighbourhood will be demolished, with special permission from the city.

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Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

The vacant property at 1188 Wellington Cres. has become home to squatters who have been causing problems in the neighbourhood. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Interest, indifference greet latest booster expansion

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Interest, indifference greet latest booster expansion

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

An influx of eager bivalent-booster bookers headed online or phoned local pharmacies first thing Thursday to secure their latest dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but it’s not top priority for many newly eligible Manitobans.

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Thursday, Sep. 22, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Contessa Dela Cruz, who has booked her bivalent booster appointment, chats with the Free Press about the bivalent booster shot in Winnipeg on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. For Katie May story. Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

Staffing crunch puts another ambulance on sidelines

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Staffing crunch puts another ambulance on sidelines

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

A shortage of paramedics pulled another Winnipeg ambulance out of service Wednesday, as officials continue to warn of chronic staffing problems among first responders resulting in millions in municipal over-expenditures.

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Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Last weekend, 16 firefighters, seven paramedics and three 911 dispatch operators called in sick, and three ambulances had to be kept out of the rotation in Elmwood/East Kildonan and Weston neighbourhoods because there were too few paramedics to staff them.

Manitoba expands bivalent COVID-19 vaccine eligibility

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba expands bivalent COVID-19 vaccine eligibility

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

Manitoba is starting its push to get all adults boosted with a vaccine that targets the Omicron variant of COVID-19, but the efficacy of the province’s messaging is being questioned.

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Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

MARKUS SCHREIBER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Only three per cent of Manitoba’s initial bivalent vaccine doses were administered within the first week of availability.

Neighbours demand fast-tracked demolition of Wellington Crescent problem house

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Neighbours demand fast-tracked demolition of Wellington Crescent problem house

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2022

A 93-year-old home on Wellington Crescent faces demolition as neighbours complain squatters have taken over the vacant structure.

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Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Next-door neighbour Yu Wang said people have been breaking into the vacant house for the past three months.

Experts warn against booster delay

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Experts warn against booster delay

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Sep. 19, 2022

Delaying a COVID-19 booster shot appointment to wait for expanded bivalent vaccine eligibility may not be the best option as transmission levels are predicted to rise this fall, a national network of COVID-19 researchers is recommending.

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Monday, Sep. 19, 2022

A nurse loads a syringe with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at an inoculation station next to Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, July 19, 2022. More people in Saskatchewan will be able to book a COVID-19 bivalent booster shot on Monday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Rogelio V. Solis

‘Ridiculous for health care in Manitoba’: Eriksdale ER temporary closure ramps up rural concerns

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

‘Ridiculous for health care in Manitoba’: Eriksdale ER temporary closure ramps up rural concerns

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

A temporary closure of an Interlake hospital ER has prompted nearby First Nations communities to express concern about the future of local health care.

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Thursday, Sep. 15, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Council chairman and Lake Manitoba Chief Cornell McLean said the closure will leave neighbouring First Nations without accessible care, despite the fact Ashern’s hospital remains open 40 km northeast of Eriksdale.

Controversial patient transfers to rural hospitals end

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Controversial patient transfers to rural hospitals end

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

Manitoba has stopped sending hospital patients from Winnipeg to rural Manitoba, but the inter-regional transfer policy city hospitals relied upon to free up beds during COVID-19 surges remains in place.

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Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

Manitoba has stopped sending hospital patients from Winnipeg to rural Manitoba, but the inter-regional transfer policy city hospitals relied upon to free up beds during COVID-19 surges remains in place.

Four spots added to respiratory therapist class

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Four spots added to respiratory therapist class

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

Four seats have been added to University of Manitoba’s most recent class of aspiring respiratory therapists as the provincial government promises to fill vacancies exposed by the pandemic.

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Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Health Minister Audrey Gordon officially announced the funding at the John Buhler Research Centre Wednesday afternoon, describing it as one example of the government’s investment in health care.

ER hallway medicine pressure ‘every single shift’: HSC doctor

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

ER hallway medicine pressure ‘every single shift’: HSC doctor

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

Hallway medicine for trauma patients at Winnipeg’s largest ER has become increasingly common, Health Sciences Centre emergency department staff say.

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Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Hallway medicine for trauma patients at Winnipeg’s largest ER has become increasingly common, Health Sciences Centre emergency department staff say.

Dying patient slams hospital for charging TV fee

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Dying patient slams hospital for charging TV fee

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

Television ranked low on the list of things Marvyn Cairns and his family wanted to think about after he was admitted to hospital with complications from terminal cancer.

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Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2022

Melita ER to reopen after summer closure

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Melita ER to reopen after summer closure

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

Melita’s ER is on track to reopen next week after additional delays rooted in staff shortages.

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Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

Melita’s ER is on track to reopen next week after additional delays rooted in staff shortages.

Rural hospital shutdowns continue into fall

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Rural hospital shutdowns continue into fall

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

Summer shutdowns at some rural Manitoba hospitals have quietly extended into fall, and the uncertainty about reopening is frustrating residents.

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Monday, Sep. 12, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Asked if and when Melita’s ER will reopen, a spokesperson for the Prairie Mountain Health region didn’t commit.

Many gather for downtown street festival return

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Many gather for downtown street festival return

Katie May 2 minute read Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

For the first time in two years, Winnipeggers packed downtown streets ready for outdoor concerts, carnival rides, and rows upon rows of food trucks.

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Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Festival goers enjoy some of the many food trucks that are a staple at ManyFest.

Police didn’t help stop bike theft, cyclist says

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Police didn’t help stop bike theft, cyclist says

Katie May 3 minute read Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

A cyclist says he’s left feeling violated after Winnipeg police officers refused to help him while his bike was being stolen.

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Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

TWITTER

Gackle posted on Twitter about what happened when he informed uniformed police officers that his bike was in the process of being stolen. Their response left him feeling violated and unimpressed.

Transit union endorses Murray for mayor

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

Transit union endorses Murray for mayor

Katie May 1 minute read Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

Winnipeg’s transit union stressed it is endorsing Glen Murray for mayor and asked another candidate to remove its reference to the union on her website.

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Friday, Sep. 9, 2022

Winnipeg’s transit union stressed it is endorsing Glen Murray for mayor and asked another candidate to remove its reference to the union on her website.

Woodstock threatened with lawsuit

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Woodstock threatened with lawsuit

Katie May 4 minute read Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

A public spat between two Winnipeg mayoral candidates at a seniors forum has sparked the threat of a lawsuit.

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Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock (right) has been threatened with a defamation suit over comments he made about the local construction industry in reference to the brother of opponent Jenny Motaklauk (left).

Judge grants visits to biological parents in adoption case

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Judge grants visits to biological parents in adoption case

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

A judge decided to overstep her jurisdiction by granting biological parents weekly visits with their child once he is adopted by his foster family, after she identified a gap in Manitoba’s child-protection law.

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Thursday, Sep. 8, 2022

A judge decided to overstep her jurisdiction by granting biological parents weekly visits with their child once he is adopted by his foster family, after she identified a gap in Manitoba’s child-protection law.

Candidates’ clash boils over at forum

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Candidates’ clash boils over at forum

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

The first mayoral forum of the Winnipeg municipal election took a dramatic turn, after two participants clashed and one walked out in protest.

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Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre hosted a mayoral forum with 10 candidates discussing their platforms and taking questions from residents Wednesday. Mayoral candidates, Jennifer Motkaluk and Don Woodstock get into a debate after a member of the audience asks Don a question.

HSC emergency department forced to close half its beds

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

HSC emergency department forced to close half its beds

Katie May 5 minute read Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

Manitoba’s largest emergency department had to close about half of its beds Friday due to a lack of nurses.

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Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

HSC Emergency department.

Health officials to update Manitobans on pediatric COVID vaccine boosters

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Health officials to update Manitobans on pediatric COVID vaccine boosters

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

The province is expected to release more information next week about its rollout plan for pediatric vaccine doses.

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Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health office, didn’t say Friday whether the province is considering expanding fourth-dose eligibility.

Ex-nurses blame red tape for holding up return to workplace

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Ex-nurses blame red tape for holding up return to workplace

Katie May 6 minute read Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

Former nurses who want to go back to work are calling out the regulatory red tape that’s in their way, even as hospitals across the province struggle to fill nursing shifts.

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Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

“No question at all. People need the care right now,” said Kendra Haight, who works as a pandemic immunizer.

Filipina nurse gains right to work in Manitoba

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Filipina nurse gains right to work in Manitoba

Katie May 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022

An internationally educated nurse has won the right to be registered to work in Manitoba after she became certified elsewhere in Canada.

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Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022

An internationally educated nurse has won the right to be registered to work in Manitoba after she became certified elsewhere in Canada.

Wastewater monkeypox testing underway across Canada

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Wastewater monkeypox testing underway across Canada

Katie May 2 minute read Monday, Aug. 15, 2022

Wastewater testing to detect the monkeypox virus has begun in Winnipeg and 12 other Canadian cities as scientists work to determine how accurate the tests are.

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Monday, Aug. 15, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES

Three types of tests, including one developed in Winnipeg at the National Microbiology Lab, are now being used to measure rates of monkeypox in municipal wastewater, the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed.

Federal officials using Winnipeg lab-developed analysis to monitor wastewater for monkeypox

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Federal officials using Winnipeg lab-developed analysis to monitor wastewater for monkeypox

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Canada will soon begin monitoring wastewater to detect the monkeypox virus with new analysis methods developed at the Winnipeg-based National Microbiology Lab.

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Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

New wastewater analysis methods were developed at the Winnipeg-based National Microbiology Lab on 1015 Arlington Street in Winnipeg. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Manitoba opens monkeypox vaccination bookings again

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Manitoba opens monkeypox vaccination bookings again

Katie May 6 minute read Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

Manitoba is refusing to reveal how much of the “scarce supply” of monkeypox vaccine it has on hand, even as it announced it has reopened appointment booking after abruptly halting it earlier this week.

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Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

In a screen grab from the video press conference call, Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, provides an update on Monkeypox vaccination in the province.

Monkeypox vaccine rollout suspended, province silent on cause

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Monkeypox vaccine rollout suspended, province silent on cause

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

Just hours after its rollout, the province’s monkeypox vaccine appointments were halted without explanation, leaving some at-risk Manitobans wondering when they’ll get immunized.

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Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

Vials of empty monkeypox vaccines sit at a table at Seattle Central College in Seattle, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. (Daniel Kim/The Seattle Times via AP)

First day of paediatric vaccine eligibility ‘great day’

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

First day of paediatric vaccine eligibility ‘great day’

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

The long wait is over for Manitobans eager to get their babies and toddlers vaccinated against COVID-19.

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Friday, Aug. 5, 2022

The province has expanded eligibility to all children ages six months to four years and started taking appointments on Friday. (The Canadian Press files)

Young children eligible for COVID vaccine

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Young children eligible for COVID vaccine

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

Manitoba children between the ages of six months and four years are, as of Friday at 9 a.m., eligible to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022

JONATHAN HAYWARD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Manitoba has received 14,900 doses of Moderna’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine from the federal government and expects a delayed shipment of 28,800 more doses to arrive soon, the provincial government announced Thursday afternoon.

Volunteer-powered rural clinic attempts to fill ER gap

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Volunteer-powered rural clinic attempts to fill ER gap

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

When more than one-third of Manitoba’s emergency rooms stayed closed over the August long weekend, Dr. Jacobi Elliott’s clinic in Grandview remained open.

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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022

Dr. Jacobi Elliott has been running a private clinic seven days a week in Grandview with the help of 45 volunteers on weekends. (Submitted)

Manitoba has ample supply of epidural tubes, province assures Liberal leader

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba has ample supply of epidural tubes, province assures Liberal leader

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

Amid concerns about widespread epidural shortages, provincial health officials say Manitoba has enough supply.

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Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

In his letter to the minister Tuesday, Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont wrote that he’s received concerns and complaints from nurses, including some that reference the epidural shortage.

Petition targets abortion challenges in north

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Petition targets abortion challenges in north

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 1, 2022

As one of the first northern Manitoba residents to access the abortion pill after it became available free of charge in the province, Harlie Pruder knows first-hand the hurdles the North faces in comprehensive reproductive health care.

