Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra patrons have been asking for more afternoon concerts and this year, the orchestra is presenting two new concert series. With hopes of keeping music lovers coming back and encouraging the orchestrally curious to give the WSO a try, daytime concerts feature traditional Classics, Pops, Holiday favourites, and even a few laughs.
For over fifty years, Shirley Loewen was a devoted patron of the arts and an ardent supporter of the WSO. Thanks to the generosity of her husband, Bill, and their children, Howard, Ann, Louise, Peter and Jenifer, the WSO presents the Shirley Loewen Sunday Classics series, dedicated to her memory. With a start time of 2:00 pm, these Classics concerts are an opportunity to experience all the ambience of an evening concert on a Sunday afternoon. All three concerts are conducted by Music Director Daniel Raiskin, who also hosts a pre-concert chat at 1:15 pm, where he introduces the concert program and the guest performers.
At the end of September, WSO patrons were treated to a spellbinding afternoon when Charles
Order of Manitoba recipient John Einarson introduces his latest book
Award-winning music historian, broadcaster, and writer John Einarson is the author of more than 20 acclaimed biographies including Desperados: The Roots of Country Rock, Four Strong Winds: Ian & Sylvia, Mr. Tambourine Man: The Life and Legacy of The Byrds’ Gene Clark, Neil Young: Don’t Be Denied, and Heart of Gold: A History of Winnipeg Music. He now returns with his newest book, Words & Music: The Stories Behind the Books.
This time, Einarson turns the lens inward, offering readers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of his most beloved works and the inner world of a true music historian.
The book is being released to coincide with the launch of The John Einarson Collection at the University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections. The Collection includes all the research notes, interviews, and materials for all of
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of visiting Gimli numerous times. And every time that I do, I always stop in at H.P. Tergesen and Sons right in the heart of the downtown. Tergesen’s is unlike any other corner store in Manitoba.
But that is not just my opinion. According to the Manitoba Historical Society, Tergesen’s, which was founded in 1899, is not only the oldest general store in the province but most likely the only one still in operation.
As Lorna Tergesen points out, the tin exterior, dating back to the very beginning, is the only such building exterior in Manitoba and the interior. It’s hardwood flooring and original signage reflect Tergesen’s earliest days.
Tergesen was founded by Icelandic immigrant Hans Pjetur Tergesen who came to Canada in 1887. Tergesen trained as a tinsmith and
Myron Love
Music Director Daniel Raiskin.
H.P. Tergesen and Sons has been serving Gimli since 1899. Photo by Bob Lindsell.
Minister's message
Message
On behalf of the Province of Manitoba it is my honour, as the Minister for Health, Seniors and Long Term Care, to wish the seniors of this province a Happy Seniors Month this October.
The contributions that seniors make to Manitoba on a daily basis are countless. You are leaders in our communities, mentors to our youth, and your lived experiences help us chart ways for the future.
I hope every Manitoban takes time during October to celebrate and express grati-
tude to the seniors and elders in their lives. The guidance and leadership that you provide cannot be underestimated. Elders from my own community played a vital role in helping me along my journey. Without them, I doubt that I’d find myself in the position I am today.
And it’s my privilege, as Minister, to continue to work hard to ensure that our province is one that celebrates, supports, and empowers our seniors. Everyday I’m proud to work to make sure that seniors in Manitoba live with dignity, safety, and
respect. It is fundamental to the overall health of our communities that our provincial government continues to provide the necessary services that allow our seniors to live life to their fullest capacity. My commitment to you is that I will keep working every day to make that the reality for all seniors in our province.
For all that you do and have done, thank you. Happy National Seniors Month!
The Hon. Uzoma Asagwara is the Deputy Premier and the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care.
Health care continues to be our number one challenge
This month, I would like to talk about healthcare. During the last election, the NDP focused on healthcare issues in the province, and they probably won the election based on the challenges of healthcare. But have they done anything to improve it?
In South-West and South-Central Manitoba, the current NDP government has announced that they have reopened the Carberry Emergency Room after they closed it in the days of the Selinger NDP Government. However, now that they have reopened the Carberry ER, they have no staff to keep it open and many days this past summer the ER was closed. They did entice a doctor from Roblin to take a position in Carberry, but that leaves Roblin with one less doctor that would have provided coverage for their community so now people of Roblin must travel over 30 km to Russell’s emergency room.
Just for the record
tax burden is one of the deterrents.
The NDP government is going to increase property taxes on houses over $350,000 and they have eliminated the personal tax exemption on income over $200,000. These are all extra taxes that would be passed on to the Manitoba doctors enticing them to move to our Western neighbouring provinces. In contrast, our PC government was working towards a tax rate competitive with Saskatchewan to attract professionals and investment to our province.
During our time in government, we focused on attracting doctors to southwestern Manitoba, and many of our regional hospitals were able to provide 24 hours of ER coverage. We expanded emergency rooms in hospitals in Killarney, Souris, Virden, Russell, Swan River, and started construction on the Brandon and Dauphin regional hospitals. We started construction of a new hospital in Neepawa. We also started the expansion of the Boundary Trails Hospital in Morden/Winkler.
In the days of the last NDP government, they closed around 20 ERs in Turtle Mountain including communities of Baldur, Manitou, and Reston, and they reduced coverage in Boissevain. While we were in government, we did not close a single ER in rural Manitoba. The one challenge that we had in Turtle Mountain was when Melita Hospital, during the summer of 2022, was closed due to a shortage of healthcare workers in the region. This is a continuing challenge for communities like Melita, that are facing aging populations with many healthcare workers retiring and a lack new additional healthcare workers that the community can recruit.
Many jurisdictions are trying to attract healthcare professionals and workers from other provinces with higher wages, salaries, bonuses, and other incentives.
The concerns that I have with this new NDP government is that they are making it less competitive to attract new doctors to Manitoba. They are allowing Saskatchewan and Alberta to entice Manitoba doctors to come to their provinces to practice. Our
thousands of healthcare professionals who will retire in the up coming years? Does this even deal with the province’s increased aging population that will require greater healthcare service?
Other reforms
Approaches to improvement
Since COVID, healthcare workers have been retiring from their careers as many of our baby boomers are now over the age of 59. Many have earned a full pension and could retire as early as age 55. As baby boomers and Gen Xers are reaching retirement, they are going from the providers of healthcare to the consumers of healthcare. This is one reason for a lack of healthcare workers not only in Southwestern Manitoba, but throughout our province, the country and in the United States.
At one time farming operations were smaller and many farm families provided a pool of healthcare professionals for their local hospitals. With farms getting larger, there is a better chance that everyone in the family works directly in the farming operation and there are not extras to draw from.
We need to focus on economic development to attract more industry and jobs to the community. This will bring younger families to the region and a better chance that those new families will provide potential healthcare workers.
The CEO of Prairie Mountain Health once indicated to me that we might have to provide isolation pay to nurses much like Northern Manitoba Communities did to attract nurses to relocate to their region.
When I was in the financial industry, RBC Insurance conducted an educational session regarding the need for long-term care insurance. During their presentation they mentioned that the average person only requires minimal healthcare coverage until they reach age 55, after age 55 the healthcare needs accelerate exponentially as the patient moves into their 60s, 70s and 80s. This means additional healthcare workers and healthcare costs to the Manitoba taxpayer. How many new workers do we need?
The NDP’s campaign promise is to provide additional 1,000 new healthcare professionals to the province. This may sound good to voters, but will 1,000 new healthcare professionals even replace the many
The Selinger NDP Government spent tens of millions of dollars to commission the Peachy Report to restructure healthcare in the city of Winnipeg and reduce the number of ERs in the city from seven to three ERs, which would transform the Seven Oaks, Concordia, and Victoria Hospital to Urgent Care Centres (these facilities would be able to assist all non-life-threatening patients).
The Misericordia became the eyecare hospital for the province. The Health Science Centre became the ER which focused on Strokes and Trauma Centre and the St. Boniface Hospital became the Centre of Excellence for Heart Surgery.
Previously, the seven hospitals each with an ER basically spread the resources too thinly among facilities (jack of all trades, master of none). However, the Selinger Government decided not to implement the Peachy Report due to the back lash of the unions who protest any changes.
Our PC Government did implement the Peachy Report and helped to create a centre of excellence for the St. Boniface heart surgeries, the Health Science Centre for strokes and trauma, and increased the number of surgeries for eyecare at the Misericordia Hospital.
I have heard so many successful stories of constituents who had to be rushed into Winnipeg due to a heart attack or strokes and had successful surgeries and had a great experience with our healthcare system.
I first became the MLA for Arthur-Virden over 10 years ago and we were still in opposition at that time, and I recall so many ER closures in our communities in the Southwest. The ER wait times were the highest in the country. We had reversed that in our time in government, despite having to deal with the biggest pandemic in a hundred years, but I believe that without implementing the Peachy report and the creation of Shared Health, we would have been in a larger crisis with the Covid pandemic.
Shared Health gave us better control over implementation of the vaccine program and ensured there were ICU patients beds.
I believe if we had the old NDP healthcare systems, we would have had many more disastrous outcomes.
Doyle Piwniuk is the MLA for Turtle Mountain. His column will be an ongoing feature in Lifestyles to help promote our knowledge and understanding about the amazing things happening in the part of our province.
Hon. Uzoma Asagwara Minister's
Doyle Piwniuk News from Turtle Mountain
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Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, Lori Blande, Gary Brown, Romel Dhalla, Dorothy Dobbie, Shauna Dobbie, John Einarson, Kelvin Goertzen, Stefano Grande, Jim Ingebrigtsen, Ian Leatt, Lisa Lewis, Myron Love, Fred Morris, Doyle Piwniuk, Seneka Samarasinghe, Wayne Weedon.
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The race is on! PC leadership contest gets underway
The race for leadership of the PC Party of Manitoba is now officially underway. Two candidates have come forward and they couldn’t be more different. Who are they and what doe they stand for? Here is a glimpse of the two men so far that will be competing for top spot in the province’s P.C. Party. The leadership convention is next April 26.
Obby Khan
The first out was Obby Khan, current MLA for Fort Whyte, former football player, restaurateur and Internet marketing entrepreneur. He was elected Oct 8, 2021, replacing Brian Pallister when he resigned as premier.
Obby was born in Ottawa on October 8, 1980. He went to University in B.C. (Simon Fraser grad) and was a star CFL football player for nine years, playing for the Ottawa Renegades, the Calgary Stampeders and the last seven years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he was a three-time recipient of the Cal Murphy Heart of a Legend Award, awarded to the player who best demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the CFL and community.
The first Muslim to be elected to the Manitoba Legislature, Obby was made Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism under Premier Heather Stephanson. After reelection, he was appointed Shadow Minister for Finance and Shadow Minister for the Manitoba Public Service. He and his wife Joanne have one son.
In his inaugural announcement of his intentions last spring, Obby told the Winnipeg Free Press, “Seeing where this province is going, I do think we can do better. I believe in this party, I believe in the people in this party, I believe in the province, and I think we can do better for Manitoba,” said Khan.
He continued, “I bring a wide perspective together, whether it be from people who’ve been around for a while, whether the newer ones, the younger ones, the
has run for the federal Conservatives against NDP Nicky Ashton twice in the past, increasing his vote share both times.
Wally was born in Winnipeg in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg in 1963. He is a lifelong Progressive Conservative who has served on the Party’s executive for many years. He and his wife, Dawn, have five children and, as a family, they built the Lazy Bear Lodge through sheer grit and determination, repurposing logs from a nearby forest fire to build first a chip shack, later adding a sit-down restaurant filled with wooden furniture Wally made by hand during the long winter nights. Finally, they built the rooms and later added second storey.
