FP Features – Winnipeg Free Press

Rossbrook House gave me a second chance at life!

3 minute read Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

Rossbrook House, an inner-city drop-in centre in Winnipeg, has been making a difference in the lives of children and youth since 1976. Many have shared their experiences growing up at Rossbrook House, saying ‘I wouldn’t be here today’ or ‘Rossbrook House saved my life’.

Chantel is a former participant who learned about Rossbrook House from her older brother when she was very young. Chantel says that she and her siblings sometimes went without meals and parental supervision at home. They began dropping in to Rossbrook House every day after school and on weekends to have meals, take part in programs and go on outings.

“Rossbrook House gave me a second chance at life. For my siblings and me, Rossbrook House was a safe place to go after school and on weekends. We had meals and fun activities,” said Chantel. “My childhood was not the greatest, but every day that I walked through those doors, I felt at home.”

One of the programs that Rossbrook House hosts is the LET Youth program, also known as Junior Staff. LET provides a first job to youth who are regular participants. Chantel took advantage of that program; it gave her an income while she attended school.

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Parkland Shines for Economic Development Tour

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Parkland Shines for Economic Development Tour

4 minute read Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

Two weeks-ago twenty eager business, community and government leaders headed to the Parkland region, three hours northwest of Winnipeg, on the first Manitoba Chambers of Commerce economic development tour in four years.

A unique way to explore business opportunities and expand new markets, economic development tours take delegates on a two-day deputation packed with meetings hosted by local chamber and economic development leaders connecting tour participants with elected officials and Indigenous leaders. Tour delegates explore Manitoba’s home field advantage while enjoying visits to local businesses and attractions as well as opportunities to network with decision-makers.

With a unique rural focus, the Parkland tour kicked-off with Mayor David Bosiak’s State of the City address to the Parkland Chamber of Commerce. Delegates heard about the city’s history, current economic state and population and workforce growth opportunities through the provincial nominee program.

The group toured Manitoba Metis Federation’s new Northwest Council office building, before heading to Ritz Machine Works, a manufacturing business that serves a global market for precision parts used in bus transportation, agriculture and side-by-side off-road vehicles. Ritz is a global leader in pipe bending with main manufacturing plants in Dauphin and Minnesota.

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Monday, Dec. 4, 2023

Parkland Shines for Economic Development Tour

Stefanson and Kinew Keynotes at Manitoba Chamber Economic Summit

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Stefanson and Kinew Keynotes at Manitoba Chamber Economic Summit

3 minute read Monday, May. 15, 2023

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce recently brought two political heavyweight voices to the business community: Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson and Wab Kinew, leader of the official opposition.

Stefanson and Kinew were the keynote speakers at the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce annual Manitoba Economic Summit: Moving the Dial and Annual General Meeting held May 5 in Winnipeg. Speaking to a packed room of CEOs and presidents, chamber network executives and province wide business leaders, the party leaders outlined their vision for Manitoba.

With Manitobans set to go to the election polls Oct. 3, the Summit presented an opportunity for the party leaders to outline how their policy priorities will ensure Manitoba is competitive with other jurisdictions and attract and retain talent needed to support economic growth and prosperity in our province.

Their policy priorities covered a wide range of topics including strengthening the healthcare system, funding for education and its infrastructure, recruitment and retention of talent with impacts on childcare, Manitobans experiencing homelessness, safer communities, agriculture and infrastructure as an economic corridor.

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Monday, May. 15, 2023

Stefanson and Kinew Keynotes at Manitoba Chamber Economic Summit

Bank of Canada’s Senior Deputy Governor shares economic outlook at Chambers event

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Bank of Canada’s Senior Deputy Governor shares economic outlook at Chambers event

4 minute read Monday, May. 1, 2023

Inflation has increased sharply across the world over the past year. Global supply challenges, elevated commodity prices, and a war in Ukraine all contributed to inflation in Canada. Global and domestic pressures combined to push inflation to 40-year highs.

When prices go up, money can’t buy as much as it used to. This loss of purchasing power hurts everyone’s standard of living. When inflation is high, consumers, businesses and investors are uncertain about what their costs will be from one day to the next. High inflation is often unstable and unpredictable, and that keeps the economy from performing at its best.

Manitobans have felt the impact of high inflation this past year, including having to pay higher prices for groceries, fuel, and rent. Inflation is especially challenging for people on fixed incomes, and it’s bad for business.

Earlier this year, the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce released our annual Manitoba Business Outlook Survey commissioned by Leger. It should perhaps come as no surprise that inflation was the number one concern expressed by businesses.

