City briefs

Manitoba in dire need of physicians

Doctors Manitoba has warned the province of an increasing physician shortage, estimating that 360 doctors are needed to meet the per capita average in Canada. In the next three years, an expected 43 per cent of doctors are planning to retire, leave Manitoba or reduce their clinical hours.

New shelter for Muslim families

On Oct. 13, Sakeenah Homes, a Winnipeg shelter addressing the needs of Muslim women and families, opened its doors to the public. The shelter will support Muslim women experiencing domestic violence and abuse while providing religiously and culturally sensitive resources.

Counter-protest at Drag Queen Story Hour

More than 100 people showed up in support of Scout Coffee + Tea’s drag-queen story hour on Oct. 29. The event was held at their North Kildonan location and featured three drag performers, who read to children and their families. Alex Krosney organized the rally of support to drown out a small crowd protesting Scout’s event.

Lowest voter turnout

Records show that only 37.5 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the Winnipeg municipal election. Desiree McIvor, a spokesperson for Make Poverty History Manitoba, says low-income people have less access to resources and proper identification to head to the polls. She also says more reconciliation efforts are needed between Indigenous communities and political leaders.

Boost in funding for Manitoba shelters

Premier Heather Stefanson pledged to increase funding for rental and transitional housing from $6.1 million to $15.1 million. Families Minister Rochelle Squires says federal funding for homeless shelters has not increased since 2009. The money will be distributed between emergency shelter services, transitional housing programs and outreach housing mentors.

A Conversation with Ryan Beardy

On Nov. 10, The Uniter Speaker Series and Indigenous Students’ Association will host A Conversation with Ryan Beardy at the West End Cultural Centre from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Beardy is a justice advocate, mentor, public speaker and freelance journalist based in Winnipeg. He will discuss the effects of colonization on Indigenous men and the path toward healing.

Published in Volume 77, Number 08 of The Uniter (November 3, 2022)

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