Latest news with #UniversityofManitoba
CBC
11 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
Manitobans concerned over health care, crime and immigration: poll
The number of Manitobans concerned about crime and public safety has risen steadily, an opinion poll done for the Manitoba government suggests. The Benchmark poll by Leger is commissioned by the province and conducted every few months to gauge public concerns. The latest available survey, done in October and obtained by The Canadian Press under Manitoba's freedom of information law, suggests affordability and health care remained the most popular concerns. The survey involved an online panel of 818 Manitobans between Oct. 21 and 31. Because online panel polls do not randomly sample the population, they cannot be assigned a margin of error. Three in four respondents cited rising costs as a concern, while 70 per cent cited wait times for health care. Both figures were in the range of the last three consecutive Leger polls, going back to February 2023. Crime was the third-most cited worry, among 69 per cent of respondents. That number has increased in each of the last three Leger polls. It registered 55 per cent in February 2023. A political analyst said high-profile crimes and media coverage of justice issues play a role. "Winnipeggers are very cognizant of problems in our society of sex trafficking, murdered and missing Indigenous women, and crime in the core area and other parts of the city," Christopher Adams from the University of Manitoba said Wednesday. Manitoba traditionally has among the highest rates of violent crime in the country, as measured by Statistics Canada. The province's crime severity index, which measures the volume and seriousness of crimes, was second to Saskatchewan in 2024, the agency reported. Manitoba's index dropped slightly from 2023 to 2024 — the first drop since 2020. The government has announced several anti-crime measures in the last two years, including increased policing for retail theft, new rules for machete sales, and increased use of electronic ankle monitors for some people released on bail. Health care, a cornerstone of the NDP government's platform in the 2023 election, remained a top concern for respondents to the Leger survey. Eighty per cent said the health care system needs improvement. In the previous three surveys, the number ranged between 74 per cent and 85 per cent. "In the public's eyes, health has not been corrected sufficiently," Adams said. The survey also probed people's thoughts on immigration. Just over half the respondents said the number of immigrants coming to Manitoba is too high, while 25 per cent said the number is just about right. Asked why they feel that way, the most popular answers were too much competition for jobs (32 per cent), the struggle to support current residents (24 per cent) and demand for housing (19 per cent). It's not surprising that the province would start polling people on immigration, given the issue's high profile leading up to the last federal election and in recent years in the United States, Adams said. Manitoba also shares jurisdiction with Ottawa on immigration issues, Adams said. It has sought to attract more newcomers under the provincial nominee program to address labour shortages in some sectors.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Folklorama debuting two new pavilions this year
WINNIPEG One of the many elements of Winnipeg's annual Folklorama festival is that it keeps one on the past while keeping another on the future. This year's Folklorama, the 54th edition, will showcase two new pavilions — the Mabuhay Philippine pavilion will be held during the festival's first week (Aug. 3 to 9) at the Philippine Canadian Centre at 737 Keewatin St. and the Modern Chinese pavilion will be held during its second week (Aug. 10 to 16) at the University of Manitoba's University Centre, 210-224 — 66 Chancellors Cir. According to the Mabuhay Philippine pavilion 'will showcase traditional and contemporary folk dances and music depicting the artistry and cultural niche of Luzon, the largest of the three main islands of the Philippines.' Supplied photo Lin Chen and Kristian Sievers, pictured here, are among those set to perform at the new Modern Chinese pavilion during the second week of this year's Folklorama. While enjoying the show, organizers say, guests will able to enjoy dishes such as pansit, adobo, shish kebob, or sweet and sour fish fillet, while washing them down with San Miguel beer or tropical non-alcoholic beverages. Prakhar Jain, who is co-ordinating the Modern Chinese pavilion with James Page, said the new pavilion will give visitors the chance to experience not just the heritage of mainland China, but also nations closely connected to Chinese culture, such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. 'We're proud that this a new pavilion, and we want to highlight diversity, equity and inclusivity,' Jain said. 'We want to try and bring everyone together, and showcase everything under one roof.' Guests can expect to enjoy entertainment such as the traditional dragon and lion dances, and there will also be performances by Diva Xu, and Lin Chen and Kristian Sievers. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. 'We hope it's a success, and we hope to build on it next year and continue to encourage diversity,' Jain said. 'We're very excited about it.' Jain added the University of Manitoba is a great location for the pavilion, as it's accessible and provides lots of parking. Simon FullerCommunity Journalist Simon Fuller is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. Email him at or call him at 204-697-7111. 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Weekend Muslim conference attracts young adults from across Canada
