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Katrina Clarke

Katrina Clarke

Investigative reporter

Katrina Clarke was born in Winnipeg and raised in southern Ontario. She believes Manitoba instilled grit and resiliency in her from Day One by living the first months of her life in a frigid Prairie winter.

An avid reader, Katrina dreamed of becoming a detective like her literary heroes, Harriet the Spy and Nancy Drew. She once spent a summer investigating the goings-on in small-town Ontario, documenting her observations – specifically, the licence plates of passing cars – in a notebook. Sadly, she solved no mysteries or crimes.

Since then, Katrina’s grown-up journalism career has taken her from Toronto to Fredericton and back again (Hamilton), plus a few stints overseas. She joined the Free Press in 2022 and is proud to call Friendly Manitoba home once again.

Katrina strives to make Winnipeg and Manitoba a better place through investigative journalism that holds power to account, demands transparency from public officials and leads to progressive policy change.

Reach out to say hello, drop a tip or share a story idea.

Recent articles by Katrina Clarke

Brandon doctor censured for improper genital exam

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Brandon doctor censured for improper genital exam

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

A longtime Brandon pediatrician has been reprimanded by Manitoba’s physician watchdog after he administered a genital exam on an adolescent patient without gloves, proper draping and obtaining consent.

Dr. Emmett Elves was issued a formal censure by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba earlier this month, after it found he “failed to meet the standard of the profession” and “displayed a lack of judgment” relating to a 12-year-old boy’s appointment in 2022.

Elves, who has been practising since the 1970s, has apologized to the patient and plans to retire in June, according to a discipline decision posted on the college’s website.

The censure comes one month after a Free Press investigation revealed six Manitoba physicians — including Elves — have chaperone conditions on their licences, meaning they require someone else present when conducting sensitive exams.

Read
Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Dr. Emmett Elves was issued a formal censure by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba earlier this month, after it found he “failed to meet the standard of the profession” and “displayed a lack of judgment” relating to a 12-year-old boy’s appointment in 2022.

North America's oldest legal supervised drug consumption site offers a blueprint for saving lives

Katrina Clarke 10 minute read Preview

North America's oldest legal supervised drug consumption site offers a blueprint for saving lives

Katrina Clarke 10 minute read Friday, May. 26, 2023

VANCOUVER — Guy Felicella gestures toward the floor behind booth No. 5 at Insite, Canada’s oldest supervised drug consumption site, in the city’s Downtown Eastside. That’s the last place he overdosed, he says.

Then he points upstairs — that’s where he got sober.

Insite is well-known as North America’s first legal supervised consumption site — this year marks its 20th anniversary — but it’s the site’s lesser-known counterpart, Onsite, a drug detox centre on the second floor, and transitional housing on the third floor, that allow the space to fully cater to those suffering amid a national toxic drugs crisis.

Felicella knows some think it’s “crazy” to have a place for people to get off drugs in the same building they’re given space to use them. But it’s the definition of harm reduction — meeting people where they’re at without judgment, be it a clean needle or a clean room.

Read
Friday, May. 26, 2023

Inside the injection room at Insite, a facility for safe consumption of drugs, on East Hastings in Vancouver. (Trevor Hagan / Winnipeg Free Press)

Suspect arrested for stabbing on Keewatin Street

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Preview

Suspect arrested for stabbing on Keewatin Street

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Sunday, May. 14, 2023

A 63-year-old man is in stable condition after a random, unprovoked stabbing by an attacker who climbed into his home through a window early Saturday morning, police say.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old male teen in connection with the assault.

Read
Sunday, May. 14, 2023

A 63-year-old man is in stable condition after a random, unprovoked stabbing by an attacker who climbed into his home through a window early Saturday morning, police say.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old male teen in connection with the assault.

Doctor censured for posting ‘unprofessional’ comment on patient online

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Doctor censured for posting ‘unprofessional’ comment on patient online

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Sunday, May. 14, 2023

Manitoba’s physician regulator has reprimanded a Winnipeg doctor after he made an “inappropriate and unprofessional” comment about a patient online.

Family doctor Abdel-Kareem Chehadi was formally censured by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba after he fired back at a patient who criticized his conduct on the online forum RateMDs, according to a decision posted on the college’s website in recent days.

The decision states the matter involved a patient with a history of anxiety and substance use disorder, including alcohol and benzodiazepines. When the patient, called “Patient A” in the decision, started seeing Chehadi in November 2019, the doctor’s treatment plan included consultation with an addiction specialist, tapering of medications and cognitive behavioural therapy.

The patient also required the doctor to fill out certain MPI forms relating to the loss of their driver’s licence. In July 2020, a “conflict” arose over the MPI forms and a long-term disability form which led to “a deterioration of the physician-patient relationship.”

Read
Sunday, May. 14, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Family doctor Abdel-Kareem Chehadi was formally censured by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba after he fired back at a patient who criticized his conduct on an online forum.

Woman rescued after apparent random abduction in The Pas

By Katrina Clarke 1 minute read Preview

Woman rescued after apparent random abduction in The Pas

By Katrina Clarke 1 minute read Sunday, May. 14, 2023

A woman who was allegedly abducted at random and taken to a cabin south of The Pas Saturday is now safe, police say.

In a news release, The Pas RCMP said they received a report just before noon Saturday that a 24-year-old woman had been abducted on Highway 10 near The Pas.

Read
Sunday, May. 14, 2023

A woman who was allegedly abducted at random and taken to a cabin south of The Pas Saturday is now safe, police say.

In a news release, The Pas RCMP said they received a report just before noon Saturday that a 24-year-old woman had been abducted on Highway 10 near The Pas.

United in grief, mothers of children lost to overdose push for awareness and action

Katrina Clarke 9 minute read Preview

United in grief, mothers of children lost to overdose push for awareness and action

Katrina Clarke 9 minute read Friday, May. 12, 2023

Jordan. Phoebe. Devin.

