Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - October 29, 2025, Winnipeg, Manitoba WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025 A2 ● WINNIPEGFREEPRESS.COM NEWS VOL 154 NO 292 Winnipeg Free Press est 1872 / Winnipeg Tribune est 1890 2024 Winnipeg Free Press, a division of FP Canadian Newspapers Limited Partnership. Published six days a week in print and always online at 1355 Mountain Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2X 3B6, PH: 204-697-7000 CEO / MIKE POWER Editor / PAUL SAMYN Associate Editor Enterprise / SCOTT GIBBONS Associate Editor News / STACEY THIDRICKSON Associate Editor Digital News / WENDY SAWATZKY Director Photo and Multimedia / MIKE APORIUS NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Winnipeg Free Press is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to determine acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please send them to: editorialconcerns@freepress.mb.ca. 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INSIDE Arts and Life C1 Classifieds D7 Comics C5 Diversions C6-7 Horoscope C4 Jumble C6 Miss Lonelyhearts C4 Business B5 Opinion A6-7 Sports D1 Television C4 Weather B8 COLUMNISTS: Tom Brodbeck A5 Deveryn Ross A7 READER SERVICE ● GENERAL INQUIRIES 204-697-7000 CIRCULATION INQUIRIES MISSING OR INCOMPLETE PAPER? Call or email before 10 a.m. weekdays or 11 a.m. Saturday City: 204-697-7001 Outside Winnipeg: 1-800-542-8900 press 1 6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.; 7 a.m. - noon Saturday; Closed Sunday TO SUBSCRIBE: 204-697-7001 Out of Winnipeg: 1-800-542-8900 The Free Press receives support from the Local Journalism Initiative funded by the Government of Canada Panicked B.C. citizens could learn from Naawi-Oodena T HE mayor of Richmond, B.C., caused a panic when he wrote a letter to 150 property owners in the city last week. “Please take note that the recent B.C. Supreme Court decision of Cowichan Tribes v. Canada, made some very important decisions which could nega- tively affect the title to your property,” Mayor Malcolm Brodie wrote. “The court has declared Aboriginal title to your property, which may com- promise the status and validity of your ownership.” Nothing could be further from the truth, but the letter caused anxiety throughout British Columbia anyway. During a trip to the West Coast this past weekend, the situation in Rich- mond was all people wanted to talk about. It’s something people in Manitoba have already experienced — and learned from. In August, B.C. Supreme Court Judge Barbara Young granted Quw’ut- sun (Cowichan Nation) title over 7.5 square kilometres of riverfront land within the city of Richmond. The Crown now must negotiate “for the reconciliation of their Aboriginal title.” In her decision, Young said her recognition of the land title of the Cowichan does not “displace private owners” (also called “fee simple” own- ers) but, rather, orders a negotiation process to begin. The mayor of Richmond didn’t care much about that, though. When Brodie wrote to owners about the affected properties in the area, he may as well have said: the big bad native people are coming, so watch out for your home, your livelihood and everything else. B.C. Premier David Eby has said the province is working with the City of Richmond to appeal the decision. These kinds of decisions are taking place all across B.C., as the prov- ince comes to grips with the fact the Crown never pursued treaties past the Rocky Mountains. All of the province is illegitimately occupied and legally unceded. This has resulted in some modern treaties, such as for the Nisga’a, Tsaw- wassen, Maa-nulth and Tla’amin — or interesting anomalous situations, such as when former prime minister Justin Trudeau recognized Haida Gwaii as “Haida Aboriginal title” during his final week in office. In all of these cases, Indigenous title and Canadian title have found ways to coexist. Yet, the fear-mongering continues. Manitoba learned this when the for- mer Kapyong Barracks, a 64-hectare site on Route 90 bordering the River Heights and Tuxedo neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, was given to the seven First Nations who constitute Treaty 1. All were owed land that was never provid- ed under the terms of the original 1870 agreement. After a long court battle and negoti- ation, a deal was forged to hand over the area in 2019. In 2022, the land was designated an urban reserve and plan- ning begun. In the midst of all of that was a great deal of paranoia, anxiety and misinfor- mation about what would happen to one of the most affluent areas of Winnipeg. Over the years, fears (based, frankly, on long-standing stereotypes) ran ram- pant that gang houses, meth labs or a drug rehab clinic would pop up. Manitobans now know that Naa- wi-Oodena represents a gas station (one of the few in the area, in fact) and — what will one day be — kilometres of green space, a multi-use sport com- plex, 1,000 residential units, 750,000 square feet of commercial space and nearly $100 million in infrastructure. In other words: Treaty 1 came, saw and created a space for all citizens to enjoy. It’s a lesson citizens in Richmond, B.C., will now learn, too. “This case was never about chal- lenging the fee simple with respect to privately owned lands,” said David Rosenberg, lead counsel for the Co- wichan Nation. “The case was brought against the Crown for return of public lands that were wrongfully taken. We have a decision that now recognizes that Aboriginal title and fee simple interest can and do coexist.” The negotiations to sort all of this out will take years, maybe even a lifetime. There is even another First Nation, the Musqueam, disputing the Cowichan claim. There is no easy solution to this com- plicated situation. A long negotiation could produce many