The Wrap: NDP dumps Wasyliw, foster home pot charges, new chicken shack and Winnipeg’s first Survivor contestant

Fort Garry MLA Mark Wasyliw is taking aim at Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew after he was abruptly removed from the NDP caucus Monday.

The decision took effect immediately according to a news release issued late Monday morning.

“The decision came after our caucus learned that MLA Wasyliw’s business partner is acting as Peter Nygard’s criminal defence lawyer,” NDP caucus chairman Mike Moyes said in the release. “MLA Wasyliw’s failure to demonstrate good judgment does not align with our caucus principles of mutual respect and trust. As such, MLA Wasyliw can no longer continue his role in our caucus.”

In February, Manitoba’s families department was made aware of allegations Spirit Rising House staff was giving cannabis to youth who were in its care.

The Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and licensee Southeast Child and Family Services were all informed of the revelations. At the time, Winnipeg police confirmed its child abuse unit was investigating.

After hearing the allegations, the province severed ties with the company and launched a review of Spirit Rising House and other providers.

The owners of Spirit Rising House are now charged with distributing illicit cannabis and providing cannabis to a young person, court records show.

New restaurant, Blazing Chicken Shack, has opened on Graham Avenue.

It’s creating a hot sandwich where customers must sign a waiver form before eating; the owner is just waiting on Carolina Reaper peppers to come in.

But the owner says the waiver is less about legality and more about the experience.

Business reporter Gabrielle Piché sees how it stacks up.

By her own measure, Genevieve Mushaluk isn’t a typical outdoorsperson.

“I have my nails done and I carry hand sanitizer in my purse,” the 33-year-old corporate lawyer from Winnipeg says with a laugh. “And I’m not into anything that is yucky in any way, but that didn’t stop me and I don’t think it should stop anyone.”

Mushaluk is the first-ever Manitoban selected to compete on Survivor, the 47th season of which premières tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 18) at 7 p.m. on Global and CBS.

The local castaway has been a dedicated fan of the long-running reality competition since she was a kid — even skipping her Grade 8 dance to watch the show with her parents and sister.