Author: James Westgate Snell

Leah Kosolofski’s journey through occupation-related cancer began last year when she developed lower abdominal discomfort followed by the discovery of blood in her urine.

After undergoing tests with no definitive diagnosis, the 28-year firefighting veteran visited a urologist and was diagnosed with bladder cancer. The tumour was removed and she began her recovery, which included battling depression and educating health-care providers about cancer-related to firefighting.

“My GP said, ‘You are a healthy individual. You’re 46 years old. I would never have thought to look for bladder cancer in somebody your age, and your health,’” she said. “He said it’s more common in 70 to 80-year-olds.”

In the months after her surgery, Kosolofski, who is now cancer-free, took note of the number of female firefighters battling cancer, particularly those who’ve worked in the profession for 20 or 30 years.

Continue reading “Female firefighters battle for cancer coverage equal to male counterparts”

The years-long feud between unions functioning under the umbrella of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) reminds me of my own divorce. Acrimonious and pitiful. 

Continue reading “SNELL: Maybe it’s time for divorce in firefighters, paramedics family feud”

The feud between Winnipeg firefighters and ambulance paramedics, who operate under the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service umbrella, but are represented by different unions, just intensified. Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman is caught in the middle.

Continue reading “Firefighter union calls for release of video, as trouble brews at city hall”

The Manitoba economy is showing signs of life despite a protracted COVID-19 economic downturn that created considerable unemployment.

Based on July’s Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, Premier Brian Pallister said in a press conference on Friday that local and national economies are progressing despite COIVID-19, adding 60% of Manitobans who lost their jobs during the pandemic are back to work. He said the provincial unemployment rate is down to 8.2%, the lowest in Canada. Full time employment is up by 6,200 people, over double the national average. Continue reading “Manitoba economy showing signs of life: Pallister”

There’s an old saying that goes: “We do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who believe and are saved.”

The proverb is a perfect characterization of Carla De Roy, co-owner of The Beauty Box by Sheriff cosmetic boutique in Winnipeg.

Back in the 80s after being turned away from a major brand name makeup counter due to her skin colour, De Roy saw an opportunity for industry transformation. She took the act of discrimination and started The Beauty Box by Sheriff, which caters to women of all ethnicities in a diverse business model that includes retail, online, bridal service, hair service, education and children’s parties. Continue reading “Unique cosmetics biz caters to women of all ethnicities”

Manitoba restaurants and pubs are on life support in the intensive care unit of Canada’s COVID-19 economic recovery.

Chris Graves, owner of the King’s Head Pub in Winnipeg’s trendy Exchange District, is one of the medics trying to resuscitate a business that flat-lined during the pandemic. Continue reading “REOPENING CANADA: Government scraps may not be enough to save many in restaurant industry”