things, such as a form of “co-government” between the Co- wichan and the City of Richmond, a shared tax revenue system or the sim- ple offer of land or money as compen- sation for loss. It won’t involve Canadians being kicked out on the street. There is a lot of uncertainty, but it’s far better than the huge mess of hav- ing no clarity regarding the thousands of Indigenous land claims throughout B.C. That’s not to mention the deep harm and division that’s created when fear and anxiety confuse and create misin- formation. niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca NIIGAAN SINCLAIR OPINION The study used data modelling to estimate how much the bears leave behind after they feast on ringed seals. Because they are “blubber special- ists,” Gamblin said, the bears eat much of the seal fat, but unlike some other carnivores, they don’t guard or hoard their prey. Dragging their prey — seals or even narwhals — up onto the sea ice helps scavengers survive. Even rare scavengers, such as griz- zly bears and snowy owls, have come to the table for the spoils of a polar bear’s hunt, the study found. Previous research from Gamblin’s lab at U of M has found the Arctic fox population is directly linked to polar bears’ “hunting success.” This study points to the importance of conservation efforts. “This just highlights one other po- tential impact of climate change, but it really comes down to making changes on a global scale that will reduce the loss of sea ice,” Gamblin said. The ecological benefits provided by the bears are irreplaceable, she said. “We already know how the Arctic is warming at a rate of four times the rest of the world, and we know that we’re experiencing loss of sea ice, and so, what our research group is interested in doing is showing that when we lose sea ice, we’re losing this energy source for all kinds of different species,” she said. “It has the potential to impact much further down into the food web.” The issue of climate change hits home in the polar bear capital of the world. There are fewer polar bears in and around Churchill: one study, published in 2022, estimated there are roughly 600 — half of the number of polar bears that roamed the area 35 years earlier, according to Polar Bears Inter- national. The bears attract thousands of tourists to Churchill each year: more than 25,000 travellers visited in 2023. Tourism in Churchill contributes $99.8 million to Manitoba’s economy, a 2024 economic impact study shows. “It’s always good to see knowledge like this formalized, but I think it will come as no surprise to anyone who’s spent some time watching bears that they have a very important role in supporting ecosystems and everything that lives around them,” said Drew Hamilton, co-owner of Discover Chur- chill Tours. Polar bear season in the northern town, traditionally in October and No- vember, has recorded above-seasonal temperatures this year. When Hamilton looked out his window Tuesday, it was raining, not snowing. “It’s the talk of the town; every- body’s wondering what the next couple of months are going to hold … as the sea ice comes or it doesn’t, these bears stick around. The tourists all leave, but the bears stick around. So then, you have to take a hard look at what it takes to co-exist with polar bears,” Hamilton said, pointing to practical concerns, such as the need for a bear- proof trash management system in town. Hamilton, who has worked in Chur- chill for about a decade and said he’s “been in the bear business” since the late ’90s in Alaska and other areas, said he and other Churchill residents are witnessing the realities of climate change, and they need systems in place to protect the bears, both for the environment and the economy. “This is changing before our eyes, and hopefully that sparks some urgency in both looking at polar bear conservation and confronting climate change,” he said. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca BEARS ● FROM A1 “Good ideas aren’t developed behind closed doors on Parliament Hill,” Fra- ser said. “They are developed through conversation, engaging with people who manage the justice system, who work within the justice system and the people on the front lines who help promote public safety.” He said when he mentioned Wiebe’s idea to leaders in other jurisdictions across the country, it became “painful- ly obvious” they needed to take action. “If we are going to count on people to keep our community safe, the very least we can do is make sure the law returns the favour,” Fraser said. “People who are subjected to assaults when they are trying to save lives, when they are trying to fight fires, do not deserve to see the people that assault them treated with impuni- ty by the criminal justice system.” The event was attended by Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president Nick Kasper and Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union president Kyle Ross. Kasper said incidents of violence against firefighters and paramedics are on the rise across the country. “Here in Winnipeg, we’ve seen near- ly 100 assaults in 2025 alone,” he said. “In one case, a firefighter was struck in the face with a metal pole. Days later, police had to disarm a patient with a knife (who was) threatening to kill (first responders). These are not isolated events. They represent a growing national crisis.” The assault with the metal pole happened while crews were respond- ing to a vehicle fire in the 300 block of Princess Avenue on July 11. As the fire engine approached the intersection, a man armed with the pole struck the vehicle. When the crew stopped and a firefighter got out, he was confronted and struck in the face with the pole, causing minor injuries. Police confirmed the accused was out on bail at the time of the attack. He’s been in