Each was the centre of their mother’s world. Each struggled with addiction. Each is deeply missed.

For all three, their mothers are irreparably changed by the loss of their children to a drug overdose. The women are united in their unique grief, each battling against unwarranted stigma that’s wrapped around their loss and each desperate to keep their child’s memory alive.

Mother’s Day for them is difficult. Some would rather it pass by unmarked.

Read
Friday, May. 12, 2023

(Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame inductee remembered as 'superwoman'

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame inductee remembered as 'superwoman'

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Saturday, Apr. 29, 2023

Judy Brown was the kind of grandmother who would be waiting in her grandkids’ driveway in the wee hours of Christmas morning, rushing inside the moment she saw the lights turn on.

She was the kind of mom who built her life around her daughters and their activities, shuttling their teammates to and from so many sports games she was known affectionately to many as “Mom Brown.”

She was the kind of best friend who called just to chat every morning for decades.

She was a volunteer. A loving wife. A multitasker extraordinaire and an organizer so highly regarded in the Manitoba curling community she was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame last year.

Read
Saturday, Apr. 29, 2023

SUPPLIED

Judy Brown died July 9 at the age of 83.

Abused boy’s mother demands accountability for school support staff

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Abused boy’s mother demands accountability for school support staff

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

A Winnipeg mother whose son was allegedly assaulted by two educational assistants is calling on the province to add EAs to its pending teacher registry.

The mother, who the Free Press is not naming to protect her family’s privacy, said Louis Riel School Division officials told her in 2021 that they fired two EAs after determining they abused her then-six-year-old son, who has Down syndrome and is non-verbal, and two other students. Two years and many unanswered questions later, that’s almost all she knows.

Now, she wants the province to include EAs in the proposed Manitoba teacher registry and for discipline against EAs to be made public, steps set to be taken for teachers if Bill 35, the Education Administration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct), is passed. She believes doing so would hold wrongdoers to account and prevent other families from going through what she endured.

“The whole system failed us,” she said in one of several lengthy interviews with the Free Press.

Read
Friday, Apr. 28, 2023

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

A mom who is trying to make sure no other kids are harmed like her son was shows hand prints she found on him at her home in Winnipeg on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Two EAs at her sonճ school were fired after they physically and verbally abused students in her sonճ class, including her son. She wants EAs added to the registry of teachers that is part of Bill 35 to make sure that those who harmed her son canմ just move on to another school and do the same thing elsewhere. For Katrina story. Winnipeg Free Press 2023.

Preliminary numbers show Manitoba drug deaths at record level in 2022

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Preliminary numbers show Manitoba drug deaths at record level in 2022

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

Drug deaths in Manitoba appear to have hit a record high in 2022, new data shows.

According to preliminary statistics from Manitoba’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner provided to the Free Press by an advocacy group, there were 418 total drug-related overdose deaths in 2022, up from 407 at about the same time last year for 2021 (the number later grew to 424 after more deaths were confirmed). There were 371 drug deaths in 2020, up from 199 in 2019.

Read
Wednesday, Apr. 26, 2023

Teachers give bill failing grade at marathon hearing

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Teachers give bill failing grade at marathon hearing

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

Manitoba teachers fear proposed legislation on educator misconduct will be co-opted by ill-intentioned parents and don’t believe it will protect students, they told a standing committee during six hours of presentations Monday night.

Around 20 teachers from across the province spoke at the at-times tense marathon public hearing at the legislature or called in and spoke by video about their thoughts on Bill 35 — The Education Administration Amendment Act (Teacher Certification and Professional Conduct).

“Will this make our kids safer? It sounds like a recipe for witch hunts,” speaker Jim Parry-Hill said.

The bill, if passed, would make teacher discipline public and create a registry of teachers also accessible by the public. It would also assign an independent commissioner to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by teachers. A panel made up of a teacher, a person appointed by the Manitoba School Boards Association and a member of the public would rule on matters sent to public hearings.

Read
Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2023

Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Manitoba’s teachers union says proposed Bill 35 declares 'open season' on educators

Katrina Clarke 10 minute read Preview

Manitoba’s teachers union says proposed Bill 35 declares 'open season' on educators

Katrina Clarke 10 minute read Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

In the days after the provincial government introduced its transparency-focused teacher misconduct bill, tension was building behind the scenes.

Read
Friday, Apr. 14, 2023

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba Teachers' Society

Patients, critics question the way Manitoba’s physician watchdog handles cases of misconduct and discipline

Katrina Clarke 12 minute read Preview

Patients, critics question the way Manitoba’s physician watchdog handles cases of misconduct and discipline

Katrina Clarke 12 minute read Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

At least five Winnipeg-area doctors have conditions on their medical licences limiting the treatment they can provide to female patients, a Free Press investigation reveals.

Read
Thursday, Apr. 6, 2023

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press

NDP to delay addictions bill

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

NDP to delay addictions bill

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

New Democrats intend to delay a controversial Tory bill to regulate Manitoba drug addictions services, “effectively killing” it, says NDP Leader Wab Kinew.

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Monday, Apr. 3, 2023

Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Province announces new funding for sexual assault crisis response program

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Province announces new funding for sexual assault crisis response program

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Sunday, Apr. 2, 2023

Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives announced new funding for a new community-led sexual assault crisis response program Sunday amid criticism over its handling of a similar program at Health Sciences Centre.

Read
Sunday, Apr. 2, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

About six to eight people, including nurses, will be hired to support the two sites, said Ayn Wilcox, Klinic Community Health executive director.

Manitoba bill would ‘eliminate’ OD-prevention RV: Sunshine House

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Manitoba bill would ‘eliminate’ OD-prevention RV: Sunshine House

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

The head of the organization that runs Manitoba’s only overdose prevention site said he feels “sideswiped” by proposed legislation to regulate addictions services.

