Divinity fudge answers prayers for those with a sweet tooth By: Eva Wasney Posted: 6:00 AM CST Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Current, former civic employees say misconduct rampant, malingering culture entrenched

Allegations of widespread misconduct among inspectors in Winnipeg’s planning, property and development department may be just the tip of the iceberg, as whistleblowers are stepping forward to sound the alarm about problems that extend elsewhere in the municipal workforce.

Two people — the Free Press has agreed not to name them— are speaking out about their experiences working in three departments under the public works umbrella during the past decade. One is a current employee and the other twice worked as a summer contractor for the city.

They describe a culture of short, lackadaisical workdays peppered with frequent, lengthy coffee breaks and extended lunches, and one where fireable offences — including sleeping, drinking alcohol on the job and theft or misuse of equipment — are rife.

“I’m sure that you know, and the majority of people know, what we actually do. It goes beyond the planning, property and development department... I’m really tired of not feeling productive. I just want to do a good job and feel good about my day,” said the current employee.

Students join striking U of M profs in show of solidarity

STUDENTS say they are willing to make sacrifices as they stand in solidarity with striking faculty members at the University of Manitoba.

Many of them joined picketing professors and staff members at a rally at the U of M administration building Thursday despite being caught in the crossfire in the protracted dispute.

“Students are by far and away the ones most affected. We are the collateral damage,” said University of Manitoba Student Union president Brendan Scott.

Scott described the situation at the university as dire, as the longest strike in its history drags on.

China keeps perfect record going in Olympic weightlifting

Correctional Services Canada is reopening prison farms. But in B.C., where it has no such programs, a wife and her late husband, who killed a man in a botched holdup, started Emma’s Acres, a unique prison farm she hopes to see expanded.

Folklorama unites Canadians of all ethnicities

On Wednesday night, I found myself sitting at a cafeteria table with a bunch of strangers in an elementary school gymnasium, watching a high-octane tae kwon do demonstration set to Korean pop music.

Where else but Folklorama could you have such a surreal experience?

First, a confession: before I finagled my way onto Wednesday night's VIP bus tour -- which is kind of like a pub crawl for the older set -- I hadn't been to the festival since I was a teenager. Back then, it was mostly obligatory. I dutifully supported the pavilions friends were representing as proud and vaguely embarrassed youth ambassadors, decked out in resplendent cultural dress so far removed from the jeans and T-shirts I saw them in every day.

But once I got there, I was always struck by the strong sense of community. And I always had fun. I loved seeing the fruits of the dance classes they spent their evenings and weekends in. I admired how connected many of them were to their roots; it made me want to learn more about mine. Like many third-generation Canadians, I have roots in many countries: Italy, Austria, Ireland, Scotland and England, to name a few.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping (except food and gas) and important decisions after 3:15 p.m. today. After that, the moon moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

This is a poor day to challenge anyone because you won’t be pleased with the results. (You might come off worse than when you began.) Nevertheless, it’s in your best interest to work hard. You can also make improvements at home. Romance and finances are blessed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)