UNSPUN 2019: Meth, Harm Reduction spark debate this Manitoba Election

By Ellen Smirl

The Gaslighting of Manitobans in Health Care

By Brianne Goertzen First published by the Winnipeg Free Press June 25, 2019 The health care overhaul has been well-documented in the media, and routinely questioned in the Legislative Assembly, yet transparency and accountability is lacking. In fact, …

Valley of despair in Manitoba health care

By Brianne Goertzen The overhaul of Manitoba’s health care system has been met with repeated calls to slow down from those on the front lines of care. The consistent and persistent stories from patients and front line workers …

The thin edge of the wedge: Privatization of Lifeflight

By Brianne Goertzen First published in the Winnipeg Free Press, February 2, 2019 When it comes to evaluating the “value for money” in air ambulance services, the safety of patients and staff should be a key factor. When …

Valuing the Voice of People Living with Disabilities in Manitoba

By Carlos Sosa Recently the Manitoba Government made a decision to reject a core funding application from the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD) for the 2018-19 fiscal year. It can be very difficult for an organization …

Social Impact Bonds: A Costly Innovation

by Jesse Hajer Social Impact Bonds or ‘SIBs’ are a relatively new mechanism for governments to fund social services, but since being introduced they have been controversial, due to higher costs and payments to private investors. Despite funding …

Why is milk so expensive in First Nations Communities?

By Mengistu Wendimu and Annette Aurélie Desmarais This study finds milk is significantly costlier in First Nations communities than in Winnipeg and Northern Manitoba. The cost was higher in First Nations with and without access to an all-weather …

Legacy of departed life-long activist at risk with possible reversal of pesticide ban

By Anne Lindsey I went to visit a friend and colleague recently – someone I hadn’t seen for awhile. Sandra Madray was in the final stages of cancer. She was dying. I was shocked and deeply saddened to …

Health Care Blind Spot

By Jim Silver Manitoba’s health care system is undergoing major changes. Many Manitobans fear that the changes are more about saving money than improving health, and that privatization of parts of the health care system may be a …

Response to Premier’s bike tour from Selkirk to Peguis First Nation

Premier Brian Pallister announced will be riding his bicycle from the St Peter’s Reserve (Selkirk) to Peguis First Nation this June 16 – 17 to recognize the 200th anniversary of the Selkirk Treaty. This blog summarizes the responses by …