Episode 53 wraps up our coverage of the Elmwood-East Kildonan by-election to succeed the late Jason Schreyer on Winnipeg city council.
Part 1- Our analysis: The win by Emma Durand-Wood sets the stage for the organization of a far-left slate in the 2026 general election to try to take control of civic politics. We look at the radical policies she and her backers like 2022 Mayoral candidate Shaun Loney want to impose, and the conflicts she might encounter with Mayor Gillingham and the area Community Committee in particular.
Also discussed - how the race panned out for the runners-up Abel Gutierrez and Braydon Mazurkiewich; whether the chosen successor to Schreyer waited too long to enter the contest; and the rejection by the voters of two city employees vying for the seat.
19.50 Part 2 - With a weak turnout of 15.7%, Durand-Wood gets to make decisions about city spending with the support of just 5% of the eligible ward voters.
Her absurd solution to spur better public engagement? Children aged 16 and 17 should be enfranchised. But she benefitted from a more significant cause of the disinterest in the race- the failure of Winnipeg broadcasters to fulfill their CRTC obligations to provide even minimal coverage of candidates in the October 25th election.
While listener-funded TGCTS invested 50 hours to produce and promote podcast interviews with the seven hopefuls, Winnipeg news operations raking in substantial subsidies from the federal Liberals shamefully failed to keep the community informed.
Hear which newsroom didn't file a single story on their website between announcing the by-election was called, until just before voting day.
*****Read the latest columns by Marty Gold in The Winnipeg Sun- Even the smallest victories eluding Gillingham in encampment crisisCity evasive about rubber stamping a “safe consumption rooms” permit
******
On November 14th the biggest wrestling match in Canada, the 50 Man Rumble To Remember, is being presented by Canadian Wrestling's Elite - and once again, Marty Gold is going to compete!
The event at the Ukrainian Labour Temple offers a great reward to the last man standing- a CWE Championship match at the February supercard.
A limited number of discounted tickets are available for listeners of the podcast and for readers of our columns in the Sun - email martygoldlive@gmail.com for more details to see Marty in action!
After being the first candidate to declare, the campaign of Emma Durand-Wood has knocked on every door in Elmwood-East Kildonan. In Episode 52, she tells about her platform, her background in urban issues, and her vision for the ward as the October 25th vote draws near.
A writer and editor by trade, Emma Durand-Wood moved to Elmwood in 2008 from Vancouver. While not being involved in politics there, her rise through community organizing in Winnipeg is similar to the BC progressive playbook.
She's been endorsed by Shaun Loney, who finished fourth in the 2022 Mayoral election as the far left-wing choice. It appears he's the only one from that race to publicly endorse a successor to Coun. Jason Schreyer. Loney has vowed to put together a slate of like-minded people for next year's election.
Part 1- Durand-Wood says that at the doorstep, a "common set of concerns" emerge. She recounts what she heard about crime, homelessness, the emergence of Transit complaints, and "a lot" of people want civic investment in youth programs.
She tells Marty Gold about her own experiences living in the ward and how long it took to get a gang house shut down.
"Have the police been effective? They've been very very busy... we need to take tackling crime as a community effort."
10.00 - "We can't have this chaos of encampments."
Durand -Woods hadn't considered the idea of establishing a monitored encampment at the Legislature. She advocates for more grassroots approaches like Elmwood Unity Walk to help get people out of encampments, but "we can't run everyone into jail."
A Transit user, the new routing and schedule problems "does seem like a pretty big oversight" by city councillors, as her area "got a downgrade in service."
"The smarter thing to do is the rehabilitation" for the Louise Bridge, rather than construct a new one, citing "a systemic problem" that's leading to "massive" deficits in the civic budget.
24.55 Part 2- Durand-Wood describes her personal background in the west before moving here for affordability and to start a family. She became involved in Elmwood issues by opposing a pawn shop licence, then helped re-establish a residents association in Glen Elm, then initiated a tree planting coalition.
36.00- With strong support from prominent members of the bike lobby and the 30km speed limit advocates- two groups that disrupted council proceedings in the last year - Durand-Wood is asked about whether their extremism and rhetoric aligns with her values. She disavows the political violence seemingly espoused by a prominent campaigner for her, who posted that the Charlie Kirk vigil at the Legislature was like "a Klan rally."
46.00- Citing a petition drive in EK showing support of 80-90% for lower residential speed limits, she maintains "it actually is not an extreme idea."
Durand-Wood supports infill housing, and is asked about whether opposition to zoning changes because the demand for housing is rooted in mass immigration is also "not an extreme position". While she shows sympathy for their concerns, she says "Our neighborhoods have been kind of locked in amber... we need more people living in our existing neighborhoods" to ease fiscal pressures.
Voters can get more information on her campaign at emmadurandwood.ca****
- Go to the ActionLine "City" tab to find every podcast interview with the seven candidates.
- Read our by-election preview column in the Winnipeg Sun: Home stretch starts in Elmwood-East Kildonanby-election
- For sponsor or advertising inquiries, to contribute to our Season Six Funding Drive, send feedback or story tips, email martygoldlive@gmail.com
Chris Sweryda was the last entrant to the October 25th by-election, but he's counting on the hard work he did as the ward assistant to Jason Schreyer to resonate with voters in Elmwood-East Kildonan. Episode 51 has a wide-ranging and informative interview about Sweryda and his platform.
First on his list is building a new Louise Bridge, after he learned the rehabilitation plan "would involve an 18 month closure and that's completely unacceptable.... Repair is just not the answer any more." Sweryda believes maintaining the existing transportation network "is warranted over and above the expansions the City has been talking about." He also addresses road and pothole deficiencies.
Sweryda wants more strategic resources provided so that police can fight crime- "they're not supposed to be the social workers of the community."
The ward is affected by homeless encampments but, he says, "It's not as simple as just driving a bulldozer." If the campers move to other spaces, the result is the City playing "social problem whack-a-mole," so housing and affordability need action.
Asked if a managed encampment should be set up at the Manitoba Legislature as part of their Your Way Home program, Sweryda replied, "It's probably not the worst idea to provide a place where resources can be provided and I would welcome the province doing that."
19.40 Part 2- People recognize Chris Sweryda because of his work as a career advisor at Elmwood High School, and his effort to fulfill Schreyer's commitment to get affordable grocery programs where low-income residents need them, such as seniors' complexes. He's now trying to expand accessibility through schools, and arrange more group shopping for places like Legion Gardens to achieve "lowest price on basic food items" - a 25-40% savings.
Sweryda noted the Legion Gardens, as we had reported, had crime problems, as does the entire ward. The recent law school graduate wants the bait-bike program revived and more police investigations to catch perps because "I'm sure the same handful of people are doing these crimes" including "trying door handles every night on every car " - and, as he learned, every daytime too.
32.00 - Sweryda spent years in traffic court and sets out examples of outragous tickets issued by police to generate revenue and overtime pay - "Should these kinds of things really be a priority?"
The school-zone trap on Panet Road is another example of "they fish where the fish are." He thinks there still hundreds of signs missing, Hear his description of City engineers actually agreeing that "Speeding is not a major safety concern."
Sweryda and Marty Gold talk about how the lack of care in placing traffic signs leads to opportunistic ticketing. He's also investigated Public Works 'make-work' projects shifting intersection layouts back and forth. Even tinkering with the placement of push buttons on crosswalk poles has created more danger for pedestrians and drivers.
51.20- Hear Sweryda discuss the endorsement of the Schreyer family, the limitations needed for bike lanes, and the facts against a 30km speed limit.
Coming up- our final candidate interview!
To support our public affairs reporting, go to https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/
*****
Special Offer- The Winnipeg Sun Small Business Appreciation Edition on Sunday, October 19
The Winnipeg Sun has always been proud to be a strong supporter of the small business community in Winnipeg. Local small businesses are facing immense challenges — Supporting them has never been more crucial.
Take advantage of drastically reduced advertising rates for the Special Small Business Appreciation Edition on Sunday, October 19, published as part of Small Business Week (October 19–25).
The special rates will also remain available until the end of Small Business Week, Saturday, October 25, allowing more local businesses the opportunity to promote themselves at a reduced rate.
For more information, email martygoldlive@gmail.com
He works in the City Planning department, and the latest plan of Kyle Roche is to become the councillor for Elmwood - East Kildonan. Our series of interviews with the candidates in the October 25th by-election continues in Episode 50 of Season 6.
Part 1- "If I was satisfied with how City Hall is handling things, I wouldn’t be running for Council."
He's worked in a few different city departments, and Kyle Roche has a different way of approaching what's going on- and going wrong- in Winnipeg.
Hear him describe having his bike stolen and why he put locks on his gates. "We need more police... (but) is spending $1 1/2 million a year leasing a helicopter really helping to reduce the crime?"
12.35- Roche believes that "Winnipeg is hundreds or thousands of employees short" due to lower per capita spending compared to other cities.
Roche argues that even though there is widespread distrust of city planners, many more need to be hired. While he wouldn't rule out a tax increase, he believes "the city would have millions more dollars if the railways at least paid their fair share."
27.42 Part 2 - Loss of on-street parking was just one of the reasons why the proposed Marion bike lanes “had some controversy.”
So was lack of consultation- but Roche insists that the problem is city council refusing to allocate funding for more staff. Roche discusses the city's performance with public communication and stalling off public delegations. He isn't opposed to putting five proposed supportive housing sites on the market for sale, instead of handing them over to the province.
40.10- The idea of building a new Louise Bridge finds favour with Roche instead of a "25 year band-aid". He cites truck and commuter traffic that needs to be kept moving. He questions why, unlike users of Kenaston Blvd., east side and north end residents "don't get a cost-benefit analysis. Is our (wasted) time worth less?"
44.00- On encampments, Roche says "It's not a safe way to live and the fact it's gotten to this point reflects a failure at so many levels," but "when we're telling people to pack up and leave, where are we telling them to go?"
He's asked why No Camping signs at Memorial Park are enforced by the province- but aren't by the city in Fort Douglas. "I totally get the point."
Roche also talks about Community Safety Officers, Police Cadets, and not being satisfied with the status quo at 510 Main Street. "Watching things get not that much better, I couldn't sit on the sidelines anymore."
More about his campaign is at kyleroche.ca
******
We'll be presenting interviews with the remaining two candidates in the Elmwood-East Kildonan by-election in the next week. ONLY TGCTS is producing long-form interviews with the candidates for the city council seat! This series is an example of why public affairs journalism is important to the community.
Our work is funded by our listeners, and readers, whose donations big n’ small keep the bills paid, the lights on, and keep us on the beat as Your Watchdog!
The Season Six funding drive has raised over $4300 – help us reach $5000 by donating here!
To advertise on the podcasts – email martygoldlive@gmail.com
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
*****
Read Marty Gold's recent columns in the WInnipeg Sun:
- "... times had changed, and we never anticipated being surrounded, jostled, sucker punched, because Canadians did not behave that way. That lack of anticipationarose the first time I encountered a face-to-face antisemitic threat- but then again, I was only 9 years old."
Oct. 1 - My first, and more recent, experiences with Jew-haters
- "Questions of ownership have also emerged. While the property’s listed owner was unclear, Main Street Project’s flyer suggested Siloam Mission, where Your Way Home advisor Tess Blaikie Whitecloud previously worked, may be involved. When asked about its role and ownership, Siloam Mission did not respond by press time.”
Oct. 5 - Neighbours push back on Furby Street supportive housing site
(Editor's note- Spotify required we delete this episode and republish it. No edits were made to the interview content.)
In a crowded field of seven hopefuls, Zekharia Selahadin is hoping his simple grassroots approach will generate support on October 25th from voters in Elmwood- East Kildonan.
Part 1- He moved to Canada from Ethiopia as a child and grew up in Elmwood, and has worked in childcare and with the Green Team. In Episode 49, Selahadin discusses the top issues he's hearing about at the doorstep- including crime and road and sidewalk conditions. He's joined the call for a replacement of the Louise Bridge.
The new and far-from-improved Transit system also comes up, as "I've seen many individuals waiting for a bus and it's full and people are squished inside it. I've seen the frustrationfirst-hand." It's affected his own family members getting to and from work at night and he worries about their safety, especially with the longer walks now required. Marty Gold asks him if the management of Winnipeg Transit needsto be hauled on the carpet.
25.45 Part 2- Selahadin agrees "it's important to have a car" in Winnipeg but wants residential speed limits reduced to 30k and more bike lanes.
37.25- Crime and disorder from homeless encampments areimpacting the ward. Selahadin says that while "police are trying their best" supports for those who want to get housed need to be maintained.
He's not sure if a centralized encampment area, like at the Legislature, would work because "a fight club" could result between rival factions placed in close proximity toeach other.
The interview wraps up with his ideas to resolve food insecurity in the ward -For more information about hiscampaign, go to his website https://www.zekariaselahadin.ca
******
The Season Six funding drive has raised over $4300 - help us reach $5000 by donating here! To advertise on thepodcasts - email martygoldlive@gmail.com
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
*****
The first "supportive housing" location for homeless campers was opened under the NDP's Your Way Home plan in the West End this summer without consulting the area residents.The results have been a disaster- read Marty Gold's exclusive report: Supportive housing site inflicts chaos, conflict on Furby Street
A focus on civics - and a look at his new book - brings Don Woodstock back to TGCTS for Episode 48. There's lots of ideas, opinions and observations on tap!
Part 1- Don was among the few Winnipeg residents who actually went to one of the city's "Information Sessions" about the five proposed sites for new supportive housing projects.
With good reason, the Property and Development Committee adjourned the Public Hearing to get more details.
As Woodstock explains, the fact his questions would not be answered by provincial representatives who would actually be making decisions about the site populations and service providers, was just one of many good reasons to hit the brakes rather than ram approval through.
He insists that renovating and revamping existing buildings makes way more economic and administrative sense than handing over city-owned "surplus" properties whose value has never been measured on the open market.
21.35 Part 2- Woodstock and his wife each have experience as Transit drivers. Hear why he thinks that the new plan for Community Safety Officers to handle fare enforcement is a smoke-and-mirrors charade to prop up the CSO program instead of hiring actual police. "They have no authority whatsoever."
Between the ongoing safety issues and the disastrous new schedules and routing system, Woodstock says it's proof that City Hall doesn't listen to the public and has created dangerous conditions for folks who rely on riding a bus to get to and from work, school and social events.
"The real conversation is how Uber has increased their ridership" as a result of people being stranded.
44.30 Part 3- Don Woodstock's new book "Unrelenting" is discussed. It's available at donwoodstockunrelenting.com
He tells his story about growing up in Jamaica, the influence of his grandfather, his commitment to environmental issues, and how he created the momentum for legislative changes to restrict the use of plastic shopping bags.
He makes a pitch for ramping up manufacturing of electric buses while noting "the politics is so depressing" undercutting economic development and employment opportunities.
"A welfare cheque is not an income, it's a tax on all of us. People need the capacity to earn a real income."
*****
Coming up on TGCTS- another interview with a candidate in the Elmwood- East Kildonan byelection. Four down, three to go!
*****
From the pages of the Winnipeg Sun- Marty Gold's most recent columns have continued to break news and stir up conversations:
Sept 17- Considering that city councillors had just given voice to valid complaints that Transit officials were at the same busy labeling myths, a woman named A.M. drew the correct conclusion. “This is actually the weirdest, most manipulative document city hall has put out.”
Riders push back as City plays ‘misinformation’ card to dismiss Transit complaints
Sept 21- It’s becoming a pattern that when citizens raise their voices about Gillingham’s policies and proposals, we’re told those people don’t matter- because they’re repeating “misinformation”.
Democracy proves inconvenient to Gillingham’s plan for Supportive Housing sites
Sept. 24- “I'm convinced that the real reason why progress is so slow,” said the source, “is because there is so much money to be made by doing absolutely nothing while congratulating yourself for how virtuous you are by protecting someone's "right" to ignore the rules the rest of society are obliged to respect.”
Entitlement, poor results undermine trust in homelessness agency’s success claims
****
Over $4200 raised in the Season Six funding drive- help us reach $5000 by donating here!
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!
Dr. Ted Rosenberg, who was raised in Winnipeg, has written a book Ayekha about the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the meteoric rise he witnessed of antisemitic attitudes and actions in the medical field and in general society.
Episode 47 presents our full interview with Dr. Rosenberg. He explains why he resigned from a 30 year teaching post at the University of British Columbia after the administration refused to confront the manifestation of Jew-hate in the medical school and among the faculty. He is sounding the alarm for the safety and Jewish staff and patients, and for the future of civil society in Canada
Here is Marty Gold's column in the Winnipeg Sun about the interview:
An epidemic of Jew-hatred in medical schools and health care https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-an-epidemic-of-jew-hatred-in-medical-schools-and-health-care
13.43 Part 2 - Dr. Rosenberg explains that the groundwork for the almost immediate vitriolic blame and blood libels directed at Israel and Zionism after the Oct. 7th massacre was previously laid with an ideological and cultural shift in academia. As a result the United Nations and worldwide institutions "have become corrupted and systemically biased."
Hear how Rosenberg's motivation to speak out started after a UBC resident was relentlessly harassed for mourning a friend slaughtered by Hamas and poisonous demonization became tolerated within the facility.
35.15 - "What we're seeing now in health care is a range, a spectrum, of problems for the Jewish public."
Dr. Rosenberg and Marty Gold discuss the choices Jews are being forced to make as thousands of health care workers sign petitions that spout Hamas talking points and demonize Israel defending the country and try to recover the hostages in Gaza. "These aren't random outliers, this is becoming normalized."
The antisemitic playbook, including BDS policies applied against Israeli professionals and Zionists and smears they represent "apartheid" and "colonialism", is becoming a standard across the western world as the percentage of Jews allowed into medical schools is dropping- "we've come full circle again."
"As a country, people default to this blaming and not taking responsibility and that's the beginning of the end to a society," warned Rosenberg.
"I see it as a threat - all of us in Canada are at risk that we as Jewish people are being torn from the Canadian tapestry systematically and that's not just a risk to Jewish people, it's a risk to all Canadians... but when non-Jewish people start to speak up about it, then things will start to happen ."
Dr. Ted Rosenberg has included historical context and many valuable resources in his book -- Ayekha, Where Are You? A Memoir and Reflection about Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism and the Western Response to October 7, 2023 is available on Amazon and at Ayekha.ca.
Please read his book and share this podcast with people concerned about the radicalization of society and the embedding of Jew-hatred in our government and institutions.
See also- Manitoba Teachers’ Society needs a lesson on modern antisemitism, Winnipeg Sun, Sept. 7 2025
*******
Marty Gold has been uncovering anti-Zionist and antisemitic radicalism since the 1980's.
The costs for the reports, investigations, and interviews are funded through the support of listeners and readers just like you.
The Season Six funding drive has garnered over $4100- to help ensure this vital reporting continues, please go to https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/
or contact Marty directly at martygoldlive@gmail.com
Nahanni Fontaine couldn't stop herself from parroting radical rot about the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk - and Premier Wab Kinew's ride to the rescue only made things worse for him and his Families Minister. In Episode 46, we review the public outburst after Kinew forgave Fontaine's online antics and half-baked apology and said she's not being fired from his NDP cabinet.
Part 1 - Marty Gold recaps the whirlwind of news tips and more over the past few weeks. You'll hear about the recent focus of the podcasts on the East Kildonan by-election and the series of front page columns and reports in the Winnipeg Sun that revealed important facts about key City Hall and provincial issues:
Police warrants for homeless shacks on public property a new low in public safety
Manitoba Teachers’ Society needs a lesson on modern antisemitism
Speculation swirls about next location for safe consultation site
8.00 Part 2- We provide a brief explanation about Charlie Kirk's influence on university campuses and among people under 40 through his Turning Point USA movement, countering the radicalization of youth by Marxist and "progressive" activists.
After he was murdered while holding a debate in Utah, Nahanni Fontaine had to chime in, by reposting a vicious distortion of Kirk's character and Christian beliefs. It was so vile, even Wab Kinew called it "terrible" as he fielded a flood of emails demanding he take action.
He told her to apologize but spurned calls for her removal from his cabinet. However his rationale stoked the controversy:
‘We’re going to work through this together, andI am going to try to help you understand why we need to bring people together and not to divide people at this time.’”
Translation: This is costing the NDP voters because even her indigenous backers are appalled. But no one believes the mean-girl matriarch would change her ways- or deserves the chance to.
"If @WabKinew refuses to fire Nahanni Fontaine heis telling a significant portion of the population that he does not give a shit if you are killed in front of your family for expressing unpopular opinions."
Another listener pointed out: "She wouldn't have accepted an apology from anyone else."
Listen to a sampling from our Facebook, Twitter and email feedback that suggests Kinew has painted himself into a corner. A women told us, "Her repeated lack of empathy, poor judgement, and lack in basic decency is well documented. This is a pattern, not a misstep... What’s worse is that she’s being shielded. The premier chose loyalty to a friend over responsibility to the people. "
With the US government notified that Fontaine gave a platform to someone justifying the shooting, and failed to denounce an act of domestic terrorism that targeted a conservative spokesman, the Province of Manitoba itself could be on the receiving end of a FAFO consequence for Fontaine's obsession with social media clout.
******
Coming up- the dangerous antisemitism infestinghealth care and the medical profession.
******
The delays in repairing the Louise Bridge made Braydon Mazurkiewich decide to put his name on the ballot, and he's bringing a brash style of campaigning to the October 25th by-election in Elmwood- East Kildonan.
Part 1 - He knows his way around political campaigns, but after the City of Winnipeg continually missed target dates to get the Louise Bridge open this, Braydon Mazurkiewich decided to try to succeed his late friend Jason Schreyer as councillor for Elmwood- East Kildonan. He takes credit for the flurry of work on-site to get repairs finished. We discusse his appearance at the community committee, where his call for a new bridge to be part of the next budget process was supported.
Then he responds to the statements of Coun. Janice Lukes, chair of Public Works, dismissing the idea of a new bridge out of hand. "Maz" believes it's another example of people in the northeast quadrant getting the shaft while residents in southern wards like those of Lukes gets highways and recreation centres.
He voices other criticism of the "elites" who he says call the shots at 510 Main Street. and "give lip service" to the needs of the EK ward. Marty Gold prompts a discussion about how difficult travel from the east side of Winnipeg going to the west is continually throttled.
14.00- Speaking to voters at the door, Maz says "it's all about the crime... we've got to clean up our city, man."
He wants investment in youth programs and beat cops restored to the area as break-ins, vandalism and violence plague the businesses and residents like the seniors and veterans at the Legion Gardens - "they deserve some respect."
19.57 Part 2- At City Hall, "I'm going to be the squeaky wheel."
Maz says he's personally seen the brazen theft at the 7-Eleven and the stolen bike chop shops at illegal encampments on our riverbanks. "The city has dumped all their money to Main Street Project and it's not working... We have to find out who's doing a good job and support that one."
29.30 - Mazurkiewich is critical of how city neglect of the EK ward is affecting home equity by allowing the neighborhoods of "the hard working people" to slide, devaluing their homes. "This area needs some significant investment."
31.50- As for another candidate talking about being part of a "team" on council if they're elected, Maz says "the team you represent at city hall are the people that elect you in your ward so you can fight for every dollar that they deserve... I am on Team Elmwood-East Kildonan."
The byelection is on October 25th. For more details on the Maz campaign, go to fightforelmwoodek.ca
*****
Marty Gold has been filing front page news in the Winnipeg Sun about important issues- here's the latest:
- A city podcast recently described how “Inspector Helen Peters sees the glass half full for everything, particularly our downtown. Today, as a leader in downtown safety, she workshard so people can be proud of where they live.”
She may be working hard, but no one is proud to live on Waterfront Drive, or in any of the districts where the theft, violence, screaming and mayhem are allowed by the authorities to carry on. For them the glass is not “half full.”
Police warrants for homeless shacks on public property a new low in public safety
- In July, Smith insisted the government was “on track” to have a facility opened by year’s end. It was last week that she bumped the opening back to sometime before the end of the NDP’s term in 2027. A week later Kinew said it was canned….They also did not reveal that a new application under Sec. 56.1 was already filed for a different SCS. And it was filed on July 4th.
Why they kept this new application to replace the AHWC proposal a secret for almost two months is hard to figure, but it may have something to do with the proponents.
The cat’s out of the bag after Kinew plays coy about new drug site plan.
Plus- Manitoba Teachers’ Society needs a lesson on modern antisemitism
Another special interview for a long weekend, as Episode 44 brings a conversation with Carmen Prefontaine, seeking the city council seat in Elmwood-East Kildonan on October 25.
8.40 Part 2 - First-time candidate Carmen Prefontaine brings over 16 years of experience as a City of Winnipeg employee, along with her current union leadership role to her campaign. She says her decision to run stems from a long-standing residency in the community and her connection with the late Coun. Jason Schreyer.
She thinks city councillors "don't have the same hands-on experience with the system the processes.... I have a very in-depth knowledge of the processes that go on, especially the budget and fiscal matters."
14.20 - Prefontaine speaks about her meeting with the Firefighters union and how the city could have hired permanent staff "and save us money in the long term" insteed of paying for overtime and added Workers Compensation Board claims.
"I'm very much about getting the basics right and meeting the needs that we have before doing frivolous projects and shiny new builds of things."
18.30- Prefontaine discusses the Louise Bridge in her ward and compares it to the repairs and reopening of Portage and Main. "I think it's odd that there was a plebiscite on that issue... I don't know why it was done and not adhered to."
For her family, the new Transit schedules and routes are "very challenging" despite being close to Henderson Hwy,
29.34 Part 3 - What made Prefontaine decide to run? "It's always kind of been in the back of my mind," citing her work on other campaigns and seriovnmg on various boards.
Hear her views of crime in the ward, community policing, support for housing, and homeless encampments- "I know people downtown feel afraid."
As for the installation of $300,000 gym equipment in Juba Park being an example of vanity project spending, Prefontaine says, "I will actually agree with you on that."
50.00- Prefontaine is on leave from her role as a vice-president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees. CUPE has become involved in a lot of politcal advocacy outisde of the workplace, including the Middle East. Hear her explain why she feels "there's no antisemitism occurring" within CUPE and why she is not an anti-Zionist.
More about her campaign can be found at Carmenprefontaine.ca.
1.00.15 Part 4 - A pitch to support the Winnipeg Sun and our Season Six funding drive; a reminder our interview with candidate Abel Gutierrez can be listened to at https://actionline.ca/2025/08/aug-5-2025-council-candidate-abel-gutierrez-talks-about-elmwood-ek/
*****
Read our column last Wednesday in the Winnipeg Sun- Home Care revamp accelerates anticipation of Asagwara’s exit
Episode 43 pivots off of two emails received from followers of our reporting. Their observations lead to an analysis of the potential issues in next year's Mayoral and civic election.
5.53 Part 2 - "Fabulous results from your articles"
A resident in the East Exchange notified us of two separate actions taken against illegal encampments- and gave credit to our reports about the relentless misery inflicted by homeless criminals on the neighborhood.
Another listener told about their scary experience at the Alexander Docks the night before the sanitized 'Potemkin presser' held by The Forks and city officials.
17.00- An overview of the continuing decline of the city and that may be alienating swing voters who supported Scott Gillingham in 2022.
25.44 - Listen to a letter from another follower, who put the ongoing hiring of Safety Officers and cadets under the microscope.
"The public is misled. They don't understand thenuances and limitation of these roles. This includes no enforcement... No enforcement, Crime increases. Law Enforcement 101. "
"What a mess for the tax payer," he concludes. Hear who he blames.
The episode ends with a few observations about the state of public services- be it Happyland Pool, potholes, policing, paramedics or permits - and if that will influence whether people think the city is going in the right direction or in the wrong direction, when they go to the ballot box in 2026.
*****
In the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday-
It seems that government housing units in Beausejour are being used to provide an address for justice-involvedpeople to be in compliance with conditions of their release.
But this allows drug addicts, drug dealers, thieves and domestic abuse offenders to be released into the community to live alongside tenants of Manitoba Housing. Those folks -including mothers, children, caregivers and seniors – have not been warned of the increased risk being placed next door.
Mayor Ray Schirle says he pressed Housing officials about that danger, only to be rebuffed with “we can't go into the house without giving them 48 hours notice. We can't do this, we can’t do that, there was every excuse under the sun, except for how are we actually going to clean up this problem.”
Read the exclusive report-
Beausejour Mayor asks why criminals are being lodged in Manitoba Housing
*****
In the Sun last Wednesday, Marty Gold pinpointed that crime became "acceptable" under Mayor Brian Bowman inWinnipeg in 2018, after bicycle theft skyrocketed and nothing was done to stop it. The column evoked strong reactions and opinions about what is happening, and what should be done now.
Part 1 of Episode 42 opens with a reply from the police after speculation by Police Board chair, Coun. Markus Chambers, about reviving a bait bike program that no one realized had been abandoned. The police sent along a chart of annual reported bike thefts, which we’ve republished with this podcast on ActionLine.ca.
15.13 Part 2- Everyone knows someone who has had a bike stolen or has a story about a relative, friend or neighbour that has.
Even past city councillors- including Jason Schreyer- have been victims.
After the column Unchallenged crime wave in 2018 led to today’s “epidemic” of bike thefts, a large number of readers came forward with their own experiences and strong opinions about how the crime wave has been mishandled.
These aren’t “survival crimes.” These crimes are traumatizing thousands of people, including children and people who rely on their bikes to get to work. Yetas one woman found out after spotting her bike for sale online, the WPS do nothing. Another said she files reportsonline, and never ever hears back from the cops.
Listen to more of the online feedback:
“I'm out thousands of dollars for bikes...was robbed last summer of my $4000 dollar bike.”
“It's awful! I’m a single mom of 4 and had 2 bikes stolen in a month! I keep buying the best locks I can find, but even 3/8" chain has been sawn through to take them.”
“These are the victimless crimes excused by local woke advocates. Maybe Bernadette Smith can buy this familysome new bikes.”
"The police had an opportunity to get ahead of it 10+ years ago. Leadership had no desire. 'They’re just bikes'”.
“It's time the chop shops and homeless camps are dealt with by police. Too many riders can be seen daily witha second bike in tow.”
The root cause of the problem? Weak leadership more concerned with virtue signaling that public safety:
“Bowman told the public it was ok to get on the bus and not pay your fare. Look where that got us.”
******
The more you open the door into “our data”, the more it appears the Tories have a point about the Mobile Overdose Prevention Site (MOPS) program needing a careful evaluation before the exemption is allowed to continue.
“A spring 2023 evaluation conducted by LAHRK Consultingis void of thorough post approval continued consultation, revealing that the qualitative data was primarily derived from users, staff, and politicians, without considering community perspectives that might present differing views on the site's impact.
“Our areas didn't even hear about Foy’s consultation process for MOPS.”
Read Marty's report in the Winnipeg Sun:https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-hidden-facts-challenge-government-approved-drug-van-narrative
The return of the Crime, Courts and Public Safety Update is the focus of Episode 41!
Part 1- A look at our recent interviews, and an explanation of some of the costs that your contributions to the Season Six Support campaign take care of- so we stay on the beat as Your Watchdog! The current total is $2675, thanks to our donors and sponsors!
12.00 Part 2- After even more criminal charges were filed against Cst. Eldon Bostock - and with another officer becoming the third of his associates on the force also heading to court- Winnipeg Police Service chief Gene Bowers stated:
"My message to the citizens of Winnipeg is you can bereassured that the majority of our members … they truly care about this community."
Among the allegations are drug dealing, ticket fixing, ammo heisting, and rousting unwanted tenants for a landlord. Most disturbing of the charges was the distribution of a photo of a dead woman found during a wellness check.
While Bowers is stuck cleaning up the mess, the obvious observation no one mentioned was that Bostock's dirty laundry list dates from 2016 to 2024. Matty Gold discusses how this ongoing conduct reflects on the head knock during that time period- the now retired Danny Smyth. What went on under his nose?
23.30- The round-up includes a dead body at the downtownlibrary; a murder on Boyd in the North End; lots of meth and fentanyl- and a gun- found in a raid on Mountain; and an even bigger bust in North Kildonan.
Also- nurses vote to avoid taking shifts at Health Sciences Centre, bike thefts are rampant, and Main Street Projectannounced a plan to build housing at their Main Street location.
You'll hear exclusive reaction to MSP's plan from Elmwood-EKcouncil candidate Abel Gutierrez, explaining why "I have serious concerns about their ability to manage additional housing responsibly."
****
In Sunday's Winnipeg Sun, another exclusive report- did you know that Mayor Scott Gillingham has left the board of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region? It hass added impetus to the movement for taxpayers to have a say before council just lets the city membership in the WMR roll over without a debate.
Push grows for council vote on Metro Region membership
****
- This summer we’re proving how we earn your support with ground breaking columns in the Winnipeg Sun andthe only public affairs podcast around!
- To make a contribution or advertise on the podcasts, go to https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/
- OR email martygoldive@gmail.com
Carrying on our tradition of covering civic elections, Episode 40 is an interview with Abel Gutierrez, one of the hopefuls looking to succeed the late Jason Schreyer as the representative of Elmwood- East Kildonan.
4.40 Part 2- Born in northeastern Mexico, Abel Gutierrezcame to Canada when he was 3 years old and grew up in North Kildonan. As an adult he chose to raise a family in Elmwood and build a career as a construction project manager. He says he’s running to show “my deep appreciation for the working class families in this ward,” many of whom he’s met through his volunteering with the East Side Eagles football club.
Included in his resume is a brief time working for the City Of Winnipeg with the traffic signals control centre project.
“There is definitely some things to overcome when itcomes to our city services,” such as road construction contracts, says Gutierrez. “If we’re not taking opportunities on the weekends we need to do something about that,” suggesting evening shifts instead of work sites becoming “ghost towns.”
16.20- Getting the Louise Bridge reopened is a priorityfor Gutierrez. “That artery is crucial especially when it comes to emergency services,” he says, and he disagrees with Mayor Gillingham spending tax dollars on reopening Portage and Main to pedestrians this year instead of maintaining the bridge.
23.15 Part 3- While door-knocking so far, Gutierrez has heard from residents who worry about vacant and derelict commercial buildings and homes.
His solution: “why don’t’ we just knock them down? Anempty lot looks better than a derelict building there.” He believes rehabilitating those buildings would be too costly and that developers would “love to have one of those lots and turn it into something beautiful.”
29.00 - Regarding the veteran’s housing provided on Talbot Avenue at Legion Gardens, Gutierrez tells how he lives close by but “was unaware of the crisis that they’ve faced” with repair and maintenance costs- including expensive city water and waste requirements.
“When it comes to a veterans housing program running outof a lower income constituency, we need to work with those organizations. That’s it, bottom line.”
34.00 - Elmwood has problems caused by crime and homeless encampments that isn't well publicized - and Gutierrez says Coun. Jeff Browaty has the right idea about removing encampments from major routes.
Having grown up in Manitoba Housing, he was shocked to learn that some of the criminals stay in encampments actually have subsidized housing units. He says that's denying honest families their chance at a step up.
41.05- Gutierrez does not support the exclusive contract the Gillingham administration awarded to Main Street Project for mobile services to deal with the homeless.
"I think we need to diversify our approach in this... I don't know when the last time you had a chance to drive by the Main Street Project, but it's not good. If that's what we're funding, I have to avoid that area when I bring a client to the city."
“I don’t like the image we portray as a gritty city,” Gutierrez asserts. “We need to take pride. We need to clean up our back yard.”
He believes his workaholic nature will enhance hisability to work with the community, and if elected on October 25th, “I’m gonna roll up my sleeves for you at City Hall.”
50.05 Part 4- Marty Gold wraps up the episode with a pitch to support the Season Six funding drive, now at $2650.
This summer we’re proving how we earn your support with ground breaking columns in the Winnipeg Sun and the only public affairs podcast around!
To make a contribution or advertise on the podcasts, email martygoldive@gmail.com
*******
The long weekend column in the Winnipeg Sun- The criminals who use encampments as a base to terrorize riverbank neighborhoods now ruin anything that’s good in our city.
For the long weekend, a special interview with Paul Edmonds, the radio voice of the Winnipeg Jets! Every season hockey fans tune out the TV feed and tune in their radio to hear Paul on CJOB & Power 97.
Part 1 - Marty's imitation of Peter Warren inspired Paul to show off his own. He tells about handling sports radio call-in shows and why doing the morning drive is a challenge.
They exchange memories of their earliest days covering sports (in Marty's case, at CJUM-FM) and the influence the legendary characters of CJOB, the sports leader in the city for decades. The programming techniques to retain the audience all day was unmatched. Paul believes the shift to fans being able to listen to podcasts on demand benefits everyone. A slight detour takes listeners to review of the grub sports reporters are provided in the press box.
16.35 - Paul attended the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association event inducting Peter Young to the media Roll of Honour.
On local TV for over 30 years, Peter championed local amateur athletes and teams and proved that extended sports reports could draw a big audience. Most importantly, The Sports Star of the Week feature helped develop a sense of community in the region.
"It was a drawing card," Paul says of the fifteen minutes of sports that CTV allotted. "It was much watch TV." Listen for his Cactus Jack imitation!
24.45 Part 2 - The honouring of Peter Young leads to a discussion in Episode 39 of the great figures in Winnipeg sports broadcasting history.
Paul tells a story about a predecessor behind the Jets microphone, Curt Keilback. In an era when TV carried perhaps 1 game on weeknights, radio play by play was the lifeline for hockey fans to follow their team. Paul loves Curt's book, Two Minutes for Talking to Myself
35.20 - Keilback was made famous because of his big calls on play by play for the Jets. Now, Paul's description of the Game 7 comeback by the Jets against the St. Louis Blues stands as an all-time great. Marty asks Paul for his favorite call of a big play, which is a World Series at-bat that lasted for 9 minutes.
********
Thank you to our donors in July, who helped us surpass $2600 in donations so far for the Season Six campaign.
With a goal of $10,000, we’re counting on listeners of TGCTS and readers of Marty’s columns in the Winnipeg Sun to continue the momentum in August. Here's his latest: New transit system leaves users frustrated and stranded
You can send an E-Transfer or make other arrangements for contributions by PayPal, cheques, oradvertising etc. by emailing martygoldlive@gmail.com
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Since 2007, Jeff Browaty has been a regular guest on TGCTS in his role as city councillor for North Kildonan. Currently the Finance chair, Episode 38 features a long-from interview with him discussing numerous civic issues . We start with an explanation of how the concerns of the residents of Elmwood-East Kildonan are being handled until a byelection fills the seat.
6.30- The revised Transit stop and route system is touched on, as North Kildonan faces an influx of vagrants and criminals taking a free ride to the suburbs- "I'm ready for a crackdown" on freeloaders, says Browaty. He discusses planned fare payment options, which likely won't include accepting paper cash.
20.00- Coun. Gilroy's motion to enforce bans on illegal camping in parks and playgrounds has Browaty looking to eliminate encampments beside major traffic routes. Hear his view of the disorder and crime "happening brazenly right in the open."
While Mayor Gillingham, Coun. Vivian Santos and the CBC harp about potential lawsuits, there are three court decisions that Browaty and council has not been briefed on backing the enforcement of public safety. We wonder why.
28.00 Part 2 - Browaty answers questions about increased water bill costs and the reasons driving the hikes; we raise the issue of tax dollars expended on pet projects like bike lanes and decorative painting on roads.
If "calming curbs" are being installed to manage traffic, why aren't the engineers and bureaucrats who drafted the inadequate road designs fired? Browaty goes on to express his support for photo radar but is unaware there are performance reports long overude; on the other hand, he thinks some of the school zone enforcement practices are "baloney".
42.00 - Browaty is asked whether bike lanes and other laneway modifications proposed in the Moving on Marion project actually violate the required standards for provincial truck routes. He commits that the residents of the St. Boniface Hospital district will finally be directly consulted about the project.
*****
Today in the Winnipeg Sun: ”We have a homeless man and woman in a yard near us. I’ve spoken to him and the situation is interesting,”
The male, 30, is struggling to overcome his addictions and doesn’t want to be near the drugs endemic to theinner-city camps. The 33 year old female is disabled and, he noted, pregnant. They had been in contact with Main Street Project, yet there they were, in his neighbour’s yard, using the outdoors as a commode. They needed help and the readerwasn’t sure where to turn.
But I did. I told him that Marion Willis at Street Links should be notified and provided the contact details. He was led to believe that they were put out of business after the city cut their funding - but I assured him they were still operating and were not limited to St. Boniface.
Within two hours, he emailed me again.
******
Over the next few weeks, we'll be making therounds to get feedback and reaction from our listeners and readers. Their financial support is the fuel that drives our reports and investigations.
To make a contribution towards the Season Six funding drive, email martygoldlive@gmail.com or go to https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/
In Episode 37 we tell about a letter of condemnation sent to Mayor Scott Gillingham, Premier Wab Kinew, all of city council and other public officials by a homeowner in North Point Douglas .
He was trying to enjoy his Saturday morning coffee and read a book in his yard in peace. It was "abruptly shattered by agroup of unhoused individuals down on the riverbank - hooting, yelling, hurling expletives and epithets."
Before long an ambulance and fire truck arrived- yet again- to the riverbank. Meanwhile the neighborhood homeless encampments were buzzing with illegal activity.
“And so begins another typical day in North Point Douglas.”
Part 1- To provide context to the letter from Howard Warren, we start with the list he attached of the awful incidents he's encountered in the last few years.
The already-struggling neighborhood was failed by government policies and is now overrun with criminals and individuals with profound mental illness.
Listen to his experience with robberies, break-ins, assaults, filth, fires, finding a dead body - and worst of all, his dealings with a dysfunctional 911 and police service.
13.13 Part 2 - According to Mr. Warren, he previously "reached out in states of deep frustration over what’s happening in North Point Douglas" to Mayor Gillingham, "but I did not even receive a basic acknowledgment. That silence is its own message. "
Among the points he makes:
"Despite years of visible decline, governments of all levels, parties, and ideologies have failed to act in any meaningful way. The very institutions that are supposed to safeguard public welfare and uphold the rule of law have left us feeling trapped and betrayed."
"I represent a wide cross-section of Point Douglasresidents, and countless others across Winnipeg, when I say: we are desperate. For the past six years, we have felt abandoned. Unheard. Marginalized. Misunderstood.Demoralized."
"We no longer consider inviting people over to sit in our yard. Why would we? There’s every chance that the gathering will be disrupted, hijacked, really, by shouting, swearing, fighting, environmental destruction, fires or worse. That medley of chaos too often crashes through what should be moments of joy, peace and calm."
"We’re the ones who have nothing left to lose but our silence. And so, we fight, speak out, and use whatever means we can to shine a light on what’s happening here; the injustice and indignity suffered by both the housed and unhoused. I say this with no exaggeration: we are in a crisis."
22.40- "I have several questions for you, Mr. Mayor. Let me start with one I know you’ve heard before."
We read off the questions Howard Warren posedfor Mayor Gillingham. He started with why St. Boniface Street Links was "cut off from municipal funding" in favour of Main Street Project.
You'll hear his criticism of MSP's "human rights based" approach to the homeless, "a model which seems to entrench dysfunction, despair and social mayhem."
Other Notable Quotes:
- “Why are families like ours and our neighbours' expected to endure the daily trauma of watching people destroy themselves in front of our homes, in front of our children, asthe very systems that were meant to protect us slowly collapse around us?”
- “The rights of one group should not eclipse the rights of another, especially not when those being drowned out are the very people trying to hold their communities together…we are being dismissed, neglected, and treated as expendable.”
- “We need an end to policies that normalize decay, danger, and disorder. And we need city and provincial leadership to stop pretending this is okay. We need all of this now.”
******
Online today, in print tomorrow in the Winnipeg Sun - Restaurants pushed to the brink by theft, vandalism, City Works and City cops
https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-winnipeg-restaurants-battered-by-crime-costs-and-silence
******
* Support the Season Six funding campaign via https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/
Episode 36 features a Lesson in Journalism, explaining how the CBC spread misinformation to undermine Coun. Cindy Gilroy for daring to table a motion suggesting kids need protection from homeless encampments.
"Winnipeggers split over councillor's call toban encampments in outdoor places where children gather"
First they manufactured the illusion of dissent by citing only one woman, who was not even asked if she had children.
Then the CBC "journalist" falsely portrayed camping on city property as a legal right of the homeless that was being threatened by Gilroy's motion. As you'll hear, it's among the many things that are against the law in Winnipeg parks that the city tolerates and that the police don't make arrests for, making a mockery of the claim by Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith:
"We will continue to work with police and community partners to protect public safety around child friendly spaces."
Nowhere in the story was a single resident of the areas like Point Douglas, Assiniboine Avenue or Waterfront Drive where children are at risk from illegal homeless encampments spoken to, nor were words like 'explosions', 'weapons', or 'chop shop' used.
Along the way the CBC reporter shifted the issue from public safety to a lack of housing, allowing the usual suspects to say whatever they wanted without challenge.
On TGCTS, you'll hear the questions that needed to be asked.
In response to the CBC report, one of affected residents stated, "The Mayor seems more concerned about being sued than enforcing existing laws.”
Part 1- Marty quickly reviews reaction to his Winnipeg Sun column, Wildfire evacuees straining critical Winnipeg emergency services https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-wildfire-evacuees-straining-critical-winnipeg-emergency-service
Burnout, the first responder told me, is becoming endemic, and exhausted crews are refusing to pick up more overtime shifts. When shifts aren’t being covered, whether due to burnout, illness, or injury, vital life-saving equipment sits idle. “It’s not an uncommon occurrence to be down 8–10 fire trucks overnight. Even ambulances are left in the bays because of no staff.”
7.20 Part 2 - Hear our analysis. of the CBC story. It is a good example of the media making excuses for the criminals intimidating the community and not holding the responsible officials accountable, instead of listening to the communities asking for protection.
-------
Our Season Six Support Campaign is at $2330.
It's your donations and advertising support that ensures the bills are paid and that we can stay on the beat, reporting the issues facing our community with clarity, insight and common sense.
You can contribute by using our newly updated Donate Page,or for more information email martygoldlive@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR WORK
After our report in the Winnipeg Sun revealed that certain voices in the poverty industry promote downplaying property and other offences committed by homeless lawbreakers, a listener raised an important question:
"Is there any limit to what City Hall will tolerate as survivalcrimes? "
In Part 1 of Episode 35 we explore his concern, about the lax attitude of local authorities to thieves stripping copper they steal and store in riverbank encampments:
"Being a tradesperson, I was once warned that cyanide is released when the vinyl wire casing is burned... Never mind air quality warnings about northern forest fires, how about neighbourhoods being warned when thieving scum are burning off wire and creating smoke that is thousands of times more toxic than that of burning trees?"
That's a "survival crime" that poisons riverbank communities- yet it's been tolerated.
12.35 Part 2- A letter sent this week to Mayor Gillingham and City Councillors provides evidence of the ground-floor effects of "survival crimes" being tolerated by Winnipeg civic leaders.
"Not-for-profits are redefining criminal behavior in ways that downplay the break-ins, thefts, and violence ourcommunity experiences daily. This is not sustainable. We are creating a climate where the most vulnerable: seniors, children, people with disabilities, and those struggling with addiction are at constant risk."
Sent by the housing chair of the Point Douglas Residents Committee, it poses troubling questions about how taxpayers in he neighborhood are treated like third-class citizens as drug-fueled mayhem stalks them daily.
"I am frustrated and disheartened by the disparity in attention and response Point Douglas receives in terms of basic city maintenance and bylaw enforcement."
In one example, a problematic property on a short connecting sidestreet couldn't be found by bylaw officers walking right past it. It's the only lot on the street. Another example is how a graffiti complaint puts callers in the position of interpreting the markings, a job that should be done by paid staff.
"311 then asked if the graffiti is hateful or threatening. I am not an expert in graffiti or gang symbols. Is this the standard? That graffiti is only actionable if it is explicitly hateful? Graffiti of any kind should be considered a livability violation no matter the content. It lowers property values, invites crime, and reinforces the broken window theory that neglect fosters further decline. "
The total ineptitude towards the embattled area puts both the head of the Bylaw Division, Winston Yee, and Police Chief Gene Bowers on the spot- and they were both questioned directly in the email. Will they respond?
It all makes her wonder if there's a hidden agenda because "This level of discrepancy sends a clear message about which communities matter... the lack of basic care and enforcement in Point Douglas is so persistent that it feels intentional. "
Marty Gold brings all the details, including actionable items presented by the PDRC (don't tell Dan Lett).
Hear our additional insight into the encampment-driven crisis facing residents east of Main Street. Gillingham, city councillors like Vivian Santos, and health authorities are ignoring them - because acting on it hurts the "harm reduction" reputation of the government-funded experts enabling these "survival crimes".
Related - Our Wednesday column in the Sun, City budgets close pools, but funds a jungle gym on Waterfront
*****
To Support The Season Six Funding Campaign- emailmartygoldlive@gmail.com for details or check out the ActionLine.ca Donate tab. Thank you for keeping us on the beat as your watchdog!
A Winnipeg Free Press columnist was invited to meet with residents and stakeholders to hear their concerns about locating the NDP's proposed Safe Consumption Site in their area.
Episode 34 reviews in three acts the invitation to Dan Lett, the aspersions he made about those questioning the proposal, and the scathing response to his smears from a woman who lives in the East Exchange.
Act 1- On Friday morning, after "an email exchange between you and a resident of the exchange was shared with me yesterday," a Point Douglas mother of five contacted Dan Lett.
"If you're truly confident that the site will bring safety and stability to Point Douglas, then we would like to extend a sincere invitation: join us for a walk through our community. Let us show you our homes, our streets, our schools, our challenges, and our strengths."
She told Lett, "What’s striking is that, in all these confident assertions, you’ve never once explained how this safety is achieved nor have you offered any data to support such claims... We’d be happy to sit down afterward for a beer or a gin and tonic and have a real, face-to-face conversation. Because this isn’t just policy. It’s our lived experience."
You'll also hear about the "math crisis" facing the communities east of Main Street, where "most individuals (targeted by) the SCS are not dipping into RRSPs or investment portfolios" but instead turn to theft and crime from area yards and businesses to find the thousands of dollars needed every day to pay their drug dealers.
15.45 Act 2 - Dan Lett turned down the offer, instead stereotyping the concerned residents as lacking empathy for addicts and smearing them as "being part of the ongoing problem."
"It is with great sadness and some bemusement that I respond to another active member of your neighborhood ..."
Lett's sanctimonious response was a stunning example of how legacy media in Winnipeg don't just repeat the narrative supporting a drug use site - they promote it.
"I've owned businesses right in your neighborhood. I honestly don't need to educated about the problems that exist."
This Ivory Tower attitude from supporters of an SCS across from Argyle High School like Dan Lett resemble the ultimate NIMBYs. It's easy to volunteer other families and property owners to deal with the costs and trauma that accompany every SCS created in Canada.
27.35 Act 3- A Free Press subscriber who was part of the email chain sent a reply to Lett about his crass remarks and to his biased coverage of the site controversy.
"The dismissive remarks and palpable tone of contempt toward residents questioning policy decisions have led me to reconsider my continued support (for the Free Press)... Residents raising concerns about the proposed supervised consumption site at 200 Disraeli are not “rapid gentrifiers.” They are concerned neighbours seeking accountability and balance."
Her neighbours who are recovering addicts "deserve not to be continuously exposed to open drug use and dealing in their community. Nor should it amuse you."
She continued, "The proposed location—directly across from a high school and mere meters from daycares, churches, and youth centres—contradicts the Premier’s assurances that such facilities would not be placed near schools. These are serious issues requiring thoughtful coverage, not mockery."
Hear how she refuted Lett's allegation "not a single one" of the opponents had brought forward other ideas, and pointed out the serious questions about public safety, site management, and "the over-reliance on encampments" that are yet unanswered by the NDP and site applicants, the Aboriginal Wellness Centre.
She again invited him to meet with the community, after she educated him. What will Dan Lett do next?
*****
Wab Kinew and his neighbours got a flyer from those concerned residents - read Marty's report:
