The Great Canadian Talk Show

Episode 23 revisits a serious issue plaguing Winnipeg for years- discarded used needles strewn all over parks and public walkways. In Part 1 we explain how the surge started around 2018, after "harm reduction" advocates and unaccountable WRHA officials were allowed to discontinue needle return targets from their massive free needle giveaways. Through their agents in the health care field the WRHA have handed out millions of needles since, yet refuse to provide data on how many they claim they've been picking up.Our analysis of this week's report about a city pick-up program shows 50% of the dirty rigs were within walking distance of the Legislature. This seems to prove the supposed need for a drug user site is outside Premier Wab Kinew's office, and not in Point Douglas. You'll hear an explanation why Mayor Gillingham's statement to the media on the issue lacks credibility: “If there is any agency that is distributing needles… I think it's up to those agencies also to be part of the solution in getting those needles back, rather than having needles just go out, be used and end up in a park where children play… This is about the health and safety of the public.”City Councillors- including Gillingham - knew years ago what steps could be taken to mitigate the problem, including requiring needle return rates and colour coded needles to trace which agency was giving them out. Instead of taking responsibility when we reported on these facts in 2019, Coun. Cindy Gilroy now has to plead for priority clean-ups of inner-city parks, taking tax dollars away from other programs. This crisis is a Brian Bowman legacy- he pressured police to coddle criminals and addicts who learned there was no consequence to their endangering the health of children and the safety of the community. As Bowman's right hand man on Council then, Gillingham cannot distance himself now from his refusal to take action and allowing the risk of "harm reduction" programs to be offloaded unto children and other park users. 18.50 Part 2 - The latest columns in the Winnipeg Sun by Marty Gold on the Rezoning Open Houses and Parking Authority towing fiasco get a quick recap, plus a look at what's coming up in the Sun and on the podcasts- including West End businesses fighting crime, questions about this year's Pride parade on June 1, and an interview with North Kildonan councillor Jeff Browaty.*******The funding campaign for Season Six has broken the $1000 barrier- and if you like the breaking news and analysis we produce, it's made possible by YOUR contributions!Our $10,000 budget is set to cover online hosting and production costs, transportation and research expenses, and make sure the office lights stay on so we can continue to upholdthe tradition of investigative journalism in Winnipeg!To Donate via PayPal- paypal.com/paypalme/MartyGoldMediaTo Donate via E-Transfer, or to support by cheque, cash, advertising or other means - martygoldlive@gmail.com

In Episode 22 we present our annual interview with the CEO of Assiniboia Downs, Darren Dunn!ASD is celebrating their 68th season of live racing, bringing Millions of dollars into the Manitoba economy while creating over 1000 jobs. Fans flock from across Manitoba, Western Canada and the USA to enjoy the sights, sounds and scenery and lay a few friendly wagers.2.55- We open the discussion with some memories about the late Ken "Hank" Hendricks, a sportsman whose record of 1685 winning rides at the Downs will never be eclipsed. The excitement of the Downs has now expanded to Australia, where the international dateline is making watching the races a Sky Sports favorite of morning viewers down under! Operated by the non-profit Manitoba Jockey Club, the regular schedule of Tuesday and Wednesday evenings will be augmented with six Monday slates, including the Manitoba Derby on August 4th. But the modern facility goes beyond hosting the Sport of Kings- it's part of the fabric of our community.You'll hear Darren speak about the tremendous line-up of community events slated for the summer, including gatherings focused on fun, food, kids, and music."If you can think it, we can do it!"Live Racing starts on Tuesday May 13th May 24-25: Food Truck BattlesMay 30: June 1: Rib FestManitoba Night Market & FestivalSundays, June 8 • July 20 • August 24 @3 PM – 11 PMJune 20: Rocking & Wrestling @6 PMJuly 4-5: Pizza Fest*******Follow our independent coverage of public affairs! Every episode of The Great Canadian Talk Show is on ActionLine.ca and on Spotify. We tell you what's happening at City Hall, the Legislature, and in our residential, business and sports communities with analysis, interviews and investigations that are unmatched in Winnipeg.We do not accept government subsidies - our Season Six Funding campaign is now at $1060 with a target of $10,000.Support grassroots journalism that represents the concerns and goals of families, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, and you! Use our Donate Page to contribute via PayPal and get the details for E-Transfers and sponsorship inquiries.*****Coming up in the Sunday edition of the Winnipeg Sun: After the latest towing fiasco in the Exchange District, it's time for City Council to open the blinds and let some sunshine beam down on the Winnipeg Parking Authority.You can find all of Marty Gold's reports in the Sun at this link.Comments, story tips, advertising and donation inquiries: martygoldlive@gmail.com

After the Winnipeg South End United soccer club failed to enforce consequences for 5 players involved in antisemitic bullying, a mother who witnessed the incident and reported it to club officials is speaking out. Part 1- Episode 21 opens with background from our exclusive Winnipeg Sun columns:Winnipeg soccer club downplays antisemitic bullyinghttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-winnipeg-soccer-club-downplays-antisemitic-bullying-mother-pushes-backYouth soccer club's antisemitism problem still unresolvedhttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-youth-soccer-clubs-antisemitism-problem-still-unresolvedAn 11 year old boy- mistakenly believed to be Jewish - was surrounded, intimidated and assaulted by club mates after a recent practice and forced to repeatedly state "Free Palestine." The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg and Manitoba Soccer Association have become involved to aid the victim and his family.11.40 - A soccer mom saw a kid filming his friends surrounding and harassing another boy. She complained immediately to a Club official on-site, and sent a detailed email. She saw and heard what was said and saw the victim get punched. But when she tried to follow-up five days later, anpther shock- the club president had not heard about it.As a Jewish person who has lived in Canada for only a few years, the aggressive antisemitism was shocking. But when she tried to follow-up five days later, another chock- the club president had not heard about it. Listen to Erika, who has a younger child in the program, describe the dismissive attitude of the WSEU Technical Director who she had complained to, which led her to email the Board. "I think that the board should know immediately. This was like, a bigger issue."She describes the incomprehensible failure of the club to impose any disciplinary measures after "those 4 kids were intimidating the other kid" and blocked his way to his mother's car. Erika believes a one week suspension of the instigator "is a way the kids can see they can instigate, they can harass, they can bully other people, and the consequence is to miss one game." She says she and another parent have sent emails regarding their concerns and the safety of all the kids- not just Jewish children - in the WSEU soccer program, but there's been no further comunication from the Club."It's really pissing me off to see that the club and the sport are letting kids do these kind of things."24.00 Part 3- Marty Gold wraps up the episode, which is the kind of grassroots investigative reporting that gets noticed. From Plan20-50, to exposing homeless encampment disorder, to Debbie's Law for surgical patients, the last year has proven the concept that ipublic affairs reporting is viable to fill the gaps in the media landscape. It is made possible because of people who believe in old-style journalism that asks hard questions and stands up for the little guy. To join our support campaign for Season 6, please click here.Coming up: City Four Plex Open House report, more drug injection site questions in Point Douglas, the complex issues undermining safety in the West EndPLUS - Like the Winnipeg Jets, riverbank encampments make a comeback, but nobody's cheering. ****E-transfer, advertising, sponsorship and event hosting inquiries, story tips and comments- Email martygoldlive@gmail.com