Today the Lazy Bear Lodge is the premier accommodation destination in Churchill.
Starting with abandoned school busses for tundra tours, Wally eventually designed and had built a vehicle called the Arctic Crawler for forays onto the tundra to see polar bears. He also operates two ocean gong excursion boats, the latest launched a year ago.
He has designed this one with underground windows so tourists can see all the wondrous action under the water which is teeming with Belugas.
Lazy Bear Lodge also owns and operates the only greenhouse in town where they grow fresh produce for their restaurant.
In making his announcement, Wally told the Winnipeg Sun, “I believe that we must return to our roots as the party of limited government and sensible spending; the party that understands that the role of government in a free and democratic society is to serve the people, not rule over them.”
His website admonishes, “We must be the party that honours parents and family and respects the commonsense values they choose to live by, and we must be the party that encourages independence, celebrates hard work, and inspires personal success, because it is only through personal success that wealth is created, com-
A concert celebrating light classical, film scores, pop hits, and Broadway tunes conducted by Monica Chen and featuring Indigenous duo Burnstick and pianist Ari Hooker playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
Dorothy Dobbie
Equality in healthcare
THhe underlying source of trouble for the dysfunctional Manitoba Health System, indeed with all the health systems across this magnificent but sadly limping country, is the monopoly over service delivery that various provincial governments have created.
Monopolies don’t work. Whether they are corporate or government, they are fated to collapse under their own weight. Without competition, there is no opportunity for learning and less incentive to effectively address difficult solutions. Bandaids become the answer, stopping the obvious bleeding on a single area for a brief time but forcing it to gush out somewhere else. The bandaids often require more and more support so administrations grow as the system looks for ways to stop the blood from seeping out of places under the bandaid, not to mention the new wounds that open up, each one worse than the last.
Other countries have encountered similar experiences, and they have shown that the most successful way to address the problem is to allow competition from the private sector. The doctrinaire socialists will howl at the idea and rale against it by saying that this will create a “two tier” service and, of course, it will. That is the whole point. Every competition is “two tier” or hopefully more. We measure success by excellence, not by some silly idea of “equality”. There is no such thing as “equality” because everyone is different. If this were not so, we would still be a virus or, at best, hanging from trees and living in caves.
subject to Exclusion (a) below) may be claimed under this tariff, 54.86.”
Read the numbers carefully. Look at the minutia, the rates varying by a fraction of a penny! This is time consuming for the doctor, expensive to calculate and administer, and absurd!
These details carry on with 63 exceptions and definitions, each containing many sub-sections outlining just what is meant and how that fee might vary upward. There are 11 exceptions for fractures alone! It becomes more and more complex as you go through the schedule. And that is just one aspect of the system. Is it any wonder that docs are burning out from paper burden? I get a headache just looking at the thing. You can look it up yourself at gov.mb.ca/health/documents/physmanual.pdf. That is just one tiny snippet of how the system has become so unwieldy. Hospital management is even more complex. The Act governing health “insurance” in Manitoba is itself a heavy the 93-page document. Too much of the resource pool goes into administering the program over delivering the service.
With an NDP government in place in Manitoba, the chances of any real change are slim.
ealthcare for everyone in Manitoba should be a fundamental principle that we all stand behind. Ideally, everyone should receive equally excellent healthcare. The notion that access to healthcare should be determined by wealth or the ability to pay goes against the basic ideas of equity and fairness. Sure, when I need a medical test or diagnosis, I might want it immediately and be willing to pay for it out of pocket, but that doesn't justify creating a system where some get better care simply because they can afford it.
pay less in taxes since they’re no longer using the public system. This would reduce the funding available for public healthcare, making it harder to maintain quality services.
In countries like the United States, where healthcare is largely privatized, the gap in the quality and availability of care between the rich and the poor is huge. These systems are rife with inequality, and low-income individuals often struggle to access even basic healthcare services. Canada established a public healthcare system precisely because access to good healthcare should not depend on your income. Healthcare is a universal right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.
Some countries have only gone halfway and allowed the “private” sector to get involved under the single-payer model, but this is just about as bad as total government control over management and ownership.
In these cases, costs escalate as “business” operators bill the system rather than the patient and, since the government with its unlimited resources is paying, they have no reason to keep their own costs under control. To deal with this the government comes up with complex rules for billing. For example, in Manitoba, there are 537 pages outlining what a doctor can charge for every service imaginable. Here is the first rule covering “Visits or Examinations”.
“1. Subject to the Exclusions listed below, all Special Call benefits may be claimed under the following tariffs: 8561
For special calls made to a patient’s home, 52.93 8598
For special calls made to the emergency department or O.P.D. of a hospital, 54.86 8568
For special calls made in obstetrics, 54.86 8567
For special calls made in non-elective surgical cases, in the postoperative period, 54.86 8563
All other special calls not covered under tariffs 8561, 8566, 8567 or 8598 (including, but not limited to, special calls made to personal care homes and to attend to registered hospital patients,
As an alternative, a number of my Indigenous friends and colleagues are looking at the feasibility of building a world class hospital and wellness centre on the Treaty One land at the former Kapyong Barracks site. It would be owned and managed by Treaty One and whatever partners it decided to engage. The dream is to have a stateof-the-art facility which would be a teaching hospital and employ many Indigenous people. The Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre for comparison employs 8,000 and occupies 39 acres, so the Naawai-Oodena Centre could easily be accommodated with additional space for outdoor parks filled trees and gardens to help with the wellness part of the mandate on the 168-acre site.
The impact would be profound. The new health and wellness centre would elevate the Indigenous community, offering opportunity to young people, become a profit center as they attract health tourists from around the world, and create private sector options for Manitobans to access speedy, expert care in a beautiful modern setting.
I hope it comes to fruition and I am there to help. Manitobans deserve better than they are getting. It would be lovely if that came from our longtime friends and neighbours in the Indigenous community. We could help make them rich and they could help make us well.
And hopefully, it would have a beneficial effect on the current public system as it faces some real competition!
Advocates of privatizing aspects of healthcare or allowing wealthier individuals to access faster treatment often argue that it would improve the overall system. One common argument is that allowing moneyed patients to use private healthcare would reduce wait times in the public system. The thinking here is that with fewer people relying on public resources, those who cannot afford private care would experience shorter wait times. A similar argument is that privatization would reduce the strain on the public healthcare system. By moving those who can pay into the private sector, more resources would be available for those who rely solely on public services. Lastly, free-market proponents often suggest that introducing competition between private clinics and public hospitals would drive up the quality of care across the board, making public facilities more efficient in response.
Consider education, which is another first-world right that we enjoy. Canada has both public and private schools, but we have enough teachers to support both systems. In fact, we have so many that some education graduates struggle to find jobs. However, healthcare is a different story. We simply don’t have the resources to split our healthcare professionals between public and private systems. (Is it worth noting that some of the same people who argue in favor of privatizing healthcare are the ones calling for more government funding for private schools?)
While these arguments might seem appealing at first, they fail to hold up under scrutiny. For any of these ideas to work, there would need to be an abundance of doctors, nurses, and healthcare facilities, but the reality is that we don’t have an excess of medical professionals. In fact, we don’t even have enough to meet the current demand. The introduction of private healthcare options wouldn’t suddenly increase the number of doctors. Some medical professionals would leave the public system for the private sector. This shift would place an even greater burden on those remaining in the public system, leading to worse care for everyone who relies on it.
We also need to remember that our public healthcare system is funded by taxes, which are paid by everyone, according to their income. If wealthy individuals start to use private healthcare, it’s only a matter of time before they begin arguing that they should
The reality is that health outcomes are already closely tied to economic status. The richer you are, the longer you’ll live, according to various studies. Allowing some people to pay for faster or better treatment would only exacerbate this inequality, turning healthcare into a commodity rather than a basic right. Those who can’t afford private care would experience longer wait times, lower-quality treatment, and worse health outcomes overall, all of which undermines the core values of fairness and compassion that should guide our healthcare system.
Instead of moving towards privatization or creating a two-tier system, we should focus on improving the public healthcare system we already have. This means addressing the root causes of long wait times and overburdened hospitals by investing in more healthcare professionals, expanding facilities, and reducing the bureaucratic workload for doctors and nurses. We need to ensure that administrative tasks serve the healthcare system, not just satisfy some bureaucratic need.
Healthcare should not be a luxury reserved for a select few. It must be a shared commitment, a public good that reflects our collective values of equality and fairness. No one should be left behind when it comes to receiving the care they need. The principle is straightforward: healthcare for all, not just for those who can pay for it.
Dorothy Dobbie
Shauna Dobbie
Steinbach’s Olympic Connection
When you grow up in a relatively small community in one of the smaller provinces (by population) in Canada, there are just some things that feel out of reach. As a young person, watching the Olympic Games was always one of those events that it seemed impossible to even have a connection to. What I didn’t know at that time was just how close of a connection I actually had.
Michelle Sawatzky, whose family lived next to our home on the edge of Steinbach during a part of my childhood, was always known to be a good athlete. Excelling it seemed in almost every activity she tried (an accomplished pianist, she taught my son piano in recent years) it was obvious that she had a competitive drive that was unique and special. That manifested itself most clearly on the volleyball court where she was named the athlete of the year at the Steinbach Regional Secondary School in her graduating year of high school. That success led her to the University of Manitoba to play for the U of M Bison’s women’s volleyball team which would open up opportunities to compete for the national women’s volleyball program.
It was probably in 1995 when she was selected to participate in the Pan Am Games, ultimately helping Canada win a bronze medal, that the eyes of local Steinbach residents started to open to the real possibility of a Steinbach resident having a chance to compete in the Olympics. That became a reality when Michelle Sawatzky was selected to be part of the 1996 Canadian Women’s Olympic Volleyball team. She competed for Canada in the summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia starting games as a setter for the team.
Since that time, this local Olympic hero has continued to be a vibrant part of the Steinbach community as a radio host on a local broadcaster, a frequent MC at
many events, a cherished piano teacher to many young people and ultimately a hall of fame athlete. That last distinction was bestowed upon Sawatzky in 2022 when she was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. A deserving recipient for someone who could be admired for both her presence on the court as well as her community impact off of it.
Nearly three decades later, Steinbach residents were again watching a local product competing on the worlds largest stage. And yes, it was again in the sport of volleyball. This time on the Canadian Men’s Olympic Volleyball team and this time at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
In the most recent Olympics it was Eric Loeppky which had Steinbach residents searching the Olympic schedule and cheering on a hometown favorite.
The six and a half foot Loeppky was joined in Paris by several family and friends who did their best to cheer Canada on. And while the Men’s Olympic Volleyball team was unable to advance out of the very tough pool of teams they were grouped with, Loeppky was able to live out a dream that few can imagine. Not only did he compete at the highest level, he enjoyed the unique opening ceremonies in France floating along the Seine River in a boat with the rest of the Canadian delegation. After his competition had ended, he was able to watch other games including the men’s Olympic tennis final at Roland-Garrros.
Another athlete that Steinbach can look forward to celebrating, is William Middleton, who next year will be in Italy at the Special Olympics Worlds to participate in snowshoeing events. While Middleton is perhaps breaking the Steinbach volleyball tradition set by Sawatzky and Loeppky, his competition will also be highly anticipated by the Steinbach community. In many ways the world seems smaller than it felt
when I was a young person growing up in Steinbach. We are more easily connected through advanced travel and through technology, people on opposite sides of the world are literally a click away. And yet, the journey from small town athletics to the largest and most prestigious sporting contest in the world still feels like it is incredibly far and unimaginable. So when a few do successfully make that journey, it is worth the entire community celebrating.
Big dreams often are born in small towns. Steinbach and Manitoba continue to show that there really are no boundaries to how far you can reach.