custody since the incident, court records show, with his next court date scheduled for Nov. 17. Both Kasper and Ross — whose union represents 385 city paramed- ics — said Tuesday’s announcement represents a solid first step. “Earlier this year, we surveyed our members and the results were trou- bling,” Ross said. “Ninety-three per cent of our workers said they are ex- posed to violence, and nearly a quarter told us they face violence every day. “The changes to the Criminal Code are an important step in recognizing the dangers paramedics face. While it won’t stop an incident from happening, these changes send a message that first responders, what they do, and the risks they take, matter.” Gillingham was in Ottawa last week to speak to the House of Commons jus- tice committee; he called for multiple reforms to reduce the risk of crime being committed by repeat offenders. “This legislation is critical because it’s about our workers, about the men and women that are moms and dads, sons and daughters, who serve as emergency responders in our commu- nity,” Gillingham said Tuesday. “They deserve protection, and this legislation will provide that protec- tion.” In Ottawa Tuesday, grieving mother Meechelle Best appeared before the parliamentary justice committee to advocate for bail reform. Best’s daughter, Kellie Verwey, was killed in a crash on Jan. 15 that was allegedly caused by a man wanted by police and was believed to have been impaired when he fled the scene. The accused, James Hilton, had been out on bail on other charges, but had failed to comply with his conditions, prompting a warrant being issued for his arrest. Hilton had been released into the care of a private inpatient treatment centre in Winnipeg in September 2024, but fled the facility and was rearrest- ed. “We hear a lot these days about rights — constitutional rights, individ- ual rights, the rights of the accused — but what about our rights?” Best told the committee. “What about Kellie’s right to safety? What about our right to live in a country where the laws protect the innocent?” The tragedy became a flashpoint in the debate about bail reform as Man- itoba politicians of all stripes unani- mously called for an overhaul. — with file from Tyler Searle scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca BAIL REFORM ● FROM A1 The senior governments have not formally committed to providing that funding but the mayor is confi- dent they will. “We strongly believe, based on our conversations, on the commit- ments that have been made, that we will secure cost-sharing on the third phase (of the upgrade). Today, we had to bring forward water and sewer rates. The respon- sible thing to do, in my mind, is to bring forward rates that reflect the cost-sharing arrangement and, thereby, also reflect a measure of affordability for ratepayers,” said Gillingham. City finance officials recently revealed they were finalizing a deal that will see the federal, provincial and municipal governments pay roughly one-third each of the cost for Phase 2 of the upgrade as well. The mayor noted the Manitoba government’s economic develop- ment strategy includes a commit- ment to get the sewage treatment upgrade built. In an email, a spokesman for Municipal Relations Minister Glen Simard expressed support for the upgrade, but did not confirm exact funding. “We know how important this project is to the people of Manitoba, and we are committed to making sure Phase 3 is completed,” the statement said. However, a city councillor fears the city is basing the proposed rates on a “guesstimate” of future funding. “Of course, it’s going to cost us less if other levels of government give us a billion dollars, but there’s no evidence that’s coming,” said Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), a for- mer chairman and current member of the water and waste committee. If the funding isn’t provided, sew- er rates will surge to the amounts proposed in March, said Lisa Marquardson, a water and waste spokeswoman, in an email. The most recent sewer rate hike was part of a trio of substantial fee increases Winnipeggers faced this year. The city’s annual per-home garbage fee rose to $254 (prorated to $190.50) from $93, on April 1. Property taxes rose 5.95 per cent, its largest annual increase since the 1990s, which will cost the owners of a sample single-family home $121 more. One ratepayer fears many resi- dents will struggle to pay all of the costs. “I’m concerned for those (who) are on fixed budgets, whether it’s low-income (people) or seniors… You may think you’re getting a bet- ter deal (with reduced sewer rate hikes), but it’s still an increase,” said Terry Cooper. A program that aims to help low-income residents pay utility bills is being expanded to help off- set the financial strain, said Coun. Ross Eadie, chairman of water and waste. The H2O Help to Others Program previously provided a one-time util- ity bill credit to low-income people. If council approves, the program would allow people to apply for the credit every two years instead of just once. It would allow all people who receive employment and income assistance to apply for the credit, not just those who are at risk of having their water disconnected. “It’s being enhanced quite a bit,” said Eadie. Earlier this year, the city in- creased the maximum credits that program provides to $280 per one-person household, up from the previous $155, and to $580 per household of five or more, up from $400. The first of the two new sewer rate hikes would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca X: @joyanne_pursaga SEWER RATES ● FROM A1 MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Fire and paramedic chief Christian Schmidt (left) chats with provincial Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser. ;