This episode begins with a brief mention of the passing of our longtime friend, Coun. Jason Schreyer, which was announced Wednesday morning. More about Jason tocome.Part 1- Updates on our stories on the go:- A youth soccer club failed to address the bullying by an 11 year old by antisemitic club mates. This was a litmus test asthe victim was mistakenly believed to be Jewish. It was, in fact, a hate crime.- A few problems at the "information meeting" about bike lanes organized by Public Works chair Janice Lukes. The session ended early due to the behavior of some of the attendees- the ones she invited.- The City is holding the additional Four Plex Open Houses this week, to poor reviews- Marty's post-election analysis is in Wednesday's Winnipeg Sun Singh crashes NDP Party and takes his pension with him13.40 Part 2- Some thoughts about antisemitism during the campaign and the influence of Hamas supporters on Liberal candidates and on Jagmeet Singh; a media mention of CPC MP Ted Falk being re-elected proves how openly biased our local media is.21.20- Elections Canada Malfunctions We Have Uncovered Point To Fraudulent Votes.Advance polling and election day incidents demonstrate absurd gaps in the Elections Canada process which ultimately allows illegal votes to be counted. We are preparing more questions for officials.  29.00- Chances to catch up with Marty are coming up around local communities when he hosts CWE events this spring.32.00 Part 3- The script got flipped at the Legislature on April 24 when the Justice Committee heard from the public on Bill 43- amendments to the Human Rights Codeto create infractions to supposedly protect transgender people.Committee chair Logan Oxenham, the MLA for Kirkfield Park, was flustered when presenter Don Woodstock raised a 'what-if' he adopted part of a controversial rap song title and used 'Wet/Pussy' as his pronouns. A former Juvenile Correctional Officer and Counsellor at the Manitoba Youth Centre, Oxenham is the architect of numerous Manitoba gender policies because 'he used to be a she.' This is someone considered an "expert."43.40- Instead of upholding the right to your own pronouns as proposed in the Bill, Oxenham chose to interrupt Woodstock with a moral lecture that immediately backfired.Oxenham: "Words matter in this room so please be mindful going forward with your presentation of using appropriate language"Woodstock: "So I must come to you for permission to decide what pronouns I use or what I identify as - is that what you're telling me??"Woodstock continued to expose the misguided direction of the Bill, explaining how inventing new offences in case LGBTQ+ are offended "may put a target on their backs. Be careful what you wish for in this." There are probably cabinet members who have twerked to the song, but average citizens aren't allowed to utter the song name in front of them?Hear Woodstock's argument that more important issues- including rampant crime and keeping society safe- should be the NDP's priority instead of virtue signaling with legislation designed to make the process the punishment for anyone accused of offending transgender individuals.48.00 - Listen to Woodstock challenge the pronoun-wielding Health Minister Ozuma Asagwara and the NDP for policing language when it won't "protect the vulnerable among us. Who you kidding? you aren't fooling me." There will be more audio from that hearing on the next podcast.*****No one in the Winnipeg media works harder to earn your support. The Season Six Funding Drive has raised just under $1000 which is a great start. The budget for this season is $10,000. Help us reach our goal!Your contributions and sponsorships keep us on the beat reporting on Public Affairs you need to know about. Use the PayPal link on our Donate page, or send E-Transfers and inquiries about personal donations to martygoldlive@gmail.com

Episode 19 touches on the bizarre reasons why the City of Winnipeg isn't advertising a Public Works Committee event, more federal election campaign news and views, and more evidence Elections Canada is trying to deceive the public that their "preventative measures" stop non-citizens from getting a ballot and voting.Part 1- Late on Wednesday, a City of Winnipeg representative emailed Marty Gold about his Sun column, Public Works presentation on Bike Lanes, Lower Speed Limits Kept Hush-Hush.The column revealed that while the Saturday morning event is framed as a “robust presentation” about the $96 Million councillors intend to spend on “Active Transportation and Road Safety in the next 6 years,” the people running the show seem to only want to hear from supporters and beneficiaries of their plans. Case in point- Committee Chair Janice Lukes specifically invited the bike lobby, but not WiseUP Winnipeg that represents 14,000 drivers. As Todd Dube suggested, that's one way politicians can use tax dollars to set up a robust echo chamber."It is not a Public Service-led event, and we do not promote information sessions organized and led by an elected official," explained the email. If you think that doesn't make sense, wait till you hear the rest of the explanation of how "there is no component of public engagement or feedback-seeking at this event" and how Marty responded. 20.15 Part 2 starts off with some reaction to Sun columns. Hear comments on the Public Works info session, the injection site Town Hall held by Point Douglas residents, and the passing of Con Lynch, a venerated North Kildonan teacher with a deep connection to Marty's family.27.15 - Listeners and readers contribute tips and observations about the state of the federal campaign. Prospects for the NDP are looking bleak while the Conservatives are finally allowing local candidates to speak for themselves. Meanwhile, the Jew-haters have made their presence felt in Tuxedo, targeting Jewish Tory incumbent Marty Morantz. 34.10 Part 3 - A recent correspondence from Elections Canada revealed how the agency tries to fool Canadians into believing their lax ID practices don't open the door to non-citizens being handed a ballot. Listen to the Elections Canada memo sent to encourage tax preparers to add clients to the voting list. You'll wonder if the agency is only interested in padding voter rolls and not in protecting our democracy. We will continue to stand up for you.****The TGCTS podcasts and reports on ActionLine.ca and our columns and community reports with the Winnipeg Sun, are made possible because of the support of listeners and readers like you. There is no trust fund behind our work and no government subsidies. This is as grassroots as it gets. We need your help to keep the funding campaign on track.The budget for Season Six is $10,000 and thus far generous donors have chipped in $860.00. That's a great start!Please use our Donate Page to contribute towards our costs for web hosting and features, transportation, and being your watchdog!E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- email martygoldlive@gmail.com***** Coming up Sunday in the WinnipegSun- an investigation into the tolerance of another 'anti-Zionist not antisemitic' incident in youth sports, this involving a family from River Heights with a couple of unexpected twists to the tale.

A resident-led Town Hall questioned police on their safety plan if a drug consumption site is placed across from a Point Douglas high school. Episode 18 has exclusive details on what went on Tuesday night behind the scenes and at the microphone that you don't want to miss.Part 1- Marty Gold recaps his most recent reports in the Winnipeg Sun:Wednesday: Nurses in constant danger in hospitals province-wide-- Tick tock, the clock's run out on AsagwaraThursday: Residents believe crime will escalate if drug site opened-- Point Douglas pushback: Community rejects proposed drug site location10.15 Part 2- Over 40 political and police officials and staff paid by the taxpayer turned up at the Ashdown Market on Tuesday, as the residents east of Main St. called Bernadette Smith's bluff. It was an extraordinary development that has thrown the NDP government completely off-balance.In January, the Addictions Minister squelched questions from area stakeholders about how neighborhood safety would be protected as she relentlessly praised the consumption site proposed for their neighborhood. You'll hear how at the end of that meeting, Marty raised his voice to ask when or even if another public consultation would be held- and was ignored by Smith and staff of the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre who will operate the safe injection site. That was a big tell. * Support our Season Six reporting with a PayPal or E-Transfer donation - ⁠Donate Page⁠ *After no further meetings were conducted by the NDP, the people who have to live with the social disorder and violence caused by drug users scheduled their own session, and limited Smith and other speakers to 5 minutes. With Smith unable to censor participants, she waited until the morning of the event to agree to appear. No wonder. She faced a barrage of criticism, much of it focused on the NDP's inability to get existing drug users into treatment promptly. And when she deferred to police on safety issues, new chief Gene Bowers failed to deliver a single idea of exactly how he will stop an influx of drug addicts - estimated by site supporters as coming to 200 Disraeli from a 30 block radius - from committing even more crime or endangering students and staff at Argyle High School. A mother told Smith, “I have a daughter who attends there. It's not good for the kids already day to day. It's survival… they already have shots against them, and you want to inflict the trauma of a safe consumption site into a community that's already traumatized. What are you doing ??”21.30- A review of some media reports about the town hall helps illustrate the misinformation spread by MSM reporters as well as revealing details they didn't grasp the significance of . Hear what MSM did not report:- a city councillor walked out of the meeting- a split in the indigenous community about enabling drug use is fueling an 'old school' vs 'new school' dispute - reporting "city police wanted to send a message to residents they're working on a plan" exposed how they made no progress in 2 months - Smith's language pivoting to a "made-in-Manitoba" operating plan is deceptive34.00- Which extreme-left activist organization tried to promote 'safe supply' so the government would give illegal drugs to addicts to use at the site? We tell you. Health Minister Ozuma Asagwara and the board of the AHWC can no longer avoid facing the property owners, residents and parents to define their liability if and when a safe consumption site opens. 42.50 Part 3 - In the last episode, TGCTS discovered how lax federal voting rules were when it came to requiring actual proof a person was a citizen of Canada. Listen to the response provided by Elections Canada and how laughable their so-called "preventativemesures" are. The bottom line- it's easy for a foreign national to get a ballot in this federal election.******Easter Sunday in the Winnipeg Sun- a special remembrance of a North Kildonan teacher who was an immigrant success story

