Natalie Sue's ‘I Hope This Finds You Well' among Leacock humour writing prize finalists
Calgary writer Natalie Sue's debut novel about the absurdities of office life is one of three finalists for the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.
The $25,000 award, named for essayist and humorist Stephen Leacock, honours the best Canadian book of literary humour published in the past year.
Sue's 'I Hope This Finds You Well,' which centres on a burnt-out office worker whose unsent email drafts accidentally go public, is on the short list.
Also making the cut is Toronto author and playwright Greg Kearney's 'An Evening With Birdy O'Day,' about an aging hairstylist revisiting his friendship with a washed-up pop idol.
Rounding out the list is Toronto writer Patricia J. Parsons' 'We Came From Away: That Summer on the Rock,' which follows a feuding family's Newfoundland road trip.
Winnipeg Jets Game Days
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop.
The winner will be announced June 21 at a gala dinner in Orillia, Ont.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2025.
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Winnipeg Free Press
35 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Jets partner with community groups aiming to see city soar
Vulnerable people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks, in front of businesses and on park benches. Visible signs of addiction and mental illness at seemingly every turn. Desperate panhandlers teetering on concrete dividers hoping motorists will toss them some change. These were the scenes obvious to anyone in downtown Winnipeg on Monday afternoon — ones that Winnipeg Jets co-owner and chairman Mark Chipman experienced first-hand as he made his way into a Main Street building for an event much bigger and more important than any hockey game. 'I just don't know how we can look away from it,' Chipman told the Free Press during a candid, wide-ranging one-on-one chat. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.' Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Chipman noted the stark contrast of how the inner-city was bursting with energy and excitement during the seven Jets home playoff dates earlier this spring, with more than 15,000 fans cheering inside Canada Life Centre and thousands more at the outdoor street parties. But what happens once the buzzer sounds, the game ends and the crowds head home? 'I just find it patently unacceptable,' Chipman said of the challenges facing so many citizens. The painstaking, often frustrating work to address what he calls a 'complex, multi-generational set of issues' continues, with days like Monday providing hope that progress is slowly being made. Chipman stood front and centre inside Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), with Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo at his side, presenting a cheque for $234,890 to the United Way which represents 50 per cent of the proceeds from the playoff events held earlier this spring. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.'–Mark Chipman The funds will be shared equally among four grassroots organizations working to combat issues of addiction, homelessness and mental illness. 'It's just incredible,' said Connie Walker, the interim president and CEO of United Way who recently returned to the organization she had previously been with between 2008-2023. 'I didn't realize just how big the cheque was.' It's the biggest single playoff contribution since True North and United Way began partnering together in 2019 — and it comes just in the nick of time. 'I've been taken aback by the level of need in our community,' said Walker. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.' Chipman said it was a similar glance outside from his office back in 2014 that led to a personal awakening. A dishevelled, disoriented man was clearly in some distress. He watched as first responders, paramedics and police showed up to deal with him. Chipman had viewed similar scenes countless times over the years. But this one, he says, stuck with him. He had seen enough. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I got really curious about what was happening to this soul. Where is this soul going?' Chipman said. 'That just took me down a path that I'm still very much on and have spent a lot of time trying to understand and offer solutions to.' OPK, which works with marginalized, at-risk Indigenous young adults, are one of the four recipients of this year's funds. 