Muslim youth from across Canada gathered in Winnipeg on the weekend for a conference, the first of its kind in the country. About 60 young adults travelled here for the event, which was sponsored by the Islamic Social Services Association of Winnipeg, to discuss a variety of issues, including legal and civil rights when dealing with the police, gender diversity, finding allies in the fight against Islamophobia and dealing with trauma and mental-health concerns. Association board member and conference moderator Jamie Carnegie said there was a discussion about understanding how the media reports about Islam, and how to find reliable sources of information online. JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Lila Mansour, who travelled from Ontario to attend the conference, says mental health is 'a very serious issue for Muslim youth now.' 'Muslim youth, like other youth, have many sources of information today,' Carnegie said. 'Our goal was to help them find trusted sources and to understand what is being reported.' One issue that came up was how the media covers Muslim women in sports, especially when it comes to female athletes who wear hijabs. 'Gendered Islamophobia is another layer for Muslim youth to have to navigate,' Carnegie said. The conference also offered stories of spiritual and emotional hope and resilience. 'It's a great way to connect with others from across Canada and learn from them and share ideas,' said Winnipegger Ayesha Sultan, 23, a recent graduate of the University of Manitoba. 'There is so much we can learn from each other.' Aasif Bulbulia, 28, appreciated the opportunity to talk about how to respond to the war in Gaza and the situation facing Palestinian people. 'How do we address that?' asked Bulbulia, who is part of the Youth Leadership Institute at the Darul Falah Islamic Centre in Regina. 'How can we equip each other to resist what is happening when children are starving and being killed?' Bulbulia said he hoped to learn more about how Muslim youth can work with others to build a world based on shared ethical principles that go beyond any one religion. 'We should all be standing with marginalized and suffering people,' he said, adding that, for him, Jesus is an example of how to do that. JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Winnipegger Ayesha Sultan (right) says the conference was an opportunity to build on ongoing conversations about Islamophobia. Lila Mansour, 26, an articling student at a law firm in Toronto, said hearing a variety of perspectives made the conference worthwhile for her, especially on the topic of mental health. 'That is a very serious issue for Muslim youth now,' she said, adding that many young people wonder how they fit into Canadian society. Young Muslims — particularly women, like her, who wear the hijab — can feel they are misunderstood or ostracized, she said. 'That immediately marks you as different,' said Mansour. 'For some people, there is bias.' Some people assume she is anti-Israel if she voices support for Palestinians. 'It can make things uncomfortable,' she said. 'My very presence is political for them… I am careful about what I say about Gaza.' Manitoba's Minister of Advanced Education and Training Renée Cable delivered an address at the conference, which she said was 'incredibly important.' Sundays Kevin Rollason's Sunday newsletter honouring and remembering lives well-lived in Manitoba. She praised the 'beautiful minds doing difficult work' JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Aasif Bulbulia, who travelled from Regina, says he appreciated the opportunity to talk about how to respond to the war in Gaza. 'I want you to know how much I honour, respect and appreciate all of you,' she said during her speech. Noting this is a difficult time for many communities, Cable said the government wants everyone Manitoban to feel seen, welcomed and celebrated. 'There is so much division rooted in misinformation and hate,' she said. 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.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Dental Dreams Offering Free Dental Exams & Cleanings for CDCP Patients
Dental Dreams, a well-known clinic in Winnipeg, is now offering free dental cleanings and exams for patients under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. With affordable pricing, expert care, and a full list of dental services, the clinic is ready to help more families across the city. Residents of Winnipeg who qualify under the new dental coverage are now able to book free cleanings and exams at Dental Dreams. This offer helps families and individuals who may have delayed dental visits due to cost. The clinic is proud to help patients take the first step toward better oral health. Anyone eligible for the CDCP can access this offer at Dental Dreams. To get started, more details are available through the clinic's page about the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Winnipeg. This plan includes preventive services such as exams and cleanings, and some restorative procedures. Dental Dreams participates in this plan, helping more local residents get access to the care they need. Families in Winnipeg often look for care that is easy to reach and fits their budget. Dental Dreams makes this possible by offering clear prices, flexible scheduling, and expert service all in one place. Whether it's a regular checkup or more advanced treatment, the team is focused on keeping care simple and stress-free. Patients searching for an affordable dentist in Winnipeg will find that Dental Dreams offers both value and quality. The clinic helps patients of all ages, including children, seniors, and those with dental coverage under CDCP or private insurance. Free parking, evening and weekend hours, and wheelchair-friendly access make it even easier to visit. The clinic's goal is to make sure every patient feels welcome and supported. Patients at Dental Dreams are under the care of a trusted professional. Dr. George Loewen is known for his calm and caring manner with every patient. He completed his dental degree from the University of Manitoba and later received advanced hospital training in dental surgery. Before entering dentistry, Dr. Loewen