Episode 17 has the variety of information, scoops and investigations listeners rely on to stay in the know!Part 1- Last month, we brought the concerns of a Niverville family to Winnipeg Sun readers, and poll results that showed substantial support for patient protections proposed in Debbie's Law. On Friday, the NDP announced that cardiac surgeons would provide timelines to those on the waiting list. From a listener: "The issues management team for Kinew surely reads your articles. They will now provide in writing when heartsurgeries will be performed and will record any deaths of those waiting. Kinew perhaps is the premier who has responded to your reporting more than any other previous premier."But, as you'll hear, there's no penalties imposed on RHA's for missing the target times, and no requirement that patients are offered alternative venues to receive life-saving procesdures. Also, we scooped the media on Wednesay by reveakling Parents blindsided as Winnipeg axes school bus charters. Remarkably, Winnipeg officials have made no plans to protect the safety of children now expected to use public transit and handle being around violent and erratic users.22.00 Part 2 - An in depth look at boundary changes in west Winnipeg (Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley). It's making the federal race between incumbent Marty Morantz and former MP Doug Eyolfson completely unpredictable. The note we received also mentions Winnipeg South: "Lots of new residents. Big question is how many are able to vote?"31.55 Part 3- That question led to us becoming Mr. Nosey and calling an Elections Canada official.Whether it's being listed on the voters roll via a tax return, registering online, voting by mail, or voting at mobile polls, there seems to be an essantial safeguard missing. Elections Canada is conducting enumerations in newer suburban apartment buildings and claims, "During and after elections, we carefully monitor suspicious patterns and anomalies". The thing they should investigate might be their own policies, which don't seem to ever include asking for proof of citizenship. ******This weekend in the Sun, another exclusive report- Sutherland Hotel site housing concept will need all hands on deck“I'm trying to settle with the question, why is the North End burning? I think the problem is fairly serious in Winnipeg. You can't even insure properties in that area easily. Do we just have endless properties that are burnt and are empty and every city has that one part where people wonder, is this going to spread to my part?"Coming up- tolerance of antisemitism continues to be a feature, not a bug, of local politics and the federal election; and a special column is set for Easter Sunday in the Winnipeg Sun.*******The Season Six Support Campaign has kicked off with $860 towards our goal of $10,000. We continue to prove that solid investigative reporting, insightful analysis and intelligent interviews can bringaccountability and change to government policies and practices. Our intensive work is funded by sponsors, listeners and readers.This funding will ensure the independent reporting you count on can meet our costs and carry forward throughout 2025. Please use our Donate page to use PayPal orE-transfers, and for other donation methods, please emailmartygoldlive@gmail.com

We have more federal election coverage, including how former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney shamed Liberal leader Mark Carney for defying a court decision that the 'No More Pipelines Law' was unconstitutional.Episode 16 starts with emails from concerned readers and listeners who believe we're on the right track in holding elected officials accountable. A reader of our March 30th Sun column about rampant theft from convenience stores was struck by the similarities between the decline of public safety in his town and in Winnipeg. "Living in Edmonton I see the tent cities, the gang tags, the addicts in the transit stations, the robberies, the stabbings and other violence... even when you do not see it in person you see it in the media." We ask why it's controversial to suggest the leaders from the cultural communities associated with the perps should do something, beside virtue signal, to uphold the social norm that no one has a right to walk out of a store with arms full of stolen goods just because they think they're somehow "oppressed".13.00- On Saturday a donor from St. Boniface sent a contribution to the Season Six Support campaign along with their comments about two matters.First you'll hear his observations about the federal election and the failure of the Liberal regime to improve the standard of living in our community. Then he added, "On a provincial level I am interested on what Premier Kinew thought about the protests outside Gray Academy last week. I am not Jewish but I found that protest and behaviour abhorrent.  Adults, some of them masked, yelling at staff, parents and children is completely unacceptable. How could anyone at City Hall have allowed a protest at that location? "That is exactly the topic of our important Sunday column in the Winnipeg Sun: Winnipeg's Skokie moment: A disturbing rise in antisemitism. https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-winnipegs-skokie-moment-a-disturbing-rise-in-antisemitismWe add some background on the demonstration on April 1st by a mob of antisemites at the Jewish campus.24.30 Part 2- The rest of the local media has caught on to our report - ⁠ NDP Election Collapse Creating 2-Way Race⁠Why that's the case seemed to escape former provincial NDP cabinet minister Gord Mackintosh. We set him straight. Then a stern rebuke of Mark Carney was posted after he said he had⁠ no intention to repeal C-69⁠. "C-69 is *unconstitutional.* This is not optional, Mr. Carney."Jason Kenney exposed how Carney is willing to defy the Supreme Court to maintain his 'Net-Zero" globalist agenda. As Premier of Alberta, he proved the Liberal legislation was a completely illegal infringement on provincial rights. 35.30 - Independent journalists are being excluded from political rallies by by both the Carney and Poilievre campaigns. The singling out of Shadoe Davis by the CPC last week and then Caryma Sa'd by the Liberal campaign is an obstruction by the parties fearing the accountability process. @CarymaRules posted-The Mark Carney campaign has taken an anti-democratic stance by arbitrarily banning me from events, despite having no history of disruption or misconduct. “We know who you are.” And what exactly does that mean?With Carney pledging to throw another $150M to the CBC, which already gets over $800 per Canadian in subsidies, we need more voices asking more questions of politicians and bureaucrats.That's a good reason to take a moment this week to send a contribution to our funding drive and help us pay the freight to cover the federal election, the Legislature, and City Hall.*******COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/SPONSOR AND E-TRANSFER INQUIRIES:EMAIL MARTYGOLDLIVE@GMAIL.COM

