Resolve dorm-days rift to truly get past it

Hydro’s $5-billion deals with Saskatchewan ‘deliberately covered up’

A scathing review of Manitoba Hydro failed to disclose the details of two multibillion-dollar power sales to Saskatchewan that are fundamental to the Crown utility's financial future, the Free Press has learned.

The report, by former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall, into the Keeyask generating station and Bipole III transmission line concluded the former NDP government rushed to build both projects before getting proper regulatory approval, and failed to provide adequate financial oversight once construction started.

Premier Brian Pallister has used the report to buttress his assertion that Keeyask and Bipole III were the worst examples of NDP mismanagement and incompetence.

However, Hydro sources said it was suspicious the Wall report ignored the effect of two recent power sales to Saskatchewan that were completed last year — well before Wall's report was finished.

Each of city's historic bridges has unique story

They span the muddy waters from which Winnipeg derives its name. They connect neighbourhood to neighbourhood. They’re a fundamental feature of our city.

Winnipeg has a reputation as a “River City,” but many don’t know the stories behind the bridges they use every day.

While a bridge may seem to be a boring piece of basic infrastructure, many of Winnipeg’s have fascinating histories that go back more than 100 years.

Six inquests called, including into death of homeless woman run over by cruiser

Manitoba’s chief medical examiner has called inquests into the deaths of six people, including a woman who was run over and killed at a homeless encampment at a Winnipeg park two years ago.

Dr. John Younes announced the inquests Thursday, noting such reviews are mandatory under the Fatal Inquiries Act. They will probe the deaths of four people following interactions with police, and two others who died while in custody.

Tammy Bateman, 39, died Sept. 2, 2024, when she was “run over by a police vehicle moving at a low speed” while “reportedly lying down on a gravel road” in Fort Rouge Park, Younes said.

“The medical examiner’s office was notified, and an autopsy was authorized. The immediate cause of death was determined to be multiple traumatic injuries due (to) pedestrian vs motor vehicle collision. The manner of death was accidental,” he said.

Tory meddling could cost MPI millions, boost Autopac rates

The Pallister government has directed Manitoba Public Insurance to give complete control of its future online product sales to insurance brokers, a move that could cost the corporation an extra $23 million over five years and boost Autopac rates, according to documents obtained by the Free Press.

The documents, which include emails, letters, briefing notes and presentations, show repeated interventions by the Progressive Conservative government on behalf of brokers and shed light on why the Tory-appointed MPI board of directors sought a legal opinion last year to clarify its rights and responsibilities.

The documents also reveal that the PC government directed MPI management last fall to extend the corporation's contract with brokers by two years to Feb. 28, 2021 at a remuneration rate MPI viewed as excessive.

MPI had first proposed a less generous package than the brokers had been receiving, and then offered zero per cent increases in the first two years followed by 0.75 per cent in Year 3, mimicking government policy on civil servant and Crown corporation employee pay. The brokers wound up receiving annual increases to their base $84.5 million compensation that are indexed to inflation (the Consumer Price Index, which rose 1.9 per cent in March compared to a year earlier ).

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: After 7:30 a.m. today there are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Pisces.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

This might be a restless day for you. Nevertheless, you have options to socialize and have fun — perhaps in the entertainment world, at sporting events or in playful activities with kids. You’re full of different ideas, which might create detours and surprises for you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)