Lifestyles 55 2021 September by PegasusPublicationsInc

September 2021

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A leader lost and renewal

Long live the crispy, creamy chicken!

Al Wiebe – no fixed address

Marty Morantz reflects on two intense years on and off the Hill

Saving hydro

Dorothy Dobbie

n October 21, 2019, a quiet and unassuming man took his seat in the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley. He accepted this responsibility the way he does everything, with quiet grace and fierce determination. Shortly thereafter, the then leader named Marty Morantz the shadow minister for Revenue responsible for the CRA, a post he relished and that suited him perfectly given his legal background and his experience in business. He was in this position and a member of the House Standing Committee on Finance during the We scandal and was able to question figures such as the Kielburgers and Katie Telford. Remember, the election was in

Pine falls generating station.

Graham Lane

Marty helps a senior at one of his tax clinics. the fall of 2019, just months before the government shut down parliament and the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Marty had a very short window on the world of the Hill as it normally operates. Then that was it! Boom. Closure. He had already located a

furnished apartment that he now gave up since he couldn’t use it. Banished from Ottawa, he came home to learn the ins and outs of zooming. It was months before he could return to the Hill to take up his duties in the House as one of u 5 ‘Marty Morantz’

Celebrating St. James Centennial with the 100 Great St. James citizens Fred Morris

arly in this Centennial Year, I decided to make a list of 100 Great St. James Citizens. It did not take me very long to get to 100. I quickly found myself making additions and painful deletions to my list. I soon realized that any list made by only one person would likely only create controversy. However, if everyone had a chance to submit nominations, it could be positive part of our Centennial Celebrations. I would like to thank the 46 people who submitted nominations for 209 people. I learned a lot about the tremendous contributions of many St. James citizens. The final list consists of all 66 people who received nominations from at least two people. The other 34 people

were chosen from the 142 people who were nominated by one person. I began by selecting 10 nominees from my list. These nominees included two original St. James residents, Jane Inkster Tait and Peter Bruce. The final 24 people were nominated by other people. The published list of 100 Great Citizens is not ranked. Although this published list consists of 100 names, all 209 nominees are deserving. The city will archive the names of all 209 nominees. They are presented here in no particular order. I look forward to your feedback. Please let me know about certain honours that I have missed that should be included in the Archive. Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist. Fred Morris can be reached at fredmorris@hotmail.com u 6 ‘100 Great St. James citizens’

needless fall federal election looms, polls suggest the Liberals will end up staying with a minority. And, towards achieving that expensive result, the Trudeau government has encouraged Canadians to vote Liberal with announcements promising new and expanding spending programs - despite having already just driven the federal debt up by half a trillion dollars. One of the ‘good news’ actions was Trudeau’s bailout of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL)’s “debt-plagued” Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project. It has parallels in Manitoba, another province with precarious finances increasingly threatened by ill-advised Manitoba Hydro boondoggle investments (made by politicians rolling the dice with taxpayer dollars). Trudeau has upped the federal stake in Muskrat Falls to $10.2 billion. While Harper’s past Conservative government had already given a $5 billion loan guarantee for the troubled hydroelectric project, Trudeau has pledged an extra $3.2 billion from future federal oil revenues; taken a $1 billion direct ownership stake, and, third; upped the federal loan guarantee by $1 billion. The bailout saves a $13 billion project initially commissioned to come in at half of that. Without this pre-election bailout, NL’s ratepayers would have faced a doubling of already hefty electricity rates. This, in a province with massive debts and an unemployment rate twice the national average. Canada’s Parliament Budget Officer (PBO) has concluded that NL’s current fiscal policy is not sustainable, forecasting requiring “permanent tax increases or (massive) spending reductions ... to (just) stabilize government debt”. Otherwise, the PBO forecasts that NL’s net debt could soar out of control. (And, this Muskrat Falls political bailout will not fix NL’s finances overall). u 7 ‘Saving hydro’

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whatsupwinnipeg.ca

September 2021

ISSUES IN THE NEWS

A leader lost and renewal Follow us online at: whatsupwinnipeg.ca Facebook: Lifestyles55 Twitter: @Lifestyles55 PUBLISHER Pegasus Publications Inc. EDITOR Dorothy Dobbie dorothy@pegasuspublications.net EDITOR Emeritus Joan Cohen ART DIRECTOR Karl Thomsen karl@pegasuspublications.net GENERAL MANAGER Ian Leatt ian.leatt@pegasuspublications.net CONTRIBUTORS Gerrie Beachall, Volker Beckman, Angela Birdsell, Dorothy Dobbie, Myrna Driedger, John Einarson, Herbert Grubel, Kasey Hacking, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Graham Lane, Ian Leatt, Fred Morris, Manitoba Seniors Coalition, Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, Connie Newman, Peggy Pendergast, Brent Poole, Darlene Ronald, Seneka Samarasinghe, Krystal Stokes, Trudy Schroeder, Sherrie Versluis, Wayne Weedon, Al Wiebe, Nathan Zassman. Canadian Publications mail product Sales agreement #40027604 ADVERTISING 1-888-680-2008 info@pegasuspublications.net SUBSCRIPTIONS If you would like to receive Lifestyles 55, we offer both monthly newspaper and online formats. To place your order, call 204-940-2700. Subscriptions are $48.00 per year, plus tax. American Express, MasterCard, Visa & cheque accepted. To view a back issue online visit lifestyles55.net Published monthly by: Pegasus Publications Inc. 138 Swan Lake Bay, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4T8 204-940-2700 whatsupwinnipeg.ca DISTRIBUTION Available at over 100 locations from Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Morden, Selkirk, Flin Flon and The Pas. If you would like bulk copies of this publication, contact Ian Leatt at (204) 940-2707 or ian.leatt@pegasuspublications.net. Also available digitally at whatsupwinnpeg/ lifestyles and on Facebook: Lifestyles55 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Call Dorothy Dobbie at (204) 940-2716 or email dorothy@pegasuspublications.net for more information and guidelines. Any opinions expressed in columns by our contributors are their own opinions entirely and are not necessarily shared by Pegasus Publications Inc. All information presented by the contributors is the responsibility of the writers. Lifestyles 55 is published monthly. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without seeking permission in writing from the publisher. Copyright Pegasus Publications Inc. September 2021

Premier Pallister’s last official action was to confirm the $7.5 million matching grant to the International Peace Garden. Left to Right: IPG Board Member, MLA and Deputy Speaker, Doyle Piwniuk; N.D, Representative Ruth Buffalo, Premier Brian Pallister, Governor Doug Burgum, IPG Board member Les Thomas, and N.D. Representative Jon Nelson.

n the second last day before leaving his position as Premier of Manitoba, Brian Pallister reached out to confirm a generous, hands-across-the-border accord with our nearest U.S. neighbour. He went to the International Peace Garden, a place of fond memory from his own childhood, to confirm with his North Dakota partner, Governor Doug Burgum, a major donation to the future of the Garden. The warmth and mutual respect between the two men was very visible. After announcing Manitoba’s $7.5 million grant and North Dakota’s matching funds, the Premier conferred the Order of the Buffalo Hunt on the Governor, remarking as his did so that the first recipient of this honour was Queen Elizabeth II. They laughed over share memories of the Garden. They spoke of the early immunization of truck drivers when North Dakota had more vaccine Dorothy supply than did our province. In the audience was the latest addition to the International Peace Garden Board, Leslie Thomas, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and a former chairman of the North Dakota Natïve Tourism Alliance, who sees the value of Indigenous participation in the garden. He presented a reed statue of a teepee to symbolize the friendship of the local indigenous nations with the peace initiative at the Garden. It was a perfect moment of human understanding of the relationship between the premier and Indigenous people, despite the politically inspired uproar over his remarks that people came here to help build a new nation. Indeed, deliberate misrepresentation of what the premier said or meant was a hallmark of his tenure. No matter what he said or how sincerely he meant what he said, he had a line up of people willing to interpret for him – and sadly, they came from both side of the aisle, and the interpretations were often unfair. Regardless, a pretty damn fine man has just left Manitoba’s political stage. He did it with sincerity and grace, the way he entered, when his predecessor was in trouble. Brian Pallister was not one to dance on the graves of his opponents. Indeed, he summoned up their bright spots and shone a generous light on them. When Greg Selinger was ousted, Brian Pallister’s speech was warm and congratulatory. Not so was that of Mr. Selinger’s heir, who barely managed to mutter a few begrudging words of farewell. Thus, the difference in approach between the two parties and their leaders, but also in their records. One of the biggest inside criticisms of the recent Premier was that he didn’t clean house quickly enough. In other words – they felt he should have kicked out all the political appointees

who ran (and many still do) the bureaucracy of this province. Nor was he praised for this by his political opponents, who used their insider information to beat him with while they snickered behind their smiling, sheeplike facades because they thought him so easily duped. I prefer to think that the reason he did not deal with them more severely was his warm heart. Here is a man who could not hold back a tear when speaking of departed loved ones or those who were undergoing trauma. How could he destroy the lives of so many without giving them a chance to prove their merit as non-partisan civil servants? But there were no accolades for this from any side. So let me pass on a few of his accomplishments. He did what he set out to do: He got the deficit under control, pre-covid. He reduced the pernicious provincial sales tax increases imposed by the NDP. He reformed health care. He Dobbie initiated the reform of education. He curbed the spending ambitions of Manitoba Hydro. He set in motion initiatives to allow greater autonomy for private business. He gave greater autonomy to municipalities and tried to find a more effective path for the environment. He made many reforms in child and family services. Even some of my NDP friends applauded these much-needed changes, including in the education bill. Did all these initiatives accomplish everything he wanted? No, but over time, the result will be profound. Rome, as they say, was not built in a single day. Thank you, Brian. And thank you Esther, for putting up with a spoiled and intolerant electorate for six years. They didn’t deserve you, and that includes many discontented and self-focussed conservatives. As for the future, we shall see. The new leader will need to be tough in mind and spirit. They will need to selectively complete that housecleaning started by Brian. The new leader must be able to determine who among their colleagues deserves to be in cabinet, based on merit rather than sycophancy. They will need to dismiss ineffective political servants of both stirpes and replace them with intelligent and effective individuals. And they need to listen and sort out the good advice from the bad. Most importantly, they will need to articulate a vision that gives us hope and agency rather than pessimism and top-down government-knows-best dependency. And they need to build on the legacy of their predecessor who gave his all so that this could happen. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Mental Health and a post-pandemic Manitoba

OVID-19 has come into our lives and changed experiences with you. Don’t try and manage by yourso many aspects. When this pandemic first self. Talk to family and friends and use the resources in began, few of us understood the long time your community. Mental health is health. It is just as frame during which our lives would be affected. These important as tending to a broken bone or a sprained months have been long and the challenges have been ankle. We must reach out to the proper professionals like health care providers, and professional tiresome. counsellors- we wouldn’t try to fix a broAt the beginning of my articles, I try ken arm on our own, would we? For so to draw attention to the mental health many Manitobans, this past year and a half resources available through the Provhas been tremendously challenging. Unince of Manitoba. Have a look at these derstand that you are not alone in your resources available at https://www. struggles and always remember that it’s gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell/ . At your okay to not be okay. fingertips is a crisis line for anyone in Recently, our public health professionimmediate need, two sessions of virals have begun to speak about a posttual counselling, free and confidential pandemic Manitoba. This is great progress online mental health virtual therapy and something to be so happy about. We through AlibityCBT, and links to exhave reached this point because of the creternal organizations who work hard to help Manitobans. Organizations like Hon. Myrna Driedger ation of a vaccine and the roll out of this vaccine. Thank you to all of you who have Kids Help Line, the Addictions FounBroadway received your vaccine! If you know anydation of Manitoba, Wellness Together Journal one who is hesitant to book their vaccine, Canada: Mental Health and Substance encourage them to seek proper guidance. Use Support, and also the many local mental health and addictions organizations. These or- It’s important that we get our COVID-19 information from reliable sources like our doctors, nurses, other ganizations work hard to support those in need. Sometimes, we don’t think of ourselves as ‘in need healthcare professionals, and scientists who have all of help’. It’s important that we take good care of our- dedicated their lives to research and health. Questions selves during these stressful time. Take the time to about COVID-19 and the vaccine are best directed to stop, address the challenges in your life, and reach out these amazing professionals. As more and more of our population gets vaccinated, to professionals. Health and well-being must be supported by a network of people who can share your there is hope of a post-pandemic Manitoba. For many