An overview of the first week of the federal election, and news about some Manitoba MPs facing a fight to retain their seats, is the focus of Episode 15.Part 1- Our Sunday column in the Winnipeg Sun struck a nerve after providing on-the-scene accounts of a March of crime.Crime wave in Winnipeg: Businesses and residents left to fend for themselvesBrazen thefts and organized shoplifting crews are beseiging convenience and drug stores. When the cops don't even show up to a break-in at a funeral home with corpses inside, you know the living like security guards and 7-Eleven clerks aren't a priority either- uunless their car windows have dark tint. From a reader- "I"m now wondering why we even fund the WPS any more. They do not serve us. They target us with ticketing. Thats it."12.40 Part 2- If you've been wondering how Mark Carney has been able to say he's making decisions about foreign policy without the confidence of the House of Commons, it's because on March 24th the Liberals secretly changed the Caretaker Convention Guidelines. Hear how this created " a legal and ethical gray zone." https://canada.ca/en/privy-council/services/publications/guidelines-conduct-ministers-state-exempt-staff-public-servants-election.htmlHow convenient. 19.00- You'll hear the outrageous descriptions of Pierre Poilievre by an Angus Reid Institute push poll to inflate support for Mark Carney. It's beyond outrageous.22.30- It's no wonder MSM election coverage avoids an analysis of the immigration crisis. We have a commentary from someone who knows who declared,"I've probably met a few dozen real, true refugees.... The rest are bogus. People gaming the system. People coached by consultants, lawyers, ghost agents. People using the refugee claim process to buy time. People using it to get work permits. That's how the system is built now."27.00- In his book Value(s), Mark Carney showered praise on the eco-alarmist Greta Thunberg. This of course doesn't square with his sudden support for the Canadian energy sector. The Liberal hypocrisy isn't limited to their leader. We play audio from January of one of his Ontario candidates insisting just two months ago that Canada needs even MORE carbon taxes.32.30 Part 3- Listeners and sources have provided assessments from the campaigns on the ground. After Jagmeet Singh ran the NDP out of money while propping up Justin Trudeau and accruing his pension, his MPs are facing annihilation at the ballot box. Among those in a dogfight- Leah Gazan, Niki Ashton, and the rookie MP Leila Dance. Meanwhile, in west Winnipeg, CPC incumbent Marty Morantz is facing voters with investments in the import-export markets who think his leader needs to make the fight against US tariffs the daily plank of the national campaign - "It's an epic battle."While claims fly that the Tory campaign is disorganized, crowds in the thousands continue to show up at rallies showing their support for a change in Ottawa. The 'mushy middle' - voters who swing from left to right - are targeted by media campaigns that highlight a narrative that the election is not about domestic concerns like affordability, public safety and foreign influence in our media and elections. That leaves longstanding questions unansswered- like what happened with those Chinese spies at the downtown Winnipeg lab? Maybe Mark Carney can tell us.******** The Funding campaign for Season Six is now underway - the target is $10,000 with the first contributions already in. * We provide unmatched content in the public affairs realm in Winnipeg! * You can support this work by using the PayPal link and other information on our Donate Page- or you can email us via martygoldlive@gmail.com

In Part 1 of Episode 14, we lay out the opening salvos of the Federal Election. The Liberal launch drew about 300 in St. John's with Mark Carney locking out protesting fishermen; meanwhile the CPC kick-off in North York drew 2500 and turned away 1000 supporters.Marty Gold describes some of the obstacles the international banker-turned- Canadian nationalist faces in establishing credibility with voters, the challenges from the media Carney bristles at, and the policy ideas already lifted from the Pierre Poilievre platform. Also, you'll hear the statement of Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire in retiring from a 25 year career as an elected Tory.17.15 Part 2- Last week we filed four very unique reports with the Winnipeg Sun. By raising important issues the broadcast media ignores, we prove our role is crucial to the local marketplace of ideas.The reports included: - If Uzoma Asagwara can't take the heat the disclosure of vital wait time information could generate, Premier Wab Kinew needs to find someone in his caucus who can. For patients, it could be a matter of life and death.Debbie's Law poll result corners Asagwara on patient safety https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-debbies-law-poll-result-corners-asagwara-on-patient-safety- No other reporter attended the city Open House on rezoning to allow for federally-subsidized multi-unit housing builds. Listen for more about what was said at the session, the questions that planners couldn't answer, and what some residents saw and didn't like. "We were not impressed with any of these density designs. I am still shocked at the examples they showed, of how crowded these lots will be, also because of the height."City staff on the defensive at Open House on new four-plex zoninghttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/0322-gold-city-staff-on-the-defensive-at-open-house-on-new-four-plex-zoning32.20 - The whispers aren't so quiet anymore that NDP loyalists look with great longing towards Wab Kinew as a potential savior of their political fortunes. But within the realm of the federal NDP, he has a problem.On the anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas he stated, “Israel has a right to exist and a right to defend itself.” But Kinew plays the ‘both sides' game, where any mention of antisemitism or Jew-hatred (both real things) is paired with grave warnings about “Islamophobia” or “Anti-Palestinian racism”.  Kinew courts the “anti-Zionist not anti-Semite” mob https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-kinew-courts-the-anti-zionist-not-anti-semite-mob- The Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada, in partnership with Congregation Shaarey Zedek, organizes the annual observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day –Yom HaShoah.“Last year, the Lieutenant Governor participated as the lead reader, and this year,” wrote the Heritage Centre, “we are honoured to welcome the Premier of Manitoba to fulfill this role.”This was not a well-thought out idea. The blowback directed to the Shaarey Zedek synagogue, which is hosting the event, was immediate. "We would not want to do something to offend or endanger our congregants or community. We are trying to navigate the delicate political position this has put us in.”Invitation to Kinew for Holocaust event fractures Winnipeg's Jewish communityhttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-invitation-to-kinew-for-holocaust-event-fractures-winnipegs-jewish-community41.30 - Federal subsidies subvert the coverage of mainstream outlets. Our ability to do these reports, investigations, interviews and analysis is because of the financial support of listeners and readers who ensure we can get out in the field and in the production studio to deliver the information the public needs to know. Hear why your contribution in Season Six will keep our independent coverage a key part of the public affairs landscape. Our current total is $660 towards the Season Six target of $10,000. Go to our Donate Page to help us along!

Episode "Lucky 13" starts with an update on a few recent reports from the podcast and in the Winnipeg Sun, as we continue to set the pace on public affairs:Part 1- Response to our coverage of the attack on passengers in a Transit bus in front of junior high students riding after school. Then, more reaction to City bureaucrats deciding to have only one Open House for the public to see the proposed re-zoning guidelines to enable federal Housing Accelerator Funds to flow.14.45- We have audio from the Open House. Turn the volume up a bit and hear one homeowner's view about where the city's priorities should be and why the 'housing housing everywhere' agenda can't be trusted. He wasn't impressed by City Hall holding only one session and thinks it wasn't because of "security concerns."23.00 Part 2- There's important value in the work we do to keep the community informed and act as your watchdog. Marty provides a history lesson about his decades of experience, the public issues we've raised and the success we've had in making a difference. It's a list no reporter in town comes close to.Hear our call to action, as the Season Six funding target is announced with some good news to start- over 6% of the goal has already come in!To help us continue delivering analysis, investigations and interviews - AND federal election coverage - you can count on, we need your help! - Go to our Donate Page for links to use PayPal and a list of our top podcasts and stories. - E-transfers can be sent via martygoldlive@gmail.com, and that's also the contact for sponsorship inquiries and to arrange to contribute other forms of support.THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS!

