The Wrap: Meet MPI’s new CEO, safe consumption site proposed, city budget balancing act, Bombers stars re-sign and Manitoba Juno nominations

Manitoba Public Insurance executive Satvir Jatana was announced as the corporation’s new president following a months-long, international executive search.

Jatana spent four years as vice-president and chief customer officer in MPI’s corporate headquarters and said she’s prepared to tackle the significant challenges faced by MPI, including delivering a $290 million IT program on budget and without further delays, and restoring trust with employees, customers and the Public Utilities Board.

MPI had been without a permanent leader since May, when the board fired former president Eric Herbelin following a review of his work-related conduct.

A proposal by several Manitoba support organizations is asking the province to put up funding for the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre to take the lead as a future safe consumption site. Getting the site up and running, including hiring a project co-ordinator, finding the right piece of land for the site, and ensuring the space is Indigenous-led, in the downtown core and culturally sensitive are all items on their wish-list.

Mayor Scott Gillingham is warning Winnipeggers that cost pressures could require the city to make some hard choices when the draft version of the new city budget is released Wednesday. Some of those might even involve a 3.5 per cent hike in annual property taxes.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ signing of Brady Oliveira and Dalton Schoen to new contracts just hours apart sent a shockwave of excitement through the team’s fanbase.

But nobody is happier than Zach Collaros that the team signed their star running back and dynamic pass-catcher Tuesday.

The Bombers quarterback and leader of the offence was hoping he’d have his two biggest weapons back this year, but with each player warranting a significant pay raise after stellar seasons in 2023, the likelihood that both would sign seemed slim.

Manitoba artists and record labels received a slew of nominations for the 2024 Junos Tuesday.

Among the nominees is William Prince, who is in Kitchener, Ont. preparing to launch an 18-show cross Canada tour. Prince was nominated twice: once for his record Stand in the Joy for contemporary roots album of the year and once for him as songwriter of the year.

The awards which take place in Halifax March 21-24, will see Nelly Furtado host the final gala March 24, and will be broadcast on CBC-TV.