Manitobans, that can cause a bit of worry and anxiety. After all, we’ve had to rearrange or change many aspects of our lives to mitigate the threat of COVID-19. Where we could once gather in groups and socialize in person, we’ve been seeing each other virtually or making do with phone calls. We’ve spent over a year avoiding crowds and doing the things we usually do. I know for myself, the opportunity to dine at a restaurant was such a treat. Throughout the pandemic, my family ordered takeout as often as we could, but we missed the opportunity to enjoy our meal on a patio or in house. But making that transition isn’t easy. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an increase in many people’s levels of stress and anxiety. Our lives have changed and we’ve had cause to worry about our health more than ever before. We’ve been worried for ourselves and also for our loved ones. Because of the vaccine, we are now able to plan for a post-pandemic life. And that too, can be a stressful reality for many. It’s okay to feel nervous, to feel stressed, and to be overwhelmed by the ongoing changes in our lives. It’s okay to not be okay. Mental health is health. Be sure to reach out and use the mental health resources available. The vaccine and Manitobans vaccine uptake has made planning for a post-pandemic Manitoba possible. Thank you so much to all the Manitobans who have already received the vaccine and I encourage all those who haven’t already done so to book your vaccine appointment today! Hon. Myrna Driedger is MLA for Roblin and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Level 3 chargers should be installed to keep Manitoba competitive cial government could cover the complete province longer Manitoba waits, the more that business for with rapid chargers that will encourage Manitobans hydro sales, nickel supply, and EV development will to buy electric. That’s less than what the province go elsewhere. Recently Tesla, signed an agreement to buy $1 bilhas spent on bike trails for sustainable transportation in Manitoba. Then, fifty percent funding is avail- lion of nickel a year from Australia! The Thompson As Volker was saying in August... So, here I live, in Chamber invited Elon Musk to able from the federal government Thompson, Manitoba, the Hub of the North, 750 km visit Manitoba 18 months ago to ZEV programs. That’s what other north of Winnipeg. I’d love to buy an EV tomorrow, see our EV assets. Why are they provinces have been using. Therebut can’t drive it to southern Manitoba. The north now talking to Australia instead? after, Manitoba Hydro would be is hindered by a lack of EV charging infrastructure. Pimichikamak Cree Nation Consider that General Motors selling electricity for EVers that Why? has announced they will only promostly charge at night at home. (Cross Lake) has been trying to duce EVs by 2035 and are trying At 8 cents per kilowatt hour, the reopen the critical Ponton rest Volker Beckman to catch up to Tesla. The federal revenue generated would result stop and refueling station. government will only allow ZEVs in a payback for this investment. They would like to install a Level after 2035. Would all that massive Beats selling our surplus hydro at 3 charger, but cost to provide a EV growth justify a new mine or onsider that Thompson is surrounded by night to the USA for 1.5 cents per three-phase power line from refinery somewhere? How about a hydro dams that provide huge amounts kwh. More money would stop beManitoba Hydro is new battery Gigafactory that Canaof electricity to Manitobans and northern ing sent away from Manitoba to $1.2 million . . . da needs, because Canada does not American states. Thompson has had a large nickel fossil fuel suppliers elsewhere. Of have one? Why is Alberta negotiatmine for 60 years that can feed the world’s need to course, that process might take ten ing with the feds for a new battery produce car batteries. Mining companies are ramp- years, but Manitoba should start plant? Do they have the nickel and ing up their exploration and production to supply a that now. low hydro rates like Manitoba has? Over the past few months, the predicted tenfold demand for nickel. All good news Over the past 6 weeks, Electric Autonomy Canada Thompson Chamber of Commerce released a Green for Thompson and Manitoba. Thompson’s mining company, Vale, is spending Energy Capital brief that outlines what Manitoba has hosted weekly one hour webinars on EV growth over $20 million this year on drilling exploration to needs to do. The Chamber and North Central De- in Canada. Discussions with expert panelists have determine the size of huge nickel deposits. Also, Vale velopment have been working with northern com- been on adequate critical mineral supply, EV batjust announced a $150 million expansion to boost munities along Highway 6 and 10 to explore the tery development and recycling, EV manufacturing options of Level 3 charging stations. National Re- in Canada, etc. Between 400-500 people attend virnickel production. More good news. Thompson has been a centre for winter weather sources Canada offered 50 per cent funding through tually every week. The opportunities for investment testing for nearly 40 years for cars, snowmobiles, jet a ZEVIP grant in 2021. Sadly, most small towns and business are huge. The concern is that China is taking the world lead in battery production, supply, engines, etc. There will be a tremendous need for could not afford their share of the capital cost. A critical stop along Manitoba northern highway and clean energy technology and to supply the milisuch testing for EVs and battery development. routes is Ponton, a fuel, restaurant, tary. Canada should stop sending our critical minerThese are all assets to grow the restroom service along highway 6 als to China and Japan and then buy back finished EV industry in our province. Yet, and 39 owned by Pimichikamak battery products for computers, smart phones, tabManitoba lingers behind the rest of Cree Nation (Cross Lake). A visi- lets and EVs. Canada. Why? Provincial utilities should install Many webinar comments and examples are always tor could not drive to the north The Province and Manitoba or fund public chargers as a loss from Winnipeg without an EV what Quebec, Ontario and BC are doing. In five Hydro offer no incentives to purcharge at Ponton. Nor could you hours of discussion NOT ONCE has Manitoba even chase an EV or install charging leader! In one year, for less than drive from the western Canada been mentioned! If you go to electricautonomy.ca stations in a home, workplace, what the province has spent on without a stop at Ponton. Or vice and look under the menu heading for “Provinces”, condos or apartments. There are bike trails for sustainable versa. PCN has been trying to there is nothing specific listed under “Manitoba”. restrictions on who can sell electransportation in Manitoba, the install Level 3 after their facility Yet, the Province says: “Our vision is to make Manitricity which reduces the incentive government could recoup its entire burned down two years ago and toba Canada's cleanest, greenest, and most climate to invest in charging stations. Levinvestment through increased use planning for a rebuild is underway. resilient province”, Our province has the assets the el 2 charging stations are relatively of electricity by home chargers Unfortunately, the cost to provide industry needs. inexpensive and work in a home, paying 8 cents a kwh! As you many of you have heard, the Thompson a three-phase power line from workplace or hotel if you have Manitoba Hydro is $1.2 million! Chamber has been planning with others to host the three or four hours to charge your How can any business justify such most unique event in the EV world – the first North vehicle. However, when traveling an overwhelming investment? EV American EV Rally in August 2022. It will be 4000 on a trip you want to use a Level 3 charger that only take 15 to 30 minutes to charge, rapid chargers in the north should be considered an km long from Texas to Churchill or “From Palms enough time for a snack or restroom stop. Level 3 essential infrastructure if the private sector won’t or to Polar Bears!” Unfortunately, the longest EV gap, 750 km, along the route is between Winnipeg and stations cost approximately $80-$100,000 and re- can’t afford to provide. If Manitoba truly wants to take advantage of all its Thompson, and we can’t host it. Our fear is that Euquire a lot of charging business to get a return on investment. Few small businesses or small munici- EV assets mentioned in the Green Energy Capital rope or China will do that first. Isn’t that a shame in brief and allow Northerners to enjoy the benefits of a province that brags about our 98 per cent clean, palities can afford such an investment. The solution is simple. Provincial utilities should ZEV transportation and be on par with people who green, sustainable hydroelectricity? If you have a comment for the author, Volker Beckinstall or fund these public chargers as a loss leader! live in the south, the Province needs to change and In one year, for only a few million dollars the provin- improve its policies, programs and incentives. The mann, you can reach him at vbeckmann@mts.net Part 2 of Volker Beckman’s discussion about EVs and what is possible for the north of our province if we seize the day! –ED.

whatsupwinnipeg.ca

September 2021

Marty Morantz reflects on two intense years on and off the Hill Continued from page 1

a small and rotating group of men and women allowed to attend the House at a time. “The House staff were wonderful in dealing with the many issues of working with Zoom,” said Marty. “Many of them were also working from home, trying to solve the problems of committee meetings and votes.” He marvels at the way everyone from all sides of the House co-operated and figured out how to work together. “It is far more effective to be there in person so you can see the people across the aisle and look them in the eye,” he said. The first digital vote took more than an hour, said Marty. “There were so many connection issues, and it was hard to remember to unmute yourself when it was your turn because the speaker had to see your face as well as hear your vote and things were not always in sync.” Eventually, everyone got the hang of it and in the meantime the House staff finally adopted a special facial recognition program and now the votes run much more smoothly. Committee meetings were also mostly virtual, fine for hearing the witnesses but not so fine in seeing the many visual clues that come from seeing a witness in person. Still, Marty says, they got the job done. Meanwhile, on the occasional requirement to be on duty in the house, he now stayed in hotels, which came with its own challenges. “When everything was still closed down, there were no restaurants, so dinner was alone with room service.” Hard to believe he has only been just under two years in office because so

Marty endorses the Conservative platform (an abbreviated look) • Restore one million jobs lost from COVID-19 in the first year by incentivizing job creation through the Canada Job Surge Plan and pay up to 50 per cent of the salary of new employees for six months as the the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is phased out. • A five per cent investment tax credit in 2022 and 2023, and a 25 per cent tax credit for investing up to $100,000 on small business • A business loan of up to $200,000 for small business in the hard-hit retail and hospitality industry • Double the apprenticeship job creation tax credit to $2,800 for Low wage individuals and $5,000 for families. • A one-month GST holiday this fall to get retailers back on their feet and help families. • Cover up to 75% of childcare costs much has happened. On his side of the House, there was a change in leadership, and Marty found himself moved to assignment on the Foreign Affairs committee under the leadership of Michael Chong. He speaks with admiration of his fellow committee members and says he has learned a great deal from the committee. They are currently examining how COVID-19 is affecting lower income countries. Meanwhile, constituency work took a front seat. “We pride ourselves on trying

through a tax credit, thereby helping families and taking the burden off provinces. • Increase the health care funding to provinces • An action plan on mental health • Action on opioid crisis creating 10000 residential drug treatment beds and 50 more community centres • On the controversial climate change file, they propose a tax credit program linked to low carbon output, different from the current carbon tax which simply imposes costs with no incentive to reduce emissions. • A plan to work with First nations to overcome past wrongs and implement many of the recommendations in the TRC Report. If you would like to read the 161 page plan, go here: https://cpcassets.conservative.ca/ wp-content/uploads/2021/08/16102359/ f8279981721e07a.pdf to answer every email and return phone calls,” Marty said. And there were hundreds of emails and piles of work in helping constituents maneuver through the benefit programs on offer. He is worried about the many folks who were facing mental health issues due to the pandemic and is very glad that the Party platform contains more help for these folks. In both 2020 and 2021, Marty set up free tax clinics for people with incomes of under $35,000. “We had volunteer accountants and advice from a couple of lo-

cal CRA employees. We were able to get $140,000 in refunds for constituents,” he notes. He is a proud member of the multipartisan Interparliamentary Task Force on Combatting Online Antisemitism which includes members from the US, UK, Australia and the Knesset in Israel. Marty is fiercely loyal to his Party and his constituency, but he is fair and respectful to his opponent who he considers a gentleman. Indeed, when he ran in 2019, he laughs and says that at events where the two would rub shoulders they probably spent “way too much time talking to each other instead of collecting votes.” Still, he is no pushover, and his parliamentary records show that he brings a measured tone to the debate, but he says in very direct terms, what needs to be said. He has already also tabled a private member’s bill supporting the Canadian Charities Act smoothing the way for more giving to charities which could result in up to $200 million in more revenue for non-profit charitable organizations across Canada. Marty Morantz is just one of several first time MPs now facing the challenge of another election during what is still a time of COVID-19. He does not complain. He is not the type. He simply digs in and gets the job done. “The reception at the door is very good,” he says. Not surprising. He has been diligent about keeping constituents informed, asking for their opinions, and doing his very best to help solve their problems.

Why I will vote for the Liberals even though I support the Conservatives

ll my life I have supported con- them later when the experience of the servative causes and parties fi- 1970-80s is repeated. On that occasion, nancially, in my writings, and price increases were considered to be lectures. I even spent four years in the due to temporary, reversible events and federal parliament as the member of the therefore not requiring higher interest rates. As it turned out, right-wing Reform Party. the increase in the price of Yet, in this election I will energy caused by OPEC vote for the Liberals and output restrictions led to hope that Justin Trudeau price increases in other will head the next governcommodities, which ultiment. mately spread to the rest of No, I am not out of my the economy, led to higher mind nor have I lost faith wages, and made the Bank in conservative principles. of Canada use record levels Instead, I believe that it is of interest rates to stop the in the longer run interest price increases. of the conservative moveIf the Bank of Canada ment in Canada if the Libaccepts the view that curerals and Trudeau will be Herbert Grubel rent price increases are not in office during the next What the and reversible, four years when they will numbers tell us temporary it will raise interest rates face the need for highly soon to reduce excess deunpopular policies needed to deal with the inevitable consequences mand, which is the ultimate cause of of their past, irresponsible economic and all inflations. Continued federal deficits social policies. They will lose voter sup- and spending by consumers of the excess port for many years, which would befall holdings of money created by poorly the Conservatives if they were in power targeted transfers during the pandemic will not help but make the Bank’s job when these policies must be adopted. The past irresponsible Liberal eco- more difficult. Whether soon or later, interest rates nomic policies will lead to inflation and higher interest rates needed to deal with will almost certainly increase during the it. Inflation has already begun and led mandate of the next government. The to significant increases in the prices of higher rates will increase mortgage degasoline, food, lumber, automobiles, faults, higher unemployment, personal and housing. Expecting inflation, inves- and business bankruptcies, and governtors have bought inflation-proof assets ment deficits. Canada’s economy will such as bitcoins, gold, works of art and be in a classic recession bringing great collectibles, driving up their prices to hardships to many. But this is not the only serious probunprecedented heights. All the necessary conditions for the continuation of this lem caused by higher interest rates. The cost of servicing the record federal debt inflation are in place. Inflation inevitably leads to higher in- of $1.3 trillion will increase and add to terest rates. If the Bank of Canada does the already programmed large deficits. not raise rates soon, it will have to raise The country’s credit rating will be lowSeptember 2021

ered by international credit rating agencies and further increase the government’s borrowing costs. The bottom line is that, within the term of the next government, the Liberals will have no choice but to adopt politically very costly cuts in program spending and increases in all taxes. They will try to blame the Conservatives, the pandemic and climate change for the need to adopt the highly unpopular policies. These efforts will not be credible. The large debt is due mostly to Liberal-inspired woke policies designed to increase the welfare state and pandemicfighting policies that cost much more than they would have if timing and targeting had been better. The cost of climate change policies will hit consumers hard who will see no clear benefits, especially as China and other big polluting countries fail to reduce their levels of pollution. If the Liberals win the next election, they will face another serious political problem, which is the result of their strong moral support of interest groups whose members have in common certain personal characteristics that are united under the LGBTQ+ banner and include natives and racial minorities. The Liberal have until now supported these minorities mostly by encouraging them in their view that are suffering from personal and systemic discrimination, which is the cause of their low incomes and social status. Many ordinary Canadians preoccupied with work and other personal concerns have been unaware of this Liberal support of minorities. Others have accepted them because they have not been affected materially or find them consistent with their sense of moral responsibilities for the underdogs in society.

However, in the coming years, these interest groups will demand that the Liberals adopt the “Reset” policies they promised to eliminate discrimination and create greater equality of income and social standings. The equalization of incomes will require higher transfer payments to these groups and increased taxes on highincome Canadians. The elimination of discrimination will require the mandated use of quotas in employment and educational institutions. Meeting the demands of natives will require large spending increases. Immigrant communities will be satisfied only if they can welcome increasing numbers of their relatives and friends who upon arrival will increase shortages in the housing market, and public health and recreation facilities. These policies will materially affect the vast majority of Canadians who are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, natives, and immigrants. They will also feel unjustly accused of personal and systemic discrimination and oppose resets in Canada’s culture and economic system that have served them extremely well in the past and evolved successfully through time. It will be good to see the Liberals lose much voter support if they win the next election as they deal with the cost of inflation, higher interest, a recession, and the consequences of having created the high expectations of minorities. The Conservatives will benefit from the Liberals conundrum and will have strong voter support for a long time in the future. That is why I will vote Liberal and urge others to do the same. Herbert Grubel is Emeritus Professor of Economics at Simon Fraser University, and a Senior Fellow at The Fraser Institute. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Celebrating St. James Centennial with the 100 Great St. James Citizens Continued from page 1

