Jealousy no basis for a lasting relationship

RCMP charge N.D. man after driver flees Emerson border crossing

A North Dakota man faces a string of charges after police say he fled the Emerson border crossing, leading RCMP on a pursuit along Highway 75.

Emerson RCMP were notified just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday that a man entering Canada from North Dakota had sped away from the port of entry after Canada Border Services Agency officers flagged him for a secondary screening.

Officers from several RCMP detachments and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team were sent to to Highway 75.

Police said Morris RCMP tried unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle south of the town. Police later blocked Highway 75 at Provincial Road 210, but said the driver went around police vehicles, drove through a ditch and narrowly missed an officer before continuing north toward Winnipeg.

Dynacare must treat workers fairly: health minister

Manitoba’s health minister defended the government’s contract with Dynacare, saying the for-profit company is expected to treat its workers fairly — but wouldn’t say if that expectation was spelled out in the deal.

The 350 private lab workers, who are represented by the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, have been without a contract since March 31 and went on strike on Sept. 8.

The Manitoba Labour Board ordered them back to work and they returned to the job one day later.

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara was asked Wednesday about the lack of an essential services agreement and why the government didn’t intervene in March, knowing that a labour dispute could interrupt community lab services.

Plotlines aplenty in pre-season prep

Welcome to a Winnipeg Jets training camp like no other — one where the on-ice storylines and battles threaten to be trumped by what’s happening away from the rink.

Yes, the dark cloud that is the Connor Hellebuyck situation looms over the organization as it prepares to try and turn the page on a terrible 2025-26 campaign which ended with a 26th-overall finish.

It’s not going to be easy, especially in a highly competitive Central Division and Western Conference and with such a major unresolved issue.

But the work starts now, and Free Press hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe get you set for what to expect ahead of the 84-game regular season, which begins Oct. 2.

Parlour Coffee closes, clearing way for Passage

Two-and-a-half years after purchasing Parlour Coffee, Connor Vogt is closing the Exchange District business to make way for a new venture next door.

Parlour staff will pour their last drinks at 468 Main St., on Friday and then open Passage at the corner of Main Street and Bannatyne Avenue next month. The new coffee shop will feature a bigger space, longer hours and live events while retaining Parlour’s emphasis on being a gathering place, Vogt said.

“There are so many great coffee shops in our neighbourhood already doing their thing,” said Vogt, 31, naming Sho Coffee & Bar, Saintuary and Más Coffee Co., as examples. “We want to do something just a little bit different.”

While Parlour is between 400 and 500 square feet and can fit around 20 people, Passage will be more than double the size, with room for around 50 customers. Renovations are currently under way in the building, which is owned by Vogt’s father Ernie. (He also owns 468 Main St.)

Payment for plasma a necessary next step

In an ideal world, enough volunteers would roll up their sleeves to donate blood plasma to meet the needs of Canadian patients. That’s not happening; not even close.