'It's been a tsunami of need,' said OPK Executive Director Sheryl Blacksmith. 'Helping our young people to realize their dreams, to realize their potential, to forgive themselves. Failure is a great teacher. Thank you so much for this amazing gift and how much it's going to change lives.' Blacksmith drew plenty of laughs when, looking directly at DeMelo, she admitted to being 'a little star-struck…Dylan, I'm your No. 1 fan. I was more nervous about being in your presence than anything else. Just know that you are our heroes.' DeMelo, an Ontario product who now lives year-round in Winnipeg with his family, embraced her with a hug. The other recipients this year are N'Dinawemak – Our Relatives' Place (an Indigenous-led resource offering 24-7 space for individuals experiencing homelessness), the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (which provides 24-7 non-emergency support, outreach and intervention) and Kã Ni Kãnichihk – Velma's House (a shelter for adult women). Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. 'The gravity of the situation is very serious. Having said that, I think in many ways I've never been more hopeful,' said Chipman, noting ongoing initiatives at both the provincial and municipal level which he and many other partners are involved with. 'Because I'm sensing a real willingness of all those interested parties to work together. We're at an intersection here, and we're going to go one way or the other here. I think we're really close now. Parts of it are finally coming together.' Whether it's on or off the ice, there's no question the Jets have always had a strong connection with the community, re-enforced by losing the NHL back in 1996 only to get a second chance in 2011. Chipman, who along with business partner David Thomson purchased the Atlanta Thrashers 14 years ago, believes this year's hockey club only solidified that bond. True North made a concerted effort to re-connect with old and new fans, due in part to a decrease in its season ticket base and overall attendance. They made significant progress on that front while overseeing a team that won the Presidents' Trophy, beat the St. Louis Blues in an epic seven-game series and then eventually fell to the Dallas Stars in six games. 'We were really a good team from start-to-finish. Getting past the first round, and the way it was done so dramatically, helped,' said Chipman. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.'–Connie Walker 'But when I think about our team, I think about the core of our team. It's that group of men that really represent us I think people connect with. They've watched them grow up. That maturation process revealed itself in some very difficult circumstances.' None greater than first-ever draft pick Mark Scheifele learning his father, Brad, had passed away just hours before a pivotal Game 6 in Dallas. Scheifele ultimately played in the game, scored the opening goal, then took a late penalty that led to the overtime winner by the Stars. Jets players and fans immediately rallied around him, and Chipman chartered a plane to take the group to the funeral several days later. 'The way our group rallied around Scheif left an impression on me. I can't tell you I'm surprised, because I've watched these guys grow into men together. But it still left an impression that I'll never forget,' said Chipman. 'It was just so authentic and genuine and real that I think people connected with it. Schief was everybody's son.' On the hockey side, Chipman said the ultimate goal remains delivering a Stanley Cup to Winnipeg. He believes this group is closer than ever to making that happen. 'It's been a work-in-progress. This group didn't all of a sudden just emerge into what they showed themselves to be. They've been becoming this group for many, many years now,' said Chipman. 'And what excites me is they're going to continue to be this group for the foreseeable future. I think that's what's really resonating with people.' And, as Monday showed, that can be a real win-win for everyone. 'It's one of the great privileges of being involved in this business of professional hockey,' said Chipman. 'That you can associate with organizations like this and try, in some incremental way every year, to make the community a little bit more healthy and stronger. Hopefully we can do this again next year and maybe the cheque is a little bit bigger because we go a little bit deeper.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hart for Hellebuyck heard through the grapevine?