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Monday, May. 1, 2023

Bank of Canada’s Senior Deputy Governor shares economic outlook at Chambers event

Jenn Harper: Sustainable beauty and giving back to community

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Jenn Harper: Sustainable beauty and giving back to community

2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Jenn Harper, the founder of Cheekbone Beauty, was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and relocated to the Niagara region, where she was raised and developed a passion for cosmetics. For Jenn, makeup has become a means of expression that she feels has amazing power. There needed to be a brand made in Canada that was never tested on animals, free of parabens, and that gave back to First Nations communities. The brand did not exist, so Jenn created it! Through countless hours over the past two and a half years, Cheekbone Beauty was born!

Over the past ten years, Jenn has had a successful career in sales and marketing with two large international corporations. During her first week of training sessions with one of these companies, a questionnaire asked: "What is your dream job?" Jenn wrote, "To be the CEO of a major cosmetic brand." At the time, there was no indication that Jenn would eventually set out to build Cheekbone Beauty. During the development of Cheekbone Beauty, Jenn researched the industry as well as charities that help close the educational funding gap that exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Jenn found the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society (FNCFCS), and Cheekbone Beauty continues to support the FNCFCS today. During Cheekbone's infancy, Jenn also suffered a heavy personal loss with the suicide of her brother B.J. This loss, though difficult, has remained a driving force behind Jenn's desire to see Cheekbone Beauty succeed with its mission.

In addition to Cheekbone's mission, Jenn strives to educate as many Canadians as possible about the residential school system and the effects it has had on her family and friends through decades of generational trauma. Jenn regularly speaks to university, college and high school students about social entrepreneurship, empathy and the history of her First Nations family. Jenn has also been invited to speak to various entrepreneur groups, women in business associations, Apple Canada, and First Nations organizations across Canada.

In 2017 Jenn Harper was awarded the Social Enterprise Award at the 17th annual Women in Business Awards by the Women in Niagara Council and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce for her work on Cheekbone Beauty. In total Cheekbone Beauty has dontated $1,705 to support Indigenous youth!

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

A Voice, a Platform, a Purpose: Isha Khan’s journey to human rights CEO

By Kristen Marand 4 minute read Preview

A Voice, a Platform, a Purpose: Isha Khan’s journey to human rights CEO

By Kristen Marand 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Isha Khan always knew that she wanted to use her voice to advocate for others. But like so many, she wasn’t always sure how. She took a meandering route into the world of human rights, but the spark of wanting to be of service to others in the fight against inequity lit her path forward.

“From an early age, I knew – based on my personal experiences and those of people around me – that discrimination and ‘othering’ have terrible, long-lasting impacts,” she explains. “I wanted to help people who were being discriminated against find their voices and advocate alongside them for change.”

The road to her current role as CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights started with an undergraduate degree from the University of Manitoba and a law degree from the University of Victoria. She went on to practice labour and employment law in Calgary before moving back to her hometown of Winnipeg and pursuing an opportunity with United Way. She says that a chance conversation with another mother at her daughter's skating lesson moved her to orient her career more deliberately toward human rights when the woman mentioned the Manitoba Human Rights Commission  was looking for a lead counsel.

“When I talk to young people who are looking to advance their careers, I always share that those moments of clarity, where we learn a lot about who we are and where we want to go, often come when we least expect them,” she muses.

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Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2023

Isha Khan, CEO, Canadian Museum for Human Rights (Photo by Darcy Finley)

New year, new start

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New year, new start

3 minute read Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

In the midst of this ongoing pandemic, it often feels like so many things are out of our control. But one thing we can control is how we treat our bodies by making healthy choices. These choices can be as simple as going to bed a bit earlier, exercise and being more selective about the snacks we munch on and the beverages we sip.

With a focus on cultivating healthy eating habits, I’ve been trying to lean more towards carrot sticks than potato chips these days. Hands down, the most significant change that I’ve made flows from switching to a local natural spring water with minerals. I love the taste on its own, and it’s amazing what a significant difference it makes in the flavour in my morning coffee and in my cooking recipes!

I had no idea how energized I would feel, not only by increasing my water intake but also by drinking mineral-rich spring water from Manitoba as a new daily practice.

Besides the amazing taste, this locally sourced spring water offers essential minerals like Calcium, Magnesium and Silica.

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Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

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Feel AMAZING

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Feel AMAZING

4 minute read Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

My daily routine has changed drastically since the onset of this global crisis. From the way I start my day to my commitment-free evenings, I have fewer places I’m required to be and more time for contemplation. A fairly regimented person, even my morning coffee isn’t what it was. A long-time lover of locally roasted coffee beans, I’ve stopped making coffee with tap water. In fact, in light of better health practices, my morning cup o’ joe is now made with spring water and I have two words for you… game changer.

