Stefanson steps down

Heather Stefanson, the former leader of the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives, officially stepped down on Jan. 15. She will remain in her position as Tuxedo’s MLA, which she has held since 2000. The caucus expects to name a new interim leader sometime this week, as the party voted on new leadership rules for the selection process, which is based on a points system.

Community shelter from the cold

For the third year, tipis will be set up outside Thunderbird House at 715 Main St. Sabe Peace Walkers will run the community care camps to provide 24-hour access to overnight warmth, basic necessities and traditional Indigenous teachings and ceremony. These camps will be set up for a minimum of four days in a row during extreme cold-weather warnings. People can also call 211 if they see someone struggling in the cold.

Security officers riding Transit

The first cohort of 21 security officers started their sixweek training in response to safety concerns on the city’s buses. Last year, Mayor Scott Gillingham announced the need for security officers to ride specific bus routes and patrol bus stops that often have the highest reported number of assaults. The City of Winnipeg says the officers will have the authority to detain people who are being violent and connect people in need with various social supports.

Family files human-rights complaint

The daughter of one of the slain victims police believe to be located in the Prairie Green landfill, north of Winnipeg, has filed two human-rights complaints. Cambria Harris, daughter of Morgan Harris, and family advocate Robyn Johnston have launched complaints in the Human Rights Code citing the Manitoba PC Party’s discriminatory campaign election ads and the current NDP provincial government’s alleged failure to allocate resources to the Brady Road and Prairie Green landfills.

Supports for survivors

The Province has invested $1.3 million in funding to Klinic Community Health and Ka Ni Kanichihk to create the Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Response Program. These organizations provide trauma-informed and culturally appropriate healthcare and will offer forensic nursing services, such as physical examinations, evidence collection and mental-health support to survivors who do not require emergency medical treatment.

Winnipeg turns 150

The City of Winnipeg marks 150 years since its first council meeting and civil election in 1874. The city was incorporated in 1873 with a population of roughly 2,000 people, covering five square kilometres of land. At the time, only 398 people were eligible to vote. City council is celebrating the anniversary with a Winnipeg 150 graphic designed by Jordan Stranger, a Cree visual artist from Peguis First Nation, and $50,000 in community grants.

Published in Volume 78, Number 14 of The Uniter (January 18, 2024)