Read
Thursday, Mar. 16, 2023

If passed, the bill would halt the operation of OD-prevention sites such as the mobile one run by Sunshine House, said Sunshine House executive director Levi Foy. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Harm-reduction advocates take aim at province’s addiction services bill; federal minister voices support for supervised drug sites

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Harm-reduction advocates take aim at province’s addiction services bill; federal minister voices support for supervised drug sites

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Harm-reduction groups in Manitoba want the provincial government’s new addictions services bill rescinded, saying it “closes that door” to supervised consumption sites “under the cover of regulation.”

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

ADRIAN WYLD / CANADIAN PRESS FILES

“I hope that people know that when, as the federal government, we grant (a Health Canada exemption), that there is extraordinary due diligence to make sure (of) the safety, efficacy, all of the precautions,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett said, speaking at the West Broadway Community Organization downtown.

PCs tone down opposition to safe consumption sites

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

PCs tone down opposition to safe consumption sites

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

THE Manitoba government has signalled it is open to the possibility of supporting supervised drug-consumption sites — after years of rejecting them — but only if they are heavily regulated.

Read
Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

At the news conference, Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness Janice Morley-Lecomte said she personally has “concerns” about the “safety” of the sites.

Province digs in amid calls for OD stats release

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Province digs in amid calls for OD stats release

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

The Stefanson government is holding firm on its refusal to release 2022 fatal overdose statistics, ignoring calls in the legislature from the NDP to do so.

Read
Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Stefanson government is holding firm on its refusal to release 2022 fatal overdose statistics, ignoring calls in the legislature from the NDP to do so.

‘Step in right direction’: doctors college makes it easier to acquire drug to treat opioid addiction

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

‘Step in right direction’: doctors college makes it easier to acquire drug to treat opioid addiction

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

Manitoba’s physician regulator is making it easier for doctors to prescribe a pill used to treat opioid addiction.

At a December meeting of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, council voted to remove a requirement for doctors to complete specific training before being allowed to prescribe Suboxone to patients with opioid dependency. The training, which took place in-person or online, will now be encouraged, but is not mandatory.

Read
Monday, Mar. 13, 2023

Dr Anna Ziomek, registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, said she hopes the move encourages more physicians to prescribe the stabilizing addictions medication.

Manitoba’s lack of drug-overdose data called coverup

By Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba’s lack of drug-overdose data called coverup

By Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

Critics are calling on the Stefanson government to release data on drug overdose deaths in a timely manner, saying its refusal to do so is an “embarrassment.”

Read
Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023

JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES

“It’s an embarrassment,” said Thomas Linner, director of the Manitoba Health Coalition.

Manitoba keeps overdose stats secret, so advocates release them

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Manitoba keeps overdose stats secret, so advocates release them

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

The Stefanson government refused to share data on how many Manitobans died of drug overdoses in 2022, one day after it released its budget plan to tackle drug addiction.

The province said it doesn’t rely on preliminary OD numbers and the only firm numbers are from 14 months ago.

One advocate whose son died of a drug overdose called the practice “shameful” while experts on access to information said it suggests political interference.

Read
Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The province said it doesn’t rely on preliminary OD numbers and the only firm numbers are from 14 months ago.

Former doctor found guilty of misconduct after calling watchdog ‘killers’ in emails

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Former doctor found guilty of misconduct after calling watchdog ‘killers’ in emails

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

A former Winnipeg doctor who twice ran for the Manitoba Progressive Conservative party has been reprimanded after he labelled officials with the province’s physician watchdog as “killers” in emails, saying they “tortured” him.

Read
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023

The new disciplinary decision states Naseer Ahmed Warraich was found guilty of professional misconduct, contravening the code of ethics, displaying a lack of skill, knowledge and judgment in the practise of medicine and demonstrating an unfitness to practise medicine. (Mike Deal / Free Press files)

Doctors watchdog ‘dropped the ball’: expert

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Doctors watchdog ‘dropped the ball’: expert

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

Sexual assault allegations against a former Winnipeg doctor, brought to light in a patient’s lawsuit, are raising questions about how the province’s physicians watchdog handled complaints against him years ago.

Read
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, a self-regulating physician watchdog, revoked Shamoon Hasham Din’s medical licence in June 2022, after finding he breached the undertaking that required him to have a chaperone present, to post signage to that effect, and to not communicate with patients outside of work.

Lawsuit accuses former Winnipeg doctor of sex abuse

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Lawsuit accuses former Winnipeg doctor of sex abuse

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

A patient is suing her former doctor and the Winnipeg clinic he worked at, alleging sexual abuse during medical appointments.

Read
Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Shamoon Hasham Din’s medical licence was revoked in June 2022, after the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba found Din engaged in two separate instances of improper conduct with female patients.

Rescue cares for tiny black bear cub

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Rescue cares for tiny black bear cub

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

HE’S so small he can fit in the palm of her hand, but Judy Stearns can already tell the orphaned black bear cub she’s caring for is going to be a “tough, strong little bear” when he grows up.

Read
Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

COURTESY OF BLACK BEAR RESCUE MANITOBA

The two- or three-week-old black bear cub arrived weighing just 1.4 pounds.

Lack of paper trail a puzzler for some

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Lack of paper trail a puzzler for some

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

Governments and law enforcement across Canada were on high alert as the so-called “freedom convoy” rolled into Ottawa, blocked U.S.-Canada border crossings and landed on legislature doorsteps one year ago.

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Monday, Feb. 13, 2023

MIKE SUDOMA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Freedom Convoy protestors in Winnipeg last year.

Peddling a myth-based addiction strategy

Katrina Clarke 15 minute read Preview

Peddling a myth-based addiction strategy

Katrina Clarke 15 minute read Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023

Manitoba’s government says its decision to reject supervised consumption sites is based on “evidence.”