In 2020, when the first North American cases of COVID-19 were publicized, when events and leagues were cancelled, and the Canadian government suggested it was time to return home, I decided to make micro changes in my daily habits. Seeing the way the crisis around the world was affecting humanity, I began an evaluation starting with the number of hours I spend sitting at a desk, to the time and quality of my sleep, and even, the water I drink.

A consumer of information, when the news of a global pandemic set in, I decided to be even more cautious with the content I allowed into my energy field. First, I limited the amount of time I spent on social media, who I followed and what I binged on Netflix. It was there, on my couch with a fondness for Zac Efron that I found Down to Earth; a brilliant docuseries which changed the way I looked at various aspects of my health, but especially the quality of water I consume.

In fact, it was while watching episode two, set in France, that I recalled the advice I’ve been given many years ago by a naturopath. Dr. Mary-Anne Hembroff of the Nature Doctors shared with me that drinking water with a high alkaline level and natural minerals can benefit many aspects of health from improving sleep to creating a physical environment not conducive to illness.

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Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

Seeking solace at Velma’s House: a 24/7 safe space

Kristin Marand 4 minute read Preview

Seeking solace at Velma’s House: a 24/7 safe space

Kristin Marand 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Imagine moving from place to place with all your belongings, unsure of where your next meal will come from or where you can sleep, questioning whether any situation or person you encounter is safe, numbing yourself to deal with the uncertainty and despair. This is the daily reality for many people living on the street. It was the life C.H. was living, supporting herself through sex work, when she started coming to Velma's House on Sherbrook Street.

C.H. had trouble renting due a history of evictions, unaddressed mental health and addiction issues. She didn’t even have a phone, so it was tough to keep appointments with anyone who could help. C.H. says she began seeking solace at Velma's because of the welcoming environment, emotional support from staff and the patience, encouragement, understanding and love that they show women.

Velma’s House, a Ka Ni Kanichichk initiative, is the first 24/7, indigenous-led, low barrier safe space in Winnipeg specifically for women and gender diverse folks, funded in part by United Way Winnipeg. The space is named after Velma Orvis, an advocate in the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit epidemic. Low barrier in this instance means that being sober is not a requirement for assistance. Women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community can visit Velma’s House on a drop-in basis, without the need for an appointment.

“Other safe spaces or shelters are co-ed, which isn’t always a truly safe option for women, they feel safe here and welcomed in a space where the staff look like them and understand them,” explains Candace Abdilla, Program Coordinator at Velma’s House. “A lot of our participants have been sexually exploited; we provide a welcoming environment, free of shame to ensure our participants are comfortable while they warm up and seek safety.” Many of the staff have lived experience, have been impacted by colonialism, racism, poverty, substance use and sexual exploitation themselves.

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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Photo by Mikaela MacKenzie / The Free Press

Top industry pros to share renovation and design advice at the Winnipeg Renovation Show

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Top industry pros to share renovation and design advice at the Winnipeg Renovation Show

6 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

WINNIPEG, MB, December 15, 2022 – The new year is right around the corner and the Winnipeg Renovation Show is back to bring together a line-up of industry-leading, home improvement experts who will share their insight at the RBC Convention Centre from January 13-15, 2023. From tips and tricks to save money during a renovation, to how to renovate a vacation on wheels and 2023 design trends, Winnipeggers will find inspiration at every turn.

Those eager to get an inside look at the experts’ top tips for tackling a renovation in the new year can see what’s to come at the Winnipeg Renovation Show below:

Adding value to any home

Back by popular demand, celebrity contractor and TV host Bryan Baeumler, star of HGTV Canada's Island of Bryan will headline the Show.

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Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

The Sustainability Surge Is Coming — Manitoba Food & Beverage Businesses Are Getting Prepared

Andrew Kaminsky 3 minute read Preview

The Sustainability Surge Is Coming — Manitoba Food & Beverage Businesses Are Getting Prepared

Andrew Kaminsky 3 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Saying that it’s been a tricky couple of years for Manitoba businesses in the food and beverage sector might just be the understatement of the century. Coming off the back of the pandemic that forced restaurants and retailers to close their doors, only to reopen amidst a massive labour shortage has given business owners some of the most trying times of their professional lives.

That’s without mentioning the global food shortages caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and extreme weather events like the Manitoba drought in 2021 and historic flooding from earlier this year. How many more obstacles can Manitoba food growers, processors, distributors, and retailers possibly manage?

Well, there’s at least one more. Spurred on by the climate crisis, governments, investors, and consumers are now demanding that business activities meet a standard of sustainability beyond what’s been required in the past.