1. Bruce Alexander, graduate of St. area baseball scout for 2 Major League James Collegiate, St. James School Trustee Teams, Voice of Baseball Winnipeg when 1986 to 2014 he used his own equipment to host games, 2. Aiden Conklin, long time School Manitoba Baseball Honour Trustee, School Board office Society, member of Maniat 2574 Portage named to toba Baseball Hall of Fame honour his service 22. Steve Patrick Sr., 3. George Waters, School (1932-2014) four-time Trustee, Middle School Grey Cup Champion with named after him, Lifetime the Winnipeg Blue BombMember of the Assiniboia ers, MLA 1962 to 1977, Chamber of Commerce Insurance Business Owner, 4. Jae Eadie, Winnipeg founding member of Big City Councillor 1980 to Brothers, member of Mani2006, Park named after him toba Sports and Blue Bombat 125 Parkside Drive er Hall of Fames, Order of 5. J. Frank Johnston, the Buffalo Hunt, Silver JuFred Morris St. James Alderman 1965 bilee Medals From the desk 1971, MLA 1969 to 1988, 23. Jack Matheson, of a gadfly Provincial Cabinet Minister Sports editor Winnipeg Tri1977 to 1981 bune worked for CKRC and 6. Al Mackling, lawyer CJOB, member of Hockey, ran for various political offices between Football, Basketball and Curling Hall of 1953 and 2011, St. James Alderman 1962 Fames, Sportswriters and Sportscaster to 1969, MLA 1969 to 1973 and 1981 to Award named after him for aspiring sports 1988 and Cabinet Minister 1969 to 1973 commentators. and 1982 to 1988 24. Stu MacPherson, WW2 BBC cor7. Pearl McGonigal, only St. James respondent, host of 20 Questions, CJAY Alderwoman, Winnipeg City Councillor, original, member of the first WHA WinDeputy Mayor, First Female Lieutenant nipeg Jets Broadcast Team member of the Governor of Manitoba, Order of Manito- Canadian association of Broadcasters Hall ba, street in front of Grace Hospital named of Fame for her 25. Kevin McCarthy, star player with 8. Susan Thompson, business owner, WCHL Winnipeg Clubs, played 10 years Winnipeg Mayor 1992 to 1998, One of in the NHL, 2006 Stanley Cup Champithe City Hall buildings at 510 Main Street onship as a Carolina Hurricanes Assistant is named in honour of her service Coach, member of Manitoba Hockey Hall 9. Reg Wightman, Druggist School of Fame Board Chairman, St. James Mayor 1945 26. Bud Harden, played in 1st Civic to 1954, MLA 1949 to 1958 and many Centre Hockey Game. Won 2 little Grey terms as a St. James Alderman, park at Cups with the Winnipeg Hawkeyes, last Linwood and Ness named in his honour Canadian Winnipeg Blue Bomber QB, 10. Dennis Dempsey, owned Clean Manitoba Bison award named for him, Works, President of Manitoba Liberals, football broadcaster and Blue Bomber exAssiniboia Chamber of Commerce Chair ecutive 1993/94 27. James Patrick, 21 years as an NHL 11. Jim Rondeau, MLA 1999 to 2016, player, NHL Assistant Coach, member of Cabinet Minister 2002 to 2013 Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, current 12. Eldon Ross, Business Owner, Win- Head Coach of the Winnipeg Ice nipeg City Councillor 1972 to 1980. 28. Meros Leckow, professional enSwimming Pool at 1887 Pacific Avenue in tertainer for over seven decades dating recognition of his service back to the vaudeville days managed Don 13. Bill Cowtun, pharmacist, worked Cossack dancers, created his own touring for decades at his Drug Store at 2059 Por- dance group, helped found Folklorama tage Avenue 29. Jim Henry, NHL Goalie famous 14. Dr. Alfred John Alcock, cared for for his 1952 picture with Rocket Richard, 1950 flood evacuees at Deer Lodge Hospi- member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of tal, lead doctor during the polio epidemic Fame, won 1 MJHL championship won 15. Graeme Haig QC, Lawyer, Presi- two Allan Cups, 1950 winner of the Chardent of the Provincial PC’s in the early lie Gardiner Award for the top USHL 1970s, Chamber of the St. James Assini- Goalie boia Commerce Chair 1966 67, 1977 30. George Minaker Jr., elected at three Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal, 1985 Or- different levels of government Municipal der of Canada (served on the last St. James Council and 16. George E. Chapman QC, Law- the first post Unicity Winnipeg Council) yer, national race car champion, member Provincial, and Federal, Provincial Cabinet of Manitoba and Canadian Motorsport Minister 1979-81 Hall of Fame, member of the Manitoba 31. Claudia McPherson, swam both Runners Association Hall of Fame, Past Lake Winnipeg and the English Channel President of Western Canadian Aviation before her 18th Birthday. Museum 32. Bill Hanks, Editor of St. James 17. Jim Toal, Winnipeg Police Superin- Leader, St. James Chamber of Commerce tendent, Executive Director of Alcoholism Chair 1941 to 1942, Mayor of St. James Foundation, Police Service Award named 1962 to 1971, Canada’s Centennial Medfor him, building at 1041 Portage named al, St. James Lions Club Distinguished after him Award, AW Hanks Walkway in Bruce Park 18. Hartley Richardson, President of named to honour him James Richardson and Sons, ensured the 33. Garth Pischke, Manitoba Sports preservation of a Woodhaven Green Space, Hall of Fame, Volleyball Hall of Fame, Order of Canada 2007, Order of Manitoba High School Sports Hall of Fame, success2008 ful as a player and coach in volleyball 19. Connie Newman, School Principal, 34. Sandy Gibb, Manitoba Sprint Executive Director of the Manitoba Asso- Champion five years in a row, member of ciation of Senior Centers, played a major Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame role in the building of Skate Park West 35. Lilja Leckow, helped establish 20. Elbridge Parker, School Educa- the Scandinavian Folklorama Pavillon, a tor, School Inspector 1911-49, St. James founder of Winnipeg Folk Arts Council, School Superintendent 1949-56, Life President of Icelandic Saga dancers, and Member of Manitoba Trustees Association helped establish Manitoba’s first Children’s 21. Jack Thompson, PA Announcer Poison Centre for the first St. James Civic Centre Game, 36. David Best, Reeve of St. James Deer Lodge Community Club President, 1938 to 1945, MLA 1941 to 45 as a Con6

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servative against the Coalition 37. Harry Dunwoody, Clerk of the Manitoba legislature 1929 to 1951, St. James Justice of the peace 1954 to 1959 38. Nora Grenfell, a founder of the U of M Rehabilitation School, Lifetime Membership in the Canadian Physiotherapy Association 39. Verna Pischke, swim coach 40. Bob Chipman, owner of Birchwood Automotive Group, on the Winnipeg Citizens Hall of Fame 41. Gordie Rowland, four-time Grey Champion with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers also played soccer, member of Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame 42. Greg Selinger, Winnipeg City Councillor, 1989 to 1992, Manitoba Finance Minister 1999 to 2011, Manitoba Premier 2011 to 2016, Order of Manitoba 43. Joan Whalley, Curling organizer for many events including the 1968 Canadian Ladies Curling Championship at the St. James Civic Centre, member of the Manitoba Sports, Manitoba Curling, and Canadian Curling Hall of Fames 44 Dr. Clive Wightman Sr., worked at clinics at 2031 Portage and 633 Lodge, performed the first surgery at the Booth Drive Grace Hospital 45. Gordon Sinclair Jr., Minor League Pitcher, long time columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press 46. Audrey Harden, mother and grandmother of many athletes including a CFL Quarterback and MLB Pitcher 47. Mrs. W. W. Harris, the member of the Bourke family who donated the land for Assiniboine School 48. Danny Summers, a member of the 1945 Grey Cup Finalist Winnipeg Blue Bombers, played on five Championship hockey teams AHL (1949), 1955/56 Winnipeg Warriors WHL, 1960 and 61 in the IHL, and the 1964 Winnipeg Maroons Allan Cup Champions, member of Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame 49. Con Sigurdson, teacher, and educational consultant, taught school in Katsina Nigeria, Principal of Assiniboine School 1970-74 50. Tom Thompson, 1981 MJHL Manager of the Year, Scout with the 1989 Stanley Cup Champs Calgary Flames, an executive with 2003 Calder Cup Champion Houston Aeros, member of the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame 51. Ab McDonald, member of the famous Weston line in the MJHL, four-time Stanley Cup winner, scored the Cup winning Goal for the 1961 Chicago Black Hawks, scored the first Winnipeg Jets Regular Season Goal, St. James Civic Centre Arena named in his honour, member of Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame 52. Carman Ruttan, druggist famous for the sign on his building at 2579 Portage stating “It’s a Long Tramp” referencing the distance to Portage La Prairie 53. Jim Johnston, scored the first goal in the St. James Civic Centre, played on the 1968 St. James Canadian MJHL Champions, the 1973 Wisconsin Badgers NCAA Champions, and the 1968 Winnipeg Hawkeyes Little Grey Cup Champions 54. George McCloy, CJOB original, hosted the Sunday Morning Shut In Show, did play by play for Bomber Games, Order of the Buffalo Hunt, and the 1992 125 Canadian Confederation Medal 55. Jack Wells, sportscaster morning radio man, often referred to Sunny St. James, member of Canadian Broadcasting, Manitoba Hockey, and Canadian Football Hall of Fames 56. Jim Siwicki, second generation owner of the Silver Heights Restaurant 57. Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman of True North Sports, 2005 James Hendy Trophy for the top AHL executive, brought the NHL back to Winnipeg in 2011, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame

Selection Committee, Order of Manitoba 58. Neil Bardal Jr., (1940 to 2010) third generation of the only Winnipeg Funeral Home owned by the Bardal family, Order of Manitoba 59. Ron MacIntosh, Teacher at Assiniboine School, First Principal of Deer Lodge Junior High, Principal St. James Collegiate Superintendent of St. James School Division, Deputy Minister of Education. 60. Doug Stanes, elected in 1955 and 1957 as a St James Alderman, MLA 1958 to 1969, Metro Council 1969 to 1971, Winnipeg City Councillor 1972 to 1977 61. Alex Reid, long time City Clerk for St. James 62. Lionel Fitzgerald, group of 7 Artist, 1929-1949 Principal of Winnipeg School of Art, famous for his painting of Synder’s house, back lane behind his Deer Lodge Place Home named FitzGerald Walk, building at the U of M named in his honour 63. Bertha Rand, provided a home for stray cats, a regular contributor to open line radio shows 64. George Knudson, member of 8 Sport Hall of Fames, Canadian golfer of the Century for the 1900’s, won many championships including 2 Manitoba Junior, three Manitoba Opens, eight PGA Tour Events, wrote the Natural Swing, Order of Canada 65. Jimmie King Jr., Band Leader, entertainment column for the Winnipeg Free Press, musical director for CKY Talent shows, 25-year involvement with Beer and Skits, President of St. James Museum 66. Irene Rowlin, music teacher, organist at Deer Lodge and St. James United Churches, School Trustee who promoted band programs 67. Dr. Allan Ronald, Doctor and microbiologist, world-wide expert in the control of infectious diseases. Order of Canada, Canadian Medical Hall of Fame 68. Peter Bruce, the Bruce family started farming in St. James in the 1850s. In 1933, Peter died, and the Bruce farm was donated to St. James on the condition that it remain a green space 69. Jane Inkster Tait, long-time resident of Portage and Belvidere from the 1860s to the 1920s. The brick home at Portage and Belvidere built by Jane and her husband Robert Tait was a community hub for our pioneers 70. Wesley Steevens, University Professor, 1956-60 Editor of the Christian Scholar, 1994 and 2006 received from Germany the Humbolt Prise for Reasearch 71. Anita Schmidt, wrote Tales of A Trustee about long time Trustee Aiden Conklin, and On the Banks of the Assiniboine a history of St. James Anglican Church 72. Mary Ferguson, schoolteacher, author of the History Of St. James 73. Mary Ruttan, Robinson 1933 and 1936 Manitoba Fencing Champion,1938 Manitoba cross Country Ski Champion, founder of Puffin Ski Club, operated a dance studio, member of Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame 74. Elinor Ivanoff, Librarian at St James Collegiate who successfully lobbied for a school addition that included a Library and Band Room 75. Ester Argue, a School Trustee who top the polls in seven straight Elections 76. Shirley Gingell, worked for Moore Business Forms and National Typewriter helped organize, the Red Ex Parades, the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Cheerleaders, and usherettes for the Concert Hall 77. Hugh McFayden, Lawyer, 1986 Manitoba Junior Curling Championship, 2006 to 2012 Provincial PC Leader 78. John Funnell QC, partner Thompson Dorfman and Sweatman chief Attoru 7 ‘100 Great citizens' September 2021

Use the sidewalks respectfully or risk your life on the road

n the working world, I was looked Freshwater Institute had come up with an upon as an “idea man” who could ingenious solution for saving water. They think outside the box. I came up with had piped into each pond a made-inmany ideas for making things run more house system consisting of a plastic drum filled with cut-up bits of efficiently to save my emplastic tubing. Compressed ployers money. air, being bubbled up from I admit, because I have the bottom of each drum, very few new ideas, my causes the water level in reputation was mostly unthe drum to rise and overwarranted. I usually got flow from the drum to the my ideas by looking at how pond. Water flows through others had solved similar a pipe from the pond to problems. New problems the bottom of each drum for us, I found, are often old to replace the overflowing problems for someone else. water. Bacteria growing on Thirty something years the little pieces of plastic ago, I was responsible for tubing in the drum eat up the utilities at the UniverWayne Weedon contaminants, thus purifysity of Manitoba. I noticed Food for ing the water. that Zoology, compared to Thought Over the years, I saved other buildings, was using various employers many an extremely large amount of water. I wondered if there wasn’t an times my salary just by utilising ideas unnoticed water leak. I found, in order to which I obtained by looking at what other eliminate waste in Zoology’s fish ponds, people were doing. I found most people fresh de-chlorinated water was continu- are quite eager to share their ideas. Howally being added, causing the ponds to ever, some people are not willing to ask; overflow into the sewer. I wondered, they strain their brains trying to think of could there be a better method of remov- new ideas. They are doing things the hard ing contaminants, like fish faeces, without way. With interest, I have been reading about adding excessive amounts of fresh water? The university provides utilities to the problems in Winnipeg with people riding federally owned Freshwater Institute who bicycles on sidewalks. I discovered that also have fish ponds. The water usage at this is a common problem in larger cities. this building was almost zero compared Los Angeles is a much bigger city than to what the university’s zoology depart- Winnipeg with many times more motor ment was using. The in-house staff at the vehicles, bicycles, freeways and roads,

and, because of the weather, bicycles are driven twelve months of the year. Los Angeles realised that some cyclists are fearful of riding on roads, particularly slower riders such as novice cyclists, children and the elderly. These people believe they have a genuine need to ride on sidewalks. In Los Angeles, like other cities, more than ninety percent of sidewalks have no pedestrian traffic for over ninety percent of the time. History teaches us that bullying tactics and punitive actions may appear to be quick and easy solutions, but, in the long run, these eventually exacerbate the problem and do more harm than good. In Los Angeles there was much animosity between the police and the public. Some cyclists were playing “Try and Catch Me”, a dangerous cat and mouse game, which frustrated the police. Handing out fines to cyclists was bringing in revenue, but, not enough to cover the cost of enforcing the bylaw. Los Angeles decided to co-operate with cyclists rather than fighting with them. They passed a new bylaw, allowing cyclists to ride on sidewalks, as follows: No person shall ride, operate or use a bicycle, unicycle, skateboard, cart, wagon, wheelchair, rollers skates, or any other device moved exclusively by human power, on a sidewalk, bikeway or boardwalk in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Cyclists preferring not to be slowed down by pedestrians have the option of sharing roads with motorists. I have noticed that Winnipeg Police

are giving tickets to cyclists who are riding bicycles on sidewalk in the inner core. Meanwhile, on Pembina Highway, over the past few years, Winnipeg has designed and built bicycle paths adjacent to sidewalks in a manner which forces cyclists, in order to pass a bus stop, to go onto the sidewalk where people congregate. Police are turning a blind eye to these cyclists who should be dismounting their bicycle and walking on the sidewalk. This seems like a double standard. Could Winnipeg learn from Los Angeles who are saving money by cancelling plans to build new bicycle paths alongside sidewalks? That is food for thought. Editor’s note: Many years ago, I wrote OpEd pieces for the Winnipeg Free Press. No column, except for my proposal that we allow competition in health care, brought me more outraged pushback than my piece about using the sidewalks for bicycles! I still think it is a sensible approach! Wayne’s solution makes it even better. DD ••• Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manitoba writer of novels and short stories. To sample his wonderful work go to Wattpad.com.