Audio from a shocking incident on a Transit bus transporting inner-city kids after school raises questions about the smoke-and-mirrors approach of City Hall to public safety.Part 1- Marty Gold recaps his Winnipeg Sun report about a family whose mother didn't get scheduled for urgent heart surgery. Debbie's Law warns surgery patients when wait-time exceeds guidelinesThey've proposed 'Debbie's Law' that would require authorities to warn patients they will be on the wait list after the date their doctor says life-saving surgery is required. Meanwhile, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara floated the most ridiculous excuse in history why the NDP doesn't keep track of patients who die waiting for surgery.17.50 Part 2- Police busted 9 criminals in the William Whyte area after a spate of gang-related shooting, robberies and stabbings. Neighborhood Association president Darrell Warren noted:“A lot of the residents, because of the shootings in the area, are afraid to go out because they might get caught up in the crossfire.”They won't even leave their houses, yet city officials think people should risk being shot to come downtown, where the risk to their safety is so significant Mayor Scott Gillingham is spending another $200,000 on a "Safe Winnipeg Initiative."He's hiring yet another advisor, who will hold meetings and "to take what these groups are already doing, bring others to the table, use data, use crime trends and make our city safer.”This adds an expensive insult to the injury caused by former police chief Danny Smyth's reign of hugging thugs instead of fighting crime. Smyth was notorious for ignoring data but somehow wasn't fired for it. More confusing is why is Gillingham not having the new police chief, Gene Bowers, take the helm on this project. Isn't it his job? Why does Gillingham want an appointee to give Bowers direction? Is this a CYA exercise?The reasoning for the initiative is to help draw people back to downtown. The Chamber of Commerce head honcho said "We're not asking people to do something they didn't do before the pandemic,” but that's a big fib.It's more dangerous than ever downtown, and that's why Gillingham's Community Safety Officers- paid more than cops- do their patrols with two teams at a time. 33.20- What will the measure of success be for this new public safety advisor? We propose a test - how will they deal with assaults on Transit busesWe have exclusive audio from a Good Samaritan who helped take down a hair-pulling, arm-biting woman and along with another man, got bloodied up for their bravery. The incident started on William Ave. many blocks before police admitted, with the fare-skipper hurling abuse at junior high students coming home from school before she violently assaulted adults.41.00- Hear the audio of the wild scene on the 33 bus witnessed by those kids. Maybe the guru should meet with those kids and other Transit users traumatized by what they see every day, and show some care for the mental health of the victims and not just the perps.Our source wrote their City Councilor Sherri Rollins, "I often take the bus with my junior high students and there's almost always dangerous. aggressive encounters with non-paying riders."Will Gillingham's crime guru decide that fare payments should be enforced finally? That doesn't take a $200,000 expenditure to figure out. 48.20 There's a laugh in a sidebar to all of this.The Free Press looked at the City, MPI and others trying to get downtown workers to return to the office, but never mentions how the newspaper cannot get their own reporters to attend to their desks. Is it because the Inkster Industrial Park is so dangerous, or something else?*******Today in the Winnipeg Sun: For the proposed four-plex housing rules, someone in the administration decided to give Winnipeg's 800,000 residents only one Open House to see it for themselves. Why? My report- Unfounded ‘security concerns:' No reason to limit four-plex consultations

Episode 11 explains why Coun. Markus Chambers and his Police Board "don't want to dwell" on why they stalled for 3 months before confirming the new chief of Police, Gene Bowers. Part 1- In the run-up to launching the Season 6 Funding Drive, we review the reports and investigations that have proven the value of our unique approach to public affairs. Whether it's been Plan20-50, homeless encampments, transit safety, or scooping the broadcast media on the location of the NDP's drug user site, we make a difference, and it's all because of the support of our readers, listeners and sponsors. * To send in feedback, story and interview ideas, or to send an E-Transfer towards our Season 6 budget, email: martygoldlive@gmail.com12.20 Part 2- In the last episode, we connected the explosion of crime around the city to the lack of a helmsman who could enact a plan to deal with it. A week later, deputy chief Gene Bowers was tapped to take over from the failed reign of Danny Smyth.The Winnipeg Police Board had a choice- to hire someone from outside the police establishment to enact real change, or to hire an insider from Smyth's inner circle. But in finally announcing that Bowers was chosen, three month after his selection was leaked, the chair of the Police Board stumbled and Markus Chambers let the cat out of the bag.“The information that was provided to the board, from our research, was inconclusive and we felt that we were in the right to move forward... Chambers later told the Free Press he misspoke and should have said the concerns were found to be “without merit.""Where did the information come from? We tell you, and explain why Bowers will have to overcome significant distrust to have even a hope of succeeding.“I'm going to go to the community. I want to be out in the community,” Bowers said. Listen for a description of one current crime prevention initiative in the community that amounts to a 'check-the-box' PR exercise and fails to deliver value for dollar. Will Bowers continue that tactic, or will he fix it?Also- While Bowers says his first priority is to tackle violent crime, which surely caused grief for the hug-a-thug members of the Police Board, we have an idea about an incident that precipitated his pledge.37.10 Part 3- Marty reviews two of his recent Winnipeg Sun reports on affordable housing. Hear the background of how the situation at 675 Talbot got his attention, and that of Coun. Jason Schreyer. Low-rent Veterans housing seeks funding for upgrades 47.00 - Why the Winnipeg Affordability Advantage is going into the garbage, is the topic of our Sunday column in the Sun. https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-winnipegs-affordability-a-thing-of-the-pastTGCTS reviews the political fallout behind the proposed hikes in water and garbage fees, and the failure of city staff to properly explain who an "average" bill actually represents. Then, we look towards the upcoming fourplex bylaw changes, and question why some of the city councilors we spoke with haven't been told why there's only ONE public open house scheduled for March 19, when there should be plenty. It's all part of a Plan20-50 model used to squelch public participation and to discourage taxpayers to be able to express their concerns and be heard, while pretending that the government cares about your quality of life. We will continue to speak up for you.* Use the listings ⁠on the Donate page⁠ to listen to: The Top 10 Rated Podcasts, Winnipeg Issues & City Hall Interviews, Government Analysis, and Hear Directly From Crime Victims. That's how we earn your support!

A special Crime Courts and Public Safety update is the focus of Episode 10, after a week of criminals engaging in murder, random violence, brazen theft and drug and gun crimes. All this happened as Winnipeg still hasn't hired a new chief for the police service. Part 1- A brief roundup of recent podcast subjects including: - The spat between the Manitoba PC's and spurned candidate Susan Auch continues. She says the party made a bad situation worse by falsely claiming she hadn't filed required candidate paperwork.- A plank of PC leadership hopeful Wally Daudrich for a Port Nelson development got a boost from the LNG sector.- The spending problem and ballooning project costs at City Hall is nailed as "a disconnect between the electorate and those in power, allowing fiscal irresponsibility to persist unchecked" in a commentary by Winnipeg Sun publisher Kevin Klein.12.50 Part 2- Whether on a bus, walking downtown, or parking near the Children's Hospital, the people of Winnipeg are no longer safe. Without a chief of police in place, there's no coordinated strategy to make our streets safe again- although cops are making arrests including taxicab passengers and right outside the downtown headquarters. A common denominator in almost every case? A perp in breach of conditions or with outstanding warrants. 21.15- Night time violence on the streets of St. Boniface sent two women- including a 14 year old - to hospital. There was also two female seniors assaulted in a pair of downtown cases. Plus, two 16 year old boys are charged in a killing last weekend near Central Park. 28.00- Imaging racking up 68 charges all across the city.Stealing vehicles, fuel, purses, wallets, computers, booze, while victimizing church goers, music schools, a woman and her baby in a car, we discuss the one man crime wave finally tracked down by the cops, Travis Freddie Ducharme.32.30 - An eyewitness sent us an account of the crass behavior of opioid addicts at a St. Vital bar and grill. They noted how multiple crews responding to an overdose there could have been diverted from taking urgent calls for help from law-abiding citizens. Observing the overall situation, a woman online defended the efforts of police to apprehend violent criminals, writing "This place is terrible. There's no consideration for anybody's safety."We ask - Has your elected official spoken out lately? ******Saturday In the Winnipeg Sun:For years, a criminal racket used three properties on Lisgar Avenue to produce and distribute crack cocaine, with three more on Austin St. North also connected to the cartel. Court heard one of the homes saw over 150 people a day come to acquire drugs. After a forfeiture order, 21 new housing units owned and built by non-profit Purpose Construction will replace them in North Point Douglas. The Anhart Community Housing Society will develop the new homes, arrange financing, and with the help of the private investment sector will cover equity shortfalls through the Anhart Affordable Homes 2019 Limited Partnership. All the details at- https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-joint-initiative-bringing-21-housing-units-to-north-point-douglasSunday in the Winnipeg Sun:The IIU report about the Bradley Singer killing demonstrates to what end the IIU will go to exonerate police. Gerry Singer - who we interviewed last year - agrees a public inquiry would be able to probe just what was necessary, and call all the police and doctors involved to testify.Should parents and friends of mentally ill people in distress call police? Or are they condemning their children and friends to death. ⁠https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-public-inquiry-needed-after-iiu-cover-up-in-bradley-singer-shooting⁠******To help defray our expenses for Season 6, please use the PayPal or E-transfer option on the ActionLine.ca Donate page, or email us directly for other ways to contribute: martygoldlive@gmail.com