Read
Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023

A man prepares heroin he bought on the street to be injected at the Insite safe injection clinic in Vancouver, B.C., on Wednesday May 11, 2011. Workers at Vancouver’s supervised-injection site have been dealing with a higher-than-normal number of drug overdoses this week as the facility expands its hours to deal with the region’s opioid crisis. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Travellers have more than a few grievances to air when it comes to flight security procedures at Winnipeg's airport

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Travellers have more than a few grievances to air when it comes to flight security procedures at Winnipeg's airport

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

Confiscated corned beef.

Rifled-through dirty underwear.

An X-rayed cat.

These are a few of the nearly 300 airport security complaints filed by passengers travelling through Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport over the past seven years.

Read
Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

In the wake of recent nightmare air travel stories during the chaotic 2022 holiday season, the records highlight the low points of travel year-round.

Two airports reopen in Mazatlan area

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Two airports reopen in Mazatlan area

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023

Manitobans stranded in a popular Mexico tourist destination after violence swept through the region this week should soon be heading home.

Two airports have reopened in Mazatlan, a travel hotspot in the northwestern Sinaloa state, after days of instability following the arrest of alleged drug trafficker Ovidio (The Mouse) Guzman, son of former cartel boss Joaquin (El Chapo) Guzman, on Thursday.

Flights were cancelled and travellers were advised to shelter in place. Gunshots rang out and vehicles burned on area roads.

Read
Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023

Violence swept through Sinaloa state after Mexican security forces captured Ovidio Guzmán, an alleged drug trafficker and son of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. (AP Photo/Martin Urista)

Apartment evacuated, man arrested after uttering threats

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Preview

Apartment evacuated, man arrested after uttering threats

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023

Winnipeg police arrested a man and evacuated his Cumberland Avenue apartment Friday after he allegedly made threats against police.

Read
Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023

THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES / JOHN WOODS

Winnipeg police arrested a man and evacuated his Cumberland Avenue apartment Friday after he allegedly made threats against police.

City urged to boost street safety

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

City urged to boost street safety

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

The high number of pedestrians killed by vehicles in Winnipeg last year highlights the need for a greater commitment to safe streets, including better sidewalk and bike lane snow clearing, advocates say.

Read
Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

DANIEL CRUMP / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Twelve pedestrians had been killed on city streets in 2022, compared to six in 2021, according to data from Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Public Insurance.

Amid a toxic drug crisis, Winnipeg and Hamilton go in starkly different directions

Katrina Clarke 25 minute read Preview

Amid a toxic drug crisis, Winnipeg and Hamilton go in starkly different directions

Katrina Clarke 25 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

In Hamilton, there's a pair of supervised consumption sites in operation, with a third on its way. In Winnipeg, there's a patchwork approach to harm reduction as advocates try, at the very least, to make it safer for users on the streets.

Read
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Stations for clients to safely use drugs at Carole Anne’s Place at YWCA Hamilton in Ontario.

CARLOS OSORIO FOR THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Manitoba alone in not submitting overdose data to federal body

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Manitoba alone in not submitting overdose data to federal body

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Amid a toxic drug crisis killing thousands of Canadians each year, Manitoba was the only province or territory to not share its latest data on overdoses to a federal body examining the issue.

Read
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

A recovering Fentanyl user in Winnipeg. (Joe Bryksa / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Guillemard misled Manitobans on supervised drug sites, critics say

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Guillemard misled Manitobans on supervised drug sites, critics say

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

Manitoba’s opposition NDP and Liberals are calling on Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard to resign, saying she “misled” the public by suggesting she visited supervised drug-consumption sites in Vancouver when she did not go inside.

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Monday, Dec. 12, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard

B.C. government injects truth into Manitoba official’s account of drug-site visit

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

B.C. government injects truth into Manitoba official’s account of drug-site visit

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard told Manitobans last month her continued opposition to supervised injection sites was influenced by visits she made to Vancouver’s safe-consumption facilities.

Read
Friday, Dec. 9, 2022

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Community Wellness Minister Sarah Guillemard told Manitobans her opposition to supervised injection sites was influenced by visits she made to Vancouver’s safe-consumption facilities. But she never actually set foot inside one, the Free Press has learned

Portage la Prairie woman kidnapped, suspect on the loose

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Portage la Prairie woman kidnapped, suspect on the loose

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022

A Portage la Prairie area woman and her child are safe but shaken after a stranger pretended to be in distress on the side of the road, then kidnapped them and demanded they drive him to Winnipeg, Manitoba RCMP say.

Read
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022

Michael Stephen Klimchuk (RCMP handout)

Furby Street shooting marks Winnipeg’s 47th homicide

Katrina Clarke and Tyler Searle 2 minute read Preview

Furby Street shooting marks Winnipeg’s 47th homicide

Katrina Clarke and Tyler Searle 2 minute read Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022

A man is dead after an early Saturday morning shooting at an apartment building in the 500 block of Furby Street.

Read
Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022

Winnipeg Police are investigating a homicide at 583 Furby Street in Winnipeg’s West End. Officers responded to a report of gunshots just before 2 a.m. Saturday morning. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press)

Top marks for Manitoba’s new approach to probing teacher misconduct

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Top marks for Manitoba’s new approach to probing teacher misconduct

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

Child protection advocates have praised the Manitoba government’s commitment to creating a teacher registry and an independent body that handles teacher misconduct, calling it a “big win” for child safety and a “precedent-setting” decision.

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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

“It actually — with the independent body — will be precedent-setting for Canada,” said Noni Classen, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

Doctor discipline hearing highlights new public stance

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Doctor discipline hearing highlights new public stance

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

A former doctor’s unfounded claims Manitoba physician watchdog investigators “tortured” him and were “racist” have landed him in front of a discipline panel.