Hydro’s (and the Province’s) alreadywounded finances. Remember Manitoba Hydro lost close to $500 million in one year of drought in 2004. The federal PBO should be listened to, there is grave risk in Manitoba’s government ignoring bleak forecasts for Manitoba. But, while Manitoba Hydro’s customers need a bailout, it’s bailout should not come from the federal government, a la NL. The provincial government should neither look to Ottawa or to future large Manitoba Hydro rate jumps. Ultimately finally fixing Manitoba’s

utility boondoggle expansion lays with an intelligent restructuring of Manitoba Hydro and the province’s broader energy policies, including modernizing regulatory policy. Start with separating transmission and generation, and opening generation to all. This would start addressing the challenge at hand: discouraging future damage of Manitoba Hydro by unaccountable politicians. Graham Lane, a retired CPA/CA, is a member of the Frontier Centre of Public Policy’s expert advisory panel

Wayne’s novels: For the coming few months, Wayne’s novel, Free To Think, is available for downloading at Archive.org. I have read Wayne’snovel and loved it. You may too. It is free to download for the next short period, as is its sequel, Victim No More.

Saving hydro Continued from page 1

The federal PBO also reports that Manitoba’s fiscal policy is not sustainable – with an increasing risk of spiralling out-of-control debt. Like NL Manitoba undertook major hydroelectric expansions with soaring costs. Neither of the two provinces’ economies could afford these foolhardy ventures. But there is no talk, so far, of an equivalent federal bailout of Manitoba’s hydroelectric customers. Many would have Premier Pallister seek equal treatment from Trudeau - a bailout for Manitoba Hydro’s boondoggle expansion ($20 billion plus

to be spent, twice original estimates). But, unlike NL, which opened its books to the public and Ottawa and successfully secured a massive federal bailout, the Pallister government has played down the risk for Hydro residential customers and industries that lies with the prospect of soaring future Hydro rates. Manitoba is just coming out of the Covid-19 lockdown disaster which crushed the economy and provincial finances, with years of government deficits forecasted. And, the present drought could further damage

Celebrating St. James Centennial with the 100 Great St. James Citizens Continued from page 6

ney for Manitoba Hydro, redrafted Manitoba Hydro Act, President of Manitoba Philharmonic Choir, Chancellor for Anglican Keewatin Diocese, Queens Silver Jubilee Medal 79. Dirk Lange, Theology Professor, currently on a Geneva based International Commission for Church Unity, worked on the liturgy and prayers for ecumenical services 80. John Guest, moved from Southern Ontario to manage the meat department at Winnipeg’s new Eaton’s Store at 320 Portage Avenue, St. James Councillor, in 1936 donated $500 for the construction of the Bruce Park Children’s Bathing Pool 81. Sully Bay, owned and operated Silver Heights Pharmacy between 1953-65. The Drug Store had a soda fountain 82. Harry Taylor, 1946 Memorial Cup with the Winnipeg Monarchs. Harry was his team’s leading scorer in the final, also won a 1949 Stanley Cup with the Leafs and 1951 Calder Cup with Cleveland, member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame 83. Murray Auld, 1967-81 President of Bristol Aero Space, 1981-85 Deputy Chairman of Rolls Royce, Order of Canada, Queen Elizabeth Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, CD Howe award, various Aviation industry honours September 2021

84. Ernie Parker, owner of Classic Theatre and St. James Leader Building, allowed fundraising garden parties in his home’s yard 85. Robert Lennox QC, first Chair of the St. James Chamber of Commerce in 1930. Also, Chair in 1945, lawyer, Secretary of the Lithium Corporation of Canada Active in many organizations including the Masons and the Sons of Scotland 86. Jimmie Palmer, 33 years on the Winnipeg Fire Department retiring as a Captain, Member of the 1954 Winnipeg Blue Bombers, member of Manitoba Lacrosse Hall of Fame 87. Constance Waters, during WW2 member of Auxiliary Air Force in England, President of the Linwood Home and School Association, taught at the Manitoba Learning Center, various scholarships in her name 88. Katleen Weldon, taught various elementary grades at Linwood School in six different decades 89. Karen Crerar Burgoyne, School Teacher, 1983-85 President of Assiniboine School Parent Council, 1994 YM YWCA Peace Medal, sang in many church choirs 90. Isabel Auld, Chancellor of the University of Manitoba, cofounded Canadian Consumers Association, Order of Buffalo Hunt, Order of Canada, Winnipeg Citi-

zens Hall of Fame Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal 91. Patrick Friesen, National awardwinning poet and playwright two plays of note The Shunning, and Crazy Bone 92. May Johnston, 1942 St. James Collegiate Athlete of the Year, owner of Kings Florist 93. Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, well known doctor worked at the Mall Medical Group at 1868 Portage for over 30 years 94. Jean McFarlane, Medical Doctor obstetrician and gynecologist, at several hospitals, University of Manitoba Professor, 1944 Governor General Medal 95. Audrey Sheardown, Canadian National Archery Champion 96. Barbara Honey, church organist, music teacher, worked at Balmoral Hall for 20 years 97. Betty Deacon, volunteer for the Deer Lodge Hospital, member of the Altar Guild at St. Andrews Anglican Church 98. George Maltby, St. James Chief of Police, Manitoba’s first Ombudsman Order of the Buffalo Hunt 99. Carol Black Moir, crowned Miss Manitoba during Manitoba’s Centennial Year, Marketing Coordinator at the Winnipeg Convention Center, hostess of Kinsman TV Bingo 100. Harry Monk, in 1924 he estab-

Mural at 1845 Portage at Roseberry Street. Our apologies to Fred Morris who took this photo to go with his story in the August issue August and I overlooked it. – Ed. lished College Electric played on Jimmy Welsh’s curling team winning three Grand Aggregates, three Manitoba Men’s Curling Championships, and the 1947 Brier, in 1997 the team was inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame, Harry Life Member of the Deer Lodge Curling Club. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

Chicken Cordon Bleu

hat I recall first is the warm runny melting cheese. I was young, very young. My memory tells me I was on a school exchange program, and I was staying with a family in Portbail, in western France. The memory is vivid to me as it was that first introduction to this style of French cuisine. I can’t remember the host lady’s name or much about my time there, what I can remember is being bowled over by the impact of her cuisine on my taste buds, and the flavour, quality and presentation. Every time I make this Ian Leatt dish now, I recall that initial experience and the joy Foodies it brought to me. Here is what you will need: Chicken Cordon Bleu 4 large chicken skinless breasts 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder Pinch salt and pepper 500 grams Havarti, sliced 300 grams classic ham 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups canola oil 4 eggs beaten 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs, (seasoned is best) Cheese sauce 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese grated Pinch slat and pepper

The how to: Wash the chicken pieces, then pat semi-dry with paper towel, place in a large bowl. Sprinkle the garlic powder,

Chicken Cordon Bleu. onion powder, salt and pepper over the chicken tossing gently to ensure an even spread. Using a chopping board cut a piece of Saran wrap and place on the board, then a piece of chicken, cover with a second piece of Saran wrap. Pound flat to roughly 1/3 inch thick. Repeat this exercise for the remaining pieces. Cut a piece of Saran wrap and place once again on the chopping board. Place a piece of now pounded chicken on top of the wrap. Now the fun part, place slices of cheese then ham evenly across the flattened surface of the chicken, two deep should do the trick. Once completed, roll the chicken carefully keeping a tight fit. Wrap the finished piece tightly, and seal with Saran wrap. Repeat this exercise for the remaining pieces of chicken. Once all pieces have been compiled, place inside the fridge for a minimum of 1 1/2 hours. Place three large plates on the countertop. On one plate put the flour and on the second your beaten egg mixture, and on the final plate the breadcrumbs. Remove the chicken from the fridge and remove from the

wrap. Roll one at a time through the flour, then the egg then the breadcrumbs. I tend to repeat this two times, as I like a good crust on my chicken. Repeat this exercise for the remaining pieces. Using a deep pan, place canola oil in and bring to a high heat. Carefully place inside the pieces of ‘cordon bleu’ and fry on both sides for five minutes. Then place all pieces on to a baking tray and in the oven on 350° F for 20 minutes or until the temperature inside reaches 170° C. Remove from oven. Place a saucepan on the stove on a medium to high heat, add the butter. Once melted add the flour and stir, then the milk. Stir constantly until it starts to boil and has thickened. Remove from heat add salt and pepper, mustard, and grated cheese. Return to heat and stir until all the cheese has melted through the sauce. Serve with your choice of salad or vegetables. It’s a treat. Enjoy. Ian Leatt is general manager of Pegasus Publications and a trained chef.

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September 2021

A & O services for September 2021 Learn more about specialized programs and services available for older adults!

& O is available to deliver community based presentations about the agency’s innovative specialized programs and services. Many of these programs are the first of their kind in Canada and are free to older adults to participate in! Agency staff are available to deliver the following presentations: I. SAFETY & SECURITY Elder Abuse Prevention / Safe Suite Program. Registered Social Workers respond to the needs of individuals 55+ who are experiencing neglect, emotional, financial, sexual or physical abuse. Information and resources are provided to family and friends who may be concerned about an older adult. The Safe Suite Program provides temporary housing for individuals 55+, regardless of gender, who are in need of a safe place to stay due to abuse or neglect. Older Victim Services. The agency works in partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service to help individuals 60+ who are victims of crime. SafetyAid: Falls Prevention Program. This program is the first of it’s kind in the country! SafetyAid is an evidence-based community falls prevention program for older Winnipeggers 65 years+. The program assesses and provides interventions regarding fall risk to older adults. The purpose of the SafetyAid program is to prevent falls and provide older adults with a greater sense of safety in their home. This Full House. This program is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to assist older adults whose “stuff ” fills their home and limits their lives. Houses full of saved items result in falls and injury, loss of relationships, isolation and emotional distress and can cause fires and evictions. II. SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT Senior Centre Without Walls. This program is the first of its kind in Canada and offers a unique opportunity for Manitobans, 55+, to join educational, interactive programs from the comfort of their own homes. Connect Program. Registered Social Workers assist socially isolated Winnipeggers 55+ living in the community by connecting them to resources that will facilitate independent living. Senior Immigrant Settlement Services. The program offers a wide range of settlement services for newcomers 55 years of age and over. III. COUNSELLING SERVICES Counselling. A range of counselling services are available. Services available address: loneliness, death of a family member, loss of health and adult child, grandchild / aging parent relationships. Caregiving with Confidence. The Caregiving with Confidence program provides a variety of services to informal caregivers and their care recipients residing within the City of Winnipeg. Housing. Information is available to clients and their families to assist them with the selection of an appropriate housing option. A & O publishes the

September 2021

Winnipeg Housing Directory for Older Adults that contains information on housing for older adults in Winnipeg. •••

To book a presentation or to learn more about these programs and services please contact A & O at 204-9566440 or visit www.aosupportservices.ca Supporting older adults in aging well since 1957.

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Fall 2021

50/50 Help to support your local Senior Centre

1 for $10.00 ❘ 3 for $25.00 ❘ 5 for $35.00 ❘ 10 for $50.00 To purchase your ticket visit: https://www.fundingchange.ca/masc

All tickets have to be purchased online with a credit card. The 50/50 will run from September 1st to November 30th with the Jackpot being drawn on December 1st, 2021. • Pot Description for September and October draws: Winner receives 25% of total ticket sales sold in that month. • Jackpot Description for November final draw: Winner receives 25% of total tickets sold up until October 31st, 2021 23:59, and 50% of total tickets sold after November 1st, 2021 00:00. Final Ticket sales end at 16:00 on November 30th • Raffle tickets are non-refundable. Raffle tickets are not eligible for tax receipts. • If prizes unclaimed after 15 days, a winner will be redrawn. • You must be a resident of Manitoba to purchase tickets • Raffle administrators are not eligible to win. • Draws will be held electronically using a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) • The winning ticket number and winner’s name will be posted online at the raffle website following the draw. • Draws are performed without replacement. (tickets drawn for monthly prize WILL be eligible for Jackpot). • Draws will be held at 3-203 Duffield Street on October 1st, November 1st and December 1st at 9:00 a.m.

Licence Number: LGCA8108-RF36046

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Directory

Northern AREA

Flin Flon Seniors 2 North Avenue, Flin Flon (204) 687-7301 Jubilee Recreation of Cranberry Portage Legion Hall, 217 2nd Ave. SE, Cranberry Portage (204) 472-3031 Snow Lake Seniors 71 Balsam St., Snow Lake (204) 358-2151 The Pas Golden Agers 324 Ross Ave., The Pas (204) 623-3663 Interlake AREA Gimli New Horizons 55+ Activity Centre 17 North Colonization Rd., Gimli (204) 642-7909 www.gimlinewhorizons.com Gordon Howard Centre 384 Eveline St., Selkirk (204) 785-2092 www.gordonhoward.ca

(204) 638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com Grandview Seniors Drop In 432 Main St., Grandview (204) 546-2272 Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Rd. N., Portage la Prairie (204) 857-6951 www.hermanpriorcentre.com Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc. 31 Main St. S., Minnedosa (204) 867-1956 Morden Activity Centre 306 N. Railway St., Morden (204) 822-3555 www.mordenseniors.ca Neepawa Drop In Centre 310 Davidson St., Neepawa (204) 476-5103 www.neepawa.ca/district-drop-in-center Pilot Mound Fellowship Club 203 Broadway, Pilot Mound (204) 825-2436

Grand Marais & District Seniors 36058 PTH 12, Grand Marais (204) 770-6124

Plumas Senior Citizens Club Inc. 102 White St., Plumas (204) 386-2029

Riverton Seniors Activity Centre 12 Main St., Riverton (204) 378-2800

Portage Service for Seniors 40A Royal Road N., Portage la Prairie (204) 239-6312

South Interlake 55 Plus 374 1st St. W., Stonewall (204) 467-2582 www.si55plus.org

Sandy Lake Drop In Centre 100 Main St., Sandy Lake (204) 585-2411

Eastman AREA Beau-head Senior Centre 645 Park Ave., Beausejour (204) 268-2444 East Beaches Social Scene 3 Ateah Rd., Victoria Beach (204) 756-6468 www.ebseniorscene.ca East Beaches Resource Centre 3 Ateah Road, Victoria Beach (204) 756-6471 www.ebseniorscene.ca Pat Porter Active Living Centre 10 Chrysler Gate, Steinbach (204) 320-4600 www.patporteralc.com Central AREA Carman Active Living Centre 47 Ed Belfour Drive, Carman (204) 745-2356 www.activelivingcentrecarman.ca Crystal City & District Friendship Club Inc. 117 Broadway St., Crystal City (204) 873-2091 Dauphin Multi-Purpose Senior Centre 55 1st Ave. SE, Dauphin

The Comfort Drop In Spot 31 Main St., Erickson (204) 636-7895 Treherne Friendship Centre 190 Broadway St., Treherne (204) 723-2559 Winkler & District Multipurpose Senior Centre 102 - 650 South Railway Ave., Winkler (204) 325-8964 www.winklerseniorcentre.com Brandon AREA Age Friendly Committee of Council Brandon 638 Princess Ave., Brandon (204) 729-2259 Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op 311 Park Ave., East, Brandon (204) 571-2052 www.brandons4s.ca Killarney Service for Seniors 203 South Railway, Killarney (204) 523-7115 Prairie Oasis Centre 241 8th St., Brandon (204) 727-6641 www.prairieoasis.ca

Winnipeg AREA 20 Fort Street Seniors Club 2200 - 20 Fort St., Winnipeg (204) 233-6079 A & O Support Services for Older Adults Inc. 200 - 280 Smith St., Winnipeg (204) 956-6440 www.aosupportservices.ca Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre - Winnipeg 527 Selkirk Ave., Winnipeg (204) 586-4595 www.asrcwpg.org Archwood 55 Plus 565 Guilbault St., Winnipeg (204) 416-1067 archwood55plusinc.weebly.com Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-9152 www.barbaramitchellfrc.ca

Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg (204) 669-1710 www.gnalc.ca Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 339-1701 www.gwensecter.com Headingley Seniors’ Services 5353 Portage Ave., Winnipeg (204) 889-3132 Ext. 3 www.headingleyseniorservices.ca Manitoba Korean 55+ Centre 900-150 River Ave., Winnipeg (204) 996-7003 www.ksam.ca Pembina Active Living 55+ 50 Barnes Ave., Winnipeg (204) 946-0839 www.pal55plus.com

Bleak House Centre 1637 Main St., Winnipeg (204) 338-4723 www.bleakhousecentre.com

Rady Jewish Community Centre 123 Doncaster St., Winnipeg (204) 477-7510 www.radyjcc.com

Broadway Seniors Resource Centre 823 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg (204) 772-3533 www.bsrc.ca

Rainbow Resource Centre 170 Scott St., Winnipeg (204) 474-0212, Ext. 211 www.rainbowresourcecentre.org

Brooklands Active Living Centre 1960 William Ave. W., Winnipeg (204) 632-8367

South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 117-1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg 204-478-6169 www.swsrc.ca resources@swsrc.ca

Centro Caboto Centre 1055 Wilkes Ave., Winnipeg (204) 487-4597 www.cabotocentre.com Charleswood Senior Centre 5006 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg (204) 897-5263 www.charleswoodseniorcentre.org Creative Retirement MB 448 Burnell St., Winnipeg (204) 949-2569 www.creativeretirementmanitoba.ca Crescent Fort Rouge United Church 55+ 525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg (204) 489-1925 Dakota Comm. Centre - Dakota 55+ Lazers 1188 Dakota St., Winnipeg (204) 254-1010 E206 www.dakotacc.com Dufferin Senior Citizens Inc. 377 Dufferin Avenue, Winnipeg (204) 986-2608 Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre 180 Poplar Ave., Winnipeg (204) 669-0750 www.eekactiv.com Fort Garry Seniors Resource Working Advisory Group 2nd Floor - 280 Smith Street, Winnipeg 204-792-1913 www.aosupportservices.ca/resources/seniorsresource-finders/

Southdale Seniors 254 Lakewood Blvd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4599 www.southdale.ca St. James-Assiniboia 55+ Centre 3 - 203 Duffield St., Winnipeg (204) 987-8850 www.stjamescentre.com St. Mary’s Rd. Seniors 613 St. Mary’s Rd., Winnipeg (204) 257-0678 www.stmarysroad.ca Transcona Council for Seniors 845 Regent Ave., Winnipeg (204) 222-9879 www.transconaseniors.ca Transcona Retired Citizens Org. 328 Whittier Ave. West, Winnipeg (204) 777-5576 Vital Seniors 3 St. Vital Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-0555 www.stmarymagdelenewpg.org Winakwa Active Seniors Club 980 Winakwa Rd., Winnipeg (204) 253-4418 www.winakwacc.ca Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (204) 291-9028 www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca

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September 2021

In an unstable world with a wobbly economy, what can you do for yourself?

he well-being of all adults as they age is the has been the effect on my family, both nuclear and goal for exploring these “Evolving Lifestyles extended? Will the attitude of “We are all in this to55” vignettes. During my career as a teacher I gether” prevail and solutions found that truly embrace the needs of the most vulnerable was required as part of my employment within our population, the young, the to pay into a provincially legislated deelderly and the disabled so that income fined benefit pension plan. Income sesecurity is achievable for all? Is it availcurity was thought to be assured as I able for me? Instead of trying to solve aged with the addition of the indexed what is achievable for all I decided to federally based pensions of Old Age Setake a look at what is achievable for curity (OAS) and the Canada Pension one person, me, an older adult in her Plan (CPP) and often some savings 80’s. I looked in the mirror and asked on my part in a Registered Retirement myself what can you, who live alone in Savings Plan (RRSP) that becomes a a small house, do with apparently no Registered Retirement Income Fund way to work even if there was a job for (RRIF) in retirement. you, because of mobility issues and the Significant insecurity to Canadians’ fact that you are over 80 years of age, retirement savings was brought about Peggy Prendergast by COVID-19 as well as the dire effects Exploring Lifestyle and ageism is prevalent in our world? The answer for me was to ask myself of social isolation. Stocks plunged. On 55 Possibilities what do I want and what can I do. As March 23, 2020, the Dow Jones and a teacher I am also a learner. What opthe Canadian TSX hit a low point and then recovered modestly and finally significantly with tions are available to me? My RIF and TFSA fell drastically because they the announcement of massive government economic stimulus packages. The volatility of the economic were invested, so the question arose, could I learn markets has left many older adults wondering what to be a better investor? If the saying: “What goes will happen to their retirement pensions and savings. up must come down” holds true then does “What The Government of Canada reacted quickly and goes down must again go up” also follow? The inintroduced a 25 per cent cut to RRIF mandatory ternet was available to me so I took online investwithdrawals for 2020, which was welcome to in- ment courses and now am confident that I can earn dividuals who feel they might be compelled to sell enough through investing to manage the inflation in their investments when they are at their lowest value my life into the future – I now have a Cost of Living thus hurting their long term financial security. In Allowance (COLA). I have indexed my pension. I have taught all levels in the K to 12 educational the months following, the federal government announced a $300 one-time tax free payment to OAS system and adults in life skills courses. When the recipients and an additional $200 to Guaranteed offer to teach older adults virtually, was opened, I Income (GIS) recipients to help many older adults tried that and am really enjoying the possibilities that who had incurred unexpected increased costs such will become available to older adults in the future. It as increased transportation costs, (many were unable could be the answer for older adults with mobility to take public transit for health concerns), increased and disability concerns, especially in the winter seafees for food and other deliveries, and costs associ- son and if they can’t drive. What I have been saying as I read what I have ated with the purchase of technological devises to keep in touch with loved ones, to name a few. The written is that it is all about attitude. Life changes Manitoba provincial government sent out a $200 for many reasons. If my glass stays half full and has taxable payment to all older adults who file an in- room to fill with more possibilities, then I have to come tax return. According to the booklet “Get Your explore what those possibilities might be. “Money Benefits” distributed by the University of Manitoba is a tool to get what you want” is my belief. What I Community Financial Counselling Services and sup- want in life that is possible to attain, is the hardest ported by The Winnipeg Foundation, “Even if you thing to determine, and, does it require money? I make no money, you should file a tax return each love teaching and I love exploring new ways to learn. year. If you do not file your taxes you CANNNOT I never expected to live as long as I have. Every one get government benefits such as Federal Income Tax of those people significant to me in my past has died Credits and Provincial (MB) Income tax Credits.” at a much younger age than I am now. Death has This booklet can be read on line at: www.getyour- been a part of my life since childhood. It is part of benefits.ca. Did your income security benefit from all of our lives. My reason for living now, is to share what I have learned about life, learning and death this government money? During this unprecedented time of self-isolation with others, as I believe: “We are all in this together I have done much soul searching. What will be the and we each need to start with ourselves and what result of high unemployment and what will the ef- we have to offer.” I challenge you again to: Write fect on the economy of the country do to me? What Your Own Obituary! What would you like to offer?

Appreciation: Deepal Jayasundera In Canada: the Sky is the Limit Senaka Samarasinghe

ship Panel in the main hall of Royal College. He was an active member of the Royal College boxing team. When I entered University of Ceylon, Colombo ccording to the Birth Certificate his name Campus (now University of Cowas Deepa Piyatissa Wijerlombo), my father found a boarding athna Jayasundera (D.P.W. place for me with one of his friends Jayasundera) but close relatives (E. R. Eratne) in Barnes Place, Cocalled him DP, and in the University, lombo 7. At this boarding house I he was known as Deepal. met Deepal. He became both my Deepal was born in Kalagedihena, roommate and my university batch Sri Lanka. His father Jayasena Jayamate. He was not only studious sundera was the Sub-Post Master but also keen to maintain physiin Kalagedihena. His mother Alice cal and mental fitness as a boxer Jayasundera was a teacher in Kalageand weightlifter. His routine was dihena government school. Deepal 'early to bed and early to rise' and completed his high school educaa nap after lunch. He showed me tion at Royal College, Colombo. In the books that he possessed for his 1961, Deepal was selected on an isuniversity studies and told me of his land-wide competitive “Rupasinghe Deepal Jayasundera diet to maintain his body weight. Scholarship” examination and enFurther, he showed me a string of 108 beads fretered Royal College. Even today his name appears as D.P.W. Jayasundera in the Rupasinghe Scholaru 19 ‘Deepal Jayasundera'

September 2021

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Opera is calling us together

Manitoba Opera returns to the stage with Mainstage Premieres of two one-act operas and family favourite La Cenerentola (Cinderella) in the 2021/22 Season Darlene Ronald

n its 49th season, Manitoba Opera (MO) returns to the stage to present two one-act operas: The Telephone and La voix humaine in November and a family favourite, La Cenerentola (Cinderella) – pronounced La Chen-erentola – in April. The productions will mark Manitoba Opera’s first return to live performance since November 2019. All live programming was cancelled at the Centennial Concert Hall when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020. “Everyone associated with Manitoba Opera – the board of trustees, staff, the artists, crew, and patrons – are so excited at the prospect of our return to the stage with a live audience. We have all missed sharing an artistic experience together, and we can’t wait for that curtain to rise once again,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director and CEO. “The operas we will be presenting this season each speak to themes that will resonate at this unique moment in our cultural consciousness: isolation, miscommunication, resilience, and the power of forgiveness.” A Mainstage Premiere Double Bill – November 5, 6 Menotti’s The Telephone and Poulenc’s La voix humaine (The Human Voice) tell very different stories; one a charming romantic comedy and the other a gripping drama. However, they both explore the effects of technology in our lives and the importance of human connection. Both operas will be directed by Winnipegger Jacqueline Loewen in her MO directing debut and conducted by Naomi Woo, Assistant Conductor, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, also in her MO debut. These semi-staged works, with a minimalist and modern 1950s influence, will feature the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra on stage. In the story of The Telephone, Lucy spends so much time on the phone that she does not realize that her boyfriend, Ben, is trying to propose to her. In order to get her attention, Ben is forced to leave her apartment and call her from a phone booth. This one-act opera is a very accessible piece about everyday life. It is lighthearted and entertaining and has

Winnipeg soprano Lara Ciekiewicz will be featured in Manitoba Opera’s mainstage premiere of La voix humaine (The Human Voice) in November at the Centennial Concert Hall. been translated into several languages since its premiere in 1947. The Telephone will be sung in English with English projections. Lucy will be sung by Winnipeg soprano Lida Szkwarek. Johnathon Kirby returns to the MO stage to sing the role of Ben. La voix humaine (The Human Voice) is a 50-minute, theatrical tour-de-force that features just one artist and the orchestra on an intense emotional ride. As a musical examination of someone struggling with their mental health after a difficult break up, the role of Elle is a true feat for the singer who must pour everything she’s got into her portrayal of the tormented young woman. Win-

nipeg’s acclaimed soprano Lara Ciekiewicz will be singing the role of Elle. La voix humaine will be sung in French with English projections. Opera for the Entire Family: La Cenerentola April 2, 5, and 8 In this enchanting and hilarious version of the classic fairy tale, Angelina (Cenerentola) serves as the maid for her greedy, social-climbing stepfather and two ungrateful stepsisters. Disguises, lively music, and sheer fun abound in this 1950’s-inspired production in which the high-fashion costuming is as much a treat for the eyes as Rossini’s sparkling music is for the ears. Rising star Winnipeg mezzo-soprano Lizzy Hoyt makes her mainstage debut as Angelina/Cenerentola. Tenor Andrew Owens who charmed audiences as Count Almaviva in the 2019 production of The Barber of Seville returns to sing Don Ramiro (The Prince). Baritone Peter McGillivray will display his comic chops as Don Magnifico, the stepfather. Bass-baritone Stephen Hegedus, who first appeared with the MO in the 2018 production of Don Giovanni, returns to take on the role of Alidoro (a philosopher and the prince’s former tutor). Also starring in this production is Winnipeg soprano Andrea Lett as Clorinda, a stepsister; mezzo-soprano Pascale Spinney will be making her MO debut as Tisbe, the second stepsister; and Dandini, the valet, will be sung by baritone Nicholas Borg, a graduate of the company’s 2020 Digital Emerging Artist Program, who will be making his MO debut as well. Director Rob Herriot will bring his comedic flair to the production. Manitoba Opera’s Music Advisor and Principal Conductor Tyrone Paterson will be on the podium conducting the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. An allmale Manitoba Opera Chorus will also be featured. Set design is by Sheldon Johnson and costumes, designed by Deanna Finnman, will be supplied by Edmonton Opera. Lighting is by Scott Henderson. This two-act opera will be sung in Italian with projected English translations. Subscribers will have first opportunity to purchase tickets, which will be available beginning in early September; single tickets will be available later in the fall. For more information, go to mbopera.ca

What’s coming up for the WSO this fall

For as we know, while indoor public events are resumhis month we can’t help but recall September 2020, when we witnessed our first spike in Co- ing this fall, a wholesale return of audiences is not. ‘Waitvid-19 cases. This soon dashed all hopes of and-see’ remains the prevailing attitude given risks of smooth sailing that the pandemic’s early months afforded subsequent waves and variants. A Business for the Arts Canada/Nanos Research surManitobans, and we became a hot spot by late fall. vey in early 2021 indicated that performLike arts organizations globally, the ing arts groups expect ticket sales in fall WSO went on high alert for the remain2021 at 30 per cent of normal capacity, der of 2020-21. The Board met almost and at 60 per cent for January to May weekly to respond to challenges, staff 2022. WSO has budgeted accordingly, yet ‘dug deep’ to re-invent operations, outour sales currently track at half of what reach and communications. Our Conducwe hope, even against the modest 2021tors Daniel Raiskin, Julian Pellicano and 22 target of 50 per cent of normal. Naomi Woo and our musicians created Regardless, we empathize with patrons’ content in various-sized ensembles to concerns and have implemented measures connect with audiences through powerful to ensure that those who do return are experiences in music, a lifeline during this as protected as we can engineer. Patrons surreal time. should regularly check in on protocols. As the new executive director, I’m Angela Birdsell Now, and in alignment with government thankful for the leadership of Trudy requirements, we currently require douSchroeder and for the WSO’s amazing Classics ble vaccination of audiences, except for board, staff and musicians for their tireLive children accompanied by adults. We reless efforts to keep WSO engaged and quire masks in common areas (stay tuned solvent in that most challenging year. I’m also grateful to governments for supplemental arts for mask protocols while seated), we are seating ticket support through some one-off grants and for the wage groups two seats apart (except in loges) and are seating a safe distance from the stage. subsidy. While many patrons love concert programs, for now But most importantly, the WSO recognizes the generosity of patrons who donated or held-over tickets and they will be provided in PDF version so those who wish who continued financial support in 2020-21. These ges- may print them in advance of concerts. We’re so gratetures are now central to our recovery and our cautious ful that sponsors, including our generous program notes optimism that we can thrive despite lingering uncertain- sponsor Richardson & Sons, support our commitment ties of this season and the next. And we intend to prove to safety and the careful management of resources. Necessity is the mother of invention! The pandemic that the return on your continued investments will be was a catalyst for WSO’s rapid mobilization to stay conprofoundly rich community impact. 12