The good news, however, is that Manitoba is beautifully positioned to reap the rewards of the sustainability push.

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Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Michael Mikulak, executive director of Food & Beverage Manitoba. (Photo by Jeff Gordon)

Food for Thought

Todd Lewys 4 minute read Preview

Food for Thought

Todd Lewys 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

When COVID-19 hit Winnipeg in March 2020, nearly everyone was taken by surprise.

Still, no one was overly concerned at the time. The assumption was that the coronavirus would wreak havoc for a month or two, and then gradually fade away. Business and life would eventually resume, and the pesky virus would become a distant memory.

How wrong we were. As it turned out, the virus hung around much longer than expected and proved to be much more infectious and deadly than first anticipated. Public health orders were imposed by the province to limit the spread of the virus, forcing people to stay home and businesses to close.

Among the businesses hit hardest by the closures were local restaurants, who depend on a steady stream of loyal customers to support their business.

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Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Pasquale’s owner Joe Loshavio says the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to change the way his business operates including offering customers an opportunity to take and bake meals at home. Photo by Darcy Finley

Repair, rebuild Canada’s trade-infrastructure reputation

Chris Lorenc, President of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association 4 minute read Preview

Repair, rebuild Canada’s trade-infrastructure reputation

Chris Lorenc, President of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association 4 minute read Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Premier Heather Stefanson recently noted in a public release that, this month, she assumes the position of Chair of the next Council of the Federation, and will continue the push for increased federal transfers for health care.

We agree on the priority. The pandemic has put our health care facilities and services through the ringer. Canadians should not be anxiously sitting, in pain, on unacceptably long wait lists for hip or knee surgery, or to see a doctor in an emergency room.

It will take extraordinary effort, and funding, to repair the damage that COVID-19 has inflicted upon our health care systems.

But where will Ottawa find the billions of dollars in increased annual funding the premiers are demanding?

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Friday, Oct. 14, 2022

Five Tips for Successful Pet Sitting

Trina Rehberg Boyko 3 minute read Preview

Five Tips for Successful Pet Sitting

Trina Rehberg Boyko 3 minute read Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

So, you’re heading out of town for a few days, and you have to leave your beloved pet behind. Here are five tips to ensure your pet will be in good hands while you’re away.

Find the right fit

Just because your Facebook friend’s cousin’s neighbour dog sits from time to time, it doesn’t mean they’re qualified to care for your pet. You’ll want to find a pet sitter who has experience with the species, breed, age, activity level, health and temperament of your pet, or at least someone who you’re confident can handle your pet’s needs.

On pet-sitting sites like Rover.com, you can narrow your search based on the criteria that’s important to you. You’ll also have the extra assurance, knowing these pet sitters have been vetted based on their experience and safety practices—and they’re often backed by a company guarantee that will help you cover vet bills, should the unexpected occur.

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Thursday, Jul. 28, 2022

Manitoba career training is just a click or call away

Andrea Bruyere 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba career training is just a click or call away

Andrea Bruyere 3 minute read Saturday, Jul. 23, 2022

I am a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for Wayne’s Backhoe & Excavation located in Traverse Bay, Manitoba.

But it was not my first dream. When I was young, I wanted to be a heavy-duty welder. In high school, I majored in welding.

My dreams shifted the day my cousin threw me in a loader. I immediately thought “I want to do this!” I started doing small, odd, operating jobs locally. I then went on to acquire my HEO certifications at OETIM in 2016. While working as an equipment operator, I decided to challenge my Class 1 written test.

Once I passed, I jumped in the driver seat, with my licensed coworker beside me, and tried out the trucks for the first time. It was so exhilarating. At that moment I knew I wanted to get my Class 1 license. My grandpa, mother, brother, and boyfriend all have their Class 1 license, too.

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Saturday, Jul. 23, 2022

Summer fun for the whole family

By Trina Rehberg Boyko 6 minute read Preview

Summer fun for the whole family

By Trina Rehberg Boyko 6 minute read Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, you might be craving some family time outside of your home. We’ve got the fix to help you and your family make the most of our short but spectacular summers.

Sweet treats

Dug and Betty’s Ice Creamery, 309 Des Meurons St.Dug & Betty’s namesakes are two basset hounds, so it’s no wonder this famed Winnipeg ice cream shop has something for everyone — right down to the pup cones it makes for its four-legged guests.

With a takeout window and picnic tables, you don’t have to worry about your kids spilling ice cream here. Its family-friendly atmosphere, along with its house-made hard ice cream, is what Dug & Betty’s is known for.

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Thursday, Jul. 21, 2022

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