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Monday, Aug. 1, 2022

SUPPLIED Thompson resident Harlie Pruder, founder of the Northern Reproductive Justice Network, started an online petition for improved access to abortion in northern Manitoba that has collected more than 1,600 signatures. Winnipeg Free Press 2022

Students used to cover sick time: health union

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Students used to cover sick time: health union

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Jul. 29, 2022

The pre-pandemic practice of not replacing health-care support workers who call in sick, leaving remaining staff short-handed and relying on practicum students to fill gaps, must stop, a Winnipeg union leader says.

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Friday, Jul. 29, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Debbie Boissonneault, CUPE Local 204 president, said the union hears frequent concerns about employers refusing to replace sick workers unless multiple staff call in sick. Calling in additional staff is a last resort.

Pandemic hospitalizations tick up, eight COVID-19 deaths last week

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Pandemic hospitalizations tick up, eight COVID-19 deaths last week

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

An anticipated rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations is becoming reality in Manitoba.

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Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

CDC VIA AP

Spherical coronavirus particles.

Sagkeeng family blames mould exposure for infant’s illness

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Sagkeeng family blames mould exposure for infant’s illness

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022

A Sagkeeng family is speaking up about the danger of mould exposure after their baby girl had to be airlifted to Winnipeg hospital this week.

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Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022

A Sagkeeng family is speaking up about the danger of mould exposure after their baby girl had to be airlifted to Winnipeg hospital this week.

Manitoba parents take comfort in wee ones getting COVID shot

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba parents take comfort in wee ones getting COVID shot

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022

Her fuzzy, pink plush creature with a unicorn horn comforted three-year-old Aiyanna Eischen at her COVID-19 vaccine appointment Wednesday. The shy toddler clutched her toy moments after she received a matching pink “vaccinated” sticker at the downtown RBC Convention Centre vaccination site.

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Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Aiyanna Eischen, three, comes out from the RBC Convention Centre with Dakota Eischen and Amy Thompson after getting vaccinated in Winnipeg on Wednesday, July 27, 2022. For Katie May story. Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

City marks decline in brown water reports

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

City marks decline in brown water reports

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 26, 2022

Complaints about brown tap water in Winnipeg are trickling in, on track to be at their lowest June-July level in a decade.

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Tuesday, Jul. 26, 2022

GRAEME BRUCE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The city has received 234 service calls for crews to deal with discoloured water so far this year. There were around 770 service calls annually in each of the past three years.

Globe-trotter with patient eye for detail

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Globe-trotter with patient eye for detail

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

Ninety countries, and not a single souvenir. On her world travels, Jean Brown never even took a photograph.

“She didn’t want any encumbrances,” says Brown’s childhood best friend and travel buddy, Joyce Lamont Hughes.

Over the course of their 90-year friendship and 45 years spent criss-crossing the continents together — aboard an icebreaker in Antarctica, in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, living in a tent in the mountains of Nepal — Brown never cared much for possessions. She valued loyalty, and was true to herself and her friends.

The friends who remember her now describe themselves as her family. “If you were a friend of hers, you’re a friend for life,” Hughes says.

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Monday, Jul. 25, 2022

Wildfire evacuees report gunpoint abduction of young woman

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Wildfire evacuees report gunpoint abduction of young woman

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Jul. 22, 2022

An alleged gunpoint abduction near a Winnipeg hotel has sparked fears wildfire evacuees are being targeted in the city.

A trio of displaced members of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation reported Friday they were threatened with a gun when they tried to intervene in the abduction of an unidentified young woman, vice-chief and councillor Shirley Castel said during a news conference with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee.

The three men in their 20s were walking outside a hotel on the 1400 block of Notre Dame Avenue around 5 a.m., when they encountered two men in a white Dodge Journey. The suspects knocked the woman unconscious and took her away in the vehicle, Castel said

One suspect, described as bearded, with white hair and 50-60 years old, allegedly threatened the group with a gun; a younger, tattooed man was also in the vehicle.

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Friday, Jul. 22, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Kaitlynn Brightnose talks to the media about a girl that was abducted at 5 am Friday morning from the area near 1400 Notre Dame Ave. In the Weston area.

Vaccination news ‘sigh of relief’ for parents of high-risk children: doctor

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Vaccination news ‘sigh of relief’ for parents of high-risk children: doctor

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

Less than 24 hours after Manitoba announced a prioritized COVID-19 vaccine rollout for high-risk babies and toddlers, paediatricians were fielding calls from families anxiously awaiting immunization for their vulnerable little ones.

Dr. Ruth Grimes’ patients include toddlers with cystic fibrosis and a genetic neurodevelopmental condition — they’ll be among the first in line to receive a pediatric Moderna vaccine.

“I can only speak to the two conversations I had yesterday, but it was an absolute sigh of relief (for parents) that their high-risk children were actually now going to be able to get this vaccination. I think it really does take a layer of anxiety and stress off their shoulders,” the Winnipeg doctor and past-president of the Canadian Paediatric Society said Thursday.

Pediatricians were consulted prior to Manitoba’s decision to prioritize babies and toddlers with chronic diseases, developmental conditions and complications from premature birth for appointments until more pediatric vaccine doses are available, Grimes said.

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Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Dr. Ruth Grimes, a primary care and consultative pediatrician, has patients that include toddlers with cystic fibrosis and a genetic neurodevelopmental condition who will be among the first in line to receive a pediatric Moderna vaccine.

Omicron subvariant accounts for half of Manitoba cases

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Omicron subvariant accounts for half of Manitoba cases

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022

Manitoba has no plan to bring back a mask requirement in the face of rising BA.5 transmission.

“This fall, we’re once again going to be dealing with some uncertainty. We know… we’re going to see BA.5 cases very likely climbing. How that’s going to translate to severe outcomes is still not known at this point,” said chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin.

The highly contagious Omicron subvariant currently accounts for half of Manitoba’s lab-confirmed and genetically sequenced COVID-19 cases, Roussin said Wednesday. Sequencing shows 50 per cent of cases are BA.5, and that number is expected to climb.

There has been no surge in hospitalizations or deaths — Roussin described hospitalizations as having plateaued — but transmission of the virus is expected to increase, he acknowledged.

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Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
BA.5 is better at evading the body’s immune response and has the potential to result in more hospitalizations, chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said.

Manitoba targets at-risk groups in pediatric COVID vaccine rollout

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba targets at-risk groups in pediatric COVID vaccine rollout

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022

Younger children in Manitoba have become eligible for Moderna’s recently approved COVID-vaccine, but due to limited supply, priority groups such as Indigenous children and kids with lung disease will be first to get the shot.

Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced Wednesday immunocompromised children from six months to four years will soon be able to get their first COVID-19 vaccines here; booking for high-risk children will begin Monday at 8 a.m.

Roussin said eligibility will be expanded to all children in this age group once Manitoba receives more supply of vaccine. The initial shipment is about 14,000 doses. He couldn’t say when more doses would arrive.

Pediatricians or public health nurses will administer the vaccines at doctors’ offices or clinics, Roussin said.

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Wednesday, Jul. 20, 2022

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced Wednesday immunocompromised children from six months to four years will soon be able to get their first COVID-19 vaccines.

Private youth mental health clinic opens in Winnipeg

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Private youth mental health clinic opens in Winnipeg

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 19, 2022

A psychiatric nurse-run private youth mental health clinic has opened in Winnipeg, aiming to help tackle months-long wait times in the public health-care system.

Psychiatric nurse Shea Silva began seeing clients last week at Cocoon Mental Health Clinic. The site in southwest Winnipeg offers mental health assessments for ages 12 to 25, at a rate of $150 per hour.

Silva said she decided to take the leap into private practice, after working with adults in hospital and with youth in schools.

In an interview, Silva said she hopes the clinic (of which she’s executive director) will help take some of the burden off the provincial health-care system by reducing wait times — which she said currently are likely to be as long as six to nine months.

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Tuesday, Jul. 19, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Shea Silva is a psychiatric nurse and executive director of Cocoon Clinic which provides youth with mental health services.

Manitoba to unveil vaccine plan for young children

Danielle Da Silva and Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba to unveil vaccine plan for young children

Danielle Da Silva and Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 19, 2022

Manitoba’s top doctor is set to reveal the province’s plan to vaccinate children under age five against COVID-19.

Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin will address Manitobans this week for the first time since May, said Health Minister Audrey Gordon.

“This is an exciting announcement for so many families that have been waiting for Health Canada to approve the vaccine,” Gordon said during an unrelated announcement.

Roussin will speak about the approval process and the rollout of the shots to children aged six months to five years old, Gordon said. Health Canada approved Moderna’s Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for the younger age group on July 14.

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Tuesday, Jul. 19, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin will address Manitobans this week for the first time since May.

COVID cases, hospitalizations, deaths rising, weekly provincial data reveals

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

COVID cases, hospitalizations, deaths rising, weekly provincial data reveals

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 14, 2022

A new wave of COVID-19 cases expected in the fall could be getting an early start, as provincial data released Thursday shows increases in the number of infections, hospital admissions and deaths compared to a week earlier.

The weekly Manitoba Health epidemiological report for the week of July 3-9 also shows an increase in the test-positivity rate of recorded PCR tests is now 14.8 per cent; it was 11.5 per cent in the previous report for June 26-July 2.

Health officials in several other provinces have confirmed that they are in the midst of a fresh wave of infections from the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variant strains of the coronavirus.

Manitoba reported 229 total cases, 59 hospital admissions — seven to intensive-care beds — and six deaths in the report released Thursday. The numbers all eclipse the 125 total cases, 46 hospital admissions that also included seven to the ICU and one death a week earlier.

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Thursday, Jul. 14, 2022

CDC / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILESThe weekly Manitoba Health epidemiological report for the week of July 3-9 also shows an increase in the test-positivity rate of recorded PCR tests is now 14.8 per cent; it was 11.5 per cent in the previous report for June 26-July 2.

Province seeks workforce push for internationally trained nurses

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Province seeks workforce push for internationally trained nurses

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Jul. 14, 2022

One year after the province announced plans to make it easier for internationally educated nurses to work in Manitoba, more than 100 people have applied for provincial financial aid to go through the certification process.

However, it’s unknown how many nurses who were educated in other countries have been able to join the nursing workforce since then.

Health-care system leaders are moving forward with a plan that would eventually allow international licensed practical nurses and registered nurses to start picking up shifts before they finish the required certification process. It is an idea that came out of a provincial working group trying to streamline the licensing process for internationally educated nurses, a Shared Health spokesperson stated.

No timeline has been set, but the idea is LPNs, and perhaps eventually RNs, with certification in another country would start working while completing their English-language education and certification.

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Thursday, Jul. 14, 2022

ANDREW VAUGHAN / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
As of late last week, 106 internationally educated nurses living in Manitoba had applied for financial assistance under the project, which then-health minister (now Premier) Heather Stefanson announced in July 2021.

Patients stalled in HSC’s ER part of national crisis, Canadian Medical Association says

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Patients stalled in HSC’s ER part of national crisis, Canadian Medical Association says

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2022

Patients sick enough to be admitted to hospital are waiting much longer in Manitoba’s largest ER than they were before the pandemic.

The Canadian Medical Association says the problem of patients being stalled in emergency rooms is a national crisis.

In May, the time it took for patients to be moved out of the Health Sciences Centre ER after they’d been assessed as needing a hospital bed was double the time it took in May 2019, according to median figures provided by Shared Health.

The median wait times at HSC’s adult emergency department worsened, while the wait appeared to improve slightly in the children’s ER. It took a median time of 6.83 hours after a decision was made to admit an adult ER patient to hospital for that patient to be moved to an in-patient unit. In May 2019, the median time was 3.58 hours.

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Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
In May, the time it took for patients to be moved out of the Health Sciences Centre ER after they’d been assessed as needing a hospital bed was double the time it took in May 2019, according to median figures provided by Shared Health.

Mask messaging muddied at hospital: epidemiologist

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Mask messaging muddied at hospital: epidemiologist

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 12, 2022

After months of public health messages urging people to upgrade their single-layer masks for better protection against COVID-19, a Winnipeg epidemiologist was surprised to be asked to remove her KN95 in favour of a surgical mask upon entering a city hospital Tuesday.

