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Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Holocaust education and current conflicts
Opinion John R. Wiens's recent op-ed (We must teach the Holocaust — but that won't be easy, Think Tank, June 6) raises important concerns about the challenges of teaching the Holocaust amid the Israel-Hamas war. Best practices in Holocaust education continue to evolve along with present-day realities and challenges. Available in more than a dozen languages, the 2019 IHRA Recommendations on Teaching and Learning About the Holocaust was crafted by international scholars in the field to help curriculum developers and educators teach about the complex and nuanced history of the Holocaust. We are working on a new edition for 2026. In November of 2023, I approached the Manitoba government about a mandated curriculum on Holocaust education and was delighted by the positive response from the province, which subsequently announced its partnership with the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada to introduce mandatory Holocaust education in schools. 'This includes developing new curriculum guidance, implementation tools, and resources for educators. The partnership aims to ensure all students in Manitoba are educated about the Holocaust and its impact, and to combat antisemitism.' Kelly Hiebert, an award-winning educator, was then selected by the Manitoba government to help develop a new Holocaust curriculum for the province's students. Wiens claims that 'today's politics of difference' inform him that a non-Jew cannot understand or appreciate the injustices of antisemitism and that one must choose between being a Zionist and pro-Palestinian. Many respected scholars on antisemitism are in fact not Jewish. Zionism is simply the right of Jews to self-determination in our ancestral homeland. Support for Palestinians is not anathema to that belief. As for criticism of the policies of the Israeli government, we have been clear that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. I respectfully challenge a central claim of Wien's argument — that Holocaust education today must be inextricably linked with current events in Gaza, and that such teaching risks doing more harm than good in the current political climate. This approach risks weakening both the effectiveness of Holocaust education and the clarity students need when learning about mass atrocities. To begin, the Holocaust was a defining event in the history of humanity that shook the foundations of Western civilization and transformed international politics and justice. It was a singular, systematic genocide: the industrialized murder of six million Jews alongside the targeted killing of millions of others. Teaching about the Holocaust requires careful attention to historical specificity, rooted in facts, survivor testimony, and the ideological machinery of antisemitism that enabled it. To connect Holocaust education directly with the Gaza conflict — however pressing and tragic — risks distorting both topics. These are not interchangeable events, nor are they parallel in scope, intent, or execution. Conflating them, even in the spirit of contemporary relevance, invites students to draw inappropriate moral equivalencies and may unintentionally reinforce antisemitic tropes — including the idea that Jews are collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel. Wiens expresses concern that teachers are unprepared for the political backlash they may face when tackling such topics. But the answer is not to sideline Holocaust education or to dilute it with present-day disputes. The answer is to better support educators: with training, curriculum resources, and clear guidance on how to engage students in both historical thinking and ethical reflection. We have already begun that process with a Manitoba-wide professional development day a few weeks ago, that included the participation of recognized national experts in the field, and we will be offering many more opportunities next year. It is entirely possible — and necessary — to teach the Holocaust without turning the classroom into a battleground over modern geopolitics. Teachers should not be asked to resolve the Israeli-Hamas conflict in real time. Nor should Holocaust instruction be framed as contingent on 'cleaning up' adult failures in the political sphere. Our students deserve a focused space to learn about antisemitism — both past and present — and to understand how hatred and conspiracy theories fuel violence. Let us be clear: we must also teach about human rights violations wherever they occur. Manitoba offers a curriculum on global issues that addresses these concerns. These discussions matter, and they belong in our classrooms — but not at the cost of obscuring or distorting the Holocaust's historical reality. In this time of polarization, clarity is a moral necessity. At a time when Holocaust denial and distortion both online and offline is increasing dramatically, accompanied by an exponential rise in antisemitism, Holocaust education remains a key tool for countering prejudice and cultivating inclusion. We must ensure that this important subject is taught with the depth, care, and context it deserves. Belle Jarniewski is the executive director of the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada and serves on the Education Working Group of Canada's federally appointed delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the only intergovernmental organization with a mandate focused on addressing contemporary challenges related to the Holocaust and the genocide of the Roma.
Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion: Letters, June 10
Opinion Rent problems Re: Finding what's missing in the Winnipeg housing marke t (Think Tank, June 9) While Mr. Bellamy identifies the problem of affordable housing, I am disheartened at the lack of analysis of how families seeking ownership, as opposed to eternal status as tenants, can afford to bid against commercial developers who will now be able to bid for essentially every property in Winnipeg as a tear-down to construct multi-family revenue-generating 'middle housing.' The law of unintended consequences may then obtain with ever higher rents when the option of ownership further recedes into the economic distance, given that individuals bidding against investors will be at tremendous economic disadvantage. Mr. Bellamy is suggesting a market-based solution, when all the fundamentals of present concentration of ownership in the commercial residential tenancy market tends toward rent controls as essentially ineffective in the new construction market. Norman Rosenbaum Winnipeg Khan's claims Re: Seeking a reset on 'parental rights' and landfill snafus (June 7) Although Obby Khan was deeply involved in the 2023 provincial government that saw the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives decimated at the polls, he now purports that he was unaware of the meaning of the right-wing soundbite decrying that 'parental rights' were in danger, i.e. that the LGBTTQ+ community had no right to self-determination. Apparently, he was far too busy to attend any of this year's Pride activities, and besides pointing to his taxing schedule, tried to explain his absence by saying that no one in his party had received an invitation to any activity. Newsflash: no one needs an invitation to participate in Pride activities. During the campaign, his silence regarding the 'Stand firm' soundbite is equally telling. His party took the official stance of refusing to search a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two Indigenous women who police presumed were victims of an alleged serial killer. This was a central plank in his party's campaign. Remaining silent in the face of clear racism does not absolve his tacit complicitly in promoting that horrific message. The remains of Marcedes Myran and Morgan Harris were later found, thanks to the humanity and commitment of the Manitoba NDP. Does Khan not know that his pants are on fire, for all to see? A veritable inferno. Kenneth Meadwell Winnipeg I find it interesting that Obby Khan, the newly elected leader of the Progressive Conservative Party states that he has had an 'a-ha' moment when it comes to his stance on parental rights and support (or lack of support) for the LGBTTQ+ community. First, he explains his position of being the champion of the parental rights movement as not really understanding the meaning or the extent of that movement as being anti-LGBTTQ+ and now he wants to apologize to anyone who though he was promoting a hate concept. Along with many other Winnipeggers, I saw Mr. Khan leading that huge parental rights demonstration down Broadway and it was clear that it was anti-LGBTTQ+. So I don't believe that excuse for a minute. Second, Mr. Khan and his entire PC caucus just voted against Bill 43 which would add Gender Expression to Manitoba's Human Rights code. This would not only ensure individuals are not discriminated against based on how they express their gender, but also bring the code in line with almost all other provinces and territories in Canada. Every PC caucus member voted against Bill 43 with Mr. Khan again leading the way. Don't believe this party has changed their stance on anything. Their 'apologies' are not lining up with their actions. Melissa Dvorak Winnipeg Khan really can't win this one. Either he knew and went along with it or he didn't think to google the phrase they were going to put beside his likeness and plaster all over certain areas of Winnipeg before agreeing to it. Either way, it demonstrates a level of cruelty or incompetence. One could also look to where the concentration of those ads were going to be the highest and should have asked a few other questions. Like, why are we targeting these areas with these ads? Answers to those questions should have raised concerns as well and maybe prompted another visit to the Google machine in hopes of generating possible eye-opening results. Regardless, his lack of interest in the power of language doesn't make for a great leader. And definitely doesn't signal a change in the party. From Pallister's 'All Lives Matter' comment to Stefenson's 'And that's where I draw the line' the PCs really need people who understand that words matter. They have staying power. And in Khan's case, they have sticking power. His words do stick with voters. And to date, none of them in a good way. For those reasons I do believe that if a provincial election were held tomorrow, Khan would end up with one more thing in common with Pierre Poilievre: he'd be a party leader without a seat. Brian Spencler Winnipeg HBC's legacy In 1821, the North West Company was absorbed into the Hudson's Bay Company and its name put to rest. In 1987, the HBC shed its Northern Stores Division, which subsequently became the revived North West Company. Knowing these facts may comfort those, including myself, who lament the loss of the iconic Bay, in at least two ways. First is the idea that it may one day, perhaps in the far future, be itself revived in some form, as had been the NWC. Second, and more immediate, is the knowledge that the NWC carries a lot of the history of the HBC; it is not completely lost. It is as yet unclear exactly what meaning or resonance the HBC Stripes, as sold by Canadian Tire, will have, but I hope they prove to be, in the near future, another source of comfort and historical continuity for all who miss the Bay. Conrad Padilla Winnipeg Time for an inquiry Re: Bureaucrats must also be accountable (Think Tank, June 7) David McLaughlin's article