Read
Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

A former doctor faces three charges of professional misconduct relating to emails he sent to college members alleging torture and racism and accusations he falsified an infant’s vaccination record. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

Health-care privacy breach numbers ‘truly alarming’

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Health-care privacy breach numbers ‘truly alarming’

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

Manitoba hospital workers have breached patients’ privacy more than 1,000 times in the last three years — but how many were disciplined and what consequences they faced is unclear.

Read
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

Brandon Regional Health Centre recorded 85 breaches in 2021, up from 24 and 21 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. (Karen McKinley / The Brandon Sun files)

Committee speakers give voice to those locked in NDAs

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Committee speakers give voice to those locked in NDAs

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

A Manitoba teacher, former nurse and government IT worker spoke out publicly — some for the first time — about their experiences with non-disclosure agreements, during a five-hour legislative standing committee meeting Wednesday evening.

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Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen, present at the session, said he was “moved” by the testimony but he wouldn’t make any commitments to next steps until he sees the law review’s recommendations.

Manitoba mulls teacher-misconduct registry, college of educators

Maggie Macintosh and Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Manitoba mulls teacher-misconduct registry, college of educators

Maggie Macintosh and Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

Manitoba is considering the creation of both a teacher registry and an independent body or college of educators to improve accountability and transparency related to educator misconduct in K-12 schools.

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Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Education Minister Wayne Ewasko said, in a news release, consultations will be held with all relevant stakeholders to get perspectives from students, parents, guardians, teachers and school administrators.

Hundreds of teachers preyed on students across Canada, study finds

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Hundreds of teachers preyed on students across Canada, study finds

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

An extensive, Canada-wide study of child sexual abuse in schools has found at least 252 current or former K-12 personnel committed, or were accused of committing, offences against children between 2017 and 2021.

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Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Noni Classen, with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, weighed in on the lack of transparency with teacher misconduct.

Dobson returns to council with St. James win

By Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Preview

Dobson returns to council with St. James win

By Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

It was anyone’s game in St. James, but Shawn Dobson won out in the end.

Dobson, who previously represented the former St. Charles ward on city council from 2014-18 (which was then dissolved and merged into St. James and Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), was in competition with four other candidates in the 2022 municipal election. The ward had no incumbent, with two-term councillor Scott Gillingham making the jump into the Winnipeg mayoral race.

“I’m good. Actually, I’m ecstatic,” Dobson said, as reporters arrived at his election party Wednesday night — held at his mother’s house, where he grew up — moments after he learned he’d won.

Wearing a suit and surrounded by a small group of supporters, who passed around mimosas, Dobson said he was ready to hit the ground running as a second-time Winnipeg councillor.

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Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

Manitoba doctor discipline process takes ‘good baby step’

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba doctor discipline process takes ‘good baby step’

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

After repeated criticism of its secretive handling of physician misconduct, Manitoba’s doctor watchdog now posts information about upcoming discipline hearings on its website.

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Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

The information now posted on the College of Physicians and Surgeons’ website states when a hearing will take place and basic information about what it involves, but not the physician’s name.

Political experts say there’s no clear frontrunner for mayor just days before election

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Political experts say there’s no clear frontrunner for mayor just days before election

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022

With election day quickly approaching, mayoral candidates are making their final push for support, but political observers say there is no clear frontrunner in the race — warning anything could happen.

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Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Political observers say there is no clear frontrunner in the mayoral race — warning anything could happen.

Winnipeg doctor loses licence for professional misconduct

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Winnipeg doctor loses licence for professional misconduct

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

Manitoba’s physician watchdog has stripped a Winnipeg doctor of his licence, after finding him guilty of “serious” professional misconduct.

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Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

ST. VITAL FAMILY MEDICAL

Dr. Leonard Lockman, a family doctor and medical director and owner of the St. Vital Family Medical and Walk-In Clinic, was found guilty following discipline panel hearing in April of charges relating to improper prescribing, billing and record-keeping.

Alberta lawyer faces Manitoba law society hearing

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Preview

Alberta lawyer faces Manitoba law society hearing

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

A lawyer who hired a private investigator to follow a Manitoba judge is scheduled to appear before a Law Society of Manitoba hearing panel in February.

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Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022

A lawyer who hired a private investigator to follow a Manitoba judge is scheduled to appear before a Law Society of Manitoba hearing panel in February.

Lack of transparency in Manitoba teacher discipline ‘disturbing’

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Lack of transparency in Manitoba teacher discipline ‘disturbing’

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society is required by law to publish decisions related to misconduct involving its union members, but critics say there is no evidence of compliance.

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Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society is required by law to publish decisions related to misconduct involving its union members.

Alarm sounded over school divisions’ silence

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Alarm sounded over school divisions’ silence

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Monday, Sep. 26, 2022

A near-blanket refusal by Manitoba school divisions to provide information about teacher misconduct is “insulting” and “nonsensical,” privacy experts say.

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Monday, Sep. 26, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Manitoba’s approach to dealing with cases of teacher misconduct unacceptable: experts

Katrina Clarke 8 minute read Preview

Manitoba’s approach to dealing with cases of teacher misconduct unacceptable: experts

Katrina Clarke 8 minute read Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

Cases of teacher misconduct in Manitoba are shrouded in secrecy and not centrally tracked, creating an incomplete picture of how often educators abuse students or act inappropriately, the Free Press has learned.

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Friday, Sep. 23, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Local piper honours Elizabeth

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Preview

Local piper honours Elizabeth

Katrina Clarke 2 minute read Monday, Sep. 19, 2022

Park-goers within earshot stopped and turned as bagpipe music rang out in the English Gardens at Assiniboine Park Sunday morning.

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Monday, Sep. 19, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Colin Tighe, bagpiper in the Lord Selkirk Robert Fraser Memorial Pipe Band, plays at the English Garden in Assiniboine Park Sunday.

Clock ticking on Winnipeg photo radar system: police chief

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Clock ticking on Winnipeg photo radar system: police chief

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

The city’s police chief warns its intersection photo radar system may soon be a thing of the past, if the province doesn’t update existing regulations.

