Good morning!
Positions cut: The Pallister government is slashing 112 civil service management jobs, saying the number of senior government positions under the NDP had ballooned in recent years. The cuts will be done through attrition, retirements and terminations. The move is expected to save at least $10 million a year. READ MORE
Your forecast: It will be a cool, blustery day. This morning, expect showers and perhaps some wet flurries. Winds will be from the northwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h. High is forecast to be 6 C. The overnight low is zero. The weekend weather isn’t much better. Mainly cloudy on Saturday, with a high of 7. On Sunday, there’s a 60 per cent chance of showers with a high of 10. Monday, more cloud, with a high of 12.
In case you missed it
TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Pensions drain budgets: The cost of pensions for the province’s retiring teachers is increasingly affecting what’s left for classrooms, new schools and even property tax credits. Nine per cent of the money the province pays for public education each year goes to teachers’ pensions — and those costs are climbing by $7 million a year. READ MORE
Female MLAs “targeted”: Female Progressive Conservative MLAs accused three male NDP legislators of sexual discrimination Thursday during a heated debate in the legislature. Tory MLA Sarah Guillemard filed a formal complaint that her privileges as a member were violated during a morning vote. Guillemard said that as the PCs voted on an Opposition bill, New Democrats Andrew Swan, Rob Altermeyer and James Allum shouted “Shame!” as each of the PC women voted, but were silent as Tory men voted. READ MORE
Home sales soar: It’s shaping up to be the best year in more than a century for sales of existing homes in Winnipeg, although there’s a chance the federal government’s tough new mortgage-insurance rules could rain on the parade. New Winnipeg Realtors Association figures released Thursday show last month was the best September on record for sales of properties through the local Multiple Listing Service, with 1,216 homes changing hands. READ MORE
Up next
David J. Phillip / THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToronto Blue Jays’ Russell Martin strikes out against Texas Rangers’ Cole Hamels in Arlington, Texas.
Jays on tap: After thrashing the Texas Rangers 10-1 yesterday, the Toronto Blue Jays will attempt to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series in Arlington today. Game starts at noon. READ MORE
Around the water cooler
CITY OF WINNIPEGA rendering of the Waverley underpass project.
Waverley underpass: The design for the new Waverley underpass is right on track and no one will miss the trains. Those were the overarching sentiments of residents who live in the area and commuters who travel the route at Thursday’s open house hosted by the City of Winnipeg at the Caboto Centre. Plans for the $155-million Waverley underpass project, complete with artist’s renderings, were unveiled for the public at the open house. Construction is expected to start in January 2017, with completion by October 2019. READ MORE
Policy gets failing grade: The Manitoba Teachers’ Society is not impressed by a new American lockdown policy that teaches students and staff to run away if possible, and as a last resort, to fight for their lives. But if the employer says teachers have to do it, then they have to do it, MTS president Norm Gould said. He said the current lockdown policy in schools is fine. READ MORE
Lots of options for Jets: The Winnipeg Jets have lots of legitimate battles going on for roster spots, and that’s good for the club — and its fans, columnist Scott Campbell says. READ MORE
Trending now
#WorldSmileDay: If you’re happy and you know it, it’s the perfect day to express it. If you’re not, don’t feel you have to force it. Srsly. Life’s too short.
Happy Thanksgiving: No surprise why this is trending, as Canada heads into the long weekend. Gobble gobble gobble!
On this date
On Oct. 7, 1916: The Manitoba Free Press reported that Canadian cavalry patrols took part in fighting at the front in France east and north of Courcelette, maintaining contact with the enemy so that any change in the German lines would be noticed at once. Britain was anxious to restore trade with Sweden. Russian forces closed in on Lemburg, capital of Galicia. In Ottawa, the Canadian government promised action on regulating the high cost of living. READ MORE
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