“I felt like a) that’s a waste on the landfill side and b) I was a little confused because we’ve done so much to try to work together to support (the understanding that) better protection masks are N95 or KN95 versus surgical or cloth,” said Cynthia Carr.

“We really worked hard for that messaging, and so I was surprised in the hospital setting to be asked to remove the KN95 and to just be given a surgical mask.”

When asked about the masking policy in hospitals and health-care facilities, a Shared Health spokesperson said it hasn’t changed, and people are allowed to keep their own masks on underneath the provided surgical ones.

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Tuesday, Jul. 12, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Epidemiologist Cynthia Carr said she understands staff who screened her at the entrance prior to her outpatient appointment were just doing their job, but she questioned whether improved policies, training or communication are necessary.

Pediatrician warns about hand, foot and mouth disease

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Pediatrician warns about hand, foot and mouth disease

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

Although the prevalence of hand, foot and mouth disease in Manitoba this summer remains unknown, pediatricians in various parts of the country are seeing more children with the viral infection.

It’s difficult to get data on the incidence of infection, but there’s anecdotal evidence of an increase in the virus, which causes a rash, blisters, and fever.

Public health doesn’t track cases because hand, foot and mouth disease is not considered a reportable virus. Unlike with flu and COVID-19, outbreaks don’t have to be publicly reported.

Winnipeg mother Erica Bulow spoke publicly last week to warn other families after she and her children suffered serious infections as a result of an outbreak at their Island Lakes home daycare.

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Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

SUPPLIED
The blisters on Erica Bulow’s hands, caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease.

At-risk Manitobans press for COVID medication

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

At-risk Manitobans press for COVID medication

Katie May 5 minute read Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

Two months after the province received a shipment of an approved COVID-19 prevention medication, it is still not available to Manitobans.

In May, Shared Health received 1,100 doses of Evusheld, a monoclonal antibody injection developed by AstraZeneca that works to prevent COVID-19 infection in severely immunocompromised individuals. That includes people who have high-risk conditions and are taking medications, including cancer treatment, that inhibit the production of a strong immune response.

Shared Health, which is responsible for managing hospitals and health-care agencies in Manitoba, hasn’t yet decided who will be eligible to receive the Evusheld shots. It was approved by Health Canada in April to be administered to a very specific group of Canadians 12 and older that doesn’t have COVID-19 infections or symptoms.

“Clinical leadership is currently determining the criteria for administering the drug, with rollout expected in the coming weeks,” a Shared Health spokesperson stated in response to a Free Press inquiry.

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Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

AstraZeneca's Evusheld, a set of antibodies grown in a lab to prevent COVID-19. A two-shot dose of the drug gives immune-compromised patients some protection against COVID-19 for six months. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Legislature security changes questioned over clarity

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Legislature security changes questioned over clarity

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

Proposed new legislation is aimed at banning encampments and convoys at the provincial legislative grounds, as well as preventing destruction of statues and prohibiting weapons and fireworks on the property.

The Conservatives introduced a Prohibited Activities Regulation July 7 as part of proposed legislative security act amendments that are expected to come into effect after the legislature resumes in the fall.

Coming after a year of protests, blockades, convoys and demonstrations at the Broadway legislative building, the changes would make it illegal to camp out or park vehicles on the grounds. They prohibit setting up generators, tents or other shelters that make it possible to stay “in the legislative precinct for an extended period,” the regulation states.

On Canada Day 2021, activists toppled a statue of Queen Victoria in front of the legislative building. The new rules specifically ban property damage on the grounds.

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Monday, Jul. 11, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Proposed security act changes would make it illegal to camp out or park vehicles on the Manitoba legislative building grounds.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease strikes city daycare

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Hand, foot, and mouth disease strikes city daycare

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Jul. 8, 2022

An outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease at a daycare has prompted a Winnipeg mother to publicly caution other families after a serious infection sent her to the ER.

“I would just want (Manitobans) to know that it can be very serious for other people, even if your experience is not very severe. Even if you think your child is fine after only three days or four days, it’s really important for you to stay home because your child is still infectious. Someone else could have a really negative outcome,” says Erica Bulow.

Upon picking up her four-year-old daughter from a home daycare in Island Lakes on June 30, Bulow was informed another child had attended daycare for three days while infectious with hand, foot, and mouth disease. Symptoms of the viral illness can take three days to a week to show up. They include fever, rash, and blisters — which Bulow saw first-hand when her daughter started getting itchy red spots on July 2.

Despite careful disinfecting and distancing within their household, Bulow and her 10-month-old son also got infected and began to experience more severe symptoms. Her son had a high fever, and Bulow consulted with a pediatrician to care for both of her children, not expecting she would get severely ill herself.

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Friday, Jul. 8, 2022

SUPPLIED
The blisters on Erica Bulow's hands, caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Melita seeks long-term solution to ER summer closure

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Melita seeks long-term solution to ER summer closure

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 6, 2022

Caught off guard by a two-month closure of their local hospital, more than 200 residents of Melita and surrounding rural communities showed up at a public meeting Tuesday evening to figure out how to preserve health-care services.

Melita’s hospital is one of several rural health centres and emergency departments forced to close temporarily or operate on reduced hours this summer. It closed June 30 and will remain closed until the end of August because of staff shortages.

The hospital serves about 3,000 to 3,500 people who live in the southwest corner of the province that stretches west to the Saskatchewan border and south to the U.S. border. The hospital lab remains open, but all other health-care services are suspended — a move that will have many local residents travelling as far as Brandon for emergency care.

Melita Mayor Bill Holden said he’s confident after Tuesday’s meeting the town will be able to work with Prairie Mountain health region, the provincial government, and representatives from all major political parties to improve access to health care in the area.

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Wednesday, Jul. 6, 2022

KAREN MCKINLEY / THE BRANDON SUN
More than 200 residents of Melita and surrounding rural communities showed up at a public meeting Tuesday evening to figure out how to preserve health-care services.

New COVID wave likely imminent, city microbiologist warns

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

New COVID wave likely imminent, city microbiologist warns

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 5, 2022

Omicron subvariants are gaining ground across the globe, and Manitoba is no exception.

A new summer wave of COVID-19 transmission could be soon headed this way as existing Omicron strains start to take over.

Subtypes of the Omicron variant — BA.4 and BA.5 — are on the rise in Winnipeg and could become dominant strains of the virus. The subvariants are driving surges of transmission in several other countries, as documented by the World Health Organization, after officials in South Africa first detected them in January. Both BA.4 and BA.5 are considered to be more contagious and better at evading immune responses, but there’s a lack of evidence about whether they cause more severe illness.

BA.5 currently accounts for about 10 per cent of sampled positive COVID-19 test results in Manitoba, a provincial spokesperson stated Tuesday. That’s an estimated 10 cases of BA.5 a week. Overall, Cadham Provincial Laboratory aims to sample 10 per cent of all positive COVID-19 results, which is roughly 100 samples per week. Only positive PCR test results are part of the sample, even though most Manitobans have access only to rapid antigen tests.

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Tuesday, Jul. 5, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Another COVID-19 wave is likely imminent and it’s time now for people who only have two doses of vaccine to get their third shots, said Winnipeg medical microbiologist Dr. Philippe Lagace-Wiens.

Staff shortage continues to diminish HSC ER

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Staff shortage continues to diminish HSC ER

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 4, 2022

ER patients at Manitoba’s largest hospital face compromised care and the potential for neglect in the waiting room as chronic nursing staff shortages continue, one front-line worker says.

Over the Canada Day long weekend, night shifts at Health Sciences Centre emergency department were reportedly desperately understaffed and additional nurses had to be brought in from the downtown Winnipeg hospital’s intensive care units, while managers also stepped in to cover.

Paramedics were not asked again to cover for the lack of nurses in the department, Shared Health confirmed Monday. (The hospital made that request of already stretched-thin paramedics during a particularly busy weekend last month.)

One HSC ER nurse said patients are inevitably waiting longer and are being neglected as a result of the understaffing.

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Monday, Jul. 4, 2022

DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Night shifts at Health Sciences Centre emergency department were reportedly desperately understaffed over the Canada Day long weekend.

No plans for dedicated long COVID clinic: Shared Health

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

No plans for dedicated long COVID clinic: Shared Health

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 29, 2022

As research continues into the widespread implications of long COVID, there are no current plans to establish a dedicated clinic in Manitoba.

Long-haulers in Manitoba should continue to consult their family doctors or primary health-care providers and ask about receiving referrals to specialists, Shared Health stated when asked if a centralized long COVID clinic is under consideration.

“There are not currently any plans to establish a dedicated long COVID clinic in Manitoba beyond the multi-disciplinary clinics that already exist. However, clinical leaders are continually assessing what services are appropriate and required as our knowledge about post-COVID-19 conditions continues to grow.”

Roger Chouinard of Winnipeg has had post-COVID symptoms, including heart and lung problems, for more than a year, and is only now on the road to getting the needed tests and specialized treatment.

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Wednesday, Jun. 29, 2022

CDC / TNS
“There are not currently any plans to establish a dedicated long COVID clinic in Manitoba beyond the multi-disciplinary clinics that already exist,” Shared Health stated.

HSC forced to redeploy nurses with less training to ER

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

HSC forced to redeploy nurses with less training to ER

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 28, 2022

Staff shortages in Winnipeg’s largest ER are forcing the closure of resuscitation rooms and treatment beds during the busiest season for trauma patients in Manitoba.

On Sunday, the Health Sciences Centre emergency department was down 12 nurses, and each shift that weekend was short between 10 and 14 ER-trained nurses. There are supposed to be 24 nurses in the ER each shift, but the department, like most hospital units in the city, has been dealing with chronic shortages that have been getting worse as more nurses quit or call in sick this summer.

Already, licensed practical nurses are being asked to help out in the ER resuscitation rooms, two HSC ER nurses told the Free Press. The resuscitation rooms typically require a team of highly trained trauma nurses and physicians, who work together to save the lives of patients who’ve been in car accidents, or have gunshot wounds and other life-threatening injuries.

LPNs have a lower level of training than registered nurses, they get paid less, and they’re not supposed to be responsible for ER trauma patients. But some have more hospital experience than newly graduated ER nurses and they’re being pulled in because there aren’t enough trauma-trained ER nurses to cover shifts.

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Tuesday, Jun. 28, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Already, licenced practical nurses are being asked to help out in the ER resuscitation rooms, two HSC ER nurses told the Free Press.

Surgical, testing estimates highlight declining backlog

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Surgical, testing estimates highlight declining backlog

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 28, 2022

Manitoba’s pandemic backlog of surgeries and diagnostic tests is decreasing, according to a final monthly estimate from Doctors Manitoba, but more work is needed to keep up with growing demands for everything from hip and knee surgeries to chronic pain assessments.

The overall backlog is now estimated to be between 102,000 and 128,000 procedures — a decline of at least 38,000 procedures compared to estimates released last month.

Doctors Manitoba changed the way it compiles estimates to account for wait times and tests that are now no longer needed (either because patients’ conditions improved or worsened, because they moved out of province, or died while waiting).

The new estimates released Tuesday will be the final monthly backlog estimates released by Doctors Manitoba; the organization stated it anticipates the province will soon publicize monthly data.

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Tuesday, Jun. 28, 2022

MARK TESKE / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
The overall backlog is now estimated to be between 102,000 and 128,000 procedures — a decline of at least 38,000 procedures compared to estimates released last month.

U.S. women to seek abortions in Manitoba: clinic director

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

U.S. women to seek abortions in Manitoba: clinic director

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 24, 2022

Manitobans should expect Americans to cross the border to access abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights legislation

“We have to expect that it will happen. Because the decision was not about making abortion illegal. It’s about making it unsafe,” said Blandine Tona, director of medical programs at the Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg.

The Supreme Court decision to overturn its landmark 1973 abortion rights case Roe v. Wade is expected to trigger U.S. states to immediately ban abortion after six weeks — before most women realize they’re pregnant.

“Privileged people will be able to travel to Canada or elsewhere, book their hotel, have the abortion. But less privileged people will not have the same option,” Tona said, adding she feels “we just jumped 50-plus years back in time.”

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Friday, Jun. 24, 2022

Manitobans should expect Americans to cross the border to access abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn abortion rights legislation

“We have to expect that it will happen. Because the decision was not about making abortion illegal. It’s about making it unsafe,” said Blandine Tona, director of medical programs at the Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg.