Allegations of arbitrary rules and deadlines were leveled at the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives this weekend by Susan Auch, who wanted to run for the provincial nomination in Transcona. In Episode 9, Auch tells her version of how she was treated, and why she thinks party insiders manipulated the process to keep her out and smooth the way for former City councilor Shawn Nason.Raised in Transcona, Susan Auch became a 3-time Olympic skating medalist inducted into numerous athletic halls of fame. A realtor, she had an unsuccessful run for the Tories in 2011 in Assiniboia, so she's not a newcomer to party politics.3.30- When she heard a byelection was called for March 18th to replace the late MLA Nello Altomare, Auch felt "Transcona's my neighborhood and I wanted to run... I called headquarters and initially the CEO was very excited... she called me back and she was quite cool."Auch explains the odd restrictions placed on her, ranging from a 30 hour time limit, to being denied a membership list while told the nomination paper signatures had to be from current members only. She raises a good point- why would she be told not to sign up new members, when the party is in the midst of a leadership race? Auch says she spoke to one of those hopefuls, Obby Khan. 7.00- Marty Gold explains the court precedent set in the 1980's when Tory stalwarts Tom Denton and Olga Fuga tried to withhold member lists to control a non-profit board and Justice Scollin scolded them.10.10- Auch's statement was "certain insiders saw me as a threat." She answers questions about her comment.Also discussed- Nason certainly isn't afraid to compete for the nomination; former PC leader Hugh McFadyen and her run in 2011; skewed rumours about Auch's civil court cases; "in Manitoba courts, people can lie".18.15 - "The question we should ask is why would we not want the constituency to decide on who should be their representative?"Hear Auch's remarks about her disappointment in how the 2011 PC campaign treated her and the need to shore up current leadership. "I'm a business person and I'm a leader. Why would you not want me to have a chance and compete?... we need this party to be strong and have a lot of leaders." 27.30 Part 2 - Marty provides his overview of the nomination situation in Transcona, and how it can impact voter perceptions.*****Today in the Winnipeg Sun- "The City claimed it would take 10 extra hours beyond the allotted 2 hour FIPPA limit, and demanded he pay $300 for the reports to be located."So I asked to see it. A city spokesman responded, “Engineering reports are not public domain but can be requested through the FIPPA process.”"And I was told it's not an actual policy.“There is no specific directive regarding technical reports being or not being appended to administrative reports. It isjust our best practice to not publish technical or engineering reports in their raw state. We instead summarize the technical reports within the administrative report, which was done in this case.” "Best practice? To keep taxpayers in the dark, maybe. "And guess who wants the bridge?The Bike Lobby.Read it here:City keeps report justifying $5M Omand's Creek mega bridge secret****Our interviews, investigations and analysis is fueled by the direct financial support of listeners and readers who believe in our mission- You have the power and the right to know what's really going on in your community. We cover crime, public safety, government waste and neighborhood issues with insight and knowledge gathered over decades of being Your Watchdog. Support for the costs of Season 6 can be sent via PayPal or E-transfer at the links on our Donate page- where the top podcasts and more are listed for your review.WE EARN YOUR SUPPORT.

Like the rest of the country, citizens of Manitoba were deeply divided not only by their own beliefs, but by the draconian actions taken by their provincial government during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday, Wally Daudrich announced that if he becomes leader of the Progressive Conservatives, he's going to reverse former Premier Brian Pallister's onerous ticket-and-fine scheme and give back the monies collected and still owing. We broke the story in the Winnipeg Sun.4.05 Part 2- He's out fighting for votes every day as he tries to win the Tory leadership race, and Wally Daudrich hears it everywhere he goes: the party has to make amends after failing to respect the rights of people and businesses during the pandemic."We need to go back and do something about that. We should have done this when we were in government but we didn't. I wanted to do that," said Daudrich in an exclusive interview.He called on Premier Wab Kinew to "make these changes so that we can actually bring back the fine money that people paid out to the Province and then forgive the fines of people that have been unable to pay to this point." If Daudrich becomes PC leader and wins the next election, "I will make sure that we are making the wrongs right again."Hear Marty Gold go over the numbers with Daudrich about his proposed Covid ticket amnesty, how many tickets would be refunded, how many forgiven, and Daudrich's estimate of the cost to the provincial treasury. He believes that churches and organizations that paid huge fine amounts for "illegal gatherings" and other violations would re-invest the refunds into charitable works in their communities. Daudrich says he's had his own run-ins with bureaucrats during the 30 years of operating Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill and is sympathetic to those who suffered "during that dire time which unfortunately claimed a lot of small businesses and discouraged a lot of Manitobans. I want to give hope back to Manitoba."21.06 Part 3- Episode 8 wraps up with an analysis of the Daudrich gambit to bring disaffected conservatives back into the party fold, and a reminder of how listeners can support our work during Season 6. Our ⁠Donate page⁠ on ActionLine.ca has handy lists of our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and our reports on City Hall and the Legislature.To send E-Transfers, comments, story tips, or inquiries about personal appearances: martygoldlive@gmail.com *****Our recent reports in The Winnipeg Sun:Family hunts down stolen car after being told no cops available Why do City wages for Safety Officers outpace pay for cops?