This might be the equivalent of scoring on your own net. It appears the NHL may have sprung a leak and drowned out any drama surrounding two major year-end award winners. A photo currently making the rounds on social media appears to show Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck kneeling in front of the Vezina and Hart trophies. Whoopsie! FRED GREENSLADE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Video leaked over the weekend that showed Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with both the Vezina and Hart trophies. The official announcement will be made Thursday. It's not clear where the image originated and one should always be wary of manipulation and fakes in this age of artificial intelligence. Neither the league nor the Jets will comment. But it's an intriguing twist considering the league has done away with a traditional awards ceremony this season, opting for a more grassroots approach to handing out hockey hardware. They have been pre-recording videos recently in which the winners of various honours, including the Selke Trophy, Masterton and Jack Adams, have been surprised on the spot. There's still a few more big ones to come, including the best goaltender and league MVP, which are set to be unveiled this Thursday at 5 p.m. CT in an hour-long TV special before Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The purported Hellebuyck photo, which appears to have been taken near a lake, includes a large boom microphone hanging above him and an unidentified person capturing the moment on their phone. There's no question Hellebuyck is a slam-dunk to win the Vezina, which would be his second-straight and third overall. The 32-year-old essentially lapped the goaltending field this past year as he went 47-12-3 in 62 starts with a 2.00 goals-against-average, a .925 save percentage and eight shutouts. Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings) are the other two finalists, but the only mystery is which one is going to finish second to Hellebuyck. The much bigger development would be Hellebuyck becoming just the eighth goaltender in NHL history — and the first since Carey Price in 2014-15 — to capture the Hart. Tampa's Nikita Kucherov (who led the league in points) and Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl (who scored the most goals) are the other two finalists, and Kucherov was just named the Ted Lindsay Award winner as 'most outstanding player' as voted on by fellow skaters. The Hart is decided by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, while NHL general managers vote on the Vezina. All ballots had to be turned in before the playoffs, where Hellebuyck struggled at times in going 6-7 with a 3.08 goals-against average and .866 save percentage. Stay tuned. And, if Hellebuyck does take home the hardware, at least pretend to act surprised. Scott Arniel will have to settle for second-best this time around. The Jets head coach finished as the runner-up to Washington Capitals bench boss Spencer Carbery for the Jack Adams Award, which was announced this past weekend. Carbery received 81 of the 103 first-place votes cast by members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association and finished with 464 voting points overall. Arniel got 16 first-place votes and had 249 points, while Marty St. Louis of the Montreal Canadiens was third with 66 points. A total of 13 different coaches received at least one vote for first, second or third. Funny enough, neither Paul Maurice (Florida) or Kris Knoblauch (Edmonton) were among them, despite their teams meeting in the Stanley Cup for the second straight spring. Carbery led the Capitals to top spot in the Eastern Conference and second overall in the regular-season standings behind only Arniel's Jets, who went a franchise-best 56-22-4. Both Washington and Winnipeg won their first-round playoff series before getting knocked out in the second round. One of the more intriguing prospects in the Jets' pipeline might be staying put in Russia. Dmitry Rashevsky, who was selected by Winnipeg in the fifth round of the 2021 draft, was a pending free agent after spending the past five years with Moscow Dynamo of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said last month the team was in talks with his agent about potentially bringing the 24-year-old to North America for the first time. However, news surfaced this past weekend that Rashevsky has now signed a three-year offer sheet with rival Avangard Omsk of the KHL, which would seemingly close that door. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. However, in a plot twist, reports emerged Monday that Dynamo will exercise its option to match — but then plans to turn around and trade Rashevsky to another team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk. If Rashevsky balks at that, could he potentially pull a power play and take his puck skills across the pond after all? Rashevsky had 40 points (19G, 21A) in 65 games this past season and scored 24, 19 and 19 goals in the three seasons prior to that. He would be a nice add to the organization's forward depth. There's often a big risk with drafting Russian skaters, and it's the sole reason Rashevsky slipped as far as he did in his draft year. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. 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.
Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish® Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun come together to fulfill the wish of an all inclusive vacation experience for 30 children with critical illnesses Français
First ever Group Wish Trip with three great brands takes flight from Montreal on June 12, with wish kids and their families enjoying a tropical escape to Planet Hollywood Cancun MONTREAL, June 9, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 12, Sunwing Vacations, Make-A-Wish Canada, and Planet Hollywood Cancun will come together to make wishes come true for children facing critical illnesses. Thirty children, who wished for a tropical escape, along with their families, will experience an unforgettable getaway at Planet Hollywood Cancun in Mexico, creating joyful memories that will last a lifetime. This special wish trip embodies Make-A-Wish Canada's mission to deliver joy, hope, and much-needed rest to families facing extraordinary challenges. "We're so excited to partner with Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Cancun to launch this first-of-its-kind group wish trip—an experience made even more special by its focus on serving Quebec-based families and other Canadian francophone communities," said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Canada. "From the gate to the resort and all the way back home, we're confident this experience will bring much-needed strength and healing to these wish kids and their families." Departing from Montreal, Canada, the Wish families will enjoy a special Planet Hollywood-branded charter flight experience, featuring caring, bilingual crew, creating a warm and welcoming journey from start to finish. Upon arrival into Cancun, Mexico, the families will be welcomed by Sunwing's trusted local partner, NexusTours, and transported to Planet Hollywood Cancun in style on upgraded private transfers. With every detail designed for star treatment, this all-inclusive resort was chosen for the sense of joy it offers and what it represents for families looking to reconnect, have fun, and create lasting memories together on the pristine shores of Playa Mujeres. "At Blue Diamond Resorts, we're incredibly proud to be part of something so meaningful. Knowing that our Resort plays a role in creating unforgettable memories for these families is a true honor. Planet Hollywood Cancun was built around the magic of storytelling and once-in-a-lifetime experiences and helping bring dreams to life for so many young guests perfectly reflects that spirit," said Jurgen Stutz, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Distribution for Blue Diamond Resorts. Last year, 72 per cent of the wishes Make-A-Wish Canada granted were travel wishes. This highlights the essential role that partnerships with travel organizations play in making these life-changing experiences possible for every eligible child still waiting for their wish to be granted. Sunwing Vacations generously donated the chartered aircraft to make wish travel possible for these 30 families. "At Sunwing Vacations, we believe in the power of travel to uplift, heal, and connect," said Lyne Chayer, Vice President, Sunwing Vacations Group Quebec. "We are incredibly proud to support this first-ever all-inclusive group Wish Trip to Mexico, helping bring joy and cherished memories to children and families who truly deserve a moment of magic. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Canada and Planet Hollywood Cancun on such a meaningful initiative speaks to our shared values of care, compassion, and community." Wishes wouldn't be possible without the dedication and generosity of the Make-A-Wish Canada community. From individual donors to corporate partners, from volunteers to supporters, everyone has the power to help grant wishes. But more support is needed for Make-A-Wish® Canada to achieve their vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. To learn more about the importance, meaning and excitement behind this group wish trip, view this video featuring Meaghan Stovel McKnight talking about the anticipation of the Wish experience: Together, Make-A-Wish Canada, Sunwing Vacations and Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts are proud to help make wishes come true — and are excited to kick off the summer with smiles. Keep an eye on Sunwing's and Make-A-Wish Canada social media channels for all the fun that will be had with Make-A-Wish Canada at Planet Hollywood Cancun. About Sunwing Vacations As the leading vacation provider in Canada, Sunwing Vacations offers more vacation packages to the south than any other vacation provider with convenient direct service from cities across Canada to popular sun destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. This scale enables Sunwing Vacations to offer customers exclusive deals at top-rated resorts in the most popular vacation destinations. Sunwing Vacations customers benefit from the assistance of our trusted partner in destination, NexusTours, whose representatives greet customers upon arrival and support them throughout their vacation journey. For more information, please visit About Make-A-Wish Canada Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in 50 countries worldwide. Make-A-Wish Canada has granted more than 40,000 wishes over the past 40 years with 2,011 of them last year alone. For the second year in a row, Make-A-Wish Canada has been named a Great Place to Work and in 2024 was named to the Top 100 Best Workplaces for Giving Back. For more information about Make-A-Wish Canada, visit Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts bring big-screen excitement to some of the most sought-after locales for an all-inclusive experience, where guests can Vacation Like A Star™. From the pristine shores of Cancun to the tranquil beaches of Costa Rica, these all-ages resorts feature authentic Hollywood memorabilia, a world of flavors, themed entertainment and exclusive activities for the entire family, as well as a premium service with the Star Class™ category for a full A-list treatment. While, Planet Hollywood Adult Scene, offer an all-inclusive adults-only glam getaway (18+) ideal for a romantic escape or a fun-filled adventure with friends that will turn any vacation into the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity. This engaging and interactive experience at Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, includes differentiated brand features and amenities, such as PHabulous Bed™, Plugged In™, Main Event Guarantee™ and star-quality accommodations. To learn more about Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts, visit SOURCE Sunwing Vacations Inc.