on Manitoba's ethics commissioner report shows a clear case of broken governance and the need for Premier Wab Kinew to call for a full, independent public inquiry into the Sio Silica file. For decades, organizations have been calling for meaningful reform of Manitoba's environmental assessment and licensing regime under the Environment Act. Reforms that ensure for independent evidence-based decision making, an accountable public service and a transparent process are required to bring about proper oversight and good governance. Strengthening our environmental and mineral law and policy will prevent the 'fear or favour' culture and political back-door dealings identified in the report. The government's handling of the Sio Silica development since 2016 exemplifies the 'capture in ideas and implementation and an unhealthy accommodation of 'getting along to go along.'' Until an inquiry and meaningful reform occurs, Manitobans will continue to have no confidence in our government nor our environmental regulatory and enforcement processes. Tangi Bell Anola
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Call to apply super tax only to corporations with profits over Rs10bn'
ISLAMABAD: Economic Policy Business Development Think Tank has strongly recommended that the Super Tax must apply only to corporations with profits over Rs 10 billion and withholding taxes on tax-filer property buyers be withdrawn to revive real estate. This has been recommended in the budget proposals (2025-26) submitted by the chairman Economic Policy Business Development Think Tank, Gohar Ejaz. The budget proposals, 'Roadmap to Economic Stability & Export-Led Growth,' he stated that 'industrialization must be our top priority. For rapid growth, we need Special Industrial Zones near major cities with full infrastructure and globally competitive Energy rates. Most importantly, our industry must be cost-competitive to win in global markets. Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) has discriminatory policy against domestic value chain and imported products, the discrimination has led to massive closure in domestic value chain, the domestic industry must be protected.' He recommended that 'the industrialization must be our top priority. For rapid growth, we need Special Industrial Zones near major cities with full infrastructure and globally competitive energy rates. Most importantly, our industry must be cost-competitive to win in global markets.' He stressed the need for a consistent 5-Year Industrial & Export Policy. Investors need predictability. The interest rates at six percent and energy tariffs for industry at 9 cents/unit are critical to make Pakistani products globally competitive. Think Tank recommended that the exporters achieving 10 percent plus growth YoY should be offered six percent drawback of local taxes. The maximum tax rate for salaried individuals should be capped at 20 percent. Let the middle class breathe and spend. The construction is the engine of over 50 allied sectors and employs millions. It must be declared a national priority sector. Dr Gohar Ejaz also demands to provide relief to the agriculture sector. 'Agriculture is the backbone of our country. All major crops i.e. wheat, cotton, sugar cane, and maize have suffered. Farmers and agriculture must be supported with research focussed for higher productivity. The input cost must be reduced for maximum returns for farmers. To compete globally, we need Special Zones near big cities with full infrastructure and competitive rates,' the budget proposals added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Letters, June 9
Opinion Canada's role in climate change Re: Planning for the next fires — they're coming (Think Tank, June 5) Norman Brandson is certainly correct to blame climate change for the catastrophic wildfires in Manitoba, and to call for increased resources for adaptation. However, his claim that Canada's contributions to climate change are 'minimal' is misleading and counterproductive. Yes, Canada 'only' emits about 1.5 per cent of global emissions. However, it is the 10th highest polluter of any country in the world, and is one of the highest per-capita emitters as well — about three times the global average. Much of this is caused by the Alberta oilsands. But Manitoba is far from blameless: the province has sizable emissions from oil and gas-intensive agriculture, transportation, space heating, and waste. A new natural gas plant would only worsen this. There are many achievable climate solutions available to us today. However, the first step requires truthfully reckoning with Manitoba and Canada's own contributions to the crisis — including astronomical downstream emissions from rising fossil fuel exports — and building a serious plan to a zero-emissions future. James Wilt Winnipeg Legalize and tax drugs Re: 'Ending the war on drugs' (Letters, June 6) Jamie Bonner's response to Sel Burrows' op-ed on drugs is bang on. Jamie wasn't quite right in the stats that were given. Governments have been waging a war on drugs for over 125 years, not 40 years, spending billions of dollars every year on enforcement. Some Asian countries have the death penalty for drug trafficking and yet there are no shortage of dealers making billions of dollars worldwide. Legalize them all, tax them, and for likely a fraction of what is spent on enforcement, use that money to help treat addiction. Dealers are gone, thousands aren't dying from overdoses, scarce resources for the police become better utilized and the whole drug subculture disappears. There will always be drugs and drug users, it's totally naive to think that can be eliminated, so why not take the profits out of the hands of the scumbags and put it in the government's hands. Ken McLean Starbuck Renewing call to honour Fox Several years ago, I suggested we rename the Queen Elizabeth Way to the Terry Fox Way. Adding a monument/plaque on the bridge crossings would display his determination to walk across our country to raise money