Kelvin Goertzen is the current MLA for the constituency of Steinbach. He has served in several Cabinet roles including Manitoba Premier and Deputy Premier
H.P. Tergesen and Sons in Gimli last of the
old time country general stores
Continued from page 1
was in business in Winnipeg with partner Magnus Goodman from 1893 to 1898. He moved to Gimli late that year and opened his general store on January 1, 1899.
The building’s tin exterior is a testament to Tergesen’s earlier trade as a tinsmith.
He, his wife, and their children lived above the store until 1902. After living in a couple of homes they built a large home on Fourth Avenue for themselves and their children. The family also welcomed foster children.
The original store was a two-storey structure. In 1912–13, a two-storey addition was built to provide more space for Tergesen’s groceries, dry goods and clothing sales. Over the years, the store also housed a pharmacist, dentist’s office, ice-cream parlour, and a barber shop. After 1902, the upper storey served at different times as a theatre, dance hall and classroom. The second floor that had first served as the Tergesen’s family living quarters was removed in the 1929.
cordwood that people could sell. The store was often a meeting place to discuss politics and local news. Tergesen’s became a well-known part of the community. H.P. Tergesen was a church leader and served three terms as Mayor of Gimli.
As business grew, the store expanded to three times its original size. During the depression the store, like others, gave credit in trade for products from eggs to
Climate change
You have very interesting articles!
In regards your articles on Climate Change, the subject is very complicated and only certain amount of information is available freely. I was teaching university courses on weather and climate and need to tell you that there is no secret information hidden from the public. Instead, the "experts" do not agree on what should be
H.P.’s sons, Svenn Johan (Joe), and Robert joined their father in business when they came of age. In 1954, Joe took the store over himself and operated it for 33 years. In 1987, Joe’s son, Terry, an architect by profession, acquired all of the outstanding family shares and he and his wife, Lorna, acquired the business. Their sons, Soren and Stephan operated the store and made many changes while retaining and enhancing Tergesen’s traditional character. After Soren died in 1991, Stefan took over the store and has carried on to the present day. The business still operates under the name H. P. Tergesen’s and Sons.
The building itself was designated a heritage site in 1996.
Tergesen’s offers an eclectic mix of products, including family clothing, beach ware, gift ware and candy. I generally make a beeline for the book section. Lorna reports that Lara, Joe’s wife, began sell-
done or not done.
It all starts from the lack of geography courses at schools to prepare children for more advanced learning when they grow up. Geography was taught at schools in Manitoba before, but it was cancelled many years ago. Now, with weather as a hot topic, those courses should have re-started.
University students stumble on concepts like "humidity" which are only vaguely understood and that is because of poor science background. When I
ing books written by local authors in the 1950s. She also ran the Manitoba Library Extensions service for many years.
The selection of books features many that would not be found in other books stores in the province. Many are by local and Manitoba authors reflecting Interlake and Icelandic history. The book section has evolved over the years to encompass a wide range of other subjects as well.
Lorna points out, Tergesen’s is the largest independent seller of new books in rural Manitoba.
Naturally summer is the busiest time of year when the population of Gimli, being a lakeside summer tourist destination, swells. During the summer months, Tergesen’s takes on additional employees –generally students – with its staff growing to about a dozen. Lorna highlights long time employees Joanne Liang and Kyle Eyolfson who are also the stores buyers. They are responsible for sourcing numerous products and clothing lines unique to Tergesen through yearly buying trips to manufacturers and importers in Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Lorna reports that Tergesen continues to prosper. She notes that the Tergesen Family used the downtime during the Covid- forced lockdown to redo the flooring in the old building.
“I hope we never have to do that again any time soon,” she comments.
explained humidity to my kindergarten grandchildren, it didn't take time for them to "get it".
The popular idea that CO2 gas is solely responsible for climate change is only partly right. A much bigger factor is the humidity. You may be aware that the overall humidity in Manitoba has risen from an average 30% to 70% in the last five years.
Anyway, just a few notes to give you some information on the subject. I will write to you again later on another pro-
posed project for Northern Manitoba. Best wishes and congratulations for your magazine!
Michael Issigonis
Likes coverage
Hello Dorothy, great paper! I liked your take on Plan 20-50 and the WMR, and thank you again for including MLA Bereza’s column on the dire need for an MRI in Portage. Matt Preprost
MLA Kelvin Goertzen with Olympic athlete Eric Loeppky.
Kelvin Goertzen News from Steinbach
Myron Love
Hypnotist Vance Romane uses his skills to help people quit smoking and lose weight
Hypnotist Vance Romane and I go back more than 50 years. I knew him as Maury when we were friends in the late 1960s at the University of Manitoba where I was a History major, and he was studying Psychology. So, it was nice reconnecting with Maury/Vance, who has been based in Vancouver since 1986, after so many years gone by.
I don’t remember if I knew back then about his passion for hypnosis. I do recall being surprised when I learned that Vance (his middle name) had morphed into the Great Romane. I do recall that in my first-year teaching in a small community called Cartwright in southwestern Manitoba I did invite him to come and demonstrate his ability.
I may also have done a story about him early in my career as a journalist, but neither he nor I remember for sure.
school and found one professor who was open to my doing a study using hypnosis to help people quit smoking.
“I decided however to leave university and focus on using hypnosis to help people achieve success in life,” he explained. “I continued my education outside university by attending many seminars and workshops in professional hypnosis and hypnotherapy.”
Vance is justly proud of the fact that, through his use of hypnosis he has helped countless Canadians quit smoking or lose weight, the two principal foci for most of his career.
I asked him when he first became fascinated by hypnosis. “I was nine years old when I started reading books about hypnosis,” he recounts. “I used to try to hypnotise my two-year-old brother. I would offer him some candy to lie down and listen to my taped hypnosis sessions.
“I would also whisper in his ear when he was sleeping, encouraging him to think about being successful and helping people. As an adult, he is highly successful and does try to help others with his time, experience and wealth.”
By the time, he was 12 or 13, Vance was hypnotising his friends and classmates just for fun.
As I noted earlier, at university, he was on a Psychology track but, he says, he was unhappy with his professors’ negative view of hypnotism. “While today, all kinds of professionals use hypnosis as part of their treatment regimens, back in the ‘50s and ’60, hypnosis was frowned upon. I did apply to graduate
The key, he explains, is connecting directly with the subject’s subconscious by having the individual focus and concentrate their attention on something like a flickering candle flame or the sound of the hypnotist’s voice. “The goal is to block out his negative thoughts and emphasis focusing on words and images of success,” he points out. “I plant seeds which result in the subject on coming out of hypnosis feeling, stronger and more confident.”
Initially, though, Vance did not find that this route led to success for himself as serious hypnotist and he was not understood or appreciated by the public. So, for a few years, he followed in the path of Australian Peter Reveen, that great hypnotist/entertainer who made several appearances in Winnipeg during the 1960s and ‘70s.
“It’s therapeutic to be able to make people laugh,” Vance observes. “It helps some people to forget at least temporarily their everyday problems.”
While never achieving Reveen’s level of fame in the entertainment side of hypnosis, Vance built a solid career on stage as a seminar speaker with large group hypnosis sessions. The highlight of his entertainment career would have been his appearance at the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) in Vancouver – with audiences as large as 5,000 over a 17-night engagement. He was much in demand at fairs and exhibitions, colleges and high schools throughout North America.
After the recession in 1981 put a damper on that aspect of his career, and with a wife and three children to support, Vance switched his focus from us-
ing hypnosis strictly for entertainment to helping people to improve their health by quitting smoking and losing weight.
“Marriage also brought out a more serious side of me,” he says. “And people were suggesting that I use my hypnotic skills to help people instead of asking them to do silly acts.”
He began conducting seminars across Canada. “I have derived great satisfaction from helping hundreds of thousands of people who have attended my seminars over the years to quit smoking or lose weight,” he observes.
He concedes that not everyone who has attended the seminars has been successful. “While there were plenty of one-time hypnosis sessions that brought permanent success to thousands of people,” he points out, there have been some who came with unrealistic expectations. Some people expected miracles without effort on their part.
“I give those people I work with homework,” he continues. “I give them recordings to listen to for reinforcement of the live hypnosis session and to reduce their stress levels. For some to be successful, they have to put in some extra work. Not everyone wants to do that. But you get back what you put in.”
“I give those people I work with homework. I give them recordings to listen to in order to help reduce their stress levels. To be successful, people have to also put in the work. Not everyone wants to do that. But you get back what you put in.
“I will bend over backwards to help the people who I am working with.”
As with most people, the Covid lockdowns and the growth of Zoom has changed the way Vance delivers his seminars but, he adds, the demand is still there.
In recent years, he has enjoyed more leisure travel outside of Canada, including one trip to Antarctica. At the same time, he has been dealing with some of the issues that plague most of us when we get older such as back, knee and carpal tunnel surgery.
After complete recovery, Vance is looking forward to continuing with his life’s mission of using hypnosis to improve peoples’ health through self-control.
For more information about Romane, hypnosis, his newsletter, books, recordings, and seminars, visit www. vanceromane.com
Counting my blessings as an Indigenous person with an understanding of Israelis
Someone asked me the other day, as have many people over the years, “Why do you wear a Star of David necklace? You’re not Jewish.” It started me reflecting on my somewhat parallel journeys within both the Indigenous and Jewish communities.
I was adopted and came into the knowledge of my Indigeneity as an adult. I met and was very thankful to be able to develop relationships with my amazing birth family. Within the family, my birth mother is an artist and poet, and my halfsister is Chief of the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation.
I started to become involved in various Indigenous groups by way of my career as a consultant and via volunteer work with organizations including Ma Mawi Chi Itata, Clan Mothers Healing Village and Knowledge Centre, Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Keeping the Fires Burning and as a founding member of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce. At a similar time, I was also asked by a Jewish friend to meet with members of the Jewish community who were immigrating to Winnipeg from Argentina due to the dire economic situation in that country then. My involvement in the tech sector had me meeting with people looking to find employment in the information technology industry in Manitoba. I was subsequently asked to participate in a volunteer mission to Israel where members of the political and business
community from Manitoba sought to develop collaborative relationship with similar companies in Israel. I jumped at the chance to join them on the trip and immerse myself in Israeli culture.
Over time as I participated in events, talked and met with people in both the Indigenous and Jewish communities I started to see and reflect on some of the many commonalities we shared.
First of all, is the Indigeneity of both groups. First Nation, Métis and Inuit people are of course Indigenous to Canada as are the Jewish people to Israel. Both connections have been fully established through spiritual, cultural, linguistic and religious traditions which connect them to the land. Our status as Indigenous peoples in Canada and Jewish people status as indigenous people to Israel is further confirmed by archaeological, genetic and historical evidence of their continuous presence in each of their respective homelands.
Both communities have experienced historical trauma, having institutional and systemic violence, racism, segregation and exploitation perpetrated against them. By no means am I comparing these group’s experiences. Each experience is horrific on its own terms. The wounds left have been passed down through generations deeply impacting individuals, families and communities to this day.
Despite the traumatic experiences and the scars they have left, what I see is the incredible resilience of both the Indigenous and Jewish communities to live full lives, to honour their families, their ancestors those who came before and those
generations to come. Both have an unwavering commitment to celebrate their identity, values and culture.
Often this resilience is shown by way of humour and laughter, whether it is a group of Indigenous elders laughing amongst themselves while providing a teaching to a group of young people or the gentle humour of a Rabbi telling a little joke to emphasize a teaching from the Torah.
What has to be my favourite part of the interactions that I have with both communities is their emphasis on using food as a means to support, comfort and bring people together. The Jewish people have managed to incorporate both food and humour into their statement (one I heard often by my Jewish friends) which encapsulates the entire history of Judaism into one sentence: “They tried to kill us, we survived. Let’s eat.” If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, there is nothing like an Israeli breakfast to bring that message home. Every business meeting I went to on my first trip to Israel involved food even if it was just small snacks available on the table, I always thought that was a nice touch.
Food in Indigenous culture also achieves legendary status with bannock, wild game stews (think moose or bison for example) and riffs on traditional and non-traditional foods such as ‘Indian’ tacos and bannock burgers and pizza. In Indigenous culture, food shows our reverence for the land, food is medicine, security and safety for our people.
One community’s teachings to me are applicable in my interactions with other
communities. Indigenous knowledge keepers have taught me what it means to be an ally. There are people who want to support and walk with Indigenous people and for that we are truly appreciative. We also want people to come to this as we say “in a good way” by learning about and from Indigenous people, by reflecting on our own experiences and history, by stepping back and giving space for Indigenous voices to be heard.
People who know me know that I am an ally and supporter of Israel and the Jewish community in Winnipeg, and it is the teachings from the Indigenous community that makes me aware and informs how I approach my relationship with another community outside of my own.
My life has become richer and much more culturally complete because of my relationship with both communities. In addition to wearing my Magen David necklace I also wear a deerskin bag which carries the four sacred Indigenous medicines: tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass and both hold a great deal of meaning for me. I was recently in Israel again, this year on a much sadder occasion, to support the community, following the terror attacks of October 7th and I regularly participate in the weekly rallies to remember and call for the release of the hostages currently held captive. It is what I have learned from both communities that allows me to see what we have in common and what brings us together. I am deeply grateful for the honour of walking with each of you and learning from you.
Myron Love
Lisa Lewis
The philospher's stone
Alfred Adler, along with Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and others, was a founding father of modern psychiatry. Adler tells us how Socrates, over twothousand years ago, was condemned to death for teaching his disciples where and how to find the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. Socrates revealed the key with two words, Know Thyself.
Adler explained, most people in our society are opposite to what they really are. To put it bluntly, most people are hypocrites who pretend to be what they are not. Even worse, they do not realise they are hypocrites because they do not their true selves.
and happiness in life, “In the case of children, education may be approached in the same manner, but there is this difference: on account of the immaturity of children, the question of guidance, never wholly absent in the case of adults, takes on supreme importance.”
Earl Nightingale explained, “We become what we think about.”
Weedon Food for Thought
Adler gives the example of people who put across and image of being superior and who are always criticizing others. The truth is, these people have inferiority complexes which they are trying to hide from the world, and from themselves. This causes inner tension which will often manifest as a physical illness.
The ruling authorities saw Socrates as a threat to their control over the masses. If the masses had the ability to see themselves as they really are, and to understand how their rulers were trying to control them, they could set themselves free and begin to plan and run their own lives. They could become free and independent people who could set goals and reach their goals through planning and their own efforts.
The secret is, once people come to know themselves, they can understand, the power, which is referred to as The Philosopher’s Stone, is not external; everyone has this power in themselves. People, for the most part, utilise no more than five percent of their brain. Our inner power taps into the other ninety-five percent. Once a person finds their inner power, there is no stopping them. They will be able to accomplish much more than they could ever dream of. As Napolean Hill stated, nothing is impossible to a person who employs their inner power. The Philosopher’s Stone is a metaphor for this inner power which every person has.
Children are filled with fairy tales about being swept up by Prince Charming, finding the Golden Treasure, killing dragons, or slaying super adversaries. These are ridiculous daydreams which will never materialise.
Education is the key to finding our inner power, but not the kind of education normally found in schools. As Alfred Adler pointed out, true education teaches adults self-knowledge and rational self-direction so they may plan and strive for true success
In his books and audio recordings, Nightingale explains, in a very easily understood language, how anyone may educate and develop themselves so they can reach their goals and find the happiness and contentment which human beings deserve.
Nightingale tells us, if we wish to know something, do not rely on relatives, friends, or acquaintances for information. Instead, go to the library where thousands of “Free for All” books are available. Most authors have no devious motive in publishing a book. Many are altruistic and freely share their knowledge while others are satisfied to write just to make a living through the sale of their books.
One book which Nightingale recommends is Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography. This book, written in very clear language, explains how anyone can come to “Know Themselves” and to change themselves to be the person they wish to be. This book also details how anyone may obtain whatever they want in life without depriving anyone else, and without putting obstacles in anyone's way.
Besides this book, there are thousands of such books available in the libraries of the world. However, most people prefer to read fantastic fiction which provide no education but gives the reader much material to daydream about. Rather than educate, these books place impediments on the road to education.
Whenever you come across a beneficial book, check out the bibliography. You will find a list of other books which will keep you on the right track. By referring to bibliographies, you will never run out of fruitful reading material. Your list will grow and grow and so will your rewards. Equality in healthcare
Wayne Weedon is an Indigenous Manitoba writer of novels and short stories. To sample his wonderful work go to Wattpad.com.
Wayne
Moroccan meatballs, Winnipeg style
Let’s bring a little slice of Africa to Winnipeg and make our taste buds dance with this Moroccan treat.
Moroccan style meatballs, otherwise known as kefta or kofta, are a delightful culinary experience that tantalizes both the taste buds and the senses, inviting you to indulge in a flavor adventure that’s both savory and sultry. Infused with an aromatic blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, these tender meatballs envelop you in a warm embrace of aromas, guiding you on a journey through the bustling markets of Morocco. As they simmer seductively in a rich tomato sauce, the intoxicating scents swirl around you, creating an atmosphere that is almost irresistible.
With each bite, you’re met with a burst of umami that dances on your palate, awakening all your senses in a way that feels both luxurious and satisfying. Whether they’re served on a bed of fluffy couscous, draped in sauce, or enjoyed as a savory snack, Moroccan meatballs promise a delightful intimacy that warms not just the belly but also the soul. So, prepare to dive into a world of rich flavors and sultry spices, as we explore the origins, variations, and perfect cooking methods to bring the seductive tastes of Morocco into your kitchen!
Here is what you will need:
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground all-spice
1 ½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt and pepper
6 cloves garlic, divided
500 grams ground beef
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can chickpeas, rinsed
2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon cut into wedges
¼ cup freshly chopped sage and thyme and oregano (blend)
1 box couscous, for serving
The all important how to:
Using a large bowl, add the egg then whisk, then add the breadcrumbs, spices, salt, and pepper grate in 3 cloves garlic and mix. Add the beef and mix. Once you are satisfied with the mixed consistency, shape into meatballs, about the size of small ping pong balls.
Place an oven-proof skillet on the stove on medium heat with one tablespoon of olive oil and fry the meatballs until they turn brown. Remove from the stove top and drain the excess liquid and fat away.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a medium sized bowl, toss tomatoes and chickpeas with olive oil, add the remaining crushed garlic, and salt and pepper. Place in the skillet with meatballs and gently stir, then place in the oven until tomatoes have softened, about 30 minutes.
To serve place the couscous on the plate layer with the meatballs. Dust with the freshly chopped sage, thyme and oregano, adding a squirt of lemon. Add a wedge of lemon for added zing. I know, Happy Thanksgiving. Ian Leatt is a trained chef from across the pond.
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
Seniors
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
• LIFE LEASE independent living for 55+ in a close-knit community.
• Prime location with indoor access to shopping, dining, medical services, Arena, the Y and Millennium Library.
• Security and emergency response services for added peace of mind.
• Spacious one-bedroom and two-bedroom options available.
• Features include in-suite washer and dryer, balcony enclosures, and heated parking.
• Suites can be customized according to your preference.
• Cat-friendly.
Ian Leatt Foodies
u City of Song: The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra offers
concerts this season!
Continued from page 1
Richard-Hamelin, renowned for his remarkable artistry and emotional depth, took to the stage to perform Chopin’s romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor. The concert also featured Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 7 and the Adagio from Anton Bruckner’s emotional String Quintet in F major.
On Sunday, February 9, afternoon concertgoers are invited to experience powerful emotions and musical mastery in a concert featuring the works of two titans of classical music, Brahms and Tchaikovsky. The concert begins with Johannes Brahms’ monumental Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso Anna Geniušene, known for her dynamic expressiveness and technical prowess. Brahms’ concerto is matched by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s passion-filled and melancholy Symphony No. 6, the “Pathétique.”
The WSO celebrates the illustrious career of longserving WSO Concertmaster Gwen Hoebig with a concert that showcases her exceptional talent and musical legacy on Sunday, May 11. For her last performance as concertmaster, Gwen is joined by her talented family of musicians; pianist David Moroz, violist Alexander Moroz, and cellist Juliana Moroz playing lesser-known gems by iconic composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy’ La Mer, a masterpiece so vivid one can almost hear the waves crashing, and Richard Strauss’ whimsical Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche (Merry Pranks).
Acclaimed as one of Canada’s top violinists, Gwen has led the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as Concertmaster for 36 seasons! She also shines in solo performances, chamber music, and teaching, captivating audiences with her mastery of new music and dedication to nurturing young talent.
The Manitoba Liquor Marts Live at the WSO Matinées offer another new afternoon concert experience. These concerts, which also start at 2:00 pm, are presented in the traditional POPS format and showcase the talented musicians of the orchestra and local artists.
On Saturday, October 12, audiences will enjoy 70 Years of POPS, a captivating blend of light classical music, film scores, pop hits, and Broadway tunes played by the WSO over the past seven decades. This nostalgic afternoon includes works by Strauss, Hamlisch, and John Williams, and patrons will surely remember the Overture from H.M.S. Pinafore; New York, New York; and Moon River.
Conducted by RBC Assistant Conductor Monica Chen, this concert features the JUNO-nominated Indigenous vocal group Burnstick and pianist Ari Hooker, son of long-time WSO Principal Cellist Yuri Hooker, playing George Gershwin’s timeless Rhapsody in Blue, celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Monica Chen picks up the baton again for A Prairie Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 8. This heartwarming mix of holiday classics, from choral masterpieces to folk fiddling and jazzy Nutcracker tunes, offers something sweet for everyone.
This festive occasion also features Filipino vocal ensemble Musica Singers, the cheerful Winnipeg Sonora Voices led by artistic director Valdine Anderson, and the energetic Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière-Rouge. The afternoon also includes the JUNO-nominated duo Erin Propp & Larry Roy.
With the promise of spring, on Sunday, March 23, the WSO presents How to Grow and Orchestra with guest conductor Armand Singh Birk and comedian Lara Rae! This isn’t your typical symphony
concert. Lara guides the audience through hilarious orchestral evolution, from the primitive conch shell to the grand orchestras of today. Patrons experience the growth of the orchestra as more musicians join
the stage, while enjoying Lara’s witty and insightful commentary. Tickets for all WSO concerts are available at wso.ca or by calling the Box Office at 204-949-3999.
66% of Canadian families haven’t discussed their final wishes*
Choosing funeral and cemetery plans can be overwhelming to a grieving spouse. Plan the details now. Together. Order your FREE Estate Planning Kit by calling or visiting the locations listed below.
Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 4477 Main St., West St. Paul, MB 204-982-8300
Desjardins Funeral Home 357 Des Meurons St., Winnipeg, MB 204-233-4949
*Research conducted by Willful and Arbor Memorial Inc. in a 2020 survey.
From left to right: Pianist Anna Geniušene, Concertmaster Gwen Hoebig, Indigenous vocal group Burnstick, Monica Chen and Armand Singh Birk.
It's a mouthful for sure: Manitoba Life Lease Occupants Association or MLLOA for short!
