Kenton Dyck

A recent supreme court ruling has many Canadians upset, including Manitoba Minister of Justice Kelvin Goertzen.

Goertzen says over two decades ago, voluntary extreme intoxication was barred as a defence under the criminal code of Canada, however, that has changed.

"The Supreme Court, on Friday of last week, said the fact that you voluntarily got so intoxicated and then committed a violent crime, you should be able to use your intoxication as a defence. I think most Canadians would find that not appropriate and probably bring into question the administration of justice."

A recent supreme court ruling has many Canadians upset, including Manitoba Minister of Justice Kelvin Goertzen.

Goertzen says over two decades ago, voluntary extreme intoxication was barred as a defence under the criminal code of Canada, however, that has changed.

"The Supreme Court, on Friday of last week, said the fact that you voluntarily got so intoxicated and then committed a violent crime, you should be able to use your intoxication as a defence. I think most Canadians would find that not appropriate and probably bring into question the administration of justice."

Water levels in cottage country continue to rise as a result of continuous rainfall and snowmelt.

A spokesperson with the Whiteshell Cottagers Association says between May 8th and May 12th, the water rose by three to nine inches on the Whiteshell and Falcon River systems and by 18 to 22 inches on the Winnipeg River System.

The association has been sent photos and comments about flooded shoreline structures, flooded access roads and damage caused by the wind driving ice into docks and boathouses.

Water levels on Lake of the Woods and in the Whiteshell continue to rise as a result of continuous rainfall and snowmelt.

A spokesperson with the Whiteshell Cottagers Association says between May 8th and May 12th, the water rose by three to nine inches on the Whiteshell and Falcon River systems and by 18 to 22 inches on the Winnipeg River System.

The association has been sent photos and comments about flooded shoreline structures flooded access roads and damage caused by the wind driving ice into docks and boathouses.

Major spring snowstorms make life difficult for small migratory birds, but a Manitoban expert says most of them should survive through this return to winter weather.

Dennis Fast is a wildlife photographer and avid bird watcher. He notes many migratory birds had already returned to Manitoba when last week’s Colorado low hit. Fortunately, he notes the storm wasn’t too severe and most species should make it through just fine.

The Sunday morning fire at Steinbach Dental Clinic is being considered arson and Steinbach RCMP are investigating.

Officers were called to a structure fire at a business on Main Street at 7:55 A.M. Sunday. Police say once the fire had been extinguished by the Steinbach Fire Department, they were advised that the fire had been set deliberately.

No injuries were reported.

The president of Providence University College says a partnership with Assiniboine Community College comes from a desire to be part of the solution.

Dr. Kenton Anderson is, of course, talking about this week's announcement that Providence will host a Practical Nursing program this fall.

A rural rotating Practical Nursing program will be coming to Providence University College in Otterburne this fall.

The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon. In partnership with Southern Health, Assiniboine Community College will provide its Practical Nursing diploma in Otterburne using Providence University College facilities.