The Wrap: MTS workplace woes, microbiology lab security concerns, un-retiring nurses, Jets youth mentorship and a pottery game show

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

'I simply cannot and will not stand for it'

Findings from a recent union membership survey of the approximately 70 support and administrative workers at The Manitoba Teachers’ Society indicate a majority of participants had a negative perception of the psychological health and safety of their office — roughly one-third of respondents described it as “toxic” — and there was a notable absence of trust and confidence in the senior management team.

Maggie Macintosh:

Manitoba Teachers’ Society headquarters described as ‘toxic’ workplace

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society is grappling with infighting and an excessive number of leaves, including the recent departures of two high-profile employees, as staff members allege the public sector ... Read More

Three Savour Manitoba magazine covers promoting a food, drink, and lifestyle publication.

'An inadequate understanding of the threat of foreign interference'

Scientists Xiangguo Qiu and her husband, Keding Cheng, were stripped of their security clearances at Winnipeg’s National Microbiology Laboratory over questions about their loyalty to Canada and the potential for coercion or exploitation by a foreign entity, according to newly released records.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press:

Fired scientists failed to protect sensitive information at Winnipeg lab, records say

OTTAWA - Two scientists at a high-security laboratory lost their jobs after reviews found they failed to protect sensitive assets and information and played down their collaborations wi... Read More

'We want you back'

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced a suite of regulatory changes today intended to make it easier for nurses who recently retired or quit practising to have their licences reinstated.

“What we’ve done here is provide nurses an opportunity to choose a pathway that works best for them that can help them scale up if that’s necessary and allow for them to join our health care team in the ways they feel they can best contribute,” Asagwara said.

Danielle Da Silva:

Manitoba takes steps to woo ex-nurses back to profession

MANITOBA’S health minister implored retired and former nurses to return to the beleaguered health system and promised that joining the front lines will be less of a burden than when they left. On W... Read More

'The smiles on their faces are just insane'

Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron and defenceman Dylan Samberg are putting a dozen teenage girls through their paces as they help run a hockey practice at Camp Manitou’s beautiful outdoor rink on Monday. There’s no shortage of hearty laughs and frosty smiles to be had.

“It’s very motivating. Like really motivating,” says 14-year-old Kaileen Monias. “It’s a good feeling to have them around.”

Run through the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, seven minor teams now have a big-league mentor or two.

Who’s getting more out of it? It’s honestly hard to tell, writes Mike McIntyre.

Mike McIntyre:

‘It’s awesome to be out here’

Everybody wins when Jets players mentor youth hockey players Read More

'It’s like a Rubik’s Cube you can eat out of later'

Winnipeg’s Kiefer Floreal and Stonewall’s Jen Sonnenberg are among 10 amateur ceramicists cast on the debut season of The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down.

The mild-mannered competition is produced by local company Frantic Films and based on a British show of a similar name. Over eight hour-long episodes, competitors pinch pots and shape sculptures to avoid elimination in themed, timed challenges.

Arts reporter Eva Wasney talked to the Manitoban competitors.

Eva Wasney:

Slinging mud

Manitobans vying for Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down glory Read More