A mainstay of Winnipeg radio airwaves for three decades, Paul Edmonds was the voice of the Goldeyes baseball team before taking over play-by-play duties for the Winnipeg Jets in 2014. For the holiday weekend, TGCTS presents a Sports Special with one of the best sportscasters in the country for Episode 7.2.40- The team he covers is at the top of the NHL standings, and Paul Edmonds has some special insight into what the team is doing right.He discusses how dealing with pro athletes has changed over the years, and the reasons why you just don't hear about the free-spirit and outspoken types like Tricky Dicky Thornton that used to make off-the-field headlines years ago. Corporate ownership, social media, and modern travel schedules have affected it, so earning the trust of the players is key to be able to tell their stories. We touch on a legendary Marble Club story about some Montreal Canadiens.19.10- In Part 2 of our discussion Paul describes how not all interviews go well, and as a broadcaster you learn from them. He tells about a couple of situations with NHL greats Joe Sakic and Mike Babcock. The foundation was laid in his days at Red River College by "some old heavyweights" and he explains how influential our friend Brian Smiley was when he began his career covering the Western Hockey League. 26.50- Paul Edmonds says "I'm a by-product" of the rich tradition of Winnipeg sports broadcasters - "a wealth of broadcasting luminaries" - and some inspired the development of his pacing and style. 31.00- Some word association about old-time Winnipeg sports and media figures, and which athletes he met that made him turn 'fanboi' in their presence. It happens to all of us!Paul Edmonds: "You never forget those people that helped you along the way."******The Season Six funding campaign has received our first contribution, even before we kicked it off!We will be revealing the fundraising target soon. Your support, whether it's for $100, for more, or for less, all counts towards ensuring this platform can continue to deliver the analysis, information and interviews you need to know!Our ⁠⁠Donate page⁠ ⁠on ActionLine.ca lists our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and reports on City Hall and the Legislature. It includes links for PayPal and E-transfer donations!For comments and suggestions, or to arrange freelance writing, event hosting, public appearances and presentations: Email -- martygoldlive@gmail.com** Watch for our two stories about policing and public safety coming up this weekend in the Winnipeg Sun! **

When a government releases 300 pages of audits only minutes before a press conference, everyone knows they have something to hide. In Episode 6 we dive into the details, and tell you just how much of a failure the NDP's health care reforms have been with front-line staff.Part 1-“If the disease in our health-care system is a culture of dysfunction, then the symptom of that disease is fiscal mismanagement.”- Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara on Wednesday.If anyone's an expert on dysfunction and fiscal mismanagement, it's the Manitoba NDP.You'll hear a few of the unmentioned costs rung up by Shared Health, who the NDP expects you to trust to turn that ship around, and a budget preparation model proposed by the auditors that for some reason isn't good enough for Winnipeg councillors.21.05- Part 2-"After years of losing nurses in Manitoba, we've … started to turn the corner."- Premier Wab Kinew on Friday.That's exceptionally wishful thinking. You'll hear why around that corner, is a cliff. And the NDP has 481 new passengers- em, newly hired nurses - being driven off it.As reported in The Black Rod, a survey of nurses by the union revealed that only 1% of members agreed the Kinew/Asagwara "listening tours" scored an A for responding to what they heard needs fixing.The survey results also show a startling number of nurses"reconsider(ed) how long you anticipate remaining in your nursing career".From workload to workplace violence, the results add up to a solid F - despite the earnest pro-NDP stance of union management.Nurses on the front lines aren't willing to suffer in silence. An MNU Instagram post in January hints that the problem is with the double-dribbling point guard Kinew expects to lead the team."Manitobans need transparency. Manitobans need action." Can Kinew convince Manitobans they need Asagwara? He may have to convince himself first.See also-https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-no-wonder-nurses-quit-really-sick-go-to-the-er-at-your-own-risk******In the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday- my discussion about the proposed drug user site in Point Douglas with a federal official revealed the feds had a little problem with NDP Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith and CBC. And, a day care parent has a problem with a gap in the Health Canada guidelines for public consultations that Smith and the proponents of the site might be taking advantage of.******The Season Six funding campaign has received our first contribution, even before we kicked it off!Your support, whether it's for $100, more, or less, all counts towards ensuring this platform can continue to deliver the analysis, information and interviews you need to know- with no Tru-dough!Our ⁠⁠Donate page⁠ ⁠on ActionLine.ca lists our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and reports on City Hall and the Legislature. It includes links for PayPal and E-transfer donations!

After our reports in the Winnipeg Sun about the haphazard public consultation process for the proposed drug consumption site, Episode 5 focuses on a comparison raised by another Sun columnist. Part 1- Our stories have detailed the limited outreach for the consultations by the NDP government and Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, and what the proponents have heard from Point Douglas and East Exchange district stakeholders concerned with the potential of even more crime and disorder descending on their neighborhood. The failed narrative of site supporters and the media is that anyone with questions are an enemy of addiction treatment. With the area MLA Bernadette Smith being assigned by Wab Kinew to help fulfill his election promise, residents feel she is in a conflict of interest. Where are city councillors or Mayor Scott Gillingham in this process to represent the community? Absent. Yet the spike of vandalism and break-ins and violence they've suffered was directly connected to former Mayor Brian 'don't arrest the criminals' Bowman, as homeless addicts and illegal riverbank encampments terrorized their neighborhoods 13.10- John Wintrup wrote: "There is a more rigorous and fulsome process outlined by the federal government for siting new cell towers compared to siting new safe consumption sites." Not a lot of people in Winnipeg know anything about the federal telecom tower approval process. It just so happens, Marty Gold is one of them. 17.35 Part 2- A major reason behind concerns about a fair and proper consultation not being conducted is the fact Argyle High School is right across the street. As Wintrup described it: "The public is now considering the compatibility of safe consumption sites within 60 metres of schools — the length of an NHL ice sheet – well within an easy walking distance... Either someone at the provincial government thinks safe consumption sites 200 feet from schools are great, or did not think this through at all." 23.00 - Listen to the audio of Bernadette Smith explaining how 200 Disraeli came to be listed as the address on the application- especially in light of Wintrup's analysis. The Health Canada rules for applications to establish a safe consumption site don't even have a defined radius for notifications of nearby properties, services or political representatives, and what details are to be included. But if this was a communications tower being proposed for 200 Disraeli, it would be vastly different- and better protect the public interest. We have the details of the rules set out by ISED including - a well-defined radius for notification mailings - the information required including why the specific location is best-suited to the proposal, - the stringent timelines for acknowledging and replying to public comments and questions, and for addressing or rectifying concerns - the placement of newspaper ads Another interesting point is that a communications tower is visited perhaps twice a year by one or two technicians for repair, maintenance or installation of a new dish. Almost no traffic results, yet formal municipal concurrence is a requirement. Yet for a site frequented by hundreds of addicts weekly to use drugs- and are allowed to walk out the door- it seems Health Canada has no such sign-off required. Federal rules regulate drug site consultations with less rigour than a cell tower proposed in the middle of farmland. And the NDP knows it. IN THE SUN: Media Cheerleaders Won't Deter Consumption Site Questions ⁠ Fake Consumption Site Consultations Not Fooling Pt. Douglas Stakeholders “Please do not set this up in our neighborhood” Smith told about planned drug site Dishonest Consumption Site Consultations Threat to Bernadette Smith's Political Future Our ⁠Donate page⁠ on ActionLine.ca lists Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and rCity Hall and Legislature reports. It includes links for PayPal and E-transfer donations!