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Friday, Sep. 2, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Police Chief Danny Smyth said a few of the 49 photo radar intersection sites in the Winnipeg already don’t work and a city-wide failure could happen within “several” years without intervention.

Civil service, uncivilized road manners

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Civil service, uncivilized road manners

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

Going 59 in a school zone, nearly twice the speed limit.

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Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

The most expensive ticket issued was $429 for the vehicle travelling at 59 km/h in the 30 km/h school zone.

Doctors’ regulator ignored key matters in ‘sexual boundaries’ review: critics

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Doctors’ regulator ignored key matters in ‘sexual boundaries’ review: critics

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022

In the midst of a brewing — but not yet public — alleged sexual abuse scandal involving a rural doctor, Manitoba’s physician watchdog undertook an in-depth review of its misconduct policies.

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Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

The College of Physicians and Surgeons told the Free Press that updating standards to “more clearly” define sexual boundary violations and hiring a social worker to support complainants during the investigation process were among the changes it made.

Physician watchdog under fire for ‘outrageous’ policy

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Physician watchdog under fire for ‘outrageous’ policy

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022

The Manitoba physician watchdog’s policy of deferring its own investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct while a police probe is ongoing is “outrageous” and is further evidence an independent review is needed into the regulatory body, critics say.

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Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

College of Physicians and Surgeons head office photographed Tuesday, June 14, 2022. The College handles complaints about physician misconduct. Re: ?

Rural woman accused doctor of sexual assault, treated with derision by police

Katrina Clarke 16 minute read Preview

Rural woman accused doctor of sexual assault, treated with derision by police

Katrina Clarke 16 minute read Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

The woman went to police in 2017 with a disturbing story: a physician in her rural Manitoba community was sexually assaulting female patients, she told them, and she was a victim, too.

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Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

Local Ukrainian church offers to bless cars, spread awareness on road safety

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Local Ukrainian church offers to bless cars, spread awareness on road safety

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

It’s not “magic” and it won’t protect you from getting a speeding ticket, but having a blessed car can add that extra level of confidence on the road, says Father Ihor Shved.

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Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Father Ihor Shved of Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral blesses families and their vehicles in the church parking lot.

U of M opens pro bono legal rights clinic

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

U of M opens pro bono legal rights clinic

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022

A new pro bono clinic at the University of Manitoba aims to help communities historically under-served by the justice system take on issues ranging from disability rights to Indigenous rights to environmental rights and everything in between.

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Wednesday, Jul. 27, 2022

Brandon Trask, an assistant professor with the University of Manitoba’s faculty of law (left), with second-year Juris Doctor student Raven Richards, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. (Jessica Lee / Winnipeg Free Press)

Manitoba’s doctors watchdog headed to image rehab

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Manitoba’s doctors watchdog headed to image rehab

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 6, 2022

MANITOBA’S physician watchdog says it plans to “rebrand,” shifting its reputation away from one as “feared” disciplinarian toward one friendlier to responsible doctors and committed to quality of care.

Experts applaud the move, saying it could improve patient safety, but they say regulators will always be feared so long as they’re responsible for discipline — something the government could take off the college’s plate but likely won’t.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba revealed details of the planned shift at a June 22 meeting. CPSM council members heard that the college will use audits and solicit feedback from members as it seeks to create its new identity — one focused on quality of care — with goals to “build and enhance” physicians’ “proficiency and effectiveness” while also promoting transparency and reducing fear.

Another hope: as quality of care goes up, patient complaints go down.

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Wednesday, Jul. 6, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
College of Physicians and Surgeons has said it is committed to patient safety and strives for transparency.

Winnipeg doctor’s licence revoked for misconduct

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Winnipeg doctor’s licence revoked for misconduct

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Monday, Jul. 4, 2022

Manitoba’s physician watchdog has revoked the licence of a Winnipeg doctor after he was found guilty of several counts of misconduct, including failing to maintain professional boundaries with a female patient.

In a decision dated June 2 and posted on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba’s website, a CPSM panel determined Dr. Shamoon Hasham Din breached an undertaking that required him to have a female chaperone present when treating female patients, created false and misleading medical records, provided medical care to pediatric patients whom he was not allowed to care for, failed to maintain professional boundaries with a female patient and displayed an “unwillingness to inability” to be governed by the regulatory body.

The misconduct occurred over a six-month period in 2020-21. Din pleaded guilty to the first three counts and not guilty to the latter two. The law firm that represented Din, MLT Aikins, would not comment on the matter.

The college registrar, in a statement accompanying the decision, said Din has “demonstrated an incapacity or unfitness to practice medicine.”

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Monday, Jul. 4, 2022

Manitoba’s physician watchdog has revoked the licence of a Winnipeg doctor after he was found guilty of several counts of misconduct, including failing to maintain professional boundaries with a female patient.

In a decision dated June 2 and posted on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba’s website, a CPSM panel determined Dr. Shamoon Hasham Din breached an undertaking that required him to have a female chaperone present when treating female patients, created false and misleading medical records, provided medical care to pediatric patients whom he was not allowed to care for, failed to maintain professional boundaries with a female patient and displayed an “unwillingness to inability” to be governed by the regulatory body.

The misconduct occurred over a six-month period in 2020-21. Din pleaded guilty to the first three counts and not guilty to the latter two. The law firm that represented Din, MLT Aikins, would not comment on the matter.

The college registrar, in a statement accompanying the decision, said Din has “demonstrated an incapacity or unfitness to practice medicine.”

Expo hopes to shed the skin of reptile resistance

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Expo hopes to shed the skin of reptile resistance

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 27, 2022

More than 1,000 reptile aficionados flocked to a weekend expo in Winnipeg for the chance to admire all things slithery, scaly and — at least to those gathered — sweet.