The Supreme Court decision to overturn its landmark 1973 abortion rights case Roe v. Wade is expected to trigger U.S. states to immediately ban abortion after six weeks — before most women realize they’re pregnant.

“Privileged people will be able to travel to Canada or elsewhere, book their hotel, have the abortion. But less privileged people will not have the same option,” Tona said, adding she feels “we just jumped 50-plus years back in time.”

Doctors raise alarm over rural ER closures

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Doctors raise alarm over rural ER closures

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 24, 2022

The number of anticipated emergency room closures in rural Manitoba this summer is unlike anything Dr. David Cram has seen in his career.

“I’ve been at this a long, long time, and I’ve never been as concerned as I am now about the stability of our hospitals and our emergency rooms to provide the care to our patients,” said the Souris-based physician, who has been practising as a proud “country doc” for 36 years.

Closures and temporary suspensions of ER service are expected to happen in about 60 per cent of the 68 hospitals in northern and rural Manitoba, according to information gathered by Doctors Manitoba.

Cram, along with Neepawa physician Dr. Nichelle Desilets, publicly shared his concerns during a virtual news conference Friday with Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Candace Bradshaw.

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Friday, Jun. 24, 2022

Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Candace Bradshaw. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Shared Health ending program that saved millions of dollars

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Shared Health ending program that saved millions of dollars

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, Jun. 23, 2022

A virtual outpatient program that saved Manitoba millions in avoided COVID-19 hospital admission costs is winding down.

As of Wednesday, new patients were no longer accepted into the Virtual COVID Outpatient Program, which will suspend operations at the end of June. There are currently only five patients in the program, but it could have kept going with permanent funding, physicians say.

Three doctors who have been part of the team that kept the program running since it began in late 2020, said they had universally positive feedback from patients who participated in it and they are disappointed it is shutting down. The program allowed certain patients to be monitored at home via video conferencing or phone calls while they were on oxygen and slowly recovering from COVID-19, rather than remaining in hospital. More than 500 patients used the virtual program over the past 18 months. The province had been looking into expanding it for use with other chronic conditions, such as lung disease and heart failure. Doctors found that patients did better when they were at home, surrounded by their loved ones and pets.

“It’s been probably the most fun thing and innovative thing in my 15-year career here in Manitoba,” said gastroenterologist Dr. Dana Moffatt.

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Thursday, Jun. 23, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
As of Wednesday, new patients were no longer accepted into the Virtual COVID Outpatient Program, which will suspend operations at the end of June.

NDP presses province for care home licence review

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

NDP presses province for care home licence review

Katie May 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022

Amid an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of abuse at a Winnipeg long-term care home, the NDP is calling on the province to immediately review the facility’s operation licence.

On Wednesday, Wab Kinew, leader of the Opposition, and NDP health critic Uzoma Asagwara wrote to Manitoba Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon.

“A review should examine the failure of processes that took place here and provide assurance that all residents and their families can expect proper and dignified care at this facility,” they wrote of the reported issues at Extendicare’s Oakview Place.

The NDP request comes a day after allegations of mistreatment were made public.

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Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Extendicare, the Ontario-based corporation that owns Oakview Place, knew about the abuse allegations since February, but did not immediately report them to authorities and only notified one of the 15 families affected.

Police probe care home abuse allegations

Katie May and Bryce Hunt 5 minute read Preview

Police probe care home abuse allegations

Katie May and Bryce Hunt 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022

A criminal investigation has been launched into allegations of abuse at a St. James personal care home — accusations that stayed hidden for four months until a whistleblower notified the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

At least 15 residents at Extendicare’s Oakview Place at 2395 Ness Ave. may have been victimized, and two health-care aides are on paid leave while the investigation continues.

No details were released about what kind of mistreatment the residents might have suffered, or what the abuse allegations entail. The two aides are believed to be responsible for the abuse.

The daughter of a resident, who spoke to the Free Press Tuesday afternoon outside the home, said her mother was one of the abuse victims.

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Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Allegations of abuse against two health-care aides are said to affect as many as 15 residents at Extendicare’s Oakview Place personal care home.

MS clinic to receive needed funding, staffing boost: doctor

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

MS clinic to receive needed funding, staffing boost: doctor

Katie May 4 minute read Saturday, Jun. 18, 2022

Additional clinicians are expected to be hired to keep Manitoba’s multiple sclerosis clinic afloat, with a $284,000 funding boost from the province.

The provincial government hasn’t yet announced the new funding, which is expected to cover the cost of the equivalent of three new full-time positions for health professionals (including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and dietitians).

Dr. Dan Roberts, who oversees neurology services in Winnipeg, said he was recently informed his funding requests for the clinic were approved.

Last month, he took the unusual step of holding his own news conference “out of desperation” to warn the public the MS clinic at Health Sciences Centre was on the brink of closure.

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Saturday, Jun. 18, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
The new funding for the MS clinic at Health Sciences Centre is expected to cover the cost of the equivalent of three new full-time positions for health professionals.

Race-based data a hallmark of pandemic response

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Race-based data a hallmark of pandemic response

Katie May 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 18, 2022

First-of-its-kind race-based data that was a hallmark of Manitoba’s early COVID-19 response is expected to be used more widely in its health-care system in the near future.

“COVID helped us to establish it could be done,” said Dr. Marcia Anderson, who was public health lead for the Manitoba First Nations COVID-19 Pandemic Coordination Response Team and driving force behind collecting and advocating for practical applications of the data.

The data shaped Manitoba’s vaccine roll out, from age eligibility to neighbourhood distribution, and led to the establishment of isolation shelters and homeless and youth outreach.

Combined with employment data, it influenced government policies and prompted the province to give everyone paid leave to get vaccinated. It was the first time race-based data was systematically collected in Manitoba.

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Saturday, Jun. 18, 2022

Marathoner diagnosed with ALS shines light on devastating disease

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Marathoner diagnosed with ALS shines light on devastating disease

Katie May 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 17, 2022

Until six months ago, Kevin Rosen’s internet searches were fuelling his growing fear.

Unexplained changes to his physical abilities had been plaguing him. It started subtly: the soft-spoken 50-year-old Winnipegger began to have trouble getting words out. He was involuntarily slurring his speech. Even though he was in great shape, he felt weak. Then, his muscles started twitching. He wondered if he’d unknowingly had a stroke.

Rosen is an active dad and seven-time marathon runner, but online symptom checkers pointed to a progressive neuromuscular condition that could steal his ability to walk, speak, and breathe. They turned out to be correct: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Now, having his fears confirmed via a medical ALS diagnosis was strangely freeing for Rosen, who is opening up about his experience in hopes of helping the more than 400 other Manitobans with ALS and related neuromotor conditions.

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Friday, Jun. 17, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Diana Rasmussen (left), executive director for ALS Society of Manitoba with Kevin Rosen (right) who was recently diagnosed with ALS will be taking part in the Walk to end ALS on June 18 at Assiniboine Park. See Katie May story 220609 - Thursday, June 09, 2022.

Long-haul COVID sufferers want centralized clinic

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Long-haul COVID sufferers want centralized clinic

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 15, 2022

COVID long-haulers in Manitoba are calling for a centralized clinic to help them.

On Wednesday, the official list of available post-COVID resources was released.

For the first time since the pandemic began, Shared Health published a Long COVID webpage that points to physiotherapy, support groups and mental-health services.

Some information has been adapted from information released by other provinces, including Alberta and Nova Scotia, and other countries, including a linked video by Long COVID Physio, a UK-based international consortium of physiotherapists, researchers and long-COVID-sufferers.

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Wednesday, Jun. 15, 2022

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Cameron Regier, who is in his late 30s and was relatively active prior to getting infected with COVID-19, doesn’t know what triggered his most recent relapse of serious long symptoms.

COVID testing scaled down at care homes, hospitals

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

COVID testing scaled down at care homes, hospitals

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 14, 2022

The decision to stop testing asymptomatic Manitobans for COVID-19 before they’re admitted to a hospital or personal care home is being met with uncertainty.

In a Shared Health memo dated June 10, chief medical officer Dr. Perry Gray announced the provincial health system will only test people with symptoms. Apart from certain exceptions, such as testing asymptomatic ICU patients and mothers of babies entering the newborn intensive care unit, the change ends precautionary testing in high-risk health-care settings.

The rationale for the policy, which took effect on June 13, is that the testing had contributed to delays in treatment and had stalled patient flow. Asymptomatic COVID-19 infections are on the decline, Gray’s memo stated, and testing requirements must change. In the memo, Gray stated Shared Health made the change after consulting with clinic leaders and infection-prevention officials.

“This change aligns with the known level of transmission of the virus throughout Manitoba in recent months and the observed decrease in infection amongst asymptomatic individuals admitted to health-care facilities,” the memo stated.

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Tuesday, Jun. 14, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Julie Turenne-Maynard, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Residential and Community Care Homes for the Elderly, says the organization will monitor outbreak statistics and case counts that Manitoba personal care homes are required to compile and publicly release through the provincial government.

Critical incident only matter of time at HSC, say ER nurses

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Critical incident only matter of time at HSC, say ER nurses

Katie May 4 minute read Sunday, Jun. 12, 2022

Summer is “trauma season” in hospital emergency departments and nurses at Winnipeg’s largest ER are already raising the alarm about what they describe as worse-than-ever staffing shortages.

“The public is at risk, and that’s why we’re speaking out, is because patients’ lives are at risk,” one Health Sciences Centre ER nurse said. Three HSC nurses with many years of experience working in the ER were interviewed on the condition their identities not be published, because they fear they’ll be fired for speaking publicly. All three of them brought up the tragic death of Brian Sinclair and said they worry another patient will soon die in the same manner.

Sinclair was an Indigenous man who died in 2008 at age 45 after waiting 34 hours in HSC’s ER. An inquest into his death resulted in 63 recommendations for change, many of which focused on how HSC’s ER is run. Now, 14 years later, nurses are so overrun they don’t have the time or resources to follow all of the protocols that Sinclair’s death proved were necessary.

Patients are waiting up to 24 hours in the ER waiting room, and waiting additional days or weeks for a hospital bed after they’ve been assessed by an ER doctor. The usual per-shift complement of 24 ER nurses has recently dropped as low as 12, and triage nurses don’t have time to regularly re-assess patients in the waiting room like they’re supposed to, the nurses told the Free Press.

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Sunday, Jun. 12, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre

Slow uptake on fourth dose in Manitoba

Katie May 1 minute read Preview

Slow uptake on fourth dose in Manitoba

Katie May 1 minute read Friday, Jun. 10, 2022

Three weeks after Manitoba expanded eligibility for fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines, uptake is still lagging.

All Manitobans aged 50 and older are eligible for a fourth dose, but only 11.3 per cent of people in that age group have received it.

The provincial government released that figure, current as of June 9, in response to a Free Press inquiry Friday.

More than half-a-million Canadians received their fourth dose (or second booster shot) between May 8 to 22, according to federally collected data for which Manitoba’s totals were unavailable.

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Friday, Jun. 10, 2022

Only 11.3 per cent of eligible Manitobans have received their fourth COVID shot. (The Canadian Press files)

Doctor praises new radiology suites at HSC

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Doctor praises new radiology suites at HSC

Katie May 3 minute read Thursday, Jun. 9, 2022

New, state-of-the-art radiology equipment at Winnipeg’s largest hospital is expected to help reduce the surgical backlog brought on by the pandemic.

On Thursday, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation unveiled its upgraded radiology suites, which have been operating since March 2020, thanks largely to a $5-million private donation.

The Health Sciences Centre can treat six additional patients a day at the expanded Paul Albrechtsen Interventional Radiology Suites — up to 16 from 10.

The new technology means physicians can do live X-ray procedures that frequently replace open surgery and free up hospital beds, said interventional radiologist Dr. Alessandra Cassano-Bailey.