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nected online. Not only did we stream music performances, we also delivered content such as pre-concert chats, informative videos and online fundraising events such as Masterworks with Mom, and a Tribute to Trudy Schroeder. WSO’s digital programs reached people struggling in isolation and connected us with new communities regionally and nationally. This has inspired our new project to stream WSO’s concerts in an affordable subscriptionbased platform that will be user-friendly (think Netflixstyle) and offer an array of concert choices. Stay tuned for our ‘go-live’ date soon! That said, live music is the soul of the WSO and experiencing music together enriches all communities. We’re thrilled to be back in business! The neWSOunds Ensemble plays contemporary and bluegrass music with the WSO, September 18 and 19. Audiences enjoyed this talented group of WSO musicians at last season’s holiday celebration. September 25, our Culture Days Community Celebration features cellist Matthew Stobbe, pianist Fan-En Chiang, James Cohen and the Prairie Roots Rockers, and singer Paul Ong. This free concert is generously supported by The Winnipeg Foundation. On October 2, don’t miss Grieg’s piano concerto – one of the most recognizable works in classical music – played by Canadian pianist Steward Goodyear, “a phenomenon” (LA Times) and “one of the best pianists of his generation” (Philadelphia Inquirer). Tickets are available through our box office, and subscription appointments can be booked online. Whether online or in person the WSO can hardly wait to connect with you again. À bientôt! Angela Birdsell is the Executive Director of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. September 2021

Dancers reignite the stage

t has been 17 months since the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) Company graced the stage at the Centennial Concert Hall, and now the stage is set to shine again as we proudly return to live performances for our 82nd season. Season Highlights Include: Perpetual Motion – October 14-17, 2021 Nutcracker – December 18-28, 2021 The Sleeping Beauty – February 23-27, 2022 Val Caniparoli’s A Cinderella Story - May 11-15, 2022 Principal Dancer Alanna McAdie is eager to help reignite the stage: “Every new season brings so much excitement and energy to start again and see how hard

we can work to create the best performances for Winnipeg and abroad. I always love this feeling and it feels even stronger this year as we have waited on hold in our starting blocks for so long.” The RWB website will be updated on an ongoing basis regarding our re-opening plans, and we will communicate additional information to our patrons in the days ahead. We hope our evolving arrangements offer you the flexibility you need to join us with confidence. Join us in raising the curtain again by purchasing your subscription today. Visit us online at www.rwb.org; E-mail: customerservice@rwb.org; Telephone: 204.956.2792 or toll free at 1.800.667.4792

Principal Dancers (left to right) Alanna McAdie, Chenxin Liu, and Yue Shi. Photo by Kristen Sawatzky.

The legendary Lenny Breau, Winnipeg’s own

s a Guitarist Lenny Breau is the best-known bers friend Ray St. Germain, who joined Lenny and graduate of the Winnipeg jazz scene. “Lenny his parents’ country band, “Lenny and I would go to came up with a way of addressing the instru- the jazz clubs in town like the Stage Door on Fort Street and Jazz A Go Go on Edmonton ment technically that actually no one Street in the City Centre Hotel. Lenny had done before,” states four-time was starting to play more jazz then.” He Grammy winning jazz-fusion guitarist was like a sponge, absorbing everything Pat Metheny, “and actually nobody has he heard. done since.” “Working the jazz clubs for me was Born in Auburn, Maine in 1941 of like going to school,” Lenny once reFrench-Canadian lineage, he joined his marked. Lenny adapted Chet Atkins parents’ traveling country music jamfingerpicking coupled with flamenco boree, The CKY Caravan, at the tenguitar to create a distinctive style that der age of 13. Backing Hal Lone Pine allowed him to play bass, rhythm and and Betty Cody, Lenny, known as Lone lead/melody all together. He quickly bePine Junior, dazzled audiences with his came the local CBWT television’s go-to self-taught mastery of the Chet Atkins/ John Einarson guitarist for music productions. Lenny Merle Travis finger picking style of guiLocal Music was unfettered by structure and repetitar playing. Spotlight tion. According to one show producer, “All he wanted to do was play guiwhen a musician asked why Lenny tar,” noted his mother Betty Cody, who never showed up for rehearsals, he rerecalls her son carrying his guitar to elementary school to practice during recess. The family marked, “It doesn’t matter because he never plays what we write down for him anyway.” moved their base of operations to Winnipeg in 1957. In the clubs of Toronto’s Yorkville district working After moving with his parents from St. Vital to West Kildonan, Lenny met budding guitarist Randy Bach- with singer Don Francks, Lenny was allowed to exman. Randy would cut classes at West Kildonan Col- plore music beyond boundaries. He also began dablegiate to sit and watch Lenny practising guitar at his bling in drugs, ultimately leading to a heroin habit. “It parents’ home. “Everything I needed to know about broke my heart seeing Lenny strung out on heroin,” guitar came in those 18 months or so I spent hanging sighs fellow musician and friend Ron Halldorson. Under his mentor Chet Atkins’ tutelage, Lenny out with Lenny,” acknowledges The Guess Who and recorded two albums for RCA Records, The Velvet BTO founder. By the early 1960s, Lenny was moving in different Touch of Lenny Breau – Live! and Guitar Sounds musical directions. “After our country shows,” remem- from Lenny Breau, the former recorded in Los An-

Falling for winter

ith the lovely Fall season upon ful birds flitting about the yard really is a us, it is a perfect time to think joyful thing. Seeing the brightly colored about feeding wild birds in blue jay along with the friendly and loyal black-capped chickadee is winter. Getting the right something you never tire of! setup ready in fall will Add the lovely rose-colored help you to attract birds red polls-a sweet winter during the fall migration finch, a variety of woodand, let year-round species pecker species and the comiknow your yard will be a cal nuthatches and you have place to visit. Manitoba your own wild bird sanchas a great variety of birds tuary! It is a great way to in winter with several bring colour and life to your species only visiting bird backyard in what can seem feeders in winter. Here are like a long, dark season. some things to consider to To begin, if you want to get your yard prepared. Sherrie Versluis keep it very simple, getting First, we must talk Feathered a universal feeder that will about the benefits to Friends accommodate all sizes of YOU in feeding wild birds birds is important. A favouduring the long, cold winrite version is referred to as a ter months. It is no secret many of us become hermits in winter. tube feeder and good quality ones will alSome of us because we just don't enjoy low you to add a tray to the bottom which the season but for others it can be difficult serves as a landing platform for larger speto get out and, seasonal affective disorder cies and will catch any seed that may fall. is also very prevalent in winter. Feeding Fill this feeder with black oil sunflower birds is a great way to connect with na- and you are set to attract a wide variety of ture in winter and there is no question birds year-round! It is important to avoid how nature can positively affect our spirit. a general wild bird mix as these tend to Watching the constant activity of beauti- have a high content of 'filler' which causes September 2021

geles at Shelley’s Manne-Hole Club and the latter at RCA Studios in Nashville. Both revolutionized jazz guitar playing by breaking all the rules. Renowned session musician Carole Kaye, in the audience for the live album, later remarked, “If you had dropped a bomb on the place that night, you’d have wiped out all the guitar players in the world. They were all down there, from Howard Roberts to George Van Eps to Joe Pass. Lenny conquered Hollywood because we all loved him as a player and we loved him as a person.” Lenny’s attempts to merge jazz pianist Bill Evans’ chord structure into a guitar context expanded the range of the instrument into bold new territory. But every time his career seemed to gain momentum he would fall back into drugs. His fans, most of them guitarists, remained loyal as Lenny spiralled down from the drugs. On the morning of August 12, 1984, his body was found at the bottom of the swimming pool on the roof of his Los Angeles apartment block. He had just turned 43. Still unsolved, there remains the suspicion that it may have been drug related. Randy Bachman remains a devotee and has released several albums of Lenny’s recordings. “Lenny gave us more than just notes,” muses Randy. “He imparted a style that is recognizable no matter in what genre.” As Chet Atkins noted, “Lenny’s legend will continue to inspire future generations.” From the forthcoming book Heart of Gold: A History of Winnipeg Music by John Einarson. Listen to John Einarson’s radio podcast at https://whatsupwinnipeg.ca/lifestyles-55-digital-radio

birds to scatter the seed and throw it all over the ground. Mixes can also attract a lot of house sparrows which are a nonnative bird and can be serious bullies to all the birds you want to see. There are premium seed mixes available that don’t contain fillers to help keep things clean. Suet feeders are a personal favourite of mine. This is the ultimate attraction for many species of beautiful woodpeckers but nuthatches and chickadees also enjoy it. Suet is beef or venison fat that is mixed with nuts and fruit or even insects. Again, the majority of commercial suet sold often has inadequate ingredients and has caused many people to have no success with suet. Look for quality brands that do not contain seed mixes in them. There are many inappropriate recipes to make your own suet that call for lard or bacon fat. Both of these fat sources are not suet by definition and they are pork based which is difficult for birds to digest and, bacon fat is high in sodium. Please use only beef or venison suet if you wish to make your own. If you are adding peanut butter be sure to add an equal amount of corn or peanut meal to aid in digestion as well. Peanuts are a real treat for wild birds in winter and high in calories. There are

feeders designed to offer both peanuts in the shell or shelled. These are a great way to feed blue jays at their own station but will also cater to many other birds too. Always make sure peanuts are raw or roasted only and never salted. You can offer other nuts too like walnuts, cashews etc as long as they are also not salted. Nyjer feeders are great in winter to attract the finches of the season like red polls but sometimes even American goldfinches can be around in winter. Their plumage changes from yellow to gray in winter so keep watch! Window feeders are a great way for people of all ages to see birds up close and can even deter window collisions. There are pole systems available where you can have several feeders on one station to make it easy to place the feeders in a convenient location for both viewing and filling in winter. There are so many options to what you can do to bring some nature into your yard this season and throughout the year. Don’t let those winter blues get you down this season, let Mother Nature come to the rescue with her beautiful wild birds and let the smiles begin. Happy Birding! Sherrie Versluis owns the Preferred Perch and is an avid birder. whatsupwinnipeg.ca

What is social health and why is it so important?

ave you ever measured your social health? We likely differ from someone else and that’s okay! Some all know how important it is to care for our people have a large social network and others have just physical and mental health, but it’s also im- a few close relationships, but both are socially healthy. Seniors aged 65 and older consistently portant to check in on your social health. rank family and friendship second only The World Organization defines health to health as the most important things as, “a state of complete physical, menin life. Feeling connected makes us feel tal and social well-being and not merely loved and valued and this in turn has a the absence of disease or infirmity.” Sopositive effect on our mental and physicial health is the third building block of cal health. But with life comes inevitable health and just as essential as the other change; children leave the nest, loved two for long-term wellness. In fact, acones & friends eventually pass away, cording to a US study by Cigna Health leaving behind a void in a once full life. released in 2018, poor social health and Maintaining social health is even harder loneliness can increase your risk of morfor many older adults as they go through tality by 50%, similar to smoking 15 life transitions. This was true before the cigarettes a day. Now more than ever, pandemic and worsened when social disit’s time to measure your social health Krystal Stokes tancing and lockdown measures were put and look for ways to build and improve Healthy in place. A Canadian study published in your social support network. Living the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found So, what is social health? Simply put that 31 per cent of older adults surveyed it is our ability to create meaningful and rewarding relationships with other people. An online reported feeling lonelier after COVID-19 related rePsychology Today article written by Social Health Labs strictions and physical distancing were implemented. Founder Kasley Killam explains, “If physical health is This was especially true when regular daily routines about our bodies, and mental health is about our minds, were put on hold. While we cautiously ease out of lockdown restrictions then social health is about our relationships.” It’s these very relationships that help us deal with the many chal- (especially with respect to older adults), it’s time to put lenges that life can bring while providing emotional our social health on the front burner, in whatever form support. Social health is also about being engaged with that might look like for you. Kasley Killam from Social your community, your social network, and your family. Health Labs encourages people to ask themselves some The article pointed out that optimal social health looks key questions when evaluating their social health: “Is different for everyone and is very subjective; the things there someone I can reach out to for support when I that give you meaning and help you feel connected will need it? Which relationships do I value the most? What

communities are important to me?” Once you’ve had time to think about the answers to these questions, you can start looking for ways to broaden or deepen your social relationships. The National Institute of Health developed a social wellness checklist for all ages that provides a helpful guide for people looking to build a better support network. The checklist includes some important advice to consider, “Scientists are finding that our links to others can have a powerful effect on our health. Look for ways to get involved with others.” This might include joining a group focused on your favourite hobby, or a virtual/in-person class at a senior centre that provides an opportunity to learn something new. To make those community connections you might join a community garden, faith-based activities or participate in local neighbourhood events. You may even find a local walking group to socialize and build your physical health at the same time. The checklist also includes some great tips on how to build or maintain healthy relationships. These tips include advice on building your interpersonal skills such as sharing your feelings honestly with friends and family while learning to disagree with others respectfully and listening to others without judgement or blame. For more tips on how to be your ‘healthiest self ’, check out the Social Wellness guide here. This article is meant to be informational in nature and should not replace the advice of a trained healthcare professional. Krystal Stokes is the Communications Manager at Victoria Lifeline, a community service of the Victoria General Hospital Foundation.

Reduce pain and inflammation with natural topical analgesics “Some topical pharmaceuticals (which can include steroids) are associated with a host of adverse reactions including liver and kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems . . .”

the injured area. Heat is later applied to promote circulation, which helps relieve chronic pain and relax tense muscles. Many natural hot and cold formulas include camphor and/or menthol which eeking relief from pain is a common provide a cooling effect, and salicylates problem, making topical pain relief (as methyl salicylate, related to aspirin) solutions a popular department in which provide a warming sensation. pharmacies and health food stores. Also Known as counterirritants, the combinaknown as topical analgesics, these versa- tion of menthol, camphor, and methyl tile products are designed to be rubbed salicylate produces a heating and cooling effect which can help reduce into, sprayed, or rolled pain. Products that use this onto the skin to proapproach include formulas vide rapid relief. A range from Medistik and Kalaya. A of effective natural and deep-penetrating strong pain pharmaceutical products reliever, Medistik is used by are available with a wide professional athletes and is variety of ingredients, but also suitable for leg and foot how they work and their cramps. effects on your health can Other natural herbal anvary. I’ve chosen to highalgesic ingredients that can light here just a few of the amplify or complement natural ingredients and the pain-relieving benefits formulas shown to help of menthol, camphor, and lower inflammation and Nathan Zassman methyl salicylate include arrelieve arthritis pain. Natural Health nica, Boswellia, devil's claw, Like some of the most comfrey (allantoin), willow prescribed pain medicabark, capsaicin, MSM, and tions taken orally (including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory lidocaine. CB2 Receptor Activation: A physidrugs), some topical pharmaceuticals (which can include steroids) are associ- cian-formulated, award-winning terpene ated with a host of adverse reactions in- blend, CB2 products offer a legal, noncluding liver and kidney disease, gastro- prescription alternative to cannabidiol intestinal problems, and in some cases, (CBD). CBD is the popular compound dependency. The potential risks of these sourced from cannabis that has significant serious side effects lead many to seek health benefits, but lacks the intoxicating effects of THC. The essential oil commore natural alternatives. Available as creams, gels, lotions, pounds in this terpene blend similarly desprays, and liquids, natural topical anal- liver a number of incredible health bengesics act locally, avoiding the potential efits by activating the CB2 cannabinoid adverse effects of pharmaceuticals. Ap- receptors of the endocannabinoid system plied to the skin, they can be effective at (the body's master regulator of homeorapidly reducing pain and safely accelerat- stasis). Backed by studies on pain and ing the healing process. In contrast, phar- inflammation, CB2 is available in Canmaceutical drugs (and natural products) nanda’s topical CB2 Salve, aromatherapy taken orally must be processed by the di- terpene blends, and as a nutritional supgestive system and then traverse through plement in their terpene-infused hemp thousands of kilometres of blood vessels seed oil. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): A to the site of the pain. Joint Pain: Heating and cooling thera- naturally occurring compound derived pies are often recommended for relieving from egg yolk, palm, peanuts, or soybean joint pain, especially if the pain is related lecithin, studies have found that topical to muscle or joint damage. Hot and cold PEA is effective at treating nerve pain topical relief products can help relieve (including sciatica), inflammatory pain, chronic or acute pain caused by arthritis and pain from endometriosis and interstior injury. Normally, cold is used for the tial cystitis. Similar to the compounds in first 48 hours, which reduces inflamma- CB2 products, PEA works by stimulating tion by decreasing the flow of blood to the endocannabinoid system; it influenc-