Breeders and organizers of the Manitoba Reptile Breeders' Expo say the event is an opportunity to share their hobbies with fellow reptile fans, educate the public about responsible pet ownership and, in some cases, change people’s negative preconceived notions of reptiles.

“In general (snakes) get a bad rap because of how they’ve been portrayed,” said Jhun de Guzman, owner of Ballistic Pythons in Winnipeg, pointing to movies he watched growing up such as Anaconda and Snakes on a Plane. “Actually, they’re friendly animals.”

De Guzman, flanked by his 11-year-old son with a young snake curled around his hand, said a few visitors approached his booth this weekend shaking with fear. But by the time he was finished with them, they were newly converted ball python fans, even inquiring about purchase (his snakes can range from about $50 to a few thousand, depending on age and other breeding factors).

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Monday, Jun. 27, 2022

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Hannah Jensrud and Maximus, a five-year-old gecko, were part of the at The Manitoba Reptile Breeder’s Expo at the Sunova Centre Sunday.

Training, disclosure, conflict of interest are concerns about physicians

Katrina Clarke 8 minute read Preview

Training, disclosure, conflict of interest are concerns about physicians

Katrina Clarke 8 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022

The woman remembers thinking the sign in her family doctor’s exam room was strange.

The single piece of paper, attached to a calendar pinned to the wall, stated: “Dr. Bissonnette requires a chaperone to be present at all times when he conducts any breast or pelvic examination of a female patient.”

Although she wondered if she should be concerned, she told herself he wouldn’t be allowed to treat patients if something serious had come to light. So she continued seeing him as she had been since childhood.

Nearly two years after noticing the sign at the Ste. Anne medical centre, her doctor, Arcel Bissonnette, was charged with six counts of sexual assault involving patients. That number grew to 22 counts as she and more women came forward.

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Wednesday, Jun. 22, 2022

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A survivor of sexual violence, who is demanding that the college of physicians and surgeons be more transparent with how it handles allegations against physicians, poses for a portrait in Kildonan Park in Winnipeg on Friday, June 10, 2022. Her former family doctor is Dr. Arcel Bissonnette, a physician from St. Anne who was charged with 22 counts of sexual violence involving patients. For Katrina Clarke story. Winnipeg Free Press 2022.

Political will is only fix for broken, secretive system

Katrina Clarke 8 minute read Preview

Political will is only fix for broken, secretive system

Katrina Clarke 8 minute read Monday, Jun. 20, 2022

Manitoba patients are being kept in the dark about physicians accused of misconduct by outdated provincial legislation and a secretive self-regulating body, a Free Press investigation has found.

The legislative weakness and lack of transparency have led to policies that shield doctors from scrutiny and leave patients vulnerable to harm — a potentially dangerous approach critics say will only change when public pressure forces the government to act.

“Significant changes (are needed) to ensure that — at all times — protection of the public is the key goal,” said Brandon Trask, an assistant professor with the University of Manitoba’s faculty of law. “People have to have trust in their physician.”

Legislation must be updated to make the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) more transparent. Anything less is “doing a disservice” to the public, he said, adding patients will lose faith in the regulatory process and distrust doctors, possibly putting their health — and even lives — in harm’s way.

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Monday, Jun. 20, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
College of Physicians and Surgeons handles complaints about physician misconduct.

Critics argue approach to investigating Manitoba doctors harmful to patients

Katrina Clarke 10 minute read Preview

Critics argue approach to investigating Manitoba doctors harmful to patients

Katrina Clarke 10 minute read Friday, Jun. 17, 2022

The woman walked out of the doctor’s office that day feeling violated.

It was 2011, she was 19 and she had an appointment for her first full physical exam with the physician she’d been seeing since she was a baby. But she knew he wasn’t supposed to touch her that way.

“I asked him to stop,” she said. “He was just very reassuring, very calm, (saying) ‘This is what a physical is.’ … It was very sick.”

Afterward, she told her family and friends what happened. Many believed her but some minimized her concerns and discouraged her from going to the police, she said. They said it would be a difficult process for her, considering it would be her word against a prominent physician’s.

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Friday, Jun. 17, 2022

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
College of Physicians and Surgeons head office

‘It’s the right thing to do’: Doctors Manitoba joins Pride march

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

‘It’s the right thing to do’: Doctors Manitoba joins Pride march

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 3, 2022

For the first time, Doctors Manitoba will officially march in a Pride parade this weekend — a move the physicians advocacy organization’s new president says is long overdue.

“We recognize we should have joined this many years ago,” Dr. Candace Bradshaw said Friday.

As physicians, Doctors Manitoba members need to make clear and public commitments about validating LGBTTQ+ patients, Bradshaw said, something integral to building trust.

“Being part of the Pride (Winnipeg) parade (Sunday)… is a statement to our patients, saying, ‘We support you, we stand up for you, now we’re marching for you, because it’s the right thing to do, period.’”

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Friday, Jun. 3, 2022

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

Rising Winnipeg River threatens homes, cottages

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Rising Winnipeg River threatens homes, cottages

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Saturday, May. 21, 2022

WHITESHELL PROVINCIAL PARK — Amy Vereb’s family has been in the Otter Falls area for 22 years but she’s never seen flooding the likes of which surrounded her family’s resort Saturday.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Vereb said with tears in her eyes.

Throngs of area residents, cottagers and other volunteers gathered together outside the Vereb’s Otter Falls Resort Saturday to haul sandbags into dozens of awaiting pickup trucks. Drivers then took the bags back to homes and cottages in the area where they’re trying to stave off rising floodwaters.

In a weekend news release, the province said the Winnipeg River water levels are expected to crest in early June, but levels aren’t likely to drop below seasonal for several more weeks.

