News in brief

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This article was published 02/12/2019 (2217 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

University of Manitoba names new president, vice-chancellor

A familiar name in post-secondary administration is returning to Winnipeg to lead the University of Manitoba.

On Nov. 20, the U of M board of governors announced Michael Benarroch will take over as president and vice-chancellor of the university on July 1, 2020.

“I am excited about the opportunity to return to the University of Manitoba as its next president and to contribute to the success of the outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni of the university,” Benarroch said in a statement.

Benarroch joins the U of M from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ont. where he as worked as provost and vice-president, academic since 2017. Prior to his time in Toronto, Benarroch was the dean of the I. H. Asper School of Business at the U of M from 2011 to 2017, and founding dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Winnipeg.
Benarroch was born in Tangier, Morocco and immigrated to Winnipeg with his family as a child, where he grew up.

Benarroch has taught economics at Canadian universities since 1989 and his research focuses on global economic outlook, globalization, and the impact of trade on the environment.
He has a Ph.D. in economics from Carleton University, his master’s from Western University, and a B.A. (honours) from the U  of W.

The U of M’s current president and vice-chancellor, David Barnard, has served a total of 12 years in the position and was the university’s 11th president.

“Having worked with Dr. Benarroch when he was dean of the Asper School of Business, I am confident he has the ability to serve the University of Manitoba well,” Barnard said.

Carr named special representative for the Prairies

Winnipeg South Centre MP Jim Carr will serve as a special representative for the Prairies to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the new Liberal minority government.

Trudeau announced his cabinet on Nov. 20 with a number of re-elected ministers returning to their former portfolios, and MPs tasked with steering brand-new files, including Middle Class Prosperity, represented by Ottawa—Vanier MP Mona Fortier.

Carr formerly served as the Minister of International Trade Development, and Minister of Natural Resources.

Following the federal election in mid-October, the 68-year-old MP announced he is being treated for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, and would be undergoing chemotherapy and dialysis.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, as special representative for the Prairies, Carr will ensure the people of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have a strong voice in Ottawa.

The lone Manitoba cabinet minister is St. Boniface-St. Vital MP Dan Vandal, who was named Minister of Northern Affairs.

Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux will serve as Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.     

In total, there are 36 ministers, and the cabinet is gender-balanced.

Corydon apartment fire sparked in oven

One person was taken to hospital in stable condition following a fire in an apartment block on Corydon Avenue.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said they received reports of a fire in a two-storey multifamily complex in the 800 block of Corydon around 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Once on scene, firefighters found light smoke coming from a suite on the second floor.

According to the WFPS, the smoke originated from an oven fire that was partly extinguished by a tenant in the building.

Crews put out the fire and ventilated the building. The suite where the fire originated was significantly damaged by smoke.   

One occupant of the building was evaluated by paramedics on scene and taken to hospital in stable condition.

The WFPS said the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and caused by unattended cooking.
Midmorning garage fire on Cambridge Street under investigation

An investigation is continuing after a garage in the 400 block of Cambridge Street caught fire on Nov. 16.

According to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, they received calls of a fire in a garage attached to a two and a half storey home around 11:30 a.m.

Responding firefighters met heavy smoke  and launched an offensive attack. The fire was declared under control by 11:47 a.m. and didn’t reach the home.

Residents had evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters and no one was injured.

Person found dead, firefighter injured after blaze at Capri Motel

One person is dead following a fire at a suite at the Capri Motel.

According to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, they were called to the two-storey motel in the 1800 block of Pembina Highway on Nov. 17 at 8:39 a.m.

Firefighters arrived and launched an offensive attack and the fire was declared under control at 8:57 a.m. Damage was contained to a single suite, according to the WFPS.

During a subsequent search of the suite, firefighters found a person who was declared deceased on-scene, the WFPS said.

Other occupants of the motel had self-evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters.

One firefighter was injured on scene and taken to hospital in stable condition. Investigators are probing the cause of the fire and the Winnipeg Police Service is investigating.