A legal reckoning for social media firms

It has been referred to as a bellwether case, a landmark decision and a profound “enough is enough” moment.

Guilt, innocence and the role of courts

There is a foundational principle in criminal law — that everyone is innocent until they’re found guilty in a court of law.

Health care delayed, health care denied

Manitobans have grown accustomed to hearing about long wait times in emergency rooms, delayed diagnostic tests and months-long backlogs for surgery. They are often framed as inconveniences — frustrating, yes, but often manageable.

Prison overcrowding has no simple fix

Rarely, if ever, does government respond so quickly to a demand for more money. On March 20, the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union said that overcrowding in provincial jails was causing mayhem and putting their members at risk.

Racing pigeons, airports and compassion

It may be there is such a thing as too much precaution.

A family in Winnipeg’s West End was left disappointed this week when they were informed they have to take down their backyard aviary, which is home to 12 racing pigeons. The pigeons are beloved companions of one of the children in the family who is autistic and non-verbal, and for whom the pigeons provide important emotional support.

It is a bit of a saga. The coop was constructed about one year ago by Ronald Lobo, who was not aware he needed a permit for the birds. After being visited by a bylaw officer following up on complaints, the family sought and obtained approval for the structure.

Neighbours appealed the decision, citing sanitary and other concerns, but the decision not to allow the family to keep the coop came partly as a result of concerns raised by the Winnipeg Airport Authority as well. The family’s home falls within the bounds of the WAA’s airport vicinity protection area, and the airport was concerned the birds’ flights to and from the property could pose a risk.

Federal immigration has to enforce visa rules

If you want to do well in education, you have to do your homework. You also have to, well, actually attend school.

Measles outbreak needs more than just information

Here in Manitoba, spring break is almost upon us. Coupled, as it tends to be, with the changing of seasons, it’s a time filled with anticipation and hope.

Serious crimes and surprisingly short sentences

Last Friday, a former Winnipeg man, Kevin Charles Queau, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Crystal Saunders in Winnipeg in 2007.

Trump threats stoking Manitoban fears

Among five people waiting for a Winnipeg bus, a recent Probe/Free Press survey suggests one of that number of Manitobans believes the U.S. will invade us in the next two years.

The tricky question of politics and election calls

You cannot fault Progressive Conservative party leader Obby Khan from thinking there is an election coming.

Time for a decision about 24 Sussex Drive

You may agree.

You may not.

You may put down your coffee, nod, and say “I can understand the need.”

Or you might throw your coffee out of the car window while yelling at no one in particular, “Damn Ottawa Liberal fatcats want to live high on the hog on our dime while we’re all barely making enough to keep from starving here.” Or words to that effect.

Shopping bill is a good pre-emptive strike

On the face of it, it looks like a solution desperately hunting for a problem.

But that’s sometimes the way proactive legislation looks.

As first salvos go, Manitoba’s Bill 49 should probably be viewed not an effort not to deal with an imaginary problem, but one being put in place to ensure that the problem doesn’t arrive.

What the bill does is to add individual pricing to the province’s collection of improper business practices.

Proactive planning for a future with more seniors

They’re supposed to be “the golden years.” But for many Manitobans in the ever-expanding 65-plus age bracket, life is anything but a warm and gentle journey toward a tranquil, glowing sunset.

Trump’s call for help met with silence

Thanks, but no. That’s the overwhelming response to U.S. President Donald Trump who, over the weekend, started telling other countries that they have to get involved in the war that the United States and Israel started with Iran.

Should Manitoba finally ditch the clock changes?

Twice a year, Manitobans go through the same ritual: stumble out of bed groggy after the clocks change and ask themselves why we still do this.