CUPE Local 500 update

CUPE 500 membership of around 5,000 City of Winnipeg workers voted in favour of ratifying a $56 million deal. The contract, which was supported by 75 per cent of the membership, includes a 10.2 per cent wage increase over four years and a $900 signing bonus.

Library supports local creatives

The Winnipeg Public Library recently announced a new makers-in-residence program to support local crafters and visual, digital and media artists. The program is currently accepting applications. The future maker-in-residence will be expected to host weekly drop-in sessions to support budding artists in the community.

RRC Polytech to get new healthcare training centre

This week, the Manitoba government committed to dedicating more than $12.5 million toward building a healthcare training centre at Red River College Polytechnic. The funding will help establish a simulation centre and support 115 new nursing positions.

AMC elects first female Grand Chief

After an election on Oct. 26, Cathy Merrick made history by becoming the first female Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AMC). The election came following the ousting of former AMC leader Arlen Dumas for sexual-harassment allegations. Merrick was previously a councillor and former chief of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

PC government to pass hydro bill

Manitoba’s PC government is planning to pass Bill 36, the Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Public Utilities Board Amendment Act. This bill would limit the ability of the Public Utilities Board to criticize any increase to provincial hydro rates. Critics are saying this is a form of censorship and that it would change the way hydro rates are set in Manitoba.

Call for advisory council to support HSC staffing crisis

On Tuesday, the Manitoba Health Coalition (MHC) called on Premier Heather Stefanson to establish an advisory council to create solutions to the Health Sciences Centre staffing overload. Thomas Linner, provincial director of the MHC, suggested it be composed of frontline healthcare workers to address staff retention, working conditions and treatment capacity.

Published in Volume 77, Number 07 of The Uniter (October 27, 2022)