The MLLOA became an unincorporated entity with its Constitution adopted on October 4, 2005. Garry Brickman, Don Boehmer, John Lohrenz, and several other determined life lease occupants spearheaded the creation of the Manitoba Life Lease Occupants' Association when they saw the need for an organized means of conversation and communication among the growing number of life lease complexes in Manitoba.
more consumer protection for life lease residents in Manitoba, while still considering other stakeholders (sponsor organizations and management companies).
There is no actual individual document listing life leases despite the fact that the buildings are registered at Land Titles. Some 'guestimates' put the figure at over 100 life lease developments in Manitoba. MLLOA is working to contact life lease buildings to try and get a better understanding of the numbers.
The need to share ideas and concerns peculiar to life lease buildings was increasingly apparent once communication started. The originators discovered that individual life lease organizations implemented different policies, procedures and practices with respect to governance, management and systems.
It appeared critical to have an association that had expertise to consider the numerous issues presented by the Life Leases Act and accompanying Regulations, review policies followed by the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), and monitor proposed legislative changes.
It is apparent that life lease accommodation continues to be misunderstood and changes to The Act are required. The MLLOA began consulting with the government over 15 years ago to bring about policies and changes to the legislation; modifications that would ensure
Over the last three years, the MLLOA has collaborated extensively with the Government and has been able to effect key changes to The Act. The three important amendments contained in Bill 29 ensure a life lease tenant's equity interest in a rental unit cannot be terminated because of a mortgage sale, tax sale or foreclosure; require life lease complexes to conduct a reserve fund study and up-date the study from time to time; and require that audited financial statements be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Watch for future articles specifically addressing The Act and legislative changes being advocated by MLLOA members.
The MLLOA provides expertise and assistance for members facing issues, with respect to their particular building, with the goal of exploring solutions or remedies for the benefit of the tenants and other relevant stakeholders.
A number of life lease complexes we have spoken with indicate they 'have no problems or issues' so they don't really need to be members. This author has no 'issues' with our building but as members of MLLOA we expanded our knowledge and understanding not only about life lease living, but about the Life Leases Act, insurance for tenants and a few other issues we never even thought of.
A large part of the MLLOA mandate is to be a resource for life lease tenants and their councils; to provide education by way of 'round table' presentations. Over the years, member buildings have hosted presentations on insurance, independent
living, reserve funds, and information sessions presented by the RTB on the Life Leases Act and residents' rights and obligations as tenants.
Occasionally, the MLLOA has sent out 'mini' surveys to member buildings on topics such as amenities, vacancies, number of suites, parking, tenant rep voting rights on their board, and reserve fund study just to name a few.
As the old saying goes, "We don't know what we don't know". Knowledge is power. Networking with people living in similar situations creates a great opportunity to learn ‘what we don’t know’; offers us the potential of building relationships, combining skills, sharing knowledge and experiences while interacting with tenants residing in different life lease complexes.
In 2023, the MLLOA collaborated with the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association (MNPHA) to develop a board training workshop directed specifically toward the unique issues of life leases. Tenant representatives, property managers and board of director members were invited to attend these free sessions. The workshop program is still under review and development and we are
hoping to be able to offer these sessions on a yearly basis. Stay tuned.
Just in the past six months the MLLOA purchased equipment that allows us to record and broadcast events on YouTube. We are working to fine-tune the technology for our members’ needs. We hope to be able to live-stream meetings and presentations to our member buildings. We are excited to say the least.
Over the years, the Manitoba Life Lease Association has received numerous calls and emails from life lease organizations outside of the province; from Ontario, Nova Scotia and as far away as BC. We reviewed the recently enacted Saskatchewan Life Lease Act at the request of a life lease group in that province.
In the last few years, MLLOA committees developed model By-laws and a sample tenant representative job description to be used as templates by member life lease tenant councils. Several life lease buildings collaborated to help a member building develop a 'new tenant' handbook.
As you can see, the MLLOA is a great resource for life lease residents and their tenant councils. We are not 'looking for trouble' - we are helping to avoid conflict through education, networking and collaboration.
Alastair Humphreys once said "Every day is a school day". It might be 'cheesy' but it's true. We do learn new things every day (even at our ages), but just think what life could be like if you proactively searched out new information.
If you live in a life lease building that is not a member of the Manitoba Life Lease Association (MLLOA) and would like to learn more about the organization and what we offer, please reach out to us on our website: www.mlloa.ca Or call Jerry Kies, member recruitment (204) 990-8053
Lori Blande is a Member at Large on the board of MLLOA Living in a life lease in Winnipeg.
Guildford: the street between the civic centre and a hospital
To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of St. James (starting just west of St. James Street to Sturgeon Road) breaking away from Assiniboia to form their own municipality, I am looking at the history of St. James.
Guildford Street is named after the 16th century Lord Guildford Dudley. His wife Lady Jane Grey was Queen of England for nine days before both paid the ultimate price in a power struggle. Guildford Street is mentioned as early as 1914 in the Henderson Directories. There were four houses listed. By the end of World War 2, there eight houses with only one north of Bruce. Between the late 1940s and early 1960s, there was a rapid development of new homes. Guildford quickly evolved into a perfect street with 40 houses on each side and 40 houses in each block. The older houses remained with a couple of them getting different numbers.
Many interesting people have lived part of their lives on Guildford Street.
Al Lowen, and referee Bill Hobson took part in the inaugural 1966 game. Manitoba Moose general manager Craig Heisinger grew up on Guildford Street. Craig won the 2008/09 James Hendy, and the 2016/17 Thomas Ebright Award for outstanding work as an AHL Executive. Craig's son Zach Heisinger of the Fort Gary Fort Rouge Twins took part in the ceremonial faceoff for the 2016 50th Anniversary St. James Civic Centre Game.
In the early 1950s, Saskatchewan Roughrider All Star Gordon Sturtridge and wife Mildred lived in a new house on Guildford Street. After the 1956 Shrine All Star Football Game, Mildred and Gordon were killed in the flight 810 airplane crash on near Chilliwack, B.C. on Dec. 9. 1956, killing all 62 on board. There is a Minor Football league in North Vancouver named in Gordon's memory. During a recent visit to Regina's Mosaic Stadium, we saw Gordon's name on the Ring of Honour.
Gary Beauchamp assisted on the first goal ever scored in the St. James Civic Centre. Also, Deer Lodge goalie
In 1968, the sponsorless Canadian Ladies Curling Championship (now called the Scotties) was held at the St. James Civic Centre. Joan Whalley led a strong organizing committee. The 1968 event was a resounding success. Joan was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame and the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame. Mae Corbett, Dorothy McClure, and Muriel Ross worked in the St. James Civic Centre Canteen. Rick Brownlee the recently retired Manitoba Sports Hall of fame Executive Director lived on Guildford for five years.
Doug Stanes was a great constituency politician. The friendly Stanes won almost every election that he contested. In the 1966 Manitoba Provincial Election, Stanes defeated Liberal Lloyd Axworthy. No other Conservative politician ever defeated Lloyd Axworthy. Aiden Conklin served over 30 years as a School Trustee. Conklin was involved in the necessary postWorld War 2 construction of new schools.
There are many school-related Guildford Street memories of the post war era. In the August 27, 1955 Winnipeg Tribune, Gerald Scott and Gerald Rose of Guild-
ford Street are pictured preparing for Grade 1. Hazel Saddler and Kathleen Wright were schoolteachers. The St. James Assiniboia School Division Office building at 2574 Portage Avenue is named in honour of Mr. Conklin.
Dennis Lloyd was the United Firefighters Union Chief. In 2014, Llyod received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal Award. Robert Smith served as Winnipeg Fire Fighter for 34 years, retiring as a Captain. Robert's son John Smith also retired as a Captain in the Fire Department. Danny McClure was a Transit Supervisor. McClure was stationed at Polo Park ensuring that buses kept running on time. Dr. James O'Toole was a co-founder of the Assiniboine Clinic. Archibald Saddler received a ruby ring from Greyhound Bus for accidentfree driving. Pastors Maurice McLuhan and Russell Vickers and their families lived in the Guildford Street Deer Lodge United Manse. During my political adventures, Rick Kurowski produced my customized t-shirts. Richard Ebbitt, Marjorie Ebbitt, Muriel Ross, and Joyce French are members of the St. James Eaton’s Hall of Fame. The St. James Eaton’s Hall of Fame currently has 191 members and counting.
The close proximity to the Deer Lodge Hospital created issues. Since 2013, there has been a sign at the corner of Guildford and Lodge requesting that Deer Lodge Hospital employees not smoke on Guildford Street.
The story of Guildford Street would not be complete without mentioning one of its earliest residents. Matthew Snow was Canada's Grain Commissioner. Mr. Snow died in 1930, and Snow Street in Fort Garry is named in his memory.
Fred Morris is a Grandfather, Sports Fan and Political Activist.
Lori Blande Life Lease News
Deputy Min Dunford, Robin, Kennedy.
Fred Morris From the desk of a gadfly
Remembering Juliette and Gisèle
In the 1950s, Winnipeg boasted being the hometown of several national and international singing stars. The biggest among them were Juliette and Gisèle MacKenzie.
From the mid 1950s to mid 60s, no Canadian celebrity shone brighter than “Our pet Juliette.” The Winnipegborn singer and CBC television star, known by her first name only, remains dear to Canadians. “It was kind of nice to be known by the one name,” she told me from her home in Vancouver. “I still get recognized today. Older people get tears in their eyes meeting me because of the memories for them.” Anne Murray once said of Juliette, “She was the epitome of a star.”
Born in St. Vital to immigrant parents in 1926, Juliette Augustina Sysak was raised to age 8 on Aberdeen Avenue in the North End. Her father was a cook on the CNR. “I remember the big ditches, the horse-drawn carts and the women running behind the horses collecting the manure for their gardens or for the fire.” Her singing career also got its start here. “I sang at the Ukrainian Hall and at amateur shows and won them. I was just a little girl then.” But her professional career took off once the family moved to Vancouver. At age 13 she was singing at the Hotel Vancouver. “I was making more money than my father. Those were very tough times then. At 14, I had a fur coat.”
In 1941, Juliette made the move to CBC radio. “I had a couple of offers to
go to the States. One was with Harry James’s band. I took an offer to go to Toronto to appear on Holiday Ranch.” She never looked back. Married to manager Tony Cavazzi she became known as “Our pet Juliette” during her regular stint on Billy O’Connor’s CBC TV The Late Show. In 1956 she was given her own national television series, Juliette, which ran for 10 seasons as one of CBC’s most popular TV shows (only Hockey Night In Canada and the national news topped her in ratings) making her among Canada’s most recognized stars. “The CBC created a great show with beautiful sets, gorgeous costumes and music for about $10,000. The Dinah Shore Show in the US cost $100,000 an episode. We were working with nothing yet we were able to turn out a classy show week after week.”
Among her favourite guests were Tony Bennett and Jack Jones.
It was the golden era of live television and because her show followed Hockey Night In Canada, she never knew until the game ended how much time she’d have. “We’d all be watching the game and if it ran longer, we’d say, ‘Okay, we’re cutting the second number’. Because it was live, everyone – the band, backup singers and guests – all had to be ready in case we had to extend the show or cut it shorter. It really kept us on our toes. I loved it.”
She later hosted After Noon (196971) and Juliette and Friends (1973-75) for CBC TV. “The last time I performed
in Winnipeg was for a variety show and I had a wonderful time. They asked me if there was anything I wanted to see and I told them I wanted to see my old house in the North End. It was still there and pretty much the same, as if time stood still. I had a good cry.”
Juliette passed away on October 26, 2017 in Vancouver. She was 91.