After blizzards in two provinces and a family funeral, we get back on track with Episode 4 and review recent events at City Hall, fallout from our our columns in the Winnipeg Sun, and some insight into the NDP's fake safe drug consumption site consultations. Part 1- The sights seen on trips to Regina and Deloraine for CWE wrestling fundraisers, including the unprecedented sight of dozens of freight trucks littering the ditches and medians. 8.25 - Marty speaks briefly about the sudden passing of our friend Joanne Cochrane of CTV Winnipeg, and how she always worked to make the community a better place. 15.15 Part 2- Coun. Sherri Rollins finished decorating the windows of her new ward office at the same time she ankled her post on EPC. Now, Ross Eadie (Mynarski) is Chair of the Water, Waste and Environment committee, taking on the mammoth budget for the new sewage treatment plant. The recent budget meetings have proven that City Council, by and large, refuse to accept they have a spending problem. How will the longtime maverick fit in with the Gillingham 'team" ? 25.10 - The promotion of Markus Chambers to Deputy Mayor is noted, coming while the hiring of a new police chief by his Police Board has become such a boondoggle an outside lawyer has been hired to revisit the process. Hear an idea about why that's the case. * To send feedback, topic or interview suggestions, or E-transfers to support our work - martygoldlive@gmail.com 29.55 Part 3- We were first to report that 7-Elevens were going to be shuttered. Last week, the 7-Eleven on Salter at Flora was closed, as did the Maples outlet on Jefferson, thanks to an endless stream of thieves and criminals. Next, a recap of recent Sun columns and reports that have ripped the covers off important issues: - "The amount of people sleeping in there was disgusting. No wonder patients leave and nurses quit.” So You're Really Sick? Enter ER At Your Own Risk https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-no-wonder-nurses-quit-really-sick-go-to-the-er-at-your-own-risk 39.45 - “When you drill a bit deeper past the headlines of the story, you can see both the strength of the provinces' rational and the questionable nature of the opposition.” Not so fast, Dan Lett- Media Cheerleaders Won't Deter Consumption Site Questions https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-media-cheerleaders-wont-deter-consumption-site-questions - "There was only one pen and one pad of paper per table. (No) website you can enter in some concerns or questions. Nothing. It was a checkbox ‘we consulted,' That's it.” Fake Consumption Site Consultations Not Fooling Pt. Douglas Stakeholders https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-fake-consumption-site-consultations-not-fooling-point-douglas-stakeholders You'll hear some information about the Thunder Bay drug use site being used as a model for the 200 Disraeli project, and an explanation how the NDP invented a 500 meter 'consultation radius' to try and control the anticipated neighbourhood outcry. - Also this week, four candidates for the Grand Chief By-Election happening Wednesday emerged from the AMC nomination process. The most familiar name of the group is former Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson, who has been in the public eye since first being elected chief of his home community in 2007, serving 6 terms and 14 years in total.  https://winnipegsun.com/news/provincial/gold-hudson-three-others-via-for-top-amc-post ****** * Our Donate page on ActionLine.ca has handy lists of our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and our reports on City Hall and the Legislature. * It's a great way to get caught up on important issues that matter, and the lists serve as proof that when we kick-off the Season 6 funding campaign in February, we ALWAYS earn your support.

Between the fire on Main Street and then the big blizzard, posting Episode 3 was unexpectedly delayed- but we hope you'll agree it was worth the wait! Part 1- We get caught up on some recent events, including the passing of long time friend Norm Dahmer, who wrestled in Canada as Killer Austin in the 1980's; the CKY reunion with Steve Vogelsang that was a great time organized by Peter Young; and the Celebration of LIfe for Ted Wyman, the fun-loving musician and Winnipeg Sun sports editor who passed away far too soon. 15.20 Part 2 - An analysis of the press conference held by Premier Wab Kinew and Mayor Scott Gillingham to announce the "Your Way Home' plan to eradicate illegal encampments. Here was Marty's report in the Sun: https://winnipegsun.com/news/provincial/manitoba-introduces-plan-to-end-chronic-homelessness As you'll hear, the blame for the situation getting out of control rests with former Mayor Brian Bowman, who refused to let police or council crack down on homeless criminals and now evades accountability after his politically-motivated appointment by Justin Trudeau to the King's Bench. We note why the plan was rushed into the public realm, the selling job, how the plan will supposedly work, and whether the new apartments will truly be safe. There's an explanation of how the NDP is botching- or rigging, depending on who you ask- the public consultation process, including the use of a malfunctioning website. To send feedback, topic or interview suggestions, or E-transfers to support our work - martygoldlive@gmail.com 36.20 Part 3 details some of the listener and reader reaction to the interviews with former police sergeant Loren Schinkel and PC leadership hopeful Wally Daudrich. https://actionline.ca/2025/01/jan-6-2025-get-cops-back-to-basics-of-policing-says-schinkel/ https://actionline.ca/2025/01/jan-11-2025-wally-daudrich-aims-to-fix-pc-manitoba-brand/ Still as of this weekend, no police chief has been hired. It's a total embarrassment for city hall. 46.50- A Free Press story about a Daudrich campaign event displayed the open bias of the Free Press reporter, who ignored his extensive remarks about the economy and instead tried to smear Daudrich because- horrors- he and some of his supporters have "right wing" opinions the newspaper doesn't approve of and wants their readers to find revolting. How many times has the Green Party been described as "far left"? Never. How many sexes does Carol Sanders think exist? She should tell us. 52.10- A column by Tom Brodbeck continued the Free Press scare narrative about Covid. He's obsessed with the fact almost 85% of Manitobans don't line up for more boosters. The province's health mandarins are letting him down. We fill in the blanks of why that is that Dr. Tom won't discuss. ******* Our Donate page on ActionLine.ca has handy lists of our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and our reports on City Hall and the Legislature. It's a great way to get caught up on important issues that matter, and the lists serve as proof that when we kick-off the Season 6 funding campaign in February, we ALWAYS earn your support. Go to WinnipegSun.com to read columns and news reports from Marty Gold.  https://winnipegsun.com/search/?search_text=marty+gold

Part 1 - You'll hear an introduction for our new listeners about TGCTS and our role in the public affairs landscape. We specialize in long-form interviews with elected officials, candidates, and newsmakers, holding government and institutions to account and providing a voice for the public. 6.00 Part 2 - A longtime director of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba, Wally Daudrich is a Churchill hotelier and eco-tourism operator (Lazy Bear Expeditions) and recently became a part-owner of the Winnipeg Sun. He decided to step up and run to become the new PC leader. "A lot of what I've been doing is building up trust with the legacy members," many of whom were put-off by the last leadership race process and 2023 election campaign. "I'm trying to bring those people back into the fold" and "fix the brand," Daudrich explains. His vision includes northern, mining and infrastructure development, citing the royalty revenues Saskatchewan derives as evidence mining could boost the provincial treasury by $3B. Daudrich discusses aspects the PC Party needs to shore up- improving communicating with members is at the forefront. He cites Pallister's pandemic management as a source of internal tensions and dissatisfaction, and says in comparison to places like South Dakota, "The government was being influenced by the wrong people." * To send feedback, topic or interview suggestions, or E-transfers to support our work - martygoldlive@gmail.com 19.00 - Daudrich believes that during the pandemic, Pallister was distracted by a constantly-critical media "that influenced the policy that we sought." He is also critical that caucus members "got pulled into that vortex" and didn't support maintaining "the semblance of freedom that we have." Daudrich and his wife worked hard to build a multi-million dollar business while raising 5 kids. He's opposed to policies creating a dependence on government funding and "a culture of victimhood." He wants citizens "to excel in your life" and create businesses, and wants to wean Manitoba off of federal transfer payments: "Why are we the only western province that has to have our hand out?" 29.20 Part 3 - Marty Gold asks Daudrich about his personal and business background, having a residence in the Morden-Winkler area, and policy matters. - On crime and public safety he says there's "a mood introduced under Justin Trudeau that we need to coddle these criminals" and for cops becoming social workers. - "We used to laugh at Saskatchewan" but now their mining policies underpin a strong economy. - Daudrich believes the proposed NeeStaNan Utility Corridor to build a rail line to Port Nelson could bring up to $100B in investments and jobs to the province. - "We've got hundreds of miles of coastline that gives us access to the North Atlantic and some of the biggest markets in the world for energy, for potash and agriculture products and we're doing nothing on that front." 47.00 - Daudrich is firmly against the "I'm an anti-Zionist not an anti-Semite" radicals terrorizing public spaces and dividing western societies. "I am an absolute supporter of the state of Israel and the Jewish people without any apology." He says the public has to closely assess whether politicians like Premier Wab Kinew actually take action against Jew-hate or just engage in "Symbolism over substance." * More about the Daudrