Opinion

Feds must explain Métis commitment

By Jerry Storie 7 minute read Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

Manitobans, in fact all Canadians, should be concerned that a “treaty” is being signed to support another “nation” within Canada without discussion.

The new treaty has come into existence without consultation with First Nations or with the public. Is the “new” treaty just the recognition of the Red River Métis, or is it a precursor to establishing other Métis nations in other provinces? It seems likely that the treaty being signed will be considered a precedent for other Métis groups seeking similar recognition. What are the grounds for a new treaty?

Should we not expect that whatever obligations the government is undertaking on our behalf should at least be explained to us before documents are signed? Should we have a say on matters that may obligate us to yet-unknown costs and future problems? If an agreement is built on the notion of a Métis nation, shouldn’t we understand its underpinnings and rationale more clearly than most people do at the moment?

Most Canadians have never seen or read the essential texts that established our relationship with Indigenous people. The first, the 1763 Royal Proclamation, was issued after the French ceded Canada to the British after the defeat of the French colonists in Canada. The second, the numbered treaties, were signed by Indigenous leaders across the Prairies beginning in 1871 with the signing of Treaty 1 and concluding with Treaty 11, which ceded most of the Yukon, Northwest Territories and what is now Nunavut.

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Vigilantism can’t achieve what activism can

By Shannon Sampert 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

Luigi Mangione is in some circles being celebrated as a modern-day Robin Hood.

The 26-year-old stands accused in the slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York last week. Following news that Thompson had been gunned down moments before he was to attend a board meeting, social media erupted with postings of unbridled glee. Someone who was the face of an industry known for making despicable decisions that affect people’s lives had been taken out. Justice at long last.

Except, it’s not, of course. It’s not justice in any sense of the word.

There’s little doubt the health-care system in the United States creates unnecessary stress. The No. 1 reason for declaring bankruptcy in the U.S. is health-related debt. According to some studies, nearly one in five U.S. health-care claims is initially rejected by health-care companies.

Skip the alcohol this Christmas

4 minute read Preview

Skip the alcohol this Christmas

4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

Drinking alcohol can cause cancer.

The more you drink, the greater the risk to your health. This may come as a shock to many Manitobans, but the scientific evidence has been accumulating for years now.

As a result, CancerCare Manitoba is launching a provincewide campaign on Dec. 11 to raise awareness of the role alcohol has in developing cancer and to encourage alcohol-free drinking starting this holiday season. Our goal is to help prevent the shock and fear of a cancer diagnosis for Manitobans and their families in the years to come.

The evidence is undeniable. In a World Health Organization (WHO) publication last year, the authors cited a study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Its findings are sobering, “Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive and dependence producing substance and is a Group 1 carcinogen, according to the study.”

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Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

Old choices explain today’s housing crisis

By Raphaël Fischler 5 minute read Friday, Nov. 1, 2024

Housing is an important political issue. Politicians and experts now talk about it as a major crisis that could threaten our economic and social well-being. But this is nothing new. Another housing crisis raged at the beginning of the 20th century.

Back then, it concerned working-class slums. Today, it’s much more widespread: many households are struggling to acquire property, while others are spending too much of their income on rent, and still others are living in substandard housing, or simply have nowhere to live.

As a specialist in the history of urban planning and a full professor at the Université de Montréal’s School of Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture, I hear arguments today that are similar to those made 120 years ago, although there are new elements now.

The promise of decent housing

5 minute read Monday, Jul. 22, 2024

Interviewer on July 12: “We will 1,000 per cent, in your words, see you on the ballot this November?”

Joe Biden: “Unless I get hit by a train, yeah.”

Talk about a whistle stop.

The political battle for the White House south of the border was already promising to be a messy situation come the fall for the Democrats following the disastrous debate a few weeks ago by President Joe Biden in his one and only official meeting with former president and Republican candidate Donald Trump this year — one that made him look ineffectual and past his prime.

Mental health can’t be ignored during work injury recovery

By Steve Granger and Nick Turner 5 minute read Thursday, Jul. 18, 2024

Discussions about mental health in the workplace have surged lately, driven by growing awareness of its impact on employee and organizational success. As occupational health researchers, these discussions have helped us shed light on the precursors and consequences of mental health challenges.

One such critical but often overlooked aspect is the relationship between mental health challenges and work injuries — a relationship that goes in both directions: struggling with mental health can increase the risk of work injuries, and work injuries can give rise to, or worsen, mental health challenges.

We aimed to shed light on this crucial bidirectional relationship because it undermines the sustainability of an organization’s most crucial asset: its people.

Mental health and work injuries

At the Carberry turnoff, the risks remain

4 minute read Monday, Jun. 17, 2024

An emergency responder will tell you that the voices of a bad accident never leave the place where it happened. That pausing at a stop sign or a roadside memorial near an old accident scene can bring a lot of things flooding back.

Even time passing doesn’t change that: a year later, things can still be as fresh as when they happened, as if the intervening time has failed to change anything.

A year after a serious accident at Carberry lead to 17 deaths, first responders are still facing the fallout from that day.

Others are facing their own personal pain.

Correction

1 minute read Friday, Apr. 26, 2024

Books received by participants at the 22nd annual Milestones Preschool Wellness Fair were donated by Sunset Rotary and the Rotary Club of Brandon. Incorrect information appeared in the Sun’s April 24 edition.

Quarantining populism is worth a shot

By Daniel Drache and Marc D. Froese 6 minute read Preview

Quarantining populism is worth a shot

By Daniel Drache and Marc D. Froese 6 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024

In November 2023, Geert Wilders’ stridently anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim party swept the Dutch elections in what the media called a political earthquake.

The magnitude of his win came as a shock to the centre and left parties in the Dutch legislature. They jointly decided that “Europe’s most dangerous man” should never become prime minister.

The Dutch are not alone in seeking an institutional fix against hard-right populism. In legislatures across the European Union, politicians are erecting a “cordon sanitaire” against extremism — a red-line tactic to block far-right parties from entering governing coalitions.

It’s hardly enough, but it’s an important first step.

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Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024

The benefits of language learning

By Colin Shaw 4 minute read Monday, Mar. 18, 2024

Languages are the foundation of communication as we know it. Humans have always had ways of communicating, whether that be through sounds, gestures, or symbols. Language has evolved with complex syntax. Language allows us to express our thoughts and feelings. The internet has made it exponentially easier to communicate with people who speak other languages, whether that be in person, using translation software, or via a messaging app. Because of this vast web of communication and modern translation technology, it is easy to forget that not all languages are direct translations of one another and that some languages are vastly different from one another. In spite of this, it is possible to learn any new language. It may be difficult, but there are many resources and techniques that are available to help. There are many benefits to learning a new language, from improving cognitive abilities to increasing cultural understanding.

Before one learns a new language, it’s beneficial to understand the differences and intricacies of languages. They are determined and influenced by multiple things, which form the differences we see today. One of the key differences between languages is their grammar, or simply, the rules that hold a language together. For example, take French and English. In English adjectives go before the noun, whereas in French adjectives go after the noun. Furthermore, languages make use of tones, which are essentially when one changes the pitch or slightly alters their pronunciation and that changes the meaning of what is said. An example of a tonal language is Mandarin Chinese. If one does not use the correct tone, then the meaning one is trying to convey could be completely butchered. You could accidentally be asking someone to sleep rather than asking for a boiled dumpling. Another thing that differentiates the languages is their alphabets. There is Latin, which is used in both the Canadian national languages, French and English. According to worldstandards.eu, approximately 36 per cent of the world uses the Latin alphabet. Some other alphabets include Cyrillic, Arabic, and Bengali, all with their own quirks.

Now that the basic differences between languages have been established, understanding what resources are available for language learning is important. There are many ways to learn languages, but usually the best way is a balance between multiple resources. One resource is language learning apps. Regardless of the features that the app possesses, it is extremely difficult to learn a language to fluency using only an app. Usually, by only committing a few minutes a day, one can learn a few basic phrases but not be able to hold conversations with native speakers. This leads to the next point: if it is possible, you should be practicing with someone who speaks your desired language. Even if you can’t find someone in person, there are many websites where you can find tutors or coaches who are very helpful resources. Absorbing media, whether that be watching videos or movies in the desired language, is also very helpful; anything to get the language imprinted in the mind. It is important to note that becoming fluent in any language takes a considerable amount of time and dedication, ranging from hundreds to thousands of hours.