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Thursday, Jun. 9, 2022

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Health Sciences Centre Radiologists Dr. Jai Shankar, Dr. Gordon Kulbisky and Dr. Alessandra Cassano-Bailey finally get to celebrate the opening of The Paul Albrechtsen Intervetional Radiology Suites after being delayed for two years due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Loney focuses on ‘systems change’ at mayoral campaign launch

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Loney focuses on ‘systems change’ at mayoral campaign launch

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 7, 2022

A five-point plan to “do things differently” — especially when it comes to emergency services —received a wide audience Tuesday, as Winnipeg mayoral candidate Shaun Loney pledged he’d be “bringin’ friends” to change the municipal status quo.

The economist and former civil servant launched his campaign in front of about 150 supporters in the heart of the Exchange District.

Loney is one of nine candidates who’ve registered to run for mayor in the fall. The nomination period is Sept. 14-20. The municipal election is Oct. 26.

Mayor Brian Bowman isn’t seeking a third term.

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Tuesday, Jun. 7, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Shaun Loney announces the platform for his mayoral run at Market Square in Winnipeg Tuesday.

Water safety concerns rise with flood waters

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Water safety concerns rise with flood waters

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 7, 2022

High water levels this flood season have created dangerous conditions and prompted water safety experts to speak out.

After five reported drownings and additional water rescues so far in the province this year, the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba is warning the public about “unpredictable” drowning risks in flooded lakes, rivers and retention ponds.

Even overland flooding and large puddles can be a hazard, said Christopher Love, water smart and safety management co-ordinator.

“All you need in order to start the drowning process is for your mouth and nose to be covered with water, and so for a small child, a puddle can do that, especially with all the water that we’ve had so far this year.”

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Tuesday, Jun. 7, 2022

Christopher Love, water smart and safety management co-ordinator with Lifesaving Society Manitoba, talks about water safety during a bustling afternoon at The Forks. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press)

While long COVID lurks, disability caseloads remain constant

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

While long COVID lurks, disability caseloads remain constant

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 3, 2022

It’s unclear how many Canadians have had to go on long-term disability because long-haul COVID symptoms make them unable to work.

The federal government isn’t specifically tracking long-COVID-related applications for disability benefits under the Canada Pension Plan, and the provincial government stated it couldn’t provide reasons for Manitobans’ eligibility for provincial disability benefits, including long COVID.

“Due to the changing nature of the categorization of COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions, as well as how an applicant may be diagnosed by their care provider, the number of applications specifically related to long COVID is not available,” stated Maja Stefanovska, spokesperson for Employment and Social Development Canada.

Fewer Canadians are receiving disability benefits compared with pre-pandemic levels of disability claim files. There are fewer long-term disability support applications being processed at the federal level, and the number of cases accepted for Manitoba’s provincial disability benefits under Employment Income Assistance has also declined since 2019.

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Friday, Jun. 3, 2022

SEAN KILPATRICK / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Information regarding the Canadian Pension Plan is displayed of the service Canada website. The federal government isn’t specifically tracking long-COVID-related applications for disability benefits under the Canada Pension Plan.

Mounting flood costs in tens of millions of dollars, provincial official says during tour of Interlake

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Mounting flood costs in tens of millions of dollars, provincial official says during tour of Interlake

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 3, 2022

GIMLI — Groundwater bubbles up near the top of a small hole in Del Ritchie’s yard. The soil is soaked in the spot his mother had reserved for a new lilac bush. No planting will be possible in the near future.

Ritchie’s Winnipeg Beach property backs onto Boundary Creek, which was “rushing like crazy” just a couple of weeks ago, despite crews severing the roadway above to prevent nearby homes from being flooded. If the road hadn’t been cut, the rising water would’ve had nowhere to go.

“Guaranteed, the way the creek meanders, it would have taken out those two places,” he said, pointing to neighbouring cottages on the southwest corner of Lake Winnipeg. His home would have been “definitely impacted. The foundation and the rest — when you get water, you can’t have it sitting for days.”

In the past 10 years, he’s never seen the water rush this high and is concerned about flood damage. “Of course. Well, inevitably, someone’s going to be buggered,” he said, adding: “They can’t keep ripping the road up, man.”

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Friday, Jun. 3, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Almost 2,000 municipal sites have been damaged by flooding this year, and the list of damaged provincial infrastructure is growing, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure deputy minister Sarah Thiele said Thursday.

First Nations call on governments in current, future flood fight

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

First Nations call on governments in current, future flood fight

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 1, 2022

The worst flood in the history of Peguis First Nation has become even more dangerous amid the recent downpour.

Most of Manitoba was drenched with between 30 to 60 millimetres of rain May 30-31, with strong winds gusting over 100 km/h in some areas. The storm caused tree damage and power outages, and brought even more flooding to low-lying areas.

About 2,000 Peguis residents are already in their fourth week away from home since emergency evacuations began in the community some 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Those who remained — approximately 1,500 — encountered washed-out roads and had to rebuild local dams.

“We continue to be not only in recovery mode but in response (mode) for certain houses,” Chief Glenn Hudson said Wednesday.

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Wednesday, Jun. 1, 2022

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Homes on Peguis First Nation with a Tiger Dam around it for Fisher River flooding north of Winnipeg. About 2,000 Peguis residents are already in their fourth week away from home since emergency evacuations began in the community some 200 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Grace Hospital nurses ‘begging’ supervisors not to send them to badly understaffed ER

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Grace Hospital nurses ‘begging’ supervisors not to send them to badly understaffed ER

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 1, 2022

Stepping in to fill staff shortages in a Winnipeg ER has left one nurse “terrified” and calling for action.

The high rate of nurse vacancies in the emergency department at Grace Hospital has meant nurses from other departments have to be reassigned, even though they are not specifically trained to work in emergency.

One ICU nurse said she and her co-workers there and on medicine wards are routinely sent to the ER and are assigned to care for multiple patients. Although working in the ICU requires a high level of training, the ER has different processes, charting systems and monitoring requirements, the nurse said. Being sent to work in an unfamiliar environment with very sick patients and no one to ask for help is extremely stressful. She spoke on the condition of anonymity.

She said she and other nurses have repeatedly raised concerns about the issue to management. She told the Free Press she has seen non-ER nurses “begging,” sometimes to the point of tears, not to be assigned to the ER because they aren’t trained for it. The ER is so short-staffed, she said, that it’s difficult to find someone who can provide urgent guidance.

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Wednesday, Jun. 1, 2022

Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press Files
A high rate of nurse vacancies in the emergency department at Grace Hospital has meant nurses from other departments have to be reassigned, even though they are not specifically trained to work in emergency.

Teen denies killing mother in early police interview

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Teen denies killing mother in early police interview

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 31, 2022

A Winnipeg teen accused of killing his mother told police he had nothing to do with her death, a jury heard Monday.

As the first-degree murder trial continues, jurors viewed a 40-minute video interview the then-16-year-old gave to police, hours after his mother’s body was found.

The identity of the accused is protected under a publication ban, therefore the Free Press is also not naming the 51-year-old victim in this case.

On March 26, 2019 — hours after he called 911 to report he’d found his mother bloody and unresponsive in her Winnipeg bedroom — the teen agreed to be interviewed by city police. He was talking to homicide detectives as a witness, and hadn’t yet been arrested or charged.

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Tuesday, May. 31, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Law Courts building at 408 York Avenue.

Photojournalist grilled at hearing into police complaint

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Photojournalist grilled at hearing into police complaint

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 25, 2022

A newspaper photographer who filed a complaint after police seized his camera without a warrant was questioned about his account of the interaction, his professionalism, and a hashtag posted to his Twitter account.

Winnipeg Sun photojournalist Chris Procaylo, 51, was cross-examined during the continuation of a rare Law Enforcement Review Agency hearing Wednesday.

The lawyer for the Winnipeg Police Service officer suggested the officer didn’t know Procaylo was a journalist until after he seized the camera and asked for Procaylo’s identification.

Procaylo testified that wasn’t true. He said he has been a full-time news photographer since 1996.

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Wednesday, May. 25, 2022

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Sun photographer Chris Procaylo.

Sun photographer ‘intimidated’ by officer, hearing told

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Sun photographer ‘intimidated’ by officer, hearing told

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 24, 2022

A Winnipeg police officer’s decision to seize a news photographer’s camera is under scrutiny at a public hearing in a case that challenges police conduct and freedom of the press.

A Law Enforcement Review Agency hearing began on Tuesday to examine the conduct of an officer who took a Winnipeg Sun camera without a warrant at the scene of an emergency five years ago.

The civilian oversight hearing will determine whether the officer, whose name is protected under a publication ban, acted improperly. If there is a disciplinary finding, the publication ban on the officer’s identity is expected to be lifted in accordance with provincial law.

Winnipeg Sun photojournalist Chris Procaylo filed a complaint against the Winnipeg Police Service officer after his camera was seized and put into the trunk of a police cruiser on Dec. 2, 2017.

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Tuesday, May. 24, 2022

BORIS MINKEVICH / FREE PRESS FILES Chris Procaylo

Ukrainian refugees receive Winnipeg welcome

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Ukrainian refugees receive Winnipeg welcome

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, May. 23, 2022

Applause and bilingual cheers greeted more than 300 Ukrainians arriving in Winnipeg Monday afternoon as the first of three federal chartered flights landed in Canada.

Seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine, most passengers smiled behind their masks upon spotting the Ukrainian and Canadian flags at the international arrivals gate at the Richardson International Airport, and they waved to the gathered crowd of spectators. A mother made a heart symbol with her hands as volunteers dressed in traditional Ukrainian outfits handed her young son a stuffed toy. One newly arrived passenger loudly exclaimed his gratitude, shouting in English: “Thank you, Winnipeg! Thank you very much, Manitoba!”

The passengers were taken to a provincial reception centre near the airport and then bussed to a hotel. They received help applying for fast-tracked necessary documents such as provincial health cards.

The Ukrainians arrived via emergency travel visas on the first of three planned federal government chartered flights. The next two flights are scheduled to land in Montreal and Halifax.

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Monday, May. 23, 2022

Ukrainian nationals fleeing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine arrive at Richardson International Airport. (David Lipnowski / The Canadian Press)

Winnipegger believes COVID-19 to blame for months-long debilitating exhaustion

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Winnipegger believes COVID-19 to blame for months-long debilitating exhaustion

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 24, 2022

Last November, Alex Long climbed for 17 consecutive hours, reaching the equivalent of 58,000 feet for a cancer fundraiser. A few weeks later, he couldn’t climb the stairs in his home without gasping for air.

The 47-year-old Winnipegger counts himself among an unknown number of COVID-19 long haulers. His cardiac and respiratory symptoms mean he can no longer push his limits – or even exercise. But after five months, his brain fog and exhaustion are starting to lift. He’s seen slow improvement, which makes him hopeful for the future.

“I’m still missing a big part of my life, which is the athletic and the fitness side,” he says.

“But I have hope that maybe in another four months, on this curve, I’ll be able to introduce that part of my life again.”

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Tuesday, May. 24, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Alex Long, a COVID-19 long hauler, hasn’t been officially diagnosed with long COVID, but he believes he was unknowingly infected with the virus early this year and is suffering long-term effects.

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada reopens to public

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada reopens to public

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, May. 23, 2022

‘This is amazing!”

Five-year-old Misk Musleh bounced along the second-floor of Winnipeg’s new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, taking in a bird’s eye view of an Air Canada passenger jet, a retired air force Dynavert, and a Snowbirds aerobatic plane that, suspended from the ceiling, looked like it was in mid-flight.

Literally vibrating with excitement, Misk expressed the emotions of aviation enthusiasts everywhere as she visited the museum with her family during its grand opening weekend.

“I like planes. It’s so fun. I’m not scared of heights!” she exclaimed.

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Monday, May. 23, 2022

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada officially reopened to the public on Sunday in its new 86,000-square-foot home next to the James Richardson International Airport. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba expands fourth COVID dose eligibility

Katie May and Danielle Da Silva 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba expands fourth COVID dose eligibility

Katie May and Danielle Da Silva 4 minute read Friday, May. 20, 2022

Manitobans 50 and older are now eligible for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and there are no plans to further expand fourth-dose eligibility until the fall.

Eligibility has been expanded for the antiviral COVID-19 treatment pill Paxlovid, which will be available at more than 175 pharmacies in the province, chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced Friday.

