The Wrap: Housing benefit paused, 911 fee delay, media coverage of grief, and grocery bills

Good evening. Here’s a look at what our newsroom has been working on today:

'I don’t know how I will find an apartment'

The temporary halt of a rent top-up benefit program in Manitoba has left hundreds of homeless individuals and new Canadians stranded in shelters.

The program, which assists low-income renters with up to $422 monthly, has been paused due to high demand, leaving many struggling to afford housing.

Kevin Rollason reports.

Kevin Rollason:

High demand puts crimp on Manitoba’s housing benefit

The NDP government, which promised to tackle chronic homelessness during last year’s election, has halted its rent top-up benefits, meaning hundreds of homeless people and new Canadians who stay in sh... Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'No decision has been made'

A proposed 911 upgrade fee in Winnipeg has been delayed, resulting in millions of dollars lost in revenue for the city.

The $1 monthly phone-bill charge, aimed at funding “next generation” 911 services including text, videos and photos, is now anticipated in 2025 due to legislative obstacles.

Joyanne Pursaga looks at the impact of the delay on city finances.

Joyanne Pursaga:

City’s revenue takes hit thanks to snag on 911 upgrade fee

The City of Winnipeg expected a new charge tacked on to all phone bills this year would raise $3.75 million in revenue for 2024 and $7.5 million in each of the following three years. A city spokesman said provincial legislation must change before the fee can be added, which means it is no longer expected this year. Read More

'Respect and dignity'

Today, a book of condolences was set up at the Manitoba legislature for Cathy Merrick. Her body will lie in state Wednesday, ahead of her funeral and burial at her home community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Merrick’s tragic death on the steps of a Winnipeg courthouse Friday – while serving in her role as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs – has been a central focus of our newsroom since Friday.

Free Press editor Paul Samyn and Indigenous columnist Niigaan Sinclair respond to concerns that arose from our coverage in a joint column.

Paul Samyn and Niigaan Sinclair:

A promise to listen, learn in our commitment to reconciliation

The tragic death of Cathy Merrick on the steps of the Winnipeg courthouse Friday — while serving in her role as grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs — sent shock waves that reverberated well... Read More

Free Press staff:

Book of condolences for Merrick at legislature

A book of condolences has been set up at the Manitoba legislature as mourners say goodbye to Cathy Merrick, the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Premier Wab Kinew, Mayor Scott G... Read More

'Every time I buy eggs I am gobsmacked'

A loaf of bread, a container of milk, a stick of butter… and a gasp at the receipt total.

Canadian consumers are feeling the pinch as food prices continue to rise, prompting shifts in shopping habits.

Free Press arts and life staffers took an unscientific but illuminating look at just how much our grocery bills have grown in the post-pandemic era.

Eva Wasney:

Sticker shock

Grocery prices soar, and province’s lack of regional price-tracking not helping Read More