But why learn a language if it takes so long? There are many benefits associated with learning a new language. According to a study at the University of Edinburgh, people aged 18 to 78 studying a language improved their attention span. Furthermore, as language learning requires memorization of words, a language learner’s memory is also improved. However, there aren’t just cognitive benefits; more job opportunities are available to those who speak multiple languages. In addition, learning languages can also help increase understanding and eliminate prejudices towards other cultures. It is important to remember that even with all these benefits, you should only learn a language if either you need to or you really want to, and if you’re passionate about that language.

And yet …

2 minute read Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024

We have to express one major point of contention with the process followed by the administration and council this year, particularly when it comes to the city’s 10-year capital budget documents.

On Jan. 17, we sent a request via email to city manager Ron Bowles and several other city staff asking to get a copy of the full capital budget document that Mark Allard, the city’s general manager of development services, had been showing excerpts from during a previous council meeting.

As we stated in the email, we were hoping to take a look through the document to see how the administration had categorized projects into the essential, primary amenity and secondary amenity designations.

We were told by Allard that this document is not typically made public. Yet considering the nature of the information, and the city’s stated ambition of being open and transparent, we would ask for it.

Conflict puts multiculturalism to the test

By Christian J.Y. Bergeron 6 minute read Preview

Conflict puts multiculturalism to the test

By Christian J.Y. Bergeron 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023

In popular thinking, and according to its general image, Canada is considered to be open and welcoming to ethnocultural and religious diversity.

Immigration is perceived as an asset for Canada, and over the decades, multiculturalism has come to be considered a value to be protected and cherished. This can be seen in the 2020 General Social Survey, where 92 per cent of the population endorsed multiculturalism. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act states that multiculturalism is a “fundamental characteristic of the Canadian heritage and identity and that it provides an invaluable resource in the shaping of Canada’s future.”

However, since the Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, the demonstrations that have followed — both in favour of, and against Israel or in support of Palestine — have revealed many tensions linked to immigration. Hate crimes are also on the rise; in Toronto alone, there are reports of a 132 per cent increase since the start of the conflict.

So it is imperative to consider the potential for conflict within Canada’s various communities. The issue is particularly concerning for those who are simultaneously facing racism and the repercussions of ongoing conflicts in their countries of origin. For example, the historical conflict between Hindus and Sikhs is raising concern among Sikhs in Canada, particularly since one of their leaders was murdered in British Columbia.

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Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023

People take part in a protest in support of Palestine in Montreal on Oct. 13. Christian J.Y. Bergeron writes that demonstrations in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza “have revealed many tensions linked to immigration.” (File)

People take part in a protest in support of Palestine in Montreal on Oct. 13. Christian J.Y. Bergeron writes that demonstrations in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza “have revealed many tensions linked to immigration.” (File)

People take part in a protest in support of Palestine in Montreal on Oct. 13. Christian J.Y. Bergeron writes that demonstrations in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza “have revealed many tensions linked to immigration.” (File)
                                People take part in a protest in support of Palestine in Montreal on Oct. 13. Christian J.Y. Bergeron writes that demonstrations in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel and the Israeli bombardment of Gaza “have revealed many tensions linked to immigration.” (File)

An easy fix for a flawed law

4 minute read Monday, Dec. 11, 2023

It’s a significant gap that makes it impossible for voters to be confident that they know the background of those seeking election to school boards and municipal councils throughout Manitoba.

As the Sun reported this past Saturday, the recent Brandon School Board by-election has exposed flaws in the newly-amended Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act with respect to who is responsible for verifying information provided by aspiring candidates, and what the consequences are if that information is not accurate.

The report discussed the case of Scott MacMillan, who ran for election in Ward 1 in the October by-election. Though he finished last among the eight candidates, it now appears that information he provided within his nomination document was not accurate.

