Brandon University strike over
A tentative agreement was reached around 9 p.m. on Nov. 25, effectively ending the 45-day Brandon University strike, reported the Winnipeg Free Press.
The strike began on Oct. 12, and the opposing parties entered mediation on Oct. 25 with vastly different opinions on wages, benefits, working conditions and contract language. An impasse was declared earlier this month by a mediator between the 240 professors and the university administration.
The terms of the agreement reached on Nov. 25 are not being divulged, as the agreement still needs to be ratified by union membership.
Despite the strike disrupting the school year for 3,100 students, the university says it plans to ensure that every student finishes school and graduates on time.
New measures taken to prevent wrongful releases of inmates
Minister of Justice Andrew Swan announced Nov. 25 that more court clerks, better training and new technology will be used to reduce the wrongful release of inmates from jails in the province, reported the Winnipeg Free Press.
A wider report by Alberta consultant Barbara Hookenson has investigated what the province can do to prevent wrongful releases that are often caused by poor communication or paperwork mistakes.
The province is taking immediate action to use suggestions from Hookenson’s report, said Swan.
The most important initiative the province is prepared to undertake is uniting the divisions of the Justice Department under a common information system. Steps are also being taken to improve communication between the three areas that handle offenders, the courts, the Crown attorneys and corrections.
4-year-old girl shot by brother in southwest Manitoba
RCMP received a complaint around 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 about a shooting that had occurred at a residence in Deloraine, Man., reports CBC News.
RCMP found a four-year-old girl was shot and injured by her five-year-old brother. She is now in stable condition in a hospital in Winnipeg.
The boy had come into possession of a firearm, investigators determined, and shot his sister. Cpl. Miles Hiebert stated the shooting was likely an accident, according to CBC News. Members of the RCMP’s forensic identification section and officers remained at the scene of the shooting on Sunday.
Local massage parlor owner defends business
Local religious organization, Youth for Christ, tried to prevent massage parlor Bliss Body Works from opening on King Street, claiming the business wanted to offer clients sexual favours, reported CBC News.
John MacKenzie, owner of Bliss Body Works, defended his business and explained to Youth for Christ that their view of the business is wrong.
A meeting took place between the two parties, where it was explained the employees of the parlor will sign a condition of employment stating that they are not permitted to “do that kind of stuff,” said MacKenzie, according to CBC News.
MacKenzie stated the business will offer a variety of massage experiences and sessions with personal trainers. City officials approved the business, but Youth for Christ had hoped to reverse the city’s approval, a bid that was rejected on Nov. 28.