for cancer research. A monument would be especially fitting as he was born in Winnipeg. Richard Bérubé Winnipeg Zelenskyy's wit Re: Ukraine's drone attack on Russian warplanes was a serious blow to the Kremlin's strategic arsenal (June 2) You have to give Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy five stars for not telling the United States (and President Donald Trump ) in advance about Ukraine's planned, devastating attack and destruction of Russia's many strategic bombing airplanes deep inside Russia. In Trump's recent phone call to Putin, Trump emphasized that he did not know that the Ukraine was planning such an attack, thus keeping their friendship intact. Do you really think that if Trump knew in advance about this planned attack by the Ukraine that Trump would keep this secret from Putin, his friend? I think not. Zelenskyy is a very smart man. Robert J. Moskal Winnipeg Safe cycling There's lots of hype about Bike Safety Week Winnipeg, June 8-14. Promoting the fact that e-bikes are shrinking the city and providing the opportunity to ride further in less time, is daunting and certainly not promoting safety for pedestrians and riders. Slow down, use your bell or call out, and use the bike paths, please and thank you. Rennie Bodi Winnipeg Card trouble My husband and I recently received our new Manitoba Health Cards in the mail. The new cards cover only the individual named on the front. I have a condition that requires me to go to the emergency room approximately every six to 12 months. When my husband drives me to the ER, I don't take my wallet and it is usually among the last things I would think about. Previously, when asked for my health card my husband would give them his, which included myself. I called Manitoba Health and asked what should happen in this kind of situation where I don't have my individual health card. The solution given by Manitoba Health? Keep your purple card! I can't help but ask, why then do we have the new ones? Janice Jackson Winnipeg Take responsibility So far, 98 of Manitoba's 106 wildfires have been caused by people, government data show. Four occurred naturally, probably as a result of lightning, and another four are under investigation. How can humans be responsible for more than 90 per cent of the forest fires in Manitoba this year so far? Come on people, you are making climate change seem more of a friend to us than the actual threat it is. Year in and year out, you are causing these fires and costing the province billions of tax dollars in fighting and then rebuilding communities. Not good! Alfred Sansregret Winnipeg Ableism in health care Re: 'Measles response falls short' (Letters, June 2) As Kristen Hardy states, vaccine access is one aspect of a greater issue, which is lack of accessibility to services and systemic bias. Many of us have experienced the types of bias to which she refers. I would add ageism to then list. I want to focus on one type in particular. Many people do not realize how pervasive ableism is. Many have never even heard the term or know what it means. It is discrimination in the form of favouritism towards able-bodied people. And it is rampant in the health system. Attaching a sign and a logo to a regular-sized parking space is one example. Many people with mobility issues need more space to enter and exit a vehicle. A regular-sized parking space does not provide this. There is also the attitude that 'disability' is an all-or-nothing status. Many people have mobility issues that are not obvious to others. They believe that for a person to claim a disability, it must be visible. People might be able to walk but not for long distances. They might have conditions that affect the upper body and have difficulty entering buildings and room with heavy doors. This is notable with respect to washrooms designated as accessible. Accessibility means more than a bar on the wall and a sign on the door. It is very frustrating to be unable to access a washroom with a door that is too heavy to open for a person with upper body limitations. Assigning someone with a mobility aid such as a walker to an examination room that is too small for the person to get in with the mobility aid makes it inaccessible. Leading a person down a long corridor at a walking speed that is too fast for the person to follow is a form of ableism. Telling people who bring attention to these issues that 'we are doing the best we can' is a form of ableism. When you have three big examination rooms, repeatedly putting the person with a mobility aid in the one tiny room that they are unable to access is not the best you can do. A better response would be to say thank you and to bring this concern forward so that changes can be made. So, yes, systemic bias in its many forms limits accessibility to health care for far too many. And yes, this contributes to people being unable to get the services they need, vaccination being one such service. And yes, this contributes to a decline in health in our population. Perhaps our esteemed health minister can make addressing systemic bias a priority. I for one would be more than willing to take part in this process. Ariel Lee Winnipeg
The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The insult JD Vance jokingly used on interviewer who called him an ‘intellectual'
Vice President JD Vance jokingly called an interviewer an "a**hole" for referring to him as an "intellectual" during an event hosted by the American Compass think tank on Tuesday night. The interviewer, Oren Cass, founder of American Compass, noted Vance's past writings for National Review, where he opposed Donald Trump, before his public turnaround and endorsement by Trump. Cass praised Vance as someone who was "an intellectual first," leading to Vance's sarcastic outburst. Vance interrupted Cass's comments, feigning outrage and jokingly insulting Cass, which was met with cheers and applause from the audience. Cass acknowledged Vance's remark, admitting that he, too, had written for National Review.