In his first update in about six weeks, Roussin said fourth doses are available to Manitobans age 50 and older; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people age 30 and older; and adults with moderate to severe immunocompromised conditions can receive their second booster shot, the fourth dose overall. The interval between boosters has been reduced to four months from six months.

“We know that our best protection against COVID-19 has been vaccination,” Roussin said. “Get that vaccine dose as soon as possible.”

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Friday, May. 20, 2022

Dr. Brent Roussin gives an up date on COVID statistics during a press conference at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Friday morning. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba’s neurology services a ‘slow-evolving train wreck’

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Manitoba’s neurology services a ‘slow-evolving train wreck’

Katie May 6 minute read Thursday, May. 19, 2022

Manitoba’s multiple sclerosis clinic is “on the verge of collapse” and could be forced to close within the next three months, the doctor who oversees neurology services at Winnipeg hospital warned Thursday.

Dr. Dan Roberts, a professor in the University of Manitoba’s school of medicine, said that neurology services for stroke and epilepsy patients are also in jeopardy.

Roberts called a news conference “out of a sense of desperation” to warn the public about Manitoba’s shortage of specialized neurologists and electroencephalogram (EEG) technologists.

He said the province needs to recruit eight to 10 MS and stroke specialists over the next year. He said $2 million to $2.5 million in extra funding is needed to hire the doctors, expand clinical services and keep existing programs running.

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Thursday, May. 19, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre. The wait list for EEGs doubles every four or five months, and access has been dramatically reduced, reserve primarily now for ER and ICU patients.

Interlake ER closures frustrate former nurse

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Interlake ER closures frustrate former nurse

Katie May 5 minute read Thursday, May. 19, 2022

Diane Malcolm felt like she was having a heart attack. Then she found out there were no ER doctors available within a 100-kilometre radius.

On the night of May 7, the Lundar resident experienced stabbing, burning chest pains and shortness of breath.

The former nurse feared she was having cardiac problems and spent hours unsuccessfully trying to access emergency medical treatment in Manitoba’s Interlake region.

“At that particular time, there was no place to go,” Malcolm said.

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Thursday, May. 19, 2022

Diane Malcolm felt like she was having a heart attack. Then she found out there were no ER doctors available within a 100-kilometre radius.

On the night of May 7, the Lundar resident experienced stabbing, burning chest pains and shortness of breath.

The former nurse feared she was having cardiac problems and spent hours unsuccessfully trying to access emergency medical treatment in Manitoba’s Interlake region.

“At that particular time, there was no place to go,” Malcolm said.

Sagkeeng women removed from First Nations grand council meeting

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Sagkeeng women removed from First Nations grand council meeting

Katie May 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 17, 2022

A group of Sagkeeng women was asked to leave a grand council meeting in Winnipeg Tuesday afternoon after they prepared to ask Sagkeeng First Nation Chief Derrick Henderson to step down.

The chief declined to comment, but he made public remarks stating he will “persevere” despite his past.

Lillian (Beans) Cook, 57, and her supporters showed up to the spring assembly for Treaty 3 Anishinaabe Nation. Earlier this month, the Free Press reported Cook’s allegations that Henderson fathered a child with her when he was her teacher and she was 14 years old. Henderson hasn’t publicly commented on Cook’s account. Her supporters have repeatedly asked him to step down, and they were about to make another attempt Tuesday before they were escorted out of the meeting.

Sagkeeng is one of 28 First Nations included in Treaty 3, and the meeting is being hosted by Henderson on behalf of Sagkeeng at Club Regent Canad Inns over the next three days. The meeting is taking place in Winnipeg because of the risk of spreading COVID-19 in Sagkeeng First Nation, and several chiefs from northwestern Ontario communities were present, along with more than 70 attendees Tuesday morning.

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Tuesday, May. 17, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
Lillian Cook and her supporters showed up to the spring assembly for Treaty 3 Anishinaabe Nation. Cook and elder Mary Starr were asked to leave the conference room shortly after they signed in and sat down.

Hutterite women take first steps into health-care sector

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Hutterite women take first steps into health-care sector

Katie May 6 minute read Monday, May. 16, 2022

Growing up, Karissa Maendel never dreamed of being a nurse. But when she got the chance to embark on such a career, she knew she had to take it.

“It hadn’t been an option but the opportunity presented itself,” says Maendel, now in her first year as a registered nurse. “It just seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.”

Visionary change at a Manitoba Hutterite colony made her new vocation possible.

Maendel is one of only a handful of Hutterite nurses in the province. Now, she’s trying to encourage more representation within the health-care system to help colonies and alleviate staff shortages.

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Monday, May. 16, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Judith Maendel (left) and her sister-in-law Karissa Maendel at the Baker Colony. The two are trying to encourage more Hutterite representation within the health-care system to help colonies and alleviate staff shortages in the province.

Manitobans decry lack of resources for treating long COVID

Katie May 6 minute read Preview

Manitobans decry lack of resources for treating long COVID

Katie May 6 minute read Sunday, May. 15, 2022

Thirteen months after testing positive for COVID-19, Cam Regier feels worse than ever.

Taking a short walk causes a burning sensation in his chest. Talking too long on a video call leaves him short of breath.

When the Winnipeg mechanical engineer tried to return to the office full time, he could manage only two days a week and needed to nap afterward because his exhaustion was so profound.

“I tried,” he says of returning to work. “It was making everything worse, and after those two days, I was really tired.”

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Sunday, May. 15, 2022

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Cameron Regier, who is in his late 30s and was relatively active prior to getting infected with COVID-19, doesn’t know what triggered his most recent relapse of serious long symptoms.

Manitoba COVID numbers jump in report update

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Manitoba COVID numbers jump in report update

Katie May 2 minute read Thursday, May. 12, 2022

Manitoba’s COVID-19 death toll and hospitalizations have increased, even as the province reports a decrease in severe outcomes from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The provincial government has been releasing weekly COVID-19 data, but those figures are often updated later as new reports of hospital admissions or deaths come in.

Last week, the province initially reported 185 hospitalizations and 14 deaths, but those figures have since risen to 210 hospitalizations and 23 deaths for the week of April 24-30.

The changes represent a 14 per cent increase in hospitalizations and a 64 per cent increase in deaths on the previously released statistics.

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Thursday, May. 12, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
The provincial government’s weekly epidemiology report shows 177 Manitobans were admitted to hospital with COVID-19, including 19 to intensive care, between April 3 and 9.

Acute hepatitis reported in two Manitoba children

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Acute hepatitis reported in two Manitoba children

Katie May 2 minute read Wednesday, May. 11, 2022

Two children in Manitoba have had acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin since last fall, the provincial government stated Wednesday.

The cases are still under investigation. Manitoba identified the cases dating back to October 2021, but did not provide details, such as when the most recent case occurred, the ages of the children, or which health regions they live in.

“To protect patient privacy, we are unable to share any details of these cases,” a provincial spokesperson stated.

The same cases of acute, severe hepatitis may be reported in more than one province if the patients seek medical treatment in another jurisdiction, the spokesperson noted.

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Wednesday, May. 11, 2022

Two children in Manitoba have had acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin since last fall, the provincial government stated Wednesday.

The cases are still under investigation. Manitoba identified the cases dating back to October 2021, but did not provide details, such as when the most recent case occurred, the ages of the children, or which health regions they live in.

“To protect patient privacy, we are unable to share any details of these cases,” a provincial spokesperson stated.

The same cases of acute, severe hepatitis may be reported in more than one province if the patients seek medical treatment in another jurisdiction, the spokesperson noted.

Long-term trauma after terror at personal-care home

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Long-term trauma after terror at personal-care home

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 10, 2022

Locked in the bathroom as a long-term care resident banged on the door trying to get in, nurse Gretchen Marasigan-Esteva looked down and noticed blood in the sink. That’s when she realized she’d been stabbed.

It has taken the licensed practical nurse nearly five months to be able to publicly express her feelings about being attacked at work, and she is still processing the trauma. She was working the evening shift in a Winnipeg long-term care home on Dec. 25 when a male resident became aggressive and assaulted her with scissors. She had to run to the bathroom to get away.

She’s speaking out now, during national nursing week, in hopes her story will serve as a “wake-up call” to improve long-term care staffing.

“I was so scared seeing myself in front of the mirror in the washroom,” Marasigan-Esteva said Tuesday. “My instinct was to call for help, and then it slowly sunk in. And it’s just hard to process. It didn’t (break) me just being a nurse, but (also) being a person… I’m a mom, I’m a wife, and it’s all affected by what happened.”

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Tuesday, May. 10, 2022

Gretchen Marasigan-Esteva was working the evening shift in a long-term care home on Dec. 25 when a male resident became aggressive and assaulted her with scissors. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

Critics seek accountability in new air ambulance contract

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Critics seek accountability in new air ambulance contract

Katie May 3 minute read Monday, May. 9, 2022

Manitoba needs to answer crucial questions about how it will transport patients safely before government proceeds with a new air ambulance contract, critics say.

On May 6, the province announced it has opened a public tender process for a multiyear contract with an air ambulance provider, seeking requests for proposal by Sept. 9. The health department says the process is starting now because existing contracts are set to expire in the coming months.

When asked Monday if the move has anything to do with last year’s death of a 31-year-old patient during a failed transfer attempt, the government didn’t directly respond. It said it plans to bring in additional aircraft for medical transports, and will require the aircraft supplier(s) to “introduce high safety measurements and use a safety management system, following national and international best practices.”

Krystal Mousseau, a mother of two from Ebb and Flow First Nation, died in Brandon in May 2021, following an attempt to airlift her out of province. She had tested positive for COVID-19 and needed intensive care but Manitoba’s ICUs were full. Prior to her death, she had been deemed stable enough to make the trip to Ontario.

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Monday, May. 9, 2022

JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES
“I don’t know if I want to use the word ‘now,’ because it has always been our priority to ensure that an individual who’s being transported, whether it’s by ambulance, road or by air, that it is being done safely,” Health Minister Audrey Gordon said.

Sagkeeng woman accuses chief of getting her pregnant when she was a teen and he was her teacher

Katie May 8 minute read Preview

Sagkeeng woman accuses chief of getting her pregnant when she was a teen and he was her teacher

Katie May 8 minute read Saturday, May. 7, 2022

Four decades after she became a teenage mother, a Sagkeeng woman is urging Sagkeeng First Nation Chief Derrick Henderson to confront his past.

A group of women in the community has rallied around her, calling for the chief to step down.

Lillian (Beans) Cook, 57, says she was 14 when she became pregnant with Henderson’s child. Henderson, then 23 and married, was her phys-ed teacher at Sagkeeng’s South Shore Elementary School and had hired her to babysit his son.

Cook is choosing to speak publicly now, she says, because she wants the chief to be accountable, and she wants to let go of the shame she’s carried for 43 years.

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Saturday, May. 7, 2022

Jessica Lee
Lillian Cook was 14 when she had her son, Chris. The father is Sagkeeng First Nation Chief Derrick Henderson, she says. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press)

Legislature art display delves into youth mental health issues

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Legislature art display delves into youth mental health issues

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, May. 6, 2022

Using art to express experiences with addiction, a group of Winnipeg high school students marked the third annual National Child and Youth Mental Health Day by exhibiting their work at the provincial legislative building.

About 20 students from Argyle Alternative displayed visual art, poetry, video projects and models, all meant to bring addiction and mental health issues into the open.

“It’s relatable,” said Grade 12 student Ricki-Lynn Crain, whose dual drawing- and poetry-based piece depicts an individual in shadow, then facing the light.

Addiction and mental health are more complex than surface glances show, and many people have experienced some type of issue, Crain suggested.

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Friday, May. 6, 2022

Argyle Alternative High School students Ricki-Lynn Crain (from left), Ethan McInnes, Maia Kasian and Tyler Boyle showcase their art at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Friday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)

Care facilities’ outbreaks symptom of community transmission: advocate

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Care facilities’ outbreaks symptom of community transmission: advocate

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, May. 5, 2022

Another wave of outbreaks in long-term care homes is pointing to widespread community transmission, even as recent provincial data indicates a decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

Manitoba continues to report weekly figures on outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care homes but no longer publicly tracks the number of care home residents who die of COVID-19. A total of 14 Manitobans died of COVID-19 last week, an increase of one death over the week prior.

