Classic107

Defence lawyers making final arguments on behalf of one of the prominent "Freedom Convoy" organizers are maintaining their client's innocence, with proceedings scheduled to continue next week.

Diane Magas argued before a judge Thursday that her client, Chris Barber, never meant to gridlock Ottawa and that he is not responsible for the actions of convoy participants.

She also said there's an "enormous" amount of material to deal with in the trial and the process has taken more time than expected. The trial began in September 2023 and has faced a number of delays.

Manitoba is banning the use of cellphones by students in the classroom, beginning next month. 

Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare says this is being done to minimize distractions in schools. 

A press release issued by our provincial government says that to ensure consistency across the province, schools and school divisions will implement updated policies. However, the ban includes the following:

Before returning to regular lessons and fall schedules, participants in the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy are looking to better their string playing through educational workshops, masterclasses, coachings and performance opportunities.  

“It creates a great community that forms friendships and relationships,” says co-founder and artistic director Elation Pauls.  

The World Health Organization's declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency means Canada must do its part to help stem outbreaks of the virus in Africa, experts say. 

"Where there is a fire, we all put it out quickly and the whole village is safe. If you allow one house to burn in a village, sooner or later that fire is coming for you," said Dr. Madhukar Pai, Canada Research Chair in epidemiology and global health at McGill University in Montreal.

Former Conservative MP and cabinet minister Chuck Strahl has died at the age of 67.

Strahl was first elected in 1993 and represented the B.C. riding of Chilliwack–Fraser Canyon until his retirement in 2011.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Strahl a "dear friend" in a social media post Wednesday.

"Chuck's unwavering commitment to our movement and his deep love for Canada were part of everything he did," Poilievre said.

"He was a man of principle, integrity and compassion, and a foundational member of our Conservative party."

Joey Matulovich and two relievers combined on a one-hit shutout as the Winnipeg Goldeyes (48-35) defeated the Sioux Falls Canaries 7-0 at Blue Cross Park Wednesday evening. It was the Winnipeg pitching staff’s league-leading tenth shutout of the campaign.
 
Box Score
 

A recently released international report says Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a "breeding ground" for contemporary slavery.

The final report by a United Nations special rapporteur who visited Canada last year says a power imbalance prevents workers from exercising their rights.

A worker's status is dependent on a closed work permit that is specific to their employer. If an individual is fired, they may be deported from Canada. 

Workers are subject to a wide range of abuses and aren't always aware of their rights, the report says. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says people seeking asylum at the border with Canada will have less time to consult a lawyer before making their case, as President Joe Biden's asylum halt makes its way to Canada’s doorstep. 

Biden announced sweeping changes mostly targeted at the U.S. border with Mexico in June, as the issue remains a thorn in the Democrats' side ahead of the November election. The new procedural changes, which the department confirmed Tuesday, will affect migrants crossing into the U.S. from Canada.

Audiences won’t need a spoonful of sugar to make Rainbow Stage’s next production any more appealing.  

Expect a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show when Mary Poppins makes her return to the iconic domed theatre in Kildonan Park.  

“(Mary Poppins) returns when you need her most,” says Rainbow Stage Artistic Director Carson Nattrass.    

Last staged over a decade ago, the production starring everyone’s favourite nanny serves as the ideal foil to the first-ever world-premiere that kicked off the 70th anniversary Rainbow Stage season, according to Nattrass.  

A man is recovering in hospital after being stabbed on a Winnipeg Transit bus early Tuesday evening. 

Winnipeg police say the victim, a man in his 30s, was stabbed during an unprovoked altercation with a male and female suspect on a bus near Main Street and Selkirk Avenue at around 5 p.m. yesterday. 

The man was transported to hospital in unstable condition and has since been upgraded to stable. 

There is no word on the description of either suspect. The Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation and is working to learn more about the suspects.