The Wrap: Throne speech, ER death, bridge closure, and change is in the air for the Bombers

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

'Today is a new day in our province'

Manitoba’s NDP government laid out its plans for the coming year today in its first throne speech since winning the Oct. 3 election.

The speech repeated many NDP campaign promises, such as hiring more health-care professionals, providing free birth control, temporarily suspending the fuel tax and making the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday.

“Our team is going to have to do some hard work to be able to ensure that we move towards balance when it comes to the provincial budget while investing in those important areas,” said Premier Wab Kinew.

Danielle Da Silva:

Kinew presents vision, issues financial warning in first throne speech

Premier Wab Kinew issued a hopeful message that Manitoba’s health-care, affordability and societal woes can be overcome in his government’s first throne speech, while warning the province’s purse stri... Read More

Dan Lett:

Getting noticed in the throne speech is a win, but it only goes so far

It wasn’t the most prominent section of the new NDP government’s throne speech Tuesday. In fact, the pledge to grow and invest in “the creative sector” could easily have been missed by most observe... Read More

Tom Brodbeck:

NDP preps to swing pendulum back toward organized labour

It looks like it’s déjà vu all over again for the new NDP government. Premier Wab Kinew didn’t come right out and say it when his government unveiled its first throne speech Tuesday, but it appears... Read More

Carol Sanders:

Labour, business eager for details of NDP plan to improve relations

Labour and business groups say they are keen to learn how the new government plans to “re-balance labour relations to ensure fairness for workers” following a summer of public-sector strikes amid the ... Read More

Chris Kitching:

Highlights from the throne speech

Details from the throne speech on the gas tax, health backlogs, geothermal heat pumps, free birth control and school lunches, a new statutory holiday and more. Read More

Free Press Staff:

In photos: the speech from the throne

Premier Wab Kinew delivered his NDP government's first speech from the throne in the Manitoba legislature Tuesday afternoon. Read by Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville to open the 43rd legislature, the Speech ... Read More

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

'This is so distressing'

Health officials are investigating the death of a patient who spent 33 hours at the emergency department at the Grace Hospital last week.

Health officials confirmed the death Monday, but provided little information about what led to it, citing privacy legislation and a developing investigation.

Tyler Searle:

Health officials investigating patient death in Grace Hospital ER hallway

The death of a patient who was being treated in a Grace Hospital emergency department hallway has sparked an internal safety review, as health officials work to determine whether the case should be cl... Read More

'This is completely devastating for the community'

The city of Winnipeg has closed the Arlington Bridge, effective immediately, following a condition assessment.

Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians now have to cross the rail yards via the McPhillips Street underpass or the Slaw Rebchuk Bridge between Salter and Isabel streets.

The future of the 121-year-old structure has been on the city’s radar for nearly a decade.

Erik Pindera:

City closes deteriorating 111-year-old Arlington Bridge indefinitely

The City of Winnipeg has closed the deteriorating Arlington Bridge indefinitely, and officials don’t yet know whether it will be repaired or replaced. Public works acted immediately after receiving... Read More

'Hopefully, things get sorted out quick'

As Blue Bombers players cleaned out their lockers and spoke to media one final time Tuesday — with the pain of Sunday’s heartbreaking 28-24 loss to the Montreal Alouettes still fresh in their minds — they were forced to confront the reality that change is coming.

With at least 35 players still in need of a contract for next season — a list that includes several marquee names — there’s potential for this team to look a whole lot different in 2024.

Jeff Hamilton:

Change is in the air

Turnover inevitable as key Bombers on verge of free agency Read More