There were 16 outbreaks in long-term care centres and hospitals between April 24 and 30, the province announced Thursday.

If the province is going to release outbreak numbers, it should do so for all locations, not just long-term care, so the public gets an accurate picture of COVID-19 spread, said Jan Legeros, executive director of the Long Term & Continuing Care Association of Manitoba.

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Thursday, May. 5, 2022

Bethesda Place Care Home in Steinbach is one of 16 facilities in the province that suffered COVID outbreaks from Aug. 24 to 30. (Nicole Buffie / The Carillon files)

Women’s Health Clinic denounces potential U.S. move against abortion rights

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Women’s Health Clinic denounces potential U.S. move against abortion rights

Katie May 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 4, 2022

The Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg received a spike in calls after the release of a draft U.S. Supreme Court decision that would reverse abortion rights south of the border.

“That is scary for Canadians. It’s scary because people feel like someone will attack their fundamental right to choose what is right for them,” said Blandine Tona, director of medical programs for the clinic. Political and legal decisions in the U.S. tend to affect local abortion care — more people contact the clinic to access an abortion when access to it is threatened elsewhere, Tona said.

The clinic is one of two centres in Winnipeg that offers both medication (pill) abortions and aspiration abortion procedures, which are only performed in Winnipeg and Brandon. The Winnipeg facility issued a response denouncing Tuesday’s leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft that would overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

“Since yesterday (when) we learned about this, we had to staff the clinic additionally because of the callers. So the calls are increasing from Manitobans, because again, they are scared of what is happening there. That’s why we are feeling concerned,” she said.

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Wednesday, May. 4, 2022

The Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Shelters call for improved mental health response

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Shelters call for improved mental health response

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 4, 2022

AFTER dealing with months of violent behaviour and vandalism, prompting repeated calls to Winnipeg police, the manager of a transitional housing shelter is speaking up about the need for trauma-informed responses to people who have underlying mental health conditions.

“If our only response is to call the police when something happens and their response is what we’ve seen, then we need to have a greater discussion about this and this needs to be more of a priority. Things need to change,” said Aaron Black, general manager of Pan Am Place and Pan Am Boxing Club.

For the past four months, Black has been relying on police help to deal with incidents of threats, violence and vandalism at Pan Am Place.

The Exchange District transitional housing centre takes in men ages 18 to 30 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The program accepts men who are on bail, have been released from jail, have nowhere else to go and who voluntarily want to make a change.

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Wednesday, May. 4, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Aaron Black, general manager at Pan Am Place, a transitional housing shelter for men, at 88 Arthur Street.

Shelters call for improved trauma-informed response amid struggle with client mental health issues

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Shelters call for improved trauma-informed response amid struggle with client mental health issues

Katie May 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 4, 2022

After dealing with months of violent behaviour and vandalism, prompting repeated calls to Winnipeg police, the manager of a transitional housing shelter is speaking up about the need for trauma-informed responses to people who have underlying mental health conditions.

“If our only response is to call the police when something happens and their response is what we’ve seen, then we need to have a greater discussion about this and this needs to be more of a priority. Things need to change,” said Aaron Black, general manager of Pan Am Place and Pan Am Boxing Club.

For the past four months, Black has been relying on police help to deal with incidents of threats, violence and vandalism at Pan Am Place.

The Exchange District transitional housing centre takes in men ages 18 to 30 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The program accepts men who are on bail, have been released from jail, have nowhere else to go and who voluntarily want to make a change.

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Wednesday, May. 4, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Aaron Black has called the Winnipeg Police Service emergency and non-emergency lines up to 10 times about the same individual in recent weeks. Officers have been responding and doing their job, he said, but their job doesn’t include the kind of specialized support he believes is necessary.

Flora’s Walk fundraiser calls for perinatal mental health strategy

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Flora’s Walk fundraiser calls for perinatal mental health strategy

Katie May 4 minute read Sunday, May. 1, 2022

Mental illness among new and expectant mothers has worsened during the pandemic, and a first-of-its kind national fundraiser aims to stop the stigma and offer more support.

The national walkathon is scheduled this week in memory of a Toronto mother who died by suicide earlier this year after dealing with undiagnosed, and rare, postpartum psychosis. It’s been named Flora’s Walk for 44-year-old single mother Flora Babakhani, who took her own life two months after giving birth to her daughter following years of fertility treatments.

Winnipeg and cities across Canada are holding walkathon fundraisers Wednesday, May 4, to call for the development of a national perinatal mental health strategy, geared toward parents before and after giving birth.

Regular screening — not just a six-week post-birth medical appointment — should be part of that strategy along with additional social support for mothers, said Jennifer Hanslip, a postpartum doula who has been working in the area for the past six years.

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Sunday, May. 1, 2022

Postpartum doula Jennifer Hanslip has been working and volunteering in the field of perinatal mental health for the six years and is one of the organizers of a Winnipeg walkathon that’s raising money and awareness for the cause. (Submitted / Kashton Photography)

Morden declares state of emergency; warm, dry weather on horizon

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Morden declares state of emergency; warm, dry weather on horizon

Katie May 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 30, 2022

At least seven Manitoba communities have now declared a state of emergency because of flooding as heavy rains continue. 

“The worst isn’t over yet,” said Morden Mayor Brandon Burley, who declared a state of emergency following a special council meeting Saturday afternoon. The city of Morden issued roughly 50 evacuation notices to residents because of substantial overland flooding that is damaging homes and vehicles throughout the city. 

“It’s not really isolated at this point,” Burley said. 

The southern Manitoba community is one of several areas that have been among the hardest hit with another Colorado low system that brought more rain starting Friday night. 

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Saturday, Apr. 30, 2022

In this screen grab, the banks of Deadhorse Creek in the city of Morden spilled over Saturday morning, April 30, 2022. The southern Manitoba community is one of several areas that have been among the hardest hit with another Colorado low system that brought more rain starting Friday night. (Supplied)

Surgery backlog grows as Doctors Manitoba seeks info

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Surgery backlog grows as Doctors Manitoba seeks info

Katie May 5 minute read Friday, Apr. 29, 2022

Manitoba’s surgery and diagnostic test backlog has increased to 169,198 procedures, according to new estimates released Friday by Doctors Manitoba.

The physicians advocate organization said it is seeking updated data from the provincial government and has filed a freedom of information request.

The estimated backlog rises 1,311 cases since last month. The total figure includes 55,571 surgeries (an increase of 751 since last month’s estimate), 46,189 diagnostic imaging procedures (up 938) and 67,438 diagnostic tests (such as endoscopies, mammograms and allergy screens).

Theresa Hlady is among the thousands who are still waiting.

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Friday, Apr. 29, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES
Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Kristjan Thompson, an ER physician at St. Boniface Hospital, stated the rate of backlogged procedures is starting to slow.

Policy shift lands non-COVID patients in hospital units with active outbreaks

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Policy shift lands non-COVID patients in hospital units with active outbreaks

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 29, 2022

NON-COVID patients are being admitted to hospital units that have active outbreaks of the virus under a policy change that has received little public attention.

To free up acute-care capacity and reduce the number of emergency room patients waiting for a hospital bed, administrators changed outbreak admission guidelines in January, two months before the province lifted all COVID-19 public restrictions.

On Thursday, a Shared Health spokesperson stated hospitals do not track the number of patients who’ve been transferred into outbreak units. Four units had outbreaks at Health Sciences Centre as of Thursday afternoon.

The Jan. 13 guidance issued to health staff said it’s not always possible to avoid admitting patients who don’t have COVID-19 into areas with outbreaks, particularly if those patients need care in a specialized unit.

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Friday, Apr. 29, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
As of Thursday afternoon, four different medical units at Health Sciences Centre had active COVID-19 outbreaks.

Help required to update city sewer system: Mayes

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Help required to update city sewer system: Mayes

Katie May 4 minute read Thursday, Apr. 28, 2022

A city councillor says it’s up to the provincial and federal governments to bail out Winnipeg from having to allow raw sewage to flow directly into the Red River during periods of heavy rain.

On the weekend, as a major storm bashed Winnipeg, almost 60 million litres was allowed to discharge into the river because city crews determined the south end sewage treatment plant was overwhelmed.

Coun. Brian Mayes, chairman of the water and waste committee, said he found out about the diversion by reading the Free Press on Wednesday.

“To find out about this through the media is frustrating as a councillor, but I’ll be sure to add it to the (committee) agenda next week and we’ll be asking questions,” he said.

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Thursday, Apr. 28, 2022

Almost 60 million litres was allowed to discharge into the river because city crews determined the south end sewage treatment plant (above) was overwhelmed. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

60 million litres of raw sewage released into Red River during storm

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

60 million litres of raw sewage released into Red River during storm

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2022

Municipal wastewater crews had to make a tough choice during last weekend’s rain storm: risk overwhelming the sewer system and flood entire neighbourhoods, or dump into the river one of the largest amounts of raw sewage in Winnipeg history.

Nearly 60 million litres of raw sewage was allowed to flow into the Red River, from Saturday night to Monday morning, in an effort to prevent additional basement flooding at homes upstream of the South End Wastewater Treatment Plant.

It’s one of the largest outflows of sewage in recent years, but it represented only about five per cent of the record-high flow volume dealt with by the city’s three wastewater treatment plants during the rainstorm.

“These are the highest flows that we’ve seen at the plants in 20 years,” said Chris Carroll, manager of wastewater services for the city’s water and waste department.

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Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2022

Nearly 60 million litres of raw sewage was allowed to flow into the Red River from Saturday night to Monday morning in an effort to prevent additional basement flooding at homes upstream of the South End Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Mike Sudoma / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Apple, Google asked to make apps safer for kids

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Apple, Google asked to make apps safer for kids

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2022

A Winnipeg-based national organization is calling on corporate giants Apple and Google to standardize age restrictions for mobile apps and make it more difficult for children to access adult content.

Age ratings in mobile app stores are inconsistent, unenforced and misleading for parents, a new report from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has found.

The not-for-profit tested child-and-youth settings in the Canadian Google Play and Apple stores, and found that accounts for children under 13, and between ages 13 and 17, were easily able to access content that was not intended for their age groups.

Parental controls were either not required or easily bypassed, even when children’s accounts indicated their real age, allowing youth to access dating apps, hook-up sites and chat-roulette platforms that put them in contact with strangers.

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Tuesday, Apr. 26, 2022

Tribune Media TNS
Parental controls at app stores are either not required or easily bypassed, says a new report. (Dreamstime / TNS)

Manitoba COVID hospital admissions increasing

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba COVID hospital admissions increasing

Katie May 3 minute read Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022

COVID-19 hospitalizations are still on the rise in Manitoba.

For the third consecutive week, Manitoba recorded an increase in the number of hospitalizations caused by severe infections of the virus, even as the limited number of lab tests and wastewater data suggest transmission is decreasing.

Last week, 206 Manitobans were hospitalized with COVID-19; 22 of those patients needed intensive care. That’s an increase of 29 patients over the previous week and an increase of three ICU admissions. Twelve people died last week, up from five the previous week.

The provincial government released the data in a weekly epidemiological report Thursday. It shows severe infections have been on the rise for nearly a month, as of April 16. COVID-19 hospitalizations have been increasing week over week since March 20.

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Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES
The rise in hospitalizations is no surprise to front-line doctors and nurses, considering the explosion of BA2 variant cases, said Dr. Eric Jacobsohn.

Avian flu confirmed in Manitoba; no risk to public: province

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Avian flu confirmed in Manitoba; no risk to public: province

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 20, 2022

Two cases of avian flu have been confirmed in wild birds in Manitoba, and the province expects existing biosecurity measures will be enough to keep the infectious disease under control.

The confirmed influenza cases (HPAI, subtype H5N1) are from a bald eagle in the Dauphin area and a snow goose near Waskada. The risk of transmission to humans is low. Avian flu cases are spreading elsewhere in Canada and across the border in North Dakota and Minnesota along routes for migratory birds returning to Manitoba.

Additional positive cases among wild birds are expected in the province in the coming weeks during the high-risk migration season. There are no cases thus far among poultry, and officials are not planning to issue any emergency orders or additional biosecurity mandates for commercial poultry farmers, Dr. Scott Zaari, Manitoba’s chief veterinary officer, said Wednesday.

