Province reinstates health care for refugees

Manitoba is stepping in and taking initiative by helping refugees access healthcare benefits cut by the federal government, the Winnipeg Free Press reports. “We don’t agree with the federal government’s cut because it’s hurting families and will lead to longer-term and more expensive problems,” Health Minister Theresa Oswald said. On June 30, the feds cut supplemental benefits for privately sponsored refugees’ access to healthcare during their first year in Canada, leaving their sponsors to foot the bill for prescription drugs, wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and more. Generally, the province only provides support for privately sponsored refugees if their sponsor has abandoned them.

Sinclair inquiry suspended - again

The inquiry into the death of five-year-old Phoenix Sinclair has been suspended again over concerns of whether witness interviews should be fully disclosed, the Winnipeg Free Press reports. Multiple child welfare authorities have asked the Court of Appeal to grant them access to full transcripts of the approximately 140 witnesses slated to testify. The agencies currently only have access to summaries. Justice Marc Monnin agreed to hear the case, though it is unknown when a ruling could be made so the inquiry can resume. Sinclair’s death has captured the attention and concern of Manitobans since 2005 when she was murdered by her mother and her mother’s boyfriend only months after Winnipeg Child and Family Services returned the little girl to her mother.

Katz admits buying company from Sheegl was a bad idea

Despite the fact Mayor Sam Katz maintains he did nothing wrong by buying a shell company from Winnipeg CAO and personal friend Phil Sheegl, he admits it wasn’t the best idea. The Winnipeg Free Press reported Katz purchased Duddy Enterprises LLC from Sheegl, Winnipeg’s chief administrative officer, in March for $1. “In retrospect, it would have been better for the mayor to set up his own new company,” Sheegl told the Free Press via email. “As I have said before, the mayor and I are not partners in any of my businesses.” There is no bylaw that prohibits business dealings between politicians and senior officials, however, the practice was not allowed under an old code of conduct. Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski) believes Sheegl should resign or be fired for his dealings with the mayor.

Manitoba drops rates on student loans

In a move to make education more affordable, the Manitoba government has dropped interest rates on student loans by 1.5 per cent to prime. The new rates came into effect Sept. 1 and will have an impact on more than 12,000 students with loans, according to the Winnipeg Free Press. Students can also make more money while studying. Prior to Sept. 1, students were only able to earn $50 per week without affecting their eligibility for student aid. That number has been raised to $100 per week.

Published in Volume 67, Number 3 of The Uniter (September 19, 2012)