News briefs

Identity of Fort Richmond homicide victim released

The identity of a Fort Richmond teen who was stabbed to death Jan. 28 was confirmed by police as Cameron Jack Walker, reported the Winnipeg Free Press.

Walter, 16, died of injuries sustained during a dispute nearby the Polo Club townhouse complex, located in the 700 block of Allegheny Drive, just off Dalhousie.

Matthew Craig Krasny, 28, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Walter’s death.

The Polo Club townhouses, where several University of Manitoba student reside, are located just south of the U of M’s Fort Garry campus

The homicide is the city’s third of the year.

Those who knew the victim described him as “a really good kid.”

“It’s a huge loss. He comes into my place and plays with my kids, my dogs. I’ve never heard him raise his voice,” Michael Paille, a neighbour of the victim, told the Free Press.

No human rights hearing for Winnipeg waitress who shaved her head

A Winnipeg waitress who was fired for shaving her head was told she did not qualify for a hearing from the Human Rights Commission because she shaved her head voluntarily, according to the Canadian Press.

Stephanie Lozinski was let go by her bosses at Sawatdee Thai restaurant after shaving her head in support her uncle, who is terminally ill with cancer. She had been sporting a wig or scarf while at work to cover up her head, but found this was not enough for her former employers.

“I finished my shift on Sunday night, and at the end, [the manager] handed me my last paycheque and said her husband [and co-manager] had seen my head the night before and that it was inappropriate for the restaurant and that I shouldn’t come in for my shift the next day,” said Lozinski.

Manitoba Human Rights Commission executive director Dianna Scarth told the Canadian Press that while she couldn’t comment on the case directly, generally employers have are within their rights to set their own dress codes, though there are some exceptions.

“For example, if a person is undergoing chemotherapy and shaves their head, that would be a special need based on a disability, so that would be where the person would be entitled to be accommodated in the workplace,” said Scarth.

She also said that a female waitress may be able to file a human rights complaint if males were allowed to shave their heads while females were not, a route that Lozinski is considering taking.

Filmmaker Michael Moore asked for help by Churchill MP

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore has been asked by an NDP member of Parliament to shed light on a Thompson refinery and smelter facing closure.

A video and letter were sent to Moore by Churchill MP Nicki Ashton detailing the Vale SM smelter and refinery that is set to be shut down by 2015, which would result in a loss of 500 jobs for the community.

“We’re hoping that he can help us share our story and take an interest in what we are trying to do: which is to say that this announcement is unacceptable,” she told CBC News.
There is yet to be any indication as to whether or not Moore has received Ashton’s video and letter.