“It’s a matter of maintaining our existing structure and following the biosecurity protocols that our producers already have in place,” Zaari said.

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Wednesday, Apr. 20, 2022

A confirmed influenza case was from a bald eagle in the Dauphin area. (Wayne Glowacki / Free Press files)

U of M Prof. David Barber, 61, was pillar of Arctic research community

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

U of M Prof. David Barber, 61, was pillar of Arctic research community

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Apr. 18, 2022

An international community of climate scientists is mourning the loss of one of Canada’s most influential and well-respected Arctic researchers.

David Barber, a member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to sea ice climate science, died April 15 at 61, after suffering complications from cardiac arrest.

Barber, a proud Manitoban and professor at the University of Manitoba, has been described as a visionary for his ability to see the big picture and take on ambitious projects that have shaped collective understanding of climate change.

Barber leaves behind his wife Lucette, three children and two grandchildren. Several of his colleagues told the Free Press his love for his family was infused in all of his work.

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Monday, Apr. 18, 2022

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
David Barber, a proud Manitoban and professor at the University of Manitoba, has been described as a visionary for his ability to see the big picture and take on ambitious projects that have shaped collective understanding of climate change.

Beauty, disability mulled in thoughtful memoir

Reviewed by Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Beauty, disability mulled in thoughtful memoir

Reviewed by Katie May 4 minute read Saturday, Apr. 16, 2022

An exploration of beauty through the eyes of author Chloé Cooper Jones is a journey through disability and desire, right down to the sparkling, self-reflective depths of humanity.

As a philosophy professor and Pulitzer-nominated freelance feature writer, Jones melds philosophical uncertainty with visceral reality. Her memoir is all at once a travelogue, a love story, a primer on the study of esthetics and a distinctive chronicle of unexpected motherhood.

It’s a vulnerable account of tiptoeing between survival and self-sabotage in search of something beautiful. (Plus, it sneaks in cultural commentary on the respective healing powers of Beyoncé and Roger Federer.)

Living in Brooklyn with her husband and six-year-old son, Jones can’t find motivation to finish her second PhD. She takes readers with her to Italy, seeing Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptures in Rome, drinking wine alongside outdoor opera-goers at the Baths of Carcalla, sweating in the VIP section of a stadium in Milan.

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Saturday, Apr. 16, 2022

Easy Beauty

Hospital transfers hastened mother’s death, family says

Katie May 5 minute read Preview

Hospital transfers hastened mother’s death, family says

Katie May 5 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 5, 2022

The family of a senior with dementia who died after being transferred between two Manitoba hospitals is calling on the province to end patient transfers, especially for the elderly.

Of the 331 hospital patients sent far from home since last October under Manitoba’s inter-regional patient-transfer protocol, it’s unknown how many are elderly, how many have dementia or how many died soon after being transferred.

Shared Health is not disclosing any of that information publicly, and there is no demographic data to show which groups of Manitobans are hit hardest by the transfer policy.

Joyce Rivard, 84, fell and dislocated her hip on Feb. 1 and died at Concordia Hospital on Feb. 25. Before she died, and despite her dementia and frail state, Rivard was transferred to a health centre in Treherne, 126 kilometres away, to free up a bed in Winnipeg. Within 24 hours after the ambulance ride, she dislocated her hip again and was sent back to Concordia.

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Tuesday, Apr. 5, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "I know this isn’t going to bring my mom back, obviously, but I just don’t want this to happen to any other person who doesn’t have a strong advocate," said Joyce Rivard's daughter Gina Tavares.

Winnipeggers stand with Ukraine in rally

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Winnipeggers stand with Ukraine in rally

Katie May 3 minute read Friday, Mar. 25, 2022

HOURS after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for global rallies against the Russian invasion of his country, Winnipeggers with ties to Ukraine marched to show their support.

The Manitoba council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress organized a short-notice rally from The Forks to the Provencher Bridge starting at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Zelenskyy had urged the international community to be visible in their support for Ukraine, and the local organization answered his call, planning the march as the latest of several rallies that have attracted thousands of Winnipeggers since Russia invaded Ukraine last month.

“I ask you to stand against the war, starting from March 24, exactly one month after the Russian invasion. Come to your squares, your streets, make yourselves visible and heard,” Zelenskyy said in English during a virtual broadcast on March 23.

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Friday, Mar. 25, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Joy Stewart Wiwchar holds a Ukrainian flag near the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Thursday during a protest that called for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Chiefs take allegation against Dumas seriously: acting grand chief

Katie May 2 minute read Preview

Chiefs take allegation against Dumas seriously: acting grand chief

Katie May 2 minute read Thursday, Mar. 24, 2022

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has reassured the public it “takes all allegations of harassment at the workplace very seriously” as it investigates suspended grand chief Arlen Dumas, who has been accused of sexual assault by a senior female staffer.

Acting grand chief Eric Redhead issued the statement Thursday.

The staff member filed a police complaint and formally notified her workplace last week, writing in an email to AMC’s executive council that Dumas subjected her to “harassment, sexual harassment, and sexualized violence.”

In his statement, Redhead said the political organization, which represents 62 First Nations in Manitoba, wants to make sure its employees are protected, including their privacy.

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Thursday, Mar. 24, 2022

FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO
No charges have been laid and suspended chief Arlen Dumas has not commented on the sexual assault allegation.

Disability payment program structures face constitutional challenge

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Disability payment program structures face constitutional challenge

Katie May 3 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2022

A constitutional challenge over clawed-back disability payments is set to play out in court Tuesday on behalf of a Winnipeg man who has been trying to live on $257 a month.

Paul Hutlet, who is in his late 40s, is unable to work because of post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia and major depressive disorder. He qualified for Manitoba disability benefits, but had to pay the province back once his federal Canadian Pension Plan disability payments kicked in.

That kind of clawback happens in every province, but it must stop, argue Toronto lawyers Sujit Choudhry and David Baker.

They took on Hutlet’s file as a “test case” to try to persuade courts to allow Canadians with disabilities to stack their provincial and federal assistance payments.

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Tuesday, Mar. 22, 2022

A hearing is being held to try to persuade courts to allow Canadians with disabilities to stack their provincial and federal assistance payments instead of clawing them back. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

CP Rail job action another blow to economy

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

CP Rail job action another blow to economy

Katie May 4 minute read Sunday, Mar. 20, 2022

Roughly 60 CP Rail employees walked picket lines in waves at two Winnipeg locations Sunday, marking the first day of a work stoppage that halted trains and the distribution of goods across the country.

The company and the union have blamed each other for the work stoppage, with Teamsters Canada Rail Conference describing it as a lockout initiated by the employer. CP Rail responded by saying the union “completely misrepresented the truth,” and that the company had to shut down operations because Teamsters didn’t respond to its latest offer by midnight Sunday.

Around 3,000 workers are off the job across Canada after the company-set deadline of midnight failed to reach a deal.

Several employees held placards and walked through deep puddles at the entrance of CP Rail’s property on Keewatin Street Sunday afternoon as passing cars and trucks honked their support. Only about one in 100 passersby had shouted negative comments, estimated Lane Edel, president of Winnipeg’s division 76 for Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. Edel, a locomotive engineer for 15 years, said he’d much rather be at work than spending all day on the picket line, shoes soaked in muddy water.

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Sunday, Mar. 20, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
CP Rail workers walk the picket line on Keewatin Street Sunday.

Millions in COVID-19 enforcement fines remain unpaid

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Millions in COVID-19 enforcement fines remain unpaid

Katie May 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 21, 2022

Most COVID-19 enforcement fines issued over the past two years in Manitoba still haven’t been paid.

Now that the province has lifted all public-health restrictions that required proof-of-vaccination, mask-wearing and limited gatherings in public places, the enforcement of those emergency orders has also ended. More than $3.6 million fines were issued for alleged COVID-19 violations, but those millions haven’t made it into provincial coffers.

A total of $492,900 has been collected since April 2020, according to the province’s most recent tabulation, which is from the end of February. That’s only about 14 per cent of the total $3,624,187 in fines issued.

The government spent millions on enforcement of the COVID-19 public health orders and empowered more than three thousand police officers and provincial workers to enforce the rules, including a $2.5-million investment when enforcement began in November 2020. Much of the enforcement targeted repeat offenders, including restaurants, churches and other organizations that openly flouted the rules. Most of the total 2,619 tickets and 596 fines that were handed out were issued by police agencies other than the RCMP.

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Monday, Mar. 21, 2022

The government spent millions on enforcement of the COVID-19 public health orders but has yet to collect most of the fines issued. (Winnipeg Free Press files)

Physiotherapy key to post-transfer recovery, patients say

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Physiotherapy key to post-transfer recovery, patients say

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 18, 2022

Lisa Tarko didn’t want to be transferred 188 kilometres to Neepawa this winter for medical treatment, but is grateful she was.

The Winnipeg woman is among the hospital patients impacted by Manitoba’s inter-regional health system transfer protocol, and agrees there’s a greater need for physical rehabilitation services to help them heal.

If she hadn’t been sent to Neepawa in late January, Tarko said she’d likely need long-term care now. Instead, she’s back home and able to use a walker after having life-saving surgery.

“I probably would’ve ended up in a nursing home or personal care home,” Tarko said this week. “I think that it would’ve gotten to that point if I didn’t get proper rehab.”

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Friday, Mar. 18, 2022

Lisa Tarko was transferred to Neepawa for medical treatment and is grateful she was. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitobans open hearts to octogenarian following trying hospital transfer

Katie May 4 minute read Preview

Manitobans open hearts to octogenarian following trying hospital transfer

Katie May 4 minute read Friday, Mar. 18, 2022

Three months after she was transferred to a hospital 350 kilometres from home without follow-up care, an 80-year-old Winnipegger is back in the city receiving geriatric rehab.

Joan Hodgson’s return happened after the local community rallied around her and health-care leadership pledged to do better.

In late December, Hodgson went to Concordia Hospital for a broken leg. On Jan. 12, she was transferred to Russell Health Centre, as part of Manitoba’s inter-regional transfer protocol to free up space for COVID-19 patients.

Hodgson was one of more than 300 to be transferred. Then her son and primary caregiver died while she was in hospital and she had no visitors.

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Friday, Mar. 18, 2022

SUPPLIED
Joan Hodgson, left, and Andrea Glasman during a video chat with Hodgson’s daughter last week.

Top health official provides last regular public update

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Top health official provides last regular public update

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2022

Just days after lifting all pandemic restrictions, the provincial government signalled Wednesday its public battle against COVID-19 is all but over, announcing an end to regular updates and plans to close testing and vaccination sites.

“We know that COVID-19 very likely will be part of our lives for years to come, so we can’t wait for COVID-19 to be gone before we start our journey of healing,” chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin told reporters while delivering his last formal briefing virtually, rather than in person from his familiar spot at the legislature.

He announced 18 PCR testing sites will close as of Sunday, and vaccination clinics are also winding down operations over the next few weeks, although the RBC Convention Centre supersite will stay open “a while longer.”

Health officials will monitor transmission and the province will continue to report hospitalizations linked to the virus, Roussin said, describing that figure as the most important, though lagging, indicator of the state of the pandemic in Manitoba.

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Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Dr. Brent Roussin.

Book translated to help Ukrainian kids

Katie May 3 minute read Preview

Book translated to help Ukrainian kids

Katie May 3 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2022

Ukrainian children fleeing war will receive copies of a local children’s book that teaches them how to deal with trauma.

The illustrated book, written and designed in Winnipeg, is called Big Feelings Come and Go. It has been translated into Ukrainian after Russia’s attack on the neighbouring country and is being distributed to families with young children who are escaping to Finland.

The Winnipeg-based Canadian Centre for Child Protection teamed up with New Directions, a local non-profit youth and family services organization, to produce the book in 2018. The centre is partnering with Finnish child-protection agency Suojellaan Lapsia ry to give an initial run of 2,500 copies to Ukrainian children.

Developed by therapists, it explains the body’s fight, flight and freeze reactions to children as young as four. The book was originally meant to be used by local therapists to give children simple ways to cope when they are overwhelmed and scared.

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Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2022

Noni Classen of the Canadian Centre of Child Protection with a book that has been translated into Ukrainian to distribute to kids affected by the war. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press)