worked as a firefighter and paramedic in Winnipeg. His real-world healthcare experience shaped his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His passion for safe, gentle care led him to train in IV sedation in Minnesota. He is also supported by Dr. Daya, Head of Anesthesia at Grace Hospital, for cases that require deeper sedation. With a registered nurse present, patients can safely sleep through treatments and wake up without remembering a thing. For those who feel nervous about dental visits, Dental Dreams offers sedation options to ease anxiety. These methods help patients relax or even sleep during their appointments. Treatments can be done without fear, and visits feel much shorter and easier. Sedation is helpful for longer treatments, tooth removal, or those who have had a bad experience in the past. Learn how fear-free visits are possible with sedation dentistry, offered by the team at Dental Dreams. Patients of all ages can find the dental care they need under one roof. Dental Dreams provides many types of treatment, from checkups to oral surgery. Their team works hard to make each visit simple, stress-free, and successful. Whether someone needs a filling, cleaning, or more advanced care, the clinic is ready to help. To see the full list, visit their page on dental services available at the Winnipeg location. Healthy smiles begin with good everyday care. Dental Dreams offers general dentistry that includes checkups, cleanings, and fillings. These services help prevent problems before they start. The team checks for cavities, gum issues, and signs of trouble. Cleanings remove plaque and polish the teeth. Every patient receives helpful tips to keep their smile bright and healthy between visits. People who want to improve the look of their smile can choose from several options. At Dental Dreams, cosmetic dentistry is designed to fit each person's goals and budget. Services may include teeth whitening, bonding, and veneers. These treatments can fix chipped, stained, or uneven teeth. With small changes, a confident new smile is possible. Sometimes teeth need to be removed or replaced. That's why Dental Dreams offers safe and expert care through implant and oral surgery. This includes wisdom tooth removal, extractions, and dental implants. Dr. Loewen has completed hospital training for oral surgery. Patients are in skilled hands whether it's a simple or complex case. Sedation is also available for extra comfort during surgery. Dental Dreams welcomes young patients with kindness and patience. They offer pediatric dentistry that's tailored to kids. The staff uses child-friendly words and tools to make each visit calm. Routine visits help keep baby teeth healthy and teach kids how to care for their mouth. Sealants and fluoride treatments may be used to protect teeth. Parents can count on gentle and helpful care for their children. Tooth pain or a broken tooth can't wait. That's why the clinic provides same-day appointments for emergency dentistry. Fast care can stop pain and prevent more problems. Whether it's a knocked-out tooth or swelling, the team is ready to help. With expert care and short wait times, patients get back to feeling better quickly. Teeth that are out of place can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and cleaning. Dental Dreams offers orthodontics to help straighten teeth and improve bites. Both kids and adults can benefit from braces or aligners. The clinic helps each patient choose the right option for their needs. A healthy and straight smile can make a big difference. When a tooth is badly hurt inside, it can still be saved. Endodontics is available at Dental Dreams to treat these cases. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to stop pain and infection. Many patients are surprised how easy and pain-free this treatment is, especially with sedation options. Saving natural teeth is always a smart choice when possible. Gum problems can lead to tooth loss if not treated early. Dental Dreams helps patients fight gum disease with periodontics. Deep cleanings and gum care keep the mouth in good shape. Swollen or bleeding gums should not be ignored. With early care, these problems can be stopped before they get worse. Dental Dreams is now hiring for multiple roles. Those interested in joining a skilled and friendly team can explore dental careers on the clinic's website. Positions may include hygienists, assistants, and support staff. This workplace values care, teamwork, and growth. People with a passion for helping others are encouraged to apply. This clinic stands out for many reasons. First, they offer direct billing to insurance companies, which means less work for the patient. There's no need to pay out of pocket and then wait for a refund. Their affordable pricing makes it easier for families to get the dental care they need. Prices are kept fair without cutting quality. Learn more about insurance and financing options offered at the clinic. The office is also wheelchair accessible, with wide doors and ramps to welcome everyone. Flexible evening and weekend appointments make it easier for working people and students to visit without missing other responsibilities. Dental Dreams is located at 530 Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1S3, Canada. It's just one block west of Isabel Street and has free parking available on-site. Appointments can be booked by calling 204-777-5300 or emailing info@ The team responds quickly and is ready to help with any questions. To learn more about Dental Dreams Winnipeg, patients can explore their website. It offers service information, team bios, insurance details, and more. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Winnipeg Free Press
6 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Not making the grades
