Peel school board's former anti-discrimination leader sues for wrongful dismissal, breach of contract
The former head of the Peel public school board's anti-discrimination work has sued the board, alleging she was unlawfully fired after years of trying to hold her employer accountable for 'resistance' to equity initiatives.
The 41-page statement of claim comes nearly eight years after Poleen Grewal was appointed by the Peel District School Board to advance equity and anti-racism initiatives in its more than 250 schools. The $7.5 million suit alleges in part that the board failed to support those initiatives, sought reprisal against her when she expressed concerns, and ultimately fired her to 'appease staff opposed to equity and anti-Black racism' programs.
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Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Iranians react to new Trump travel ban as tensions are high between nations
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranians again face a U.S. travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump, with the decision drawing anger, frustration and some shrugs given the decades of tensions between the countries. Trump imposed a similar ban during his first term before withdrawing America unilaterally from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, under which Iran drastically limited its program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. But when he returned to the White House and began seeking a new deal with Iran, it saw the country's rial currency improve and stocks rise, but worries have grown as its government appears poised to reject an initial American proposal. The travel ban has further darkened that mood and led Iranians to fear Trump will lump the nations' 80 million people alongside of its theocratic government even after he's repeatedly praised them while seeking a deal. People walk past a state-sponsored anti-U.S. mural painted on the wall of the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) 'Now I understand that Trump is against all Iranians, and his attitude is not limited to the government,' said Asghar Nejati, a 31-year-old man working in a Tehran pharmacy. Even in the years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and subsequent U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, Iranian students traveled to the U.S. to attend universities. Between 2018 to 2024, an average of around 10,000 Iranian students went to the U.S. annually. Estimates suggest some 1 million Iranian-origin people live in the U.S. today. Mehrnoush Alipour, a 37-year-old graphic designer, said the nations could have better relations if they could spoke to each other in softer tones. 'This is another foolish decision. Trump cannot reach his goals by imposing pressures on ordinary Iranians,' she said. 'The two nations can have better relation through openings, not restrictions.' Bank teller Mahdieh Naderi said Trump was lashing out over his frustrationed efforts to reach ceasefires in the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia-Ukraine war. 'Trump just expressed his anger about his failed plans,' Naderi said. 'He is complaining about the Chinese and others who are living in the U.S., too Some said interest in the U.S. was already waning before the latest ban. 'Over the past years, two of my grandchildren went to Canada to continue their education there,' said Mohammad Ali Niaraki, 75. 'Iranians are not limited in immigration and they are not as interested to go to the U.S. as they were decades ago. Iranians prefer Canada, as well as neighboring countries with flourishing economies like the (United Arab) Emirates.'.' But others pointed out that high-ranking government officials have children living or working in the U.S., despite the tensions. 'It's fine, but if he also kicks out the children of officials who live there it would be very nice,' said a man who just gave his name as Mehdi. 'We can't afford traveling to the U.S, almost 80% of us can't. But if he kicks out those who are already there it would be much better.' Tehran resident Mehri Soltani offered rare support for Trump's decision. 'Those who have family members in the U.S, it's their right to go, but a bunch of bad people and terrorists and murderers want to go there as well,' he said. 'So his policy is correct. He's doing the right thing.' ___ Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Winnipeg Free Press
17 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Man, 28, charged in series of alleged hate-motivated graffiti incidents: York police
Police north of Toronto say a man has been charged in an alleged series of hate-motivated graffiti incidents in Richmond Hill, Ont., last week. Police in York Region say they responded to a report of hate-related graffiti on the wall of a grocery store near Yonge Street and 16th Avenue on May 31. They say three more businesses reported similar graffiti containing 'anti-Iranian messages' that same day. Police say a fourth graffiti incident was later reported at a nearby bus terminal. The suspect, a 28-year-old man of no fixed address, has been charged with four counts of mischief under $5,000, among other offences. Police say that at the time of his arrest, the accused was on probation and under a court order for previous unrelated charges. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2026.
Winnipeg Free Press
17 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
New Anglican bishop believes background, experience will help in new role
Anglicans in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario have selected the first Black person to be their bishop — and the first who was born in Africa. Naboth Manzongo, 40, currently rector at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in downtown Winnipeg, was elected to be the 14th bishop of the Diocese of Rupert's Land last Saturday. He succeeds Geoffrey Woodcroft, who stepped down for health reasons. Naboth Manzongo was elected to be the 14th bishop of the Diocese of Rupert's Land on May 31. He says he hopes he can be 'an inspiration to Black youth, and to youth from other marginalized communities.' (Ryan Turner photo) Manzongo, who came to Canada from Zimbabwe seven years ago, had previously served as priest at St. Luke's Anglican Church in Dryden, Ont. He arrived at Holy Trinity in September. Manzongo, who is married with three children, will begin his new role as bishop in September. Being the first Black and African bishop is both a burden and an opportunity, in his view. 'It's a burden to be the first of anything,' he said, adding he can be an inspiration to Black youth and to youth from other marginalized communities. His immigrant experience will help him relate to other immigrants and refugees in Manitoba, he said. Manzongo acknowledged he wasn't keen on letting his name stand for bishop when it was first suggested, because he had just started his new job at Holy Trinity, and because of his young family, with children ages 11, seven and nine months. 'I never thought I would be chosen,' he said. 'But when God calls, you can't resist.' Manzongo is sorry to be leaving Holy Trinity when plans are in the works to repair the historic building and save it for future generations. 'It's a bittersweet time for Holy Trinity,' he said. 'They are happy for me, but sad for themselves.' As he looks ahead to his new role, there are a number of challenges and opportunities on his mind. 'The diocese is increasingly diverse,' he said. 'I want to be a bridge builder, to create space for dialogue between the various groups.' He also wants to keep building bridges to other faith groups. 'Too many wars have been fought over religion,' he said. 'I want to look for the values that unite us all, the glue that connects us, see what we can learn from each other.' Then there are the challenges of an aging membership and buildings that are old and costly to maintain and repair, along with financial issues. 'I have deep respect for tradition, but I want to be open to innovation,' he said of how he hopes to approach those issues. 'I want to look at the structures of the church, see what works for us today, and see what new things need to be brought to the table.' One issue that divides some Anglicans is welcoming and affirming LGBTTQ+ people. Manzongo marched in Sunday's Pride Parade. 'All are created in the image of God… I see God in every person,' he said. 'My goal is to welcome everyone, not to say who is in and who is out. As a person of colour, I can understand what it is like to be marginalized, I can empathize.' Noting that the issue also divides Anglicans in North America and Europe from many Anglicans elsewhere, Manzongo said he might be able to play a role in bridging that divide. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. 'Maybe I can be a connector… I understand both contexts, north and south, having lived in both. There are many things we in Canada don't understand about Christians in the global south, and many things they don't understand about us.' Wilson Akinwale is rector at St. Bartholomew Anglican Church and St. George's Anglican Church in Transcona and national President of Black Anglicans of Canada. He welcomes Manzongo's election. 'It shows the church is not only ready to speak about diversity, but to act, a church that is willing to practise what it preaches.' faith@ The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