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es central control mechanisms within our cells to resolve factors that lead to cellular stress and inflammation. Demonstrated in over 600 scientific investigations and over 20 double-blind human clinical trials, PEA is available both as a lotion (AOR P.E.A.k Activate) and as a supplement, with complementary benefits. Essential Oils: Many essential oils and herbs are natural analgesics including rosemary, ginger, clove, turmeric, frankincense, myrrh, peppermint, lavender, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and eucalyptus. Wonder Oil: A legendary topical oil manufactured since 1923, Wonder Oil is a simple and effective topical analgesic formula combining clove oil (warming, with anesthetic properties) with menthol (cooling). Arnica Montana: A European flowering plant in the sunflower family, arnica is a powerful natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Many naturopaths use arnica as their primary topical solution for treating arthritis, joint pain, muscle strains, and sprains. I recommend arnica preparations that contain a tincture of at least 50%; one study found it to be equivalent to a 5% ibuprofen gel for treating osteoarthritis of the hand. Combining magnesium with arnica and various essential oils, Epsomgel is effective for pain relief (including sciatica) and for relieving muscle cramps. Absolut Arnica by the Swiss company A. Vogel is another excellent arnica product that is effective for relieving muscle and joint pain. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): An organic sulfur compound with analgesic properties shown to be helpful both orally and topically, MSM is an important ingredient in many topical analgesics and is especially suitable for treating osteoarthritis of the knee. DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide is an organosulfur compound that is in some ways similar to MSM, but with unique skin penetration properties. Used for medicinal purposes for over 50 years, DMSO is available as a gel and a liquid. Discovered by Dr. Stanley Jacobs at the Oregon Health and Science University Medical School team, it was found that DMSO could penetrate the skin without causing damage, and could also be used to carry other compounds into the body. Applying DMSO to the skin can help lower inflammation, reduce pain, ease

osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and improve joint movement. Adverse effects may include dry skin, headache, and itching. Some people may also notice a garlic-like taste, breath, and body odor. Black Seed Oil: Also called Nigella sativa oil, BSO is one of the most important health-promoting, anti-inflammatory supplements, especially effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. One recent study found that topical BSO was better than acetaminophen for reducing knee pain in elderly patients. TPR20: One of the most interesting topical products with a wide range of uses, TPR20’s formula contains many powerful ingredients including devil's claw, MSM, evening primrose oil, Boswellia, allantoin, sodium hyaluronate, green tea extract, vitamin C, vitamin A, and lidocaine hydrochloride. Every ingredient has supporting research that demonstrates benefits for the skin, facilitation of healing, and pain reduction. Short for Topical Pain Relief, TPR20 was developed in 2012 by Trans Research Labs of Winnipeg and is used by physiotherapists, doctors, sports clinics, and chiropractors. While the formula includes a variety of herbal anti-inflammatory ingredients, the key constituents are menthol and lidocaine. Menthol provides a cooling effect that helps to reduce pain (a local anesthetic) and works to bring blood to the area. Safely used by dentists since 1949, lidocaine is absorbed directly into the site and source of the pain, resulting in rapid relief. A multipurpose product, TPR20 can be used to reduce or stop itching (including from shingles and hives), help lessen joint pain, ease muscle soreness, and control nerve pain (neuropathy). TPR20 can also be effective for heel spurs, fibromyalgia, gout, and to relax painful muscle cramps. In some stubborn cases, two or three dime-sized applications may be required. In addition to relief of joint, arthritis, and muscle pain, TPR20 is also great for treating a variety of other skin conditions including insect bites, bee stings, minor burns, and reactions to plants like poison ivy and poison oak. Natural topical analgesics can provide safe, fast, and effective relief of arthritis, muscle, and joint pain, and should be in everyone's natural medicine toolkit. Nathan Zassman is the owner and president of Aviva Natural Health Solutions. September 2021

The morning, the end before the beginning This is a new column by Al Wiebe. Many years ago, Al, intelligent and well educated, worked for my company where he was a very good sales rep, but life got in his way and he left, falling into a spiral of despair. I won’t go into the details, he will tell his own story, but he has since recovered and is making a difference in the homeless community. We are proud to present his story and theirs from the other side.

awoke with a shudder. The damp cold of late August signaled an onset of an earlier than usual fall. I began to shiver uncontrollably. My coat had fallen to the floor and my shirt stuck to my skin like wet newspaper. My blurry eyes focused on the tiny silver rivers of moisture that slid down the rear-view window left by an overnight rain. There was an eerie reflection of the distant streetlamp that gave a glimmer of light in the lonely darkness. The tap, Al Wiebe tap, tap, of water drops Of No Fixed had found their way Address through the sunroof onto the leather seats. The deflection of those drops that splayed onto my jeans added to my crippling misery. I reached down to the floor and fiddled for a few seconds to find my cell for the time. Damn battery again! No worries, time was not a factor this morning. No, not at all. As I turned, my cramped knees screamed at me with stabbing twists of pain, and my diabetic feet sent shockwaves to my foggy brain. No more, no more, no more!!! This morning was the last morning of my sad, disgusting, agonizing homeless life. The last time I would have to wake up in the back seat of this degenerated wreck of a Mercedes. The last morning I would have to run through drive throughs quickly looking for change, and hope I might find a nickel or dime so I wouldn't

Federal MP Leah Gazan and Councilor Cindy Gilroy on Al’s 10,000 steps Central Park walk this past July. starve that day or maybe I would find enough beer cans for change for something to eat. This was the last day I would war against the demonic, twoheaded monster of depression and anxiety that I had fought against so hard since my devastating job loss. I was now this enemy’s prisoner of war and sentenced to execution. The sentence uttered by Keefer Sutherland in the movie Flatliners. “This is a great day to die,” echoed over and over in my mind. I was glad this was the day, I was relieved. My mind and body were ready to go. I felt almost immediately a heavy heart and a mountain of guilt for the one person that would miss me. My one son, Lyndon. We had been close, but I had not seen him since my job loss some 10 months prior, because of my embarrassment of being unemployed and the stigma I thought that was

attached. We had become close again, and I knew he would not know why I had abandoned him, once again. I knew there would be anger there as well, as for the fact that dad had let him down again, and he would have not known why. I had not treated him fairly in this and I was guilt ridden, but a depressed mind makes one think and do things sometimes . . . I tried not to think on that as tears welled up, and that was not good. Emotion at a time like this might be a deterrent to my plan for this day. My thoughts drifted back to the day when he was 10, and I was moving to Vancouver. He was living with his mother at the time, but other than that we were inseparable by the bonds of a great relationship and soccer. The day I left we stood together in the driveway of his house and hugged, and both wept for 10 minutes. I started to cry again in the back seat of my broken-down home. Twelve hours earlier I had been released for the third time by emergency psych nurses and a psychiatrist who failed to look beyond the homeless person before them who was in deep crisis, who failed to see the person beneath the homeless façade. Seventeen hours later, my captor the two headed monster of depression and anxiety led me to the bridge. I was hurled down to the murky waters below to end this tragic miserable isolated life. Excerpted from Al’s upcoming book, “Of no fixed address” about his life as a homeless man. Can you help? Please consider a small donation to Al’s support initiative, the Lived Experience Group. It is the longest running group of its kind in Canada. There were previously supported by the U of W and VP Jino Distasio but when that support ended, Al has taken the responsibility to do a walk around Central Park every year on his birthday each year as a fundraiser. He did that again this year but they are still short of our needs to meet outreach needs to the homeless and in our advisory role to the city and other entities. Al may be reached at Al@albelieve@hotmail.ca. Phone 204-960-0335.

IF YOU ARE A SENIOR. . . . . . You should consider having the following in place Will The preparation of a will may seem like a daunting task, however, it is essential to ensure that your property is disposed of according to your wishes upon your death. If you pass away without a valid will, the law states what is to happen to your estate. Power of Attorney A power of attorney is a document which appoints an individual to handle your affairs in the event you become mentally incapable of making your own decisions. Nothing prevents you from continuing to make your own decisions while you are still competent. A power of attorney is an extremely valuable document to have in place in case anything happens to you which affects your mental ability, such as a stroke, coma or dementia. Health Care Directive (Living Will) A health care directive, commonly called a living will, is a document which appoints an individual to make decisions with regard to your health care only, while you are alive but unable to express your decisions yourself. This document is distinct from a power of attorney and deals only with health care decisions such as whether life sustaining treatments, such as CPR or blood transfusion, should be continued or withdrawn.

Standard Fees* Last Will and Testament Power of Attorney Health Care Directive * plus GST and PST - Rates are per person.

$225.00 $175.00 $ 75.00

Seniors $200.00 $150.00 $ 50.00

Home and hospital visits are also available $250.00* (includes both meetings) *plus GST and PST TACIUM VINCENT & ASSOCIATES 206 St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, MB R2H 1J3 DAVID G. VINCENT (204) 989-4236 www.taciumvincent.com

September 2021

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A living inheritance: Could a reverse mortgage be the answer? Kasey Hacking

n the off chance that you actually like any of your relatives, you may be in a position to help them financially without having to die first. It may even help stave off their panelling of you into the home or leaving ice on your steps over the winter. You might even enjoy seeing them succeed and knowing your help was instrumental in their accomplishments. As a bonus, you can constantly remind them of this fact at every dinner, gathering or FaceTime. They may treat you nicer knowing that you may randomly provide assistance in the future. What I’m talking about is a living inheritance where, if you can afford it, you

could direct cash for specific goals like education or real estate investments. In these crazy real estate markets parents and grandparents may see their loved ones struggling to obtain a home. As prices increase, the gap between what people have saved and what they need may be growing. Often, cash is a rare commodity in fixed income environments, annuities, and retirement plans. Avoiding paying tax on the large gifts is always a concern. You are eligible if you are a homeowner at least 55 years old and your home is worth a minimum of $200,000. If you are asset rich and cash poor, consider if a reverse mortgage is right for you. Let’s say you own your home outright –Yahoo! You can unlock up to 55% of your home's value in a tax-free payment. You will still pay interest on the

money that you unlock, but it may be a good investment for your family if you are paying say 5% interest and their new home is appreciating at 12%. As an example, a $400,000 home could support a loan of over $200,000 but if you chose to borrow even just $25,000 over five years, the equity cost would be $5,500 to $6,000. In the meantime, your home would have probably appreciated $135,000 (at 6% average market appreciation which is lower than the last five years actual). So, the cost would be effectively nothing to you, but much appreciated by the ones you love. The current real estate market has helped to increase the value of your current property. Take advantage of the market increase as well as helping your child or grandchild. If you qualify for a home equity line

of credit the interest rates are considerably lower, but the advantage of a reverse mortgage is that you don’t need to have income qualifications to support it. You don’t make payments against it as it just continually subtracts the interest from the remaining equity. We don’t deal with reverse mortgages, have any specific recommendations or advanced knowledge but see our blog on our website for more information and links to helpful resources and calculators. www.hackingteam.ca/blog If you would like to consult with us about your real estate plans and goals or about the deserved-ness of your relatives, our team is always available to help. Kasey Hacking is the daughter of George Hacking who is an award winning realtor at Century 21 Advanced Realty on The Hacking Home Team.

The driveway: Who wins the battle, concrete or asphalt?

he weather in Manitoba can cer- Both are laid over a substrate of gravel, tainly be extreme at times, from and equally both are basically a mixture the crazy cold winter days and of sand and stone with the only difference being tar as an adnights to the extreme hesive for asphalt and ceheat in the summer. An ment for concrete. There element of our home is are pros and cons, for open to all these torturboth. ous conditions, and yet, Many of us understand it is sometimes the last that price is not always thing on our minds. The the best way to judge. driveway! This may help with your You have resided in decision-making process. your home for some years • Asphalt is typically and have been completdark grey or even black. ing renovations inside Concrete is pale grey, and outside. The roof and however with concrete siding are well kept, but Brent Poole you can change the cowhat about the driveway? Home lour through staining or The years have been hard Improvements perhaps tinting, perhaps the asphalt looks nasty, is stamping to ad texture or sagging in areas, and has weeds growing through it. The concrete even a brush textured finish. If you are is cracked and stained. Time for renewal? looking at just replacing, concrete would be the way to go. Asphalt is a good But which product is better? Many times you have cogitated over choice if you want to match the street. • In our climate weather can play a this expense: which is more sensible, notwithstanding price? With asphalt leading role when deciding between the averaging between $3 to $5 per square two. Asphalt suffers when it gets too hot, foot versus concrete at $4.25 to $6.25 appearing sticky to the touch. The high per square foot it would appear an obvi- temperature and cooling down over the ous choice, but is it really that simple? evenings can lead to cracks or even sag-

ging. Concrete, however, can rise and crack in the coldest of temperatures. Another downside is salt used for melting ice can pit stain and tarnish, leaving nasty marks. Note: snow melts quicker on asphalt than concrete. • Once you have had asphalt installed and given several months to fully cure, it will need to be sealed, this protects the surface and increases the lifespan. You will then need to complete this task which is recommended every three to five years. You don’t have to do this for concrete, however, sealing concrete helps cut down on fading, keeping it looking pristine. The driveway endures many hardships, from gas drips, engine oil leaks, rust and more. Asphalt having a dark surface hides most blemishes. Concrete on the other hand, highlights every spill, which means you will need to be very diligent with your cleaning regime in maintaining its appearance. • When you have asphalt installed you can use it, drive on it within a couple of days. Concrete on the other hand needs to cure. This can be as short a time as one week. • The lifespan of concrete is normally a lot longer than asphalt. If installed and well-maintained concrete should last up

to 30 years, while asphalt on the other hand typically lasts 20 years. A concern though can be if neglected and zero maintenance on either part the lifespan will be much shorter. • When it comes to repair, asphalt wins hands down, both can crack through wear and tear, and asphalt tends to deteriorate faster, but asphalt is fairly easy to repair with the repaired areas generally matching and blending into the rest of the driveway. It is even easy to apply a new topcoat to asphalt if the surface is tarnished. Concrete on the other hand is tougher to repair, with any repairs being made extremely visible, that is of course unless you plan on resurfacing once again. No matter what you do a new driveway is a large expense either way. There is no out and out winner in the competition between asphalt and concrete; the ultimate decision is yours. Consult an expert, they may at the end of the day help with your final decision. Brent Poole is the owner operator of Handy Hands Construction, which he has run with his father Jim since 1997. A carpenter by trade, Brent enjoys all types of projects. “We’re not happy until you are happy!”

