The Wrap: Skibicki trial, U of M apology, shoplifting solutions, and conflict-of-interest complaint

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

'I just realized I’ve given away the cheat notes for faking mental illness'

Lawyers at the Winnipeg trial of admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki are discussing whether a forensic psychiatrist, author and YouTuber can provide expert testimony.

Dr. Sohom Das, who is based in England, has twice assessed the mental state of Skibicki since his arrest.

Das provides analysis for civil and criminal cases in the United Kingdom — but he also runs a YouTube channel about mental illness, and prosecutors are raising questions about a video there in which he outlines how to fake mental illness.

Dean Pritchard:

Judge admonishes psychiatrist but will allow testimony

Skibicki expert witness discussed how to fake mental illness on YouTube Read More

Get ready to savour Manitoba's freshest summer flavours

'We have to acknowledge a terrible past that we have'

The University of Manitoba has publicly apologized for harm it has caused to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities more than a century after it began accepting and storing Indigenous remains.

The university apologized Monday, saying it inappropriately accepted and stored ancestral remains along with burial belongings and cultural artifacts from Indigenous communities without consent — and it vowed to repatriate them to their homelands.

Nicole Buffie:

U of M apologizes for more than a century of collecting Indigenous remains, artifacts without permission

The University of Manitoba issued a formal apology Monday for collecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis remains without permission for more than a century. The institution also promised to return t... Read More

'I don’t know if it will ever stop'

In part one of his two-part series on shoplifting, reporter Mike McIntyre examined the growing problem in our community and what’s driving it.

Today, he explores possible solutions, focusing on enforcement, consequences, liquor-store style ID requirements, technology and more.

Mike McIntyre:

‘We can’t police our way out of this’

The shocking violence and staggering financial costs associated with out-of-control retail theft in Winnipeg have triggered a community-wide effort to find a solution to what’s clearly not ‘a victimless crime’ Read More

Dan Lett:

Shoplifting might be masking big retailers’ real flaws

Shoplifting is bad right now. But is it really as bad as some would have us believe? Every week, there seems to be more news stories detailing brazen acts of shoplifting, where thieves simply walk ... Read More

'Sliding $100,000 cheques across the cabinet table'

The Progressive Conservatives have asked Manitoba’s ethics commissioner to investigate Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie, whose business was awarded an untendered $100,000 contract that he failed to disclose.

Bushie is the owner of Grandpa Georges in Hollow Water. It’s had a government contract for providing groceries and supplies to those fighting wildfires in the area for many years.

The formal complaint by the PCs said Bushie violated the conflict of interest act by accepting the contract. PC leader Wayne Ewasko asked Premier Wab Kinew to remove Bushie from his duties until an investigation by the ethics minister had concluded.

Carol Sanders:

Cabinet minister hid government contract: Tories

‘He should’ve known’: Bushie criticized for failing to disclose deal Read More