University of Manitoba instructors are warning there's a high level of unpreparedness among first-year students despite more of them entering with grade averages of 95 per cent or higher. A new report shows 40 per cent of local high school students who met U of M standard admission requirements in the fall had report card scores that scored perfection or within five points of it. These high achievers have represented the largest group of applicants annually since 2020. Two in five successful applicants were part of this group last year. Forty per cent of local high school students who met U of M standard admission requirements in the fall had high-school grades averaging 95 per cent or higher. Forty per cent of local high school students who met U of M standard admission requirements in the fall had high-school grades averaging 95 per cent or higher. Statistician Jenna Tichon said the dramatic shift took her by surprise as she was scanning historical entrance data put out by her university's office of institutional analysis. The percentage of Manitoba high school students achieving 95 per cent and up more than doubled from 2014 to 2024. It was the third most common entrance average group a decade ago. In 2020, following COVID-19-related disruptions and exam cancellations, it overtook the 90 to 94 per cent range as the largest group of its kind. 'Ninety-five per cent should be a really exceptional average,' said Tichon, who both teaches statistics at the university and serves as an executive on its faculty association. The union vice-president said she and her colleagues, who represent about 1,170 academic staff, are closely monitoring this trend to see if it persists. Entrance averages matter because they are used to stream students and, in an ideal scenario, indicate preparedness for post-secondary education, she noted. Faculty members have flagged concerns about grade inflation — the steady creep of average marks that does not reflect a corresponding increase in academic knowledge or skills — in recent years. Among them, senior mathematics instructor Darja Barr and Natalie Riediger, an associate professor who researches nutrition and health equity. Riediger said the level of her students' academic preparedness has dropped significantly since she started teaching at U of M in 2016. 'In the last few years, I've given out a lot more Cs, Ds and Fs,' the associate professor said. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Entitlement and parent pressure also influence final report cards, said John Wiens, a dean emeritus at Manitoba's largest faculty of education. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The fallout has affected workloads, given the time associated with putting someone on academic probation, accommodating exam deferrals and policing related misconduct, she said. Barr obtained her PhD in education in 2019 for exposing the unreliable nature of high school pre-calculus marks in predicting a Manitoba student's success in university calculus. She analyzed U of M datasets from 2001 to 2015 — a project sparked by her curiosity as to why so many students were in disbelief over failing her midterm when they had done well in high school. Her thesis concluded 'the disconnect' between secondary and post-secondary marks had grown over time, and better communication between the kindergarten-to-Grade 12 and university sectors was necessary to fix it. 'The trend suggested it was going to get worse and worse,' Barr recalled. She said that since then, she has been advocating for university instructors outside faculties of education to have more input on provincial curriculum and assessment development. 'I don't think teachers are knowingly inflating grades,' Barr said. 'I just think that the policies, the assessment strategies, the content in K to 12, it's like I'm watching what's trendy in clothing.' There was once a drive to cover the entirety of every curriculum, but high schools have shifted to prioritize compassion and student well-being in the wake of the pandemic, said John Wiens, a dean emeritus at Manitoba's largest faculty of education. 'The major change is that we are paying more attention to kids' mental health,' Wiens said, reflecting on the last decade and possible explanations for rising marks. Entitlement — 'if a student doesn't like their mark, they'll appeal it to the end of the earth' — and parent pressure also influence final report cards, the career educator said. As far as he is concerned, a high school teacher's personal observations about a student are more accurate than marks when it comes to predicting success in post-secondary education. 'We put too little stock in non-numerical judgments,' Wiens said. The Manitoba Association for Progressive Assessment was established at the start of the year to connect teachers interested in forms of 'ungrading,' such as 'outcomes-based assessment,' which involves doing away with high-stakes tests and regularly evaluating students against specific and clearly-defined learning goals. Asked about curriculum and assessment development processes, a spokesperson for Education Minister Tracy Schmidt said her office works closely with schools, school divisions and post-secondary institutions. 'The department regularly consults with post-secondary faculty, academic and subject matter experts to ensure students have the skills and knowledge they need to meet challenges throughout their academic career,' they wrote in a statement. No representative from the U of M's office of institutional analysis was available for comment Thursday. Its latest report on entrance grades includes a disclosure about the COVID-19 pandemic's toll on the university in 2020, 2021 and 2022. 'Comparisons involving COVID-affected years should be made with caution,' it states. Maggie MacintoshEducation reporter Maggie Macintosh reports on education for the Free Press. Originally from Hamilton, Ont., she first reported for the Free Press in 2017. Read more about Maggie. Funding for the Free Press education reporter comes from the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative. Every piece of reporting Maggie 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.