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Saturday, May. 21, 2022

Cabin owner Michael Chontske (left) and his friend Tracy Lysak are doing what they can to protect Chonstke’s cabin and property as the water on Eleanor Lake continues to rise Saturday afternoon. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press)

Persistent activist keeps eye on safety issues, spends hours calling 311

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Persistent activist keeps eye on safety issues, spends hours calling 311

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Thursday, May. 12, 2022

Darrell Warren’s tour of the William Whyte neighbourhood focuses on its sore points:

That’s where a fire ripped through three houses and up a tree; over there, a backyard trash pile got so high it spilled over the fence; people keep breaking into that boarded-up house.

Warren is keenly aware of the details because he has made it his personal mission to address them. The lifelong North Ender and president of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association is fighting to make his community a safer, more livable place.

A big part of that involves addressing persistent health and safety hazards, such as trash piles that give rise to fire risks, vacant buildings and never-ending illegal dumping.

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Thursday, May. 12, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES
On a sunny May afternoon when the Free Press visits William Whyte, Darrell Warren points out a problem backyard that often has trash piled close to the home — a fire hazard. Warren says he’s called 311 multiple times about that address.

Manitoba campground openings delayed

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba campground openings delayed

Katrina Clarke 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 10, 2022

Mother Nature has some bad news for Manitoba’s outdoor enthusiasts.

In a release late Tuesday, the provincial government announced many provincial parks campgrounds won’t open on time, due to everything from flooded roads to wet ground to water supply issues.

Travel within Nopiming Provincial Park is also “not advised” at this time. All canoe routes in Nopiming and Manigotagan River provincial parks are closed, along with some trails in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

At the following parks, campground openings scheduled for May 13 have been delayed:

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Tuesday, May. 10, 2022

Mother Nature has some bad news for Manitoba’s outdoor enthusiasts.

In a release late Tuesday, the provincial government announced many provincial parks campgrounds won’t open on time, due to everything from flooded roads to wet ground to water supply issues.

Travel within Nopiming Provincial Park is also “not advised” at this time. All canoe routes in Nopiming and Manigotagan River provincial parks are closed, along with some trails in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

At the following parks, campground openings scheduled for May 13 have been delayed:

Picture gets blurry when city staff caught by traffic cameras

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Preview

Picture gets blurry when city staff caught by traffic cameras

Katrina Clarke 6 minute read Friday, May. 6, 2022

More than 330 City of Winnipeg vehicles were caught on camera running red lights or speeding over the last three years, city data shows.

But it’s not clear how many city employees paid the tickets, nor how many — if any — were disciplined for the infractions.

Intersection cameras and mobile photo-radar caught 136 city vehicles violating traffic laws in 2019, 90 in 2020 and 110 in 2021, according to the data provided by the city to the Free Press. It does not break down the details of the offences, including whether they involved speeding, the rate of speed or running a red light, nor if any drivers were repeat offenders. The data also doesn’t include emergency vehicles.

And while a spokesperson for the city said the administration tries to ensure employees pay up, that information is tracked by department, and directed the Free Press to file a freedom of information request if it sought a further breakdown.

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Friday, May. 6, 2022

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Child death, instrument left in patient detailed in critical incident report

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Child death, instrument left in patient detailed in critical incident report

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Sunday, Apr. 24, 2022

Three patients with stroke symptoms didn’t get timely enough care when seeking treatment, a new report detailing critical incidents reported to Manitoba Health suggests.

The report also details an incident in which a child died after “entrapment” involving a hospital bed and another in which a surgical instrument was left inside a person undergoing surgery.

The report on Critical Incidents Reported to Manitoba Health includes a total of 48 incidents documented over a three-month period in 2020, from July 1 to Sept. 30. Critical incidents “reflect serious and unintended harm experienced by individuals using Manitoba’s health care services,” according to the province’s website.

One-quarter of the incidents listed in the new report resulted in death.

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Sunday, Apr. 24, 2022

Three patients with stroke symptoms didn’t get timely enough care when seeking treatment, a new report detailing critical incidents reported to Manitoba Health suggests.

The report also details an incident in which a child died after “entrapment” involving a hospital bed and another in which a surgical instrument was left inside a person undergoing surgery.

The report on Critical Incidents Reported to Manitoba Health includes a total of 48 incidents documented over a three-month period in 2020, from July 1 to Sept. 30. Critical incidents “reflect serious and unintended harm experienced by individuals using Manitoba’s health care services,” according to the province’s website.

One-quarter of the incidents listed in the new report resulted in death.

Storm warnings continue across province

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Preview

Storm warnings continue across province

Katrina Clarke 3 minute read Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022

Mother Nature just won’t give Manitoba a break.

Environment Canada says Winnipeg could break an April rainfall record Saturday, with snow expected Sunday. The southern half of the province meanwhile has snowfall, rainfall and storm warnings in effect this weekend.

According to Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, Winnipeg’s April record for the most rainfall in one day was set on April 30, 1986, with 36 millimetres of rain landing in the city.

“Certainly, that record is in jeopardy,” Lang said.

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Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022

Motorists navigate deep water and a large hidden pothole on Route 90 just north of Dublin Avenue. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press)

Old Kildonan, North Kildonan lead way in outdoor odour complaints

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Preview

Old Kildonan, North Kildonan lead way in outdoor odour complaints

Katrina Clarke 5 minute read Thursday, Apr. 21, 2022

Winnipeggers were enjoying a late burst of summer-like weather in October when a pungent smell pushed residents in the northern fringe back indoors.

There, the air reeked of something resembling cow manure.

That smelly month in 2021, combined with none-too-pleased residents airing their grievances, is what thrust Old Kildonan and North Kildonan into the running for smelliest council wards in Winnipeg. Or at least, it made them the wards with the most complaints about smells.

While certain wards seem to get hit harder by bad odours for varying reasons, the city is now warning less-than-pleasant scents may soon permeate regions city-wide. Blame last week’s dump of snow.

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Thursday, Apr. 21, 2022

Sewer odour and smells from treatment plants, retention ponds and the Brady Road 4R depot were collected in the 311 data. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)