Born and raised in St. Boniface (her father was a doctor and her brother Georges LaFleche went on to a successful singing career in Canada), singer and violinist Gisèle MacKenzie (born Gisèle Marie Louise Marguerite LaFleche) had her own CBC radio show before becoming one of early television’s biggest stars. After moving to Los Angeles in 1950, MacKenzie toured with Jack Benny (often playing violin duets with him), who recommended her for a spot on NBC’s Your Hit Parade. There, she sang the week’s top hits from 1953-57. She went on to star in her own Saturday
night NBC variety program, The Gisèle MacKenzie Show. She returned to weekly television in 1963 on The Sid Caesar Show. MacKenzie appeared frequently in Las Vegas venues and in numerous North American concerts and received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame at 1601 Vine.
MacKenzie releasing several albums throughout her career, her biggest selling song being “Hard To Get” in 1955. She also enjoyed success with “Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes” in 1953. She was given the title Canada’s first lady of song.
Possessing great comedic talent, she parodied her home town in a 1960 duet with Perry Como on his show that included igloos, dancing Inuit, and plenty of snow in the song “Way Up Yonder in Winnipeg” written and arranged by Ray Charles and Mitch Ayres.
Gisèle MacKenzie died of colon cancer in a Burbank, California hospital at age 76.
u Order of Manitoba recipient John Einarson introduces his latest book
Continued from page 1
John’s books and will be available for research permanently.
Words & Music: The Stories Behind the Books is a captivating exploration of Einarson’s journey through the world of music writing. In this reflective and revealing book, he revisits the iconic musicians and bands he has chronicled over the years, from Neil Young to Randy Bachman, Buffalo Springfield to The Flying Burrito Brothers, Steppenwolf to Love, and The Byrds to Ian & Sylvia. With
rare anecdotes, personal reflections, and insights into his meticulous research process, Einarson shares the challenges and joys of bringing these legendary stories to life. For fans of Einarson’s previous work and music lovers alike, Words & Music: The Stories Behind the Books offers a unique perspective on the art of biography. It’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of rock history and the narratives that have shaped our understanding of it.
Discover the untold stories behind the stories, as Order of Manitoba recipient John Einarson pulls back the curtains to reveal the fascinating and sometimes bizarre back stories to the researching and writing of each of his books.
John Einarson will be signing and selling copies of Words & Music: The Stories Behind The Books at Times Change(d) High and Lonesome Club, 234 Main Street on Saturday, October 12 from 1 to 4 pm.
Sri Lankan community
Chandani and I signed a Trust
Deed with the Dhramavijaya Foundation (DVF) on Feb. 17, 2008, at its head office in Colombo. We deposited a lump sum for an annual cash scholarship to a deserving student from Visakha Vidyalaya (Leading Girls School in Colombo) eligible to enter the Medical Faculty of any university in Sri Lanka. We did this to honour my late mother, Nerissa Subhadra Samarasinghe, and my late father, Sugathadasa Samarasinghe.
Not only did my wife study in Visakha but she also taught mathematics for more than 20 years. My only child, Rowanthi, completed her educational career in the same school.
The first cash award ceremony was held at my home in Colombo the day we had our annual Alms Giving ceremony in memory of my parents on March 3, 2008. Annually, 15 scholarships have been awarded and on Sept. 29, 2024, the 16th scholarship was offered by Most Ven. Hakmama Sumanasiri Thera Anusasaka (Advisor) DVF with the participation of the Board of Trustees. The student came with her mother for the scholarship ceremony. Chandani and I participated via Zoom.
Winnipeg Visakhians (Visakha Old Girls Association) was established on Feb. 17, 2024. First time in DVF history that a similar Trust Deed was signed
away from Sri Lanka with the Winnipeg Visakhians on May 25, 2024. Sunil Edirisinghe and Sanka Ediringhe: At Taste of Sri Lanka
As Shrima Bastians and Peter Bastians were not in Winnipeg, Shrima Bastians asked her sister Delani Alwis and her brother-in-law Siri Alwis to join us during lunch. Sunil Edirisinghe is fond of rice and curry. Therefore, I asked Sulari Hettiarachchi to prepare a less spicy meal for us.
Just after lunch all of us went to drop Sanka Edirisinghe off at the Winnipeg airport on Sept. 16th 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Most Ven. (Loku Swaminwahanse) Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera: Winnipeg Visit
Siri Gautama Buddha Great Stupa: Offer to Gautama Buddha Sasana With short notice, Most Ven. (Loku Swaminwahanse) informed us that he would be visiting Mahamevnawa Bud-
dhist Monastery in Winnipeg on Sept. 21, 22 and 23, 2024.
During his brief visit MBM planned a few devoted events. One of which was that the existing Great Stupa was named as Siri Gautama Buddha Great Stupa and to offer to Gautama Buddha Sasana was one of them. This was held on Sept 22, at 9:30 a.m. by the side of Stupa followed by Free Food lunch.
Ven. Loku Swaminwahanse performed the schedule programme with well attended devotees. On Sept. 22, 2024, we participated in morning and lunch almsgiving including Ven. Loku Swaminwahanse and the two Monks who accompanied with him from Toronto. Two resident Monks from Winnipeg also joined.
In 2014, I met Most Ven Thera’s main MBM in Polgahawela, Sri Lanka with late Eng. Gamini Silva and Tissa Gunawardeana (my cousin).
John Einarson Winnipeg City of Song
Juliet te (left) and Gisèle (right).
Senaka Samarasinghe
Your present has changed their future
I’m sharing my immense gratitude and pride as Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, and our dedicated community of support, celebrate the incredible impact of the five-year Better Futures campaign on child health and pediatric research. .
It is remarkable how the community can create success. We at the Foundation have seen incredible support over the past five years from people wanting to #GiveBetterFutures to kids who need care and services at Children’s Hospital. It makes me tear up from gratitude for donors.
Because of donors we are blessed to see many of the areas complete, in progress, or being prepped to get started. This donor-driven fundraising effort has been possible thanks to unwavering support of many generous community members. Our campaign co-chairs, Nancy Cipryk and Kirsten McConnell, and honourary chairs Barb and Gerry Price, have also helped lead our community to this amazing accomplishment.
- New Travis Price Children’s Heart Centre (funded and operational) supporting 6,000 kids a year needing cardiac care in Manitoba
Better Futures impacts for kids who need treatment and care include:
- New Paul Albrechtsen Catheterization Diagnostic Lab (funded and operational) with equipment to evaluate several heart conditions
- New Fluoroscopy Diagnostic Lab unit with state of art Fluoroscopy Machine (funded and operational)
- Remote monitored beds and infrastructure (fully funded, partially operational)
- Child & Adolescent mental health playspace (outdoor) (funded and operational) and (indoor) (funded and construction underway)
- Indigenous Community Healing Space (Phase 1 funded) to provide families with a safe space for healing while they’re away from their home community and cultural supports
- Leading-edge pediatric research at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba in areas like diabetes, mental health, pediatric oncology, autism and more
- Critical equipment like Babyleo incubators for tiny babies who need the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Hoyer lifts to safely move patients in hospital
- Innovative programs like the Speech & Language Therapy Day Camp for kids living with craniofacial differences
- So much more!
These transformations in child health care are all thanks to the generosity of our community, stepping up to make meaningful change for families who need Manitoba’s only children’s hospital. On behalf of the Foundation team and the families we serve - we thank you! Your present has changed their future.
We know the work is far from done – with HSC Children’s being one of the oldest children’s hospitals in Canada, it requires ongoing renovations and new equipment to keep up excellence in care for kids, and there are many more breakthroughs in pediatric health that our researchers can find for kids.
But for this moment, we celebrate how Better Futures donors are transforming child health care and research.
Learn more about YOUR impact at goodbear.ca/ BetterFuturesNews
Stefano Grande is the president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
Emergency care for our four-legged friends
It’s 2024, and let’s face it. In this day and age, pets are family. That being said, our pets sometimes have a mind of their own and like to get up to all sorts of shenanigans. It is often only a matter of time before one gets into something they shouldn’t or hurts themselves in some way.
Just like in human health care, veterinary care has different levels of urgency. There are those wellness appointments where vaccines are given, weights are gathered, and you can discuss changes or concerns that you have noted over long periods of time with your veterinary team. There are more urgent appointments where your pet is uncomfortable such as limping, having diarrhea, or scratching at an ear. And then there are true emergencies where your pet is seizing, having difficulty breathing, or is so lethargic they are barely responding.
It is these emergencies that we wanted
No, I’m not Mel Brooks but borrowing his line (slightly modified) from the movie works for this issues subject. We will discuss Geocaching without data.
Some people do not have a cell phone or if they do, it is used for phone and texting only. Data is expensive especially if you want to use it across the border to the south. The providers charge anywhere from twelve to fifteen dollars a day to use data in the US. You can use Wi-Fi in a hotel room, coffee shop, grocery store or any number of locations for free. Let’s talk about using this to replace data.
to talk about this month. If we again make a comparison to human health care, there are also different types of veterinary clinics. Most are day practices which are open at least business hours, and usually extend into some evenings and weekends, like your family doctor. Some are open longer but not necessarily overnights and accept walk-ins, like the urgent care clinics. And some are true emergency hospitals open 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.
While your regular veterinarian can handle at least basic care for most conditions, there are many instances where you may be referred to one of these emergency hospitals. It is important to understand that this isn’t because your pet isn’t important. You aren’t being redirected because your veterinarian doesn’t want to help your pet, or because they don’t value their relationship with you. In truth, triage is constantly occurring in all clinics and all
premium. The caches need to be loaded one at a time and once you find it you need to return to Wi-Fi and load another one. This can be done with a computer or with Wi-Fi directly.
A premium account is so much simpler as you can create a list and download it for the search. To do this you need to first create a list of the caches you would like to find. Your best bet is to create several lists each one dedicated to certain areas or time slots to cover the area(s) you need to be without data. I usually do this on the computer first as it is easier than creating a list with your phone. Just remember that you cannot add to or create a list without data or Wi-Fi.
hospitals all the time, and veterinary care is no different. Did you know that many day practices don’t have oxygen kennels to care for an extended respiratory emergency? Or that some don’t carry all of the antidotes, pain medications, and emergency drugs that the emergency hospitals do? In addition, many (most) close at night and can’t hospitalize an animal in critical condition.
This triage must occur on the fly at the point of contact when a call is first placed. Is it 100% accurate? No, of course not. Everyone is doing their best. Sometimes you will come in and subsequently be transferred if a more in-depth assessment is judged to be necessary, or if treatment is judged to be too intensive. Again, this is in line with what is experienced in human health care. The reality is that sometimes, the emergency hospital truly is THE best place for your pet. With that in mind, if you are being directed to one of the urgent or emergency hospitals, please be kind. The person you are talking to has made a recommendation based on your description of the problem and the capacity of the clinic at that point in time.
If you’ve never had to use one of these emergency hospitals you may not know how valuable they are, but they truly save lives every day. These facilities are run by caring, knowledgeable individuals who give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to be there for you. If your pet is stable and can wait until your regular veterinarian is open, they are likely not the best place for you. Further, they are likely to redirect you to your regular day practice for any less urgent, more chronic management. But when a true emergency happens, they are a lifeline.
In Winnipeg, we are lucky enough to have two emergency hospitals: The Winnipeg Animal Emergency Hospital, and Bridgwater Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center. They are open all day, every day, to serve you. Though, of course, we hope you never have to don’t be afraid to use them if you do.
Until next time fellow paw print loving friends
Silver Heights Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the Winnipeg region, and is located on Ness Avenue in St. James. Contact them at 204-504-5600 or visit their website at silverheightsvethospital.ca
The easiest way to avoid using data is to use a GPS receiver. It doesn’t even matter if you have basic or premium for this method although with premium lists can be created which make it easy to load caches into the GPSr. Loading the caches into the GPSr utilizing a computer is about the easiest method.