Under recently-passed amendments to the Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act, each candidate’s nomination papers must include a statement disclosing any offence they have pled guilty to or been found guilty of under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, The Income Tax Act (Manitoba), the Income Tax Act (Canada) “or any other law related to financial dishonesty that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has, by regulation, designated for the purpose of this section.”

Co-ordinated approach is key

4 minute read Monday, Oct. 16, 2023

‘I think everyone in Manitoba recognizes that we can do better than what we’re seeing right now.”

Those were the words of Premier-designate Wab Kinew following his first more-or-less-official meeting last Tuesday with Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. And while it’s not surprising for both Kinew and Gillingham to adopt conciliatory postures at this delicate stage in the transition of a new provincial government, it’s still an important moment.

How important? Kinew’s pledge to “do better” should be welcomed news for anyone living in the city of Winnipeg who cares about the state of this community and all who reside here. In many ways, it would be hard for Kinew to do worse. The previous seven years of provincial-municipal relations have been marked by cynical austerity and bald betrayal. Former Tory Premier Brian Pallister crippled grants to municipalities shortly after taking office in 2016. Critical funding to support core municipal services such as police, fire and transit, along with capital investments, were essentially frozen for most of that time, putting enormous pressure on local governments to find ways to make do.

Those ways included larger than necessary property tax increases, and drastic reductions in the scope of municipal services. The provincial PC government channeled some of the savings that it achieved by freezing municipal grants into tax cuts, but even for homeowners it was a high price to pay for the diminution of civic services.

Answers must follow questions of Indigenous ancestry

By Niigaan Sinclair 5 minute read Preview

Answers must follow questions of Indigenous ancestry

By Niigaan Sinclair 5 minute read Monday, Sep. 25, 2023

Kevin Klein — former Winnipeg city councillor, mayoral candidate and Manitoba environment minister and current Progressive Conservative MLA candidate for Kirkfield Park — told a voter during a telephone town hall meeting last month she had no right to question his claim that he is Métis.

After being asked why he is trying to “appropriate Indigenous identity,” Klein admonished the female voter, saying: “You don’t have any right to question my Indigenous heritage. You have no right to do that.”

He continued, sternly: “For you to say that I am trying to diminish the identity of the Métis, I’m sorry, you are absolutely wrong, and just because you say it doesn’t mean it’s true.”

On numerous platforms and during previous campaigns for councillor, mayor and MLA, Klein has said he is a “Métis Canadian” and member of the Painted Feather Woodland Métis — a private group that has no recognition (beyond themselves) as an Indigenous or Métis community and offers membership cards to purchase for anyone who claims Indigenous ancestry.

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Monday, Sep. 25, 2023

Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein has said his claims of Métis identity is a private matter. (Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press)

Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein has said his claims of Métis identity is a private matter. (Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press)

Boosters are the best defence

By Dawn ME Bowdish and Andrew Costa 5 minute read Preview

Boosters are the best defence

By Dawn ME Bowdish and Andrew Costa 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023

Despite researchers’ efforts to understand SARS-CoV-2, the virus continues to hold many secrets. As much as we’ve tried to shoehorn it into our thinking about how respiratory viruses work, it will simply not comply.

Some thought the virus would settle into a strictly seasonal pattern. It hasn’t.

Some thought we could we move to a single annual vaccine every autumn. That was upended by having multiple waves of infection each year, which seem to occur in the late summer.

Some variants we thought would be terrible turned out to be mild, while others have turned out to be very problematic.

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Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023

A person draws out Moderna vaccine during a drive through COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Kingston, Ont., last year. Research into Omicron infections in older adults has highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. (File)

A person draws out Moderna vaccine during a drive through COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Kingston, Ont., last year. Research into Omicron infections in older adults has highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. (File)

A person draws out Moderna vaccine during a drive through COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Kingston, Ont., last year. Research into Omicron infections in older adults has highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. (File)
                                A person draws out Moderna vaccine during a drive through COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Kingston, Ont., last year. Research into Omicron infections in older adults has highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. (File)

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