Letters We enjoy hearing from our readers, pro or con. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated. – Editor

Wayne Weedon

Rosemarie Kuptana

Learning respect

gain, enjoyed the August 2021 Lifestyles edition and the variety of topics. Both your article re Rosemarie Kuptana and Wayne Weedon’s Let the People Know provide glimpses of people who experienced the nightmare of residential schools. We must respect the efforts of people like Agnes Carpenter and Rosemarie Kuptana to have this understood. When I read about this or see it in documentaries or movies, I still cannot believe that we as Canadians accepted this and were a part of it not that many years ago. What I also appreciate is the tone of the articles and the sharing rather than pointing fingers at all white people or the condemnation. You both truly enlighten us, and it is most appreciated. Kirk Kuppers 16

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The travesty in Afghanistan

ntelligence assessments inventory that the Taliban has seized more than 2,000 armored vehicles, including U.S. Humvees, 850 MRAPS (mine and 50cal resistant ambush protected vehicles), aircraft including three A-29 Super Tucanos, 40 UH-60 Black Hawks, scout attack helicopters, and ScanEagle military drones, both night and thermal imaging systems. Photos are circulating of Taliban patrolling Kabul with U.S.-made M4 carbines and M16 rifles instead of their iconic AK47s. The Taliban have countless ballistic vests and rifle rated body armor systems to outfit every fighter several times over. 170 million pounds of non-combat “white gear” vehicles and equipment like portable buildings, communications, troop barracks, generators, chemical toilets, air conditioners, non-classified computers and more are being left behind. This defeat is the fall out of Big Tech and Big Media censoring the truth about the Hunter Biden laptop, six weeks prior to the last US election. Historically, free speech has been our strength. Big tech etc. killed it, and the US elected feckless leadership. That produced this military defeat ten

months later. Instead of defeating the Taliban, Biden has armed them. The fall out will reverberate for generations. We don’t yet know how Edward Burgener

Funding priorities are skewed! What about farmers?

s the world faces a food shortage, in part due to global warming caused by man-made pollution, Manitoba’s farmers (food producers) are facing drought and wildfires (see Winnipeg Free Press, “Ottawa Pledges $100M for Farmers”, Saturday, August 7, 2021). The article states: “Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Friday $100 million has been earmarked to address the “immediate extraordinary” costs faced by producers. NDP Agriculture critic Diljeet Brar said “This is the worst drought our ranchers have ever faced”. Everybody recognizes we’re in a climate crisis, NDP house leader Nahanni Fontaine said… “and it is only going to get worse”. The World Bank, Aug 17, 2021: “An increasing number of countries are facing growing levels of acute food insecu-

rity, reversing years of development gains. Even before COVID-19 reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains, chronic and acute hunger were on the rise due to various factors including conflict, socio-economic conditions, natural hazards, climate change and pests.” Manitoba’s drought, most likely caused by climate change, has dramatically impacted agricultural productivity in Manitoba. The fires happening in Western Canada have also had an adverse effect on the agriculture sector. In the Winnipeg Free Press article “Federal Government Commits $96M for Black Community Organizations” dated Thursday, August 5, 2021: “The federal government is allocating up to $96 million in funding for Black community organizations.” When I make a comparison of $100 million going toward the agriculture sector and $96 million going toward the Black Community Organizations by the federal government, I have to ask why the federal government is not providing the agriculture sector more funding support when Canada will be going through, if not already, a food shortage crisis due to climate change. All levels of government, within all provinces in Canada, need to give more support to the agriculture sector in order to avert famine in Canada caused by food shortages. L. Jansen September 2021

Crossword

Across 1. Rom. or Sic. 5. Comment after an accident 9. “Old MacDonald had ____...” 14. In textspeak, it means “my eyes glaze over” 15. Stubborn one 16. Nasal passages 17. Well-balanced, perhaps 19. Egyptian symbols of life 20. Go after 21. Hard to swallow, perhaps 23. Cartoon shriek 25. “Saturday Night Fever” group 30. In an aggravating way 33. Olympic code for a Beijing athlete 35. Mont. neighbor 36. Cheech who sang “Born in East L.A.” 37. Physics units 39. Seller, usually 42. Japanese electronics brand 43. Biblical archangel 45. Almost round 47. “Quiet please!” 48. Long automobiles 52. Period of a renter’s lease 53. CBS logo 54. Layabout 57. ___ to the wise... 61. Type of cigar or sandwich 65. All in all 67. Resist separation 68. TV series spun off from “JAG”

PUZZLES 69. The ___ McCoy 70. Divisions 71. Short meeting? 72. Star____ (Bumble Bee rival) Down 1. Apple computer 2. Computer pro 3. Taj Mahal site 4. Relax 5. “Kill Bill” star Thurman 6. Jabba the ___ 7. Varied mixture 8. Queen of Troy 9. Home of the Mighty Ducks 10. Sports enthusiast 11. Torah repository 12. Performer’s practice (abbr.) 13. Submissions to lit. agents 18. Strengthens, with “up” 22. Come by 24. Compliment 26. Little pest 27. Means of escape 28. Biblical prophet 29. Matched, after “in” 30. Sioux, e.g. 31. Unprocessed 32. “___ What You Did Last Summer” 33. Bread part 34. Bret who wrote gold rush stories 38. ____ good example 40. Actress Longoria 41. Widespread fad

Word search

Academy Aroma Arose Banana Battled Biped Blame Brunt Cashmere Cemented Chafing Chaste September 2021

Clinch Consists Ditto Error Gauntlet Gentiles Gooey Images Itchy Kneeing Malts Nicer

44. Inner layers 46. Like a true friend 49. Neat freak’s condition, e.g., for short 50. Stockings 51. Alternative to J.F.K. and La Guardia 55. Confer ending 56. Baseball stats

58. “Dedicated to the ____ Love” (Shirelles song) 59. Some Best Buy buys 60. Shoulder muscle, for short 61. Hypodermic units, for short 62. Glob suffix 63. Lighter brand 64. Hill dweller 66. Pack carrier

Sudoku

Ovens Palms Pends Rakes Rework Rouse Ruddy Saloons Sears Sewer Siege Stair

Stark Stupid System Thirst Thorough Tonne Wagering Walking Yearly

Puzzles’ solutions on next page

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Approaching the fall of 2021 with optimism

ocial media offerings and frequently kinds of activities will be possible over circulated postings provide a win- the next few months? Can we purchase dow into the mood and worries of travel packages safely? Is this a good time our times. The information to renew concert, dance, may be prone to distortion and theatre packages for and inaccuracies, but the seasons that remain quesfrequency of postings retionable? Should I invest lated to worries about the in the stock market now, state of our world indicates or should I buy gold coins that widespread concerns and hide them in my baseabout our collective future ment? In the face of all of these are true. This is a recently questions that have fewer circulated posting that than usual firm answers, I makes me smile despite its have decided to err on the dark humour: side of optimism. How “Someone asked me if Trudy Schroeder is it possible to move our I had plans for the fall. It Random personal perspective to the took me a moment to reNotes optimistic rather than the alize they meant “autumn” pessimistic setting as we not the collapse of civilizaapproach the fall of 2021? tion.” I think that the most reliable way to beThe fall of 2021 is as challenging and mystifying as any fall in recent memory. come more optimistic is to embrace a life How should we plan for the future? What of generosity. I have been returning quite

frequently to a memory I have from a New Music Festival. We had invited a visual artist named Luc Leestemaker to attend the festival as his work had been the inspiration for a composition by the WSO’s composer in residence, Vincent Ho. Luc’s artistic work was impressive, and his attitude toward life was optimistic and refreshing. Over a coffee one morning he

described the power of living generously in his life. He told me that he had discovered that when he was feeling uncertain, worried, or sad, he would very deliberately do something generous. Often, for him, that would involve donating a painting to a charity for their fundraising programs, or giving money or time to a person or organization that needed help. In every case, it seemed to him that the act of generosity dislodged his feelings of anxiety and fear, and moved him into a much better place in his life and state of mind. So, I would like to propose to myself and to others that we approach this fall with generosity. I like to think of the positivity that could be released into our world if we each find a way to deliberately build acts of generosity into our lives. Personally, I am planning to have a very optimistic fall. Trudy Schroeder provides project planning and management services to the community through Arts and Heritage Solutions.

Remember when … a little dab’ll do ya?

Then there was the “Ten O’clock Action ast month I asked if anyone had any special memories of their past to pass Hour” on CJAY TV. Remember this jingle? them on to me and I’d post them. “Brylcreem – A Little Dab’ll Do Ya! Brylcreem! You’ll look so deboI was surprised how many nair. Brylcreem! The gals’ll responses I received. I have all pursue ya; they’ll love to compiled some of mine as run their fingers through well as those others sent in. your hair”. Thanks to G. Some of them go back 20 Whitehill for those and years. Here they are: many others. Remember going to the Remember the excitecorner grocery store with ment of getting your first a nickel and walking out YoYo and having a sore, with a small bag with lots purple finger at the end of candy in it? Cherry Blosof the day from trying to som’s, Cracker Jacks and the “walk the dog”? Rememgreat Canadian confection Jim Ingebrigtsen ber the sensation of getLucky Elephant Pink Candy ting water up your nose Popcorn, wax lips, MacinIs It Just Me... tosh Toffee, Thrills chewing after some dork pushed you gum, Lic-M-Aid Fun Dip into a swimming pool? Or and mint leaves. Lest we forget Blackballs walking barefoot at a farm and the feeling and Jawbreakers. How about Bazooka Bub- of mud squishing between your toes … at ble Gum or those chewy white nougat bars? least you hoped it was mud.

Remember when dads didn’t wear blue jeans? Pedal pushers, pedal cars and Davey Crocket hats? Did you see Wyatt Earp at the Shrine Circus? Or the Rifleman? Dennis the Menace was there once, too. There was The Friendly Giant (Rusty and Jerome), Romper Room with Miss Roma (from Winnipeg) with her magic mirror? Did she ever see you? Speaking of television, remember The Flying Doctor, Sky King, Rescue 8, Man and the Challenge, T.H.E. Cat, Top Cat and Cannonball? Remember having the flu and the smell of Pine Sol in a bucket beside your bed? Did your mother crush up an Aspirin and mix it with jam to make it taste better? Did she give you a glass of warm, flat Ginger Ale to make you feel better? Did it? Maybe you watched Treasure Trackdown with Al Johnson. Pudding … any flavour … before it was instant. Home-made tapioca and rice pudding with cinnamon. Red River cereal,

Do you know you have a superpower? Gerry Beachall “Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

ou may not know this, but we all possess a superpower. It can save us from missing opportunities and making mistakes in all aspects of our lives. Unfortunately, it seems that many of us have forgotten that we have it. We have relied on others so often that we have given away our power. I am referring to the power of critical thinking. Critical thinking is self-directed, research-based decision making. In the world of information overload from a variety of largely unedited sources, we must reignite our superpower. As much as this may require some investment of time and energy in the beginning, it will ultimately save time in undoing the poor decisions made without it. It doesn’t need to be hard. You can start by asking

questions when you are receiving information. 1. Where does this information come from? Is it a credible source with research behind it? Is it simply the opinion of an individual? 2. Can I find out more information from other sources on this topic to compare to this opinion? 3. When I evaluate the research, do I agree with the opinion presented? Is there another side to this story? 4. What does the messenger gain if I believe this without question? What do I gain by asking more questions? This skill can be applied to everything from the latest diet craze to policies presented in the upcoming elections. When we take the time to review and evaluate the information we consume, we will ultimately make choices that are better informed. One of the reasons we need to fire up our critical thinking skills is the idea that the “misinformation era” is a new phenomenon. I recently came across a book on this subject by Tom Phillips, “TRUTH: A Brief History of Total Bull****”. Phillips provides evidence that mis-

Puzzles’ solutions

Ovaltine, Postum, Cream of Wheat, Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat. And Jell-O with the flavour bud. Did you ever make a Dagwood sandwich? D. Kemp reminded me of our old telephone exchanges. I had Spruce, you might have had Sunset, Justice, Lennox, Globe or Grover. Then there was Church, Birch, Castle, Chapel, Hudson and Edison. Add to that, Turner, Vernon and Cedar. Seems to me if you lived downtown or called a business in that part of town, you dialled Whitehall. Still … that was yesterday. Today is almost over and tomorrow another day. But, there will never be another day quite like yesterday … will there? Call me sometime. The number is Spruce 57856. Or, it was 45 years ago. Hear John Einarson’s radio podcast at https://whatsupwinnipeg.ca/radio-redux/

information has existed since the beginning of recorded history. The author proposes several reasons why “fake news” has always been around, including the motives of the publishers (such as making money) and the appetite of the masses to agree with stories that align with how they think, regardless of the truth (confirmation bias). If people had been using their critical thinking superpower, they would not have fallen for some of these stories. Another book I recommend on this topic is, “Think Again” by Adam Grant. Grant is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School in the US. The subtitle of the book is “The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know”. It describes the need for all of us to check our confirmation bias at the door when we are considering information and making important decisions. Critical thinking skills are equivalent to “checking in” with your mind and your intuition which is encouraged by many in the self-care movement. Think of it as another aspect of self-care. It is very empowering to take charge of the information you consume and the decisions you make.

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September 2021

Appreciation: Deepal Jayasundera Continued from page 11

quently used when meditating. I got frightened to get as roommate a person with straightjacket type of lifestyle with whom I had to spend my entire university life. With my friends, I used to go for movies, especially the 9.30 p.m. shows, and came back to our rooms past-midnight. Due to this habit of mine, Deepal called me 'the Midnight Man'. After few months, he advised me that if we can do well at the first-year examination we can apply for an honours course. I emulated some of his textbook oriented lifestyle habits and as a result I was able to do well at my examinations. He obtained University Colors for weightlifting. Pending University Examination results he got an appointment as a Junior Executive at Ceylon Glass Company, Ratmalana. He started his government career as a Valuation Officer at the Department of Valuation. Later, due to his sports background he was able to get recruited to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) as Flying Officer (Gazetted Officer). Deepal married my second sister, Thilaka. His best man was Tony Opatha (Sri Lanka Cricket Team/Flying Officer, SLAF) and his groomsman was Wijaya de Mel (Dept. of Valuation). Both of them were his co-workers. As Valuation Officers, Deepal and Wijaya were doing field work in the Divisional Secretariat of Habaraduwa and both of them oc-

cupied the front room of Guna Nivesa on Galle Road, Unawatuna. They later came to know that the owners of the house (Wijetillake's) are related to me. The end result was that I got married to Chandani from the Wijetillake family and Deepal was the attesting witness at our marriage. As he was very close to my parents, he arranged Wijaya (his coworker/groomsman) to marry my elder sister, Yamuna. Because of this intimacy with my family, Deepal was like a brother to me. During his stay in Winnipeg, Deepal used to associate with many Tamil Sri Lankan families and Tamil community leaders. They were very helpful for me during my tenure (2016/2017) as the President of the Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba. Even today, I am maintaining my close contact with them. Deepal worked at Western Glove Works in Winnipeg. After retirement, he moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta to live with his eldest daughter Nipunie and her family. Second daughter Yosha and her family are in Winnipeg and his son Asitha and his family are in St. Rose du Lac, Manitoba. His Motto was, “Unburdened with duties and frugal in ways” (appakicco ca sallahuka-vutti), from the Discourse on Loving-kindness (Karaniya Metta Sutta). May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

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Join us and watch us grow!

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Canada’s

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