Donated tuques for homeless are warm-hearted, handmade therapy for woman who makes them

Finance minister has impossible choice as federal budget looms

It’s federal budget week, and that means every newspaper columnist, self-proclaimed think tank subject matter expert and opposition critic has suggestions for what Ottawa “must” do.

In no particular order: Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne “must” provide tax cuts for small business to survive, provide tax cuts for big business to become bigger and wealthier, massively increase transfer payments to the provinces, make life more affordable for average people and undertake enormous, strategic investments in the economy to make Canada less reliant on the United States.

If you’re wondering how any finance minster can do all of that, all at once, the answer is they can’t. But that’s the nature of pre-budget submissions: do what we want, even if it makes it impossible for you to do the things that other people think must be done.

That is not to say all budget submissions are worthless. It’s just that you can’t cut government taxes and levies on businesses while also providing more robust investment in industries, infrastructure and people — and still have any hope of containing the debt.

Butterworth dips under Olympic standard in 800

MONTREAL - After years of flirting with the two-minute barrier, Lindsey Butterworth finally smashed it -- in emphatic fashion.

The 27-year-old from North Vancouver, B.C., kicked hard down the final straightaway to win the women's 800 metres at the Olympic track and field trials on Friday.

Crossing the finish line, she looked at the time, and both hands flew to her mouth in delight. Butterworth won in one minute 59.19 seconds, dipping under the automatic Olympic standard of 1:59.50 -- and shattering that elusive two-minute mark, finally.

"I just saw the time and was in shock and happiness," Butterworth said.

WRHA moves to cut growing echocardiogram wait list

Manitobans are waiting a year or more to receive a key test that detects and tracks heart disease.

As of June 15, there were about 6,500 Manitobans on the wait list for an echocardiogram, and the list is growing at a rate of about 265 per month.

Patients facing heart emergencies are receiving tests immediately, while most of those whose conditions are considered urgent or semi-urgent are getting them within established Canadian benchmark times -- about a week, officials say.

However, thousands of patients who are considered candidates for "elective" tests are waiting anywhere from 10 to 15 months, with a median wait of 12 months, according to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Deluxe apartment tower taking shape in Tuxedo

The owners of a shopping strip in the city’s wealthiest neighbourhood have identified the site of a longtime gas station on Corydon Avenue as an untapped residential resource.

‘Mom and dad’ Pereira and Michaud lead Team Canada at Kelowna Grand Prix

Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud’s spirits couldn’t be higher as they begin their fourth ISU Grand Prix season this weekend at Skate Canada International as Team Canada’s top medal prospects.

Fresh off a decisive victory at Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany last month, the reigning world pair skating bronze medallists were riding a wave of confidence and excitement — and feeling “a mom and dad energy” — as they contemplated the assignment ahead in Kelowna, B.C.

“To go out and win our first Challenger (event) was a great confidence boost in our back pocket,” said Pereira, who admitted to a case of jitters before taking the ice in Oberstdorf.

“No matter how many years you do this, you still always get the first competition nerves. We’re just glad we were able to remind ourselves how to handle that and put out two great skates.”