Geocaching without data using a basic account is much more difficult than with
You can create several lists on your account and download them when you need to. Although possible to load several lists onto your phone the caches won’t be kept separate once in the phone and data is turned off. This can be a bit difficult for searching for a single cache. Your phone in gps mode will still be able to give you the closest one.
To get the ability to use the list offline you need either data or Wi-Fi. Open the geocaching app and look for the “lists” on the screen, tap on it. All the lists that you had created earlier should now be on your screen. They all should have the circle with the three dots in it beside the title (this depends on the type of phone and the app you are using). Choose the list that you want to use and tap that dot. There should be three lines in the screen that opens. Tap on “Download Offline Data”. Within a few seconds it will download your data and maps. You are ready to go.
Now, to use this in an area where there is data but you don’t want to pay extra for using it you need to do more. If it is just an area where there are not any communication towers you don’t need to do any more.
As you approach an area that is going to cost more, your provider will send you a cheerful message that you are entering such an area and offer to provide you with access to data for a daily price. Some people do have cross border data usage with their plans, but the majority don’t. At this point you need to turn the provider off.
Open your phone, go to settings and put it into airplane (flight) mode. The
provider is now gone.
Now you need to (while still in your settings) turn the Wi-Fi back on as the process of turning on airplane mode automatically turns off both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You are ready to go.
Practice using this before you actually need it. This information is generally for an Android with the Geocaching.com app and may be different on others, but not too far off.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind. You should bring a piece of paper and as a cacher you should already have a pen or pencil. This is to keep track of the caches you did find. You also cannot add any caches while in airplane mode for the one that someone else may show you…
Most phones will allow you to take a photo while in airplane mode though (not while doing an adventure lab though. More on that in a later issue.)
A huge thank you to Rose (Sword of Justice) for allowing me to use her research for this article.
Let me know if you tried this out and if you have an Apple or different app, how well it worked. See you on the trail. Gary Brown is the President of the Manitoba Geocaching Association (MBGA) and can be reached at mbgaexec@outlook.com.
Healthy Pet
Stefano Grande Healthy Living
Gary Brown Geocaching
Time is not just a magazine
Once again, in my never-ending quest to purge my basement of stuff I no longer need, or more to the point, no longer want, I came across a storage box with about 15 books I must have felt were important to me. They no longer are. Among the hard covers, soft covers, pocket books, text books and a rhyming dictionary I haven’t seen, let alone used, for decades, was a book titled It’s About Time. It’s filled with hundreds of fascinating facts about how we spend it, fill it, buy it, and defy it. I can’t substantiate any of the following facts as thirty years have passed since the book was first published but nonetheless I read them as an interesting way to pass the time or … was I wasting time? But then again, time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
• More than 41% of Canadians volunteer their time each year. The numbers drop as the population ages primarily for mobility issues. Keep fit.
• People who celebrate their seventy-fifth birthday have an average life expectancy of 85.9 years.
• The average person spends 2 years of his or her life listening to the list of daily specials at a restaurant.
• The average male spends about 3,500 hours shaving during their life. Is that time well spent? If left to grow, the average beard could grow to more than 27 feet. So, yes, it’s worth it.
• During the average person’s life, a year is spent looking for misplaced items. (I’ve already reached that milestone since wearing reading glasses).
• By the time those kids who were
The Journal
born in 1990 reach 70 years of age, the world population will be approximately 10.8 billion in 2060.
• The average marriage in Canada last 15 years.
• The book I referred to is so outdated it states that kitchen stoves and refrigerators would last 15 years. Ask any appliance salesperson now and they will say “about 10”.
• CBC’s The National is the longest running Canadian news program having been broadcasting since 1954 (70 years).
• Canadian folks have lost nearly 550 million dollars in telephone scams last year.
Here are some timely quotes about time:
“Better three days too soon than one minute too late.”
“If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”
“For disappearing acts, it’s hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work.”
“You’ve got to make it a priority to make your priorities a priority.”
“Realize that if you have time to whine and complain about something, the you have the time to do something about it.”
“Waste you money and you’re only out of money, but waste your time and you’ve lost a part of your life.”
Gee, where does the time go? Time to wrap things up for another month. So, I’ll end with this:
Almost two million Canadians got the flu last year. Just about time to start thinking about getting the flu and Covid shot when available. If you don’t, you might be in for an unpleasant time.
Always remember: Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
Oh and, thinking about time … don’t forget to set your clocks back on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 2:00 A.M.
Listen to Jim’s podcasts on Lifestyles 55 Digital Radio. Find Radio Redux, and Mid-Century Memories at www.whatsupwinnipeg.ca/lifestyles-55digital-radio/
The following story is part a new feature, a fictional work by our columnist Wayne Weedon, The Journal. Wayne is a brilliant writer whose style consists of simple declarative statements that stick in your mind as he leads you through an intricate web of circumstances to reach the lesson he set out to teach.
The Journal
Pregnant and deserted by her lover, a young girl moves in with her grandfather. When the baby boy is born, the grandfather agrees to look after him so his granddaughter may go to work. Despite the age difference, the relationship between the boy and his great-grandfather was more like two siblings than that of an adult and child. As this boy grew into a young man, he loved to look back and tell stories about his great-grandfather, whom he always called “Pops”.
Hank, a former Blood Indian from Alberta, gave Pops a handwritten journal. Pops gave it to his great-grandson, asking him to read it. It became a lesson in history.
May 30, 1947
Just as Tom Anderson did, she stood when she spoke, “I have been saddened by the stories we have been sharing. For a short time, I too was in residential school. I too was enslaved by these godless creatures.” Every person in the audience sat in silence with nobody showing any emotion as she continued her blasphemous diatribe, “They told us God created man in his own image and this God is a white man. I am telling you, these foreigners have created a god in their own image, and they expect us to worship this god. How conceited are they?”
She surveyed the room while rubbing her hand gently along the well-worn stick, pausing between sentences so her words could sink in, “These nuns, priests and other confederates profess to believe in this invented god. If they really believed what they preach, would they act in the ways they have been acting? Would nuns slip probing hands under blankets to rub innocent children’s genitals? Would priests impregnate our young daughters? Would our children be beaten until they are comatose and dying? Would half of the population of a school die from malnutrition and disease over one winter? If these people really believed in what they have been preaching, they would be afraid of being condemned to Hell, and they would change their ways. Evidently these people do not believe in Hell nor in God.”
She paused a long while, but she wasn’t finished, “At one of our meetings, Tom alluded to our forbearers’ beliefs. He spoke about soaring with the eagles. We have forgotten how to do this. Why have we forgotten? It is because a people who have enslaved us have filled our minds with garbage so that there now is no room for the truth.” Slowly her eyes went from person to person. I believed, and I am certain everyone else in the meeting also believed, she was aiming her words straight at me, “We are led to believe, this god whom they tell us about is universal. In truth, most people in this world have never heard of their god, their Jesus Christ or their Bible. But most of the people in this world have a belief in the transmigration of souls. For generations our people have believed that souls seek a new body to dwell in when their body expires. Most people in this world agree with us, but these enslavers have outlawed our beliefs and have punished us for not agreeing with what they preach. Traditionally, we have no dogmas. We believe everyone has the right to imagine and to think without interference or criticism.”
Again she paused before resuming, “In the laws of
this land, we, the native people whom they refer to as Indians, are officially wards of the Crown. We are, in their affirmations, children who are unable to handle our own affairs or think for ourselves. Our forbearers believed people must do two things to obtain happiness and contentment. They must first imagine, and secondly, they must think. Our enslavers have taken away our freedom to do either one of these acts. Because we have lost hope, we have lost our ability to imagine, and they took control of our thinking. The residential school system successfully accomplished their goals by extinguishing all hope in our hearts and subduing our ability to think.”
The cat was now out of the bag. We agreed, from now on, we would freely talk about things which our oppressors have banned us from mentioning. But I knew, like it has been in the past, we are not able to discuss certain things in the open. Indians are still wards of the Crown, and like any slave; we have the choice either to go along with things or suffer the consequences. It was decided, we will pretend to go along with their rules, but, at our meetings, it will be different. It is the only way to change our predicament.
June 6, 1 947
Today, she spoke again. The meeting was moving into its second hour when she took hold of the stick. Once more, she stood and surveyed the crowd before beginning her speech, “When I was five years old, I went to residential school. It was not pleasant. I will not go into details. It would only be a repetition of what we have heard over the past several weeks. In short, the authorities have repeatedly swept everything under the carpet, and they will continue to sweep until they have silenced everyone who remembers. They will have reached their goal when everyone who remembers is dead.
The Allied forces are now putting Nazis in Germany on trial for war crimes. They are putting some of these Nazis to death. But, when these Allies condemned Adolph Hitler, Hitler answered this condemnation by asking the world if any society could honestly say their history showed their actions to be different from Germany’s actions. The answer to this question would of course be no. I have seen the official documents which indicate that Adolph Hitler was raised as a Catholic, baptised in a Catholic church, and was confirmed a true Catholic through his partaking in Holy Communion. To this day, Hitler still considers himself to be a good Catholic while he enjoys his new life in South America. Good Christian countries such as England, Spain, Portugal, France, and the Vatican have done no differently than Hitler’s Germany, which is another good Christian country. The citizens of all the countries mentioned, have murdered, raped, tortured, enslaved and robbed non-Christians. All these conquerors have professed they are good Christians doing God’s work. This has been their excuse for their greed and lust for blood.”
She bent down and picked up a book. From its shape and limp leather binding with well worn gold lettering, we all recognised this book to be the Holy Bible. She rested the spine of this book on one palm and let the
pages fall to either side. She flipped a couple of pages and then began to read:
And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire. And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts. And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Jericho.
And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.
After a brief pause, while she surveyed the silent audience, she continued, “That is just a sample of the war monger of a god who is in this book. Is there anyone here who still believes in their god after reading this book? I have read this book from cover to cover, and the quote which I have given you is just a small sample of how this god has ordered his people to treat their enemies. Do we want this kind of god? I for one find much more comfort in my forbearers’ beliefs.”
With extended fingers, she snatched a few pages and flipped them back. Again, she read:
So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.
Again, she paused while scanning the audience before she continued, “According to the Bible, God has commanded the proceeding acts of genocide to be committed.” She raised her voice as she repeated, “GOD … HAD … COMMANDED … THIS ACT OF GENOCIDE.” She surveyed the audience. All were dead silent.
She has decided, she will start a school, “These people must get a proper education so they can know and understand the truth and not the hogwash which has been their daily diet. They must understand, we all have Power within ourselves. Today, we are fully dependent on our government. By utilising our inner Power, we can become independent. We will take charge of our own lives and our own futures. Through education we will gain our freedom. I have decided, I will be their teacher. I will start a school.”
Next Month: The Journal Continued. Wayne Douglas Weedon is a Manitoba author who writes a combination of fictional and factual stories, essays, and novels.
Jim Ingebrigtsen
Creative Retirement Manitoba Inc. 204-481-5030, hello@crcentre.ca www.crcentre.ca
WINNIPEG
20 Fort Street Seniors Club
2200-20 Fort Street / FortStSeniors@Shaw.ca
Manitoba Association of Senior Communities
Rady Jewish Community Centre 123 Doncaster Street / 204-477-7539 lmarjovsky@radyjcc.com / www.radyjcc.com
Crescent Fort Rouge 55 Plus 525 Wardlaw Ave. / 204-299-9919 cfruc55Plus@gmail.com www.crescentfortrouge.ca
Dakota Community Centre 1188 Dakota Street / 204-254-1010 ext. 217 seniorresources@dakotacc.com www.dakotacc.com
Dufferin Senior Citizens Inc.
377 Dufferin Avenue / 204-986-2608
Elmwood East Kildonan Active Living Centre 180 Poplar Avenue / 204-669-0750 healthrelations@chalmersrenewal.org chalmersrenewal.org
Fort Garry Seniors Resource Council 200 - 270 Donald Street / 204-792-1913 fortgarry@aosupportservices.ca www.aosupportservices.ca/resources/seniorsresource-finders
Golden Rule Seniors Resource Centre 625 Osborne Street / 204-306-1114 goldenrule@swsrc.ca facebook.com/goldenruleseniors
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre 720 Henderson Hwy / 204-669-1710 admin@gnalc.ca / www.gnalc.ca
Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre 1588 Main Street / 204-339-1701 becky@gwensecter.com / www.gwensecter.com
Indigenous Senior Resource Centre Inc. A1- 100 Robinson Avenue / 204-586-4595 executivedirector@isrcwpg.ca www.asrcwpg.ca
Manitoba Korean 55+ Centre 900-150 River Avenue 204-996-7003 / www.ksam.ca
North Centennial Seniors Association of Winnipeg Inc. 86 Sinclair Street / 204-582-0066 ncsc@shaw.ca / www.ncseniors.ca North Point Douglas Seniors Association 49 Euclid Ave. / 204-880-1655
Pembina Active Living (55+) 170 Fleetwood Rd. / 204-946-0839 office@pal55plus.ca / www.pal55plus.ca
The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre 51 Morrow Avenue / 204-946-9153 sheila.keys@salvationarmy.ca
South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council 117-1 Morley Ave / 204-478-6169 resources@swsrc.ca / www.swsrc.ca
Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association 204-291-7798 / wcsa.wpg@hotmail.com www.winnipegchineseseniors.ca
Y.A.H. Seniors Club Windsor Community Centre, 99 Springside Dr. 204-233-0648 / yah@windsorcc.ca
BEYOND WINNIPEG
BEAUSEJOUR
Beau-Head Senior Centre 645 Park Avenue 204-268-2444 / beauhead@mymts.net
BINSCARTH / RUSSELL
Senior Services of Banner County 204-532-2391 seniorservicesofbannercounty@gmail.com
BOISSEVAIN
Seniors’ Services of the Turtle Mountain Area seniorservicetm@gmail.com / 204-534-6816
BRANDON
Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op Inc. 311 Park Avenue E / 204-571-2050 reception@brandons4s.ca www.brandons4s.ca
Health Checks - 204-728-1842 brandonmbhealthchecks.ca healthchecksbrandon@gmail.com
CARMAN
Carman Active Living Centre 47 Ed Belfour Drive / 204-745-2356 www.activelivingcentrecarman.ca
CRANBERRY PORTAGE
Jubilee Recreation of Cranberry Portage Legion Hall 217 2nd Ave. SE / 204-271-3081
CRYSTAL CITY
Crystal City & District Friendship Club Inc. 117 Broadway St. / 431-867-0122 crystalcityfriendship@gmail.com
DAUPHIN
Dauphin Active Living Centre Inc. 55 1st Avenue SE / 204-638-6485 www.dauphinseniors.com
DELORAINE
Deloraine Community Club Inc.
111 South Railway Ave E / 204-747-2846
Seniors’ Outreach Services of BrenWin Inc. 204-747-3283 sosbrenwin@gmail.com / sosbrenwin.com
GILBERT PLAINS
Gilbert Plains and District Community Resource Council Inc. / 204-548 4131 gpdcrc@mymts.net / gpseniors.ca
Gilbert Plains Drop In Centre 22 Main Street North / 204-548-2210
GIMLI
Gimli New Horizons 55+ Centre 17 North Colonization Road 204-642-7909 / gimli55@mts.net www.gimlinewhorizons.com
GLADSTONE
Gladstone Seniors Inc. 32 Morris Ave. North / 204-385-2205
GRAND MARAIS
Grand Marais & District Seniors 36058 PTH 12 / gmdseniors@gmail.com www.gmdseniors.ca
GRANDVIEW
Grandview Seniors Drop In 432 Main Street / 204-546-2272
HAMIOTA
Hamiota 55+ Centre & Restore Community Co-op Inc. 44 Maple Avenue / 204-764-2658
KILLARNEY
Killarney New Horizons Centre 520 Mountain Avenue www.killarneymbseniors.ca
Killarney Service for Seniors 415 Broadway / 204-523-7115 seniorservice@killarney.ca
LA BROQUERIE and STE. ANNE Seine River Services for Seniors Inc./ Services Rivière Seine pour aînés Inc. 93 Principale Street 204-424-5285 / labseinerss@gmail.com seineriverservicesforseniors.ca
LUNDAR
Lundar Community Resources 35 Main Street / 204-762-5378 lcrc@mymts.net
MANITOU
Pembina Community Resource Council 315 Main Street 204-242-2241 / pembinacrc@gmail.com
MINNEDOSA
Minnedosa Senior Citizens Assoc. 31 Main Street S 204-867-1956 / mdsasca@gmail.com
MORDEN
Morden Activity Centre 306 N Railway Street / 204-822-3555 mordenactivitycentre@gmail.com www.mordenseniors.ca
NEEPAWA
Neepawa Drop In Centre 310 Davidson Street / 204-476-5103 Neepawa-dropin@outlook.com www.neepawa.ca/district-drop-in-center
NOTRE DAME DE LOURDES Club D’age Dor Notre Dame ndslchezsoi@gmail.com / 204-248-7291
PILOT MOUND
Pilot Mound Fellowship Centre 203 Broadway Avenue / 204-825-2873
PLUMAS
Plumas Seniors Citizens Club Inc. 102 White Street / 204-386-2029
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Herman Prior Senior Services Centre 40 Royal Road N. / 204-857-6951 hermanpriorcentre@gmail.com www.hermanprior.com
Portage Service for Seniors 40A Royal Road N. / 204-239-6312
East Beaches Resource Centre 3 Ateah Road / 204-756-6471 ebresourcec@gmail.com ebresourcec.weebly.com
VIRDEN Seniors Access to Independent Living 204-851-2761 / sail.cao.2023@gmail.com
WINKLER
Winkler & District MP Senior Centre 102-650 South Railway Avenue 204-325-8964 director@winklerseniorcentre.com www.winklerseniorcentre.com
Crony Capitalism: How political favouritism deepens inequality
The divide between the wealthy and the rest of the population continues to grow at an alarming rate. Today, many of the world's economies are shaped by crony capitalism – an economic system where business success is influenced by close relationships between business leaders and government officials. This form of capitalism leads to preferential treatment, such as subsidies, tax breaks, and favourable regulations, which ultimately distort market dynamics and deepen inequality.
Recent data from the World Bank and other economic institutions show that despite overall economic growth, the wealth gap continues to widen. In 2024, around 692 million people are still living on less than $2.15 per day (Global Poverty Update, World Bank, 2024). This stark contrast between economic growth and persistent poverty raises fundamental questions about the role of crony capitalism in hindering equitable economic development.
about an unfair playing field.
Romel Dhalla On The Money
Crony capitalism refers to a system where the success of businesses depends on close relationships with government officials rather than on market competitiveness. This relationship results in policies that benefit certain companies, giving them an unfair advantage while stifling competition, innovation, and broader economic growth.
According to the Hoover Institution, crony capitalism is pervasive in both developing and developed economies, often benefiting politically connected businesses at the expense of broader economic development (Crony Capitalism: A Path to Middle Income?, Hoover Institution, 2024). This type of favoritism creates a skewed market, where resources are distributed based on political influence rather than on productivity or innovation.
A notable example of crony capitalism in Canada is the federal government’s financial support of Bombardier Inc. Over the years, Bombardier has received substantial financial assistance from the Canadian government, including a CAD $372.5 million loan in 2017. Despite this financial support, Bombardier continued to struggle, eventually selling parts of its aerospace division. The repeated government bailouts have been criticized for favoring a politically connected corporation at the expense of fair competition, as smaller firms and other industries do not receive similar support (Canada’s Bombardier Bailout, CBC News, 2017; Government Subsidies and Economic Inefficiencies, Financial Post, 2020). This selective assistance distorts the market and raises concerns
Another example involves government spending on so-called "green energy" initiatives. The Ontario government’s Green Energy Act, introduced in 2009, aimed to position the province as a leader in renewable energy. However, the act faced significant criticism for its execution. Longterm contracts with renewable energy producers were set at prices significantly above market rates, leading to billions in costs for taxpayers. The Auditor General of Ontario reported that consumers paid an estimated CAD $9.2 billion more for renewable energy because of these inflated contracts, highlighting how politically motivated decisions can lead to inefficient use of public funds and preferential treatment for connected companies (Annual Report, Auditor General of Ontario, 2015; Ontario's Green Energy Missteps, National Post, 2016).
Crony capitalism is not unique to Canada; it exists worldwide. In countries such as India and Russia, crony capitalism has allowed certain industries to thrive while stifling competition and limiting opportunities for small businesses (The Rise of Crony Capitalism, The Economist, 2023). In India, politically connected conglomerates have received preferential treatment in terms of land acquisition, regulatory approvals, and tax benefits, which has led to increased economic disparities and hindered smaller companies' ability to compete.
The fundamental issue with crony capitalism is that it undermines meritocracy. Rather than resources being allocated based on efficiency and productivity, they are distributed based on political influence, which distorts competition and reduces the overall quality of goods and services. As a result, inequality deepens, with wealth concentrated among a few powerful individuals and companies.
The World Economic Forum reports that the top five wealthiest individuals have doubled their wealth since 2020, while over 5 billion people are poorer than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic (2023 in Nine Charts: A Growing Inequality, World Economic Forum, 2024). This growing divide is partly due to the influence of powerful corporations on policymaking. Corporate lobbying and political donations create an environment where policies are tailored to benefit the wealthy, reducing opportunities for fair competition and widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
Corporate influence on policymaking is a sig-
nificant barrier to reducing inequality. Corporations often use their economic power to lobby for favorable regulations, tax breaks, and subsidies. This influence skews policies in favor of the wealthy, reducing the government’s ability to invest in public goods that benefit the broader population.
Globally, the influence of corporations on policy is evident in the way trade agreements and regulatory frameworks are shaped. Large multinational corporations often push for deregulation, which allows them to operate with fewer restrictions, often at the expense of workers' rights and environmental standards (2023 in Nine Charts: A Growing Inequality, World Economic Forum, 2024). This has led to a situation where the profits of large corporations continue to grow, while wages for workers remain stagnant and working conditions deteriorate.
Addressing the challenges posed by crony capitalism requires systemic change. Governments must implement policies that promote fair competition, limit corporate influence, and enhance transparency in political processes. Reducing corporate lobbying power, implementing stricter regulations on political donations, increasing political remuneration while reducing the number of politicians, and ensuring transparency in government contracts are crucial steps in mitigating the influence of crony capitalism.
The path forward requires a commitment from policymakers to prioritize the well-being of all citizens, not just the wealthy elite. This means moving away from crony capitalism towards policies that promote inclusive growth, reduce inequality, and ensure sustainable development. Governments must be willing to adopt more transparent approaches, reduce the influence of corporations on political decisions, and implement fairer taxation.
The need for reform is urgent. Only by tackling the roots of crony capitalism can we hope to create a fairer economic system—one where economic opportunity is accessible to all and where growth benefits everyone, not just a select few.
Romel Dhalla, is President of Dhalla Advisory Corp., provides strategic corporate finance advice to companies and high net worth individuals and was a portfolio manager and investment advisor with two major Canadian banks for 17 years. Contact him at romel@dacorp.ca. Any views or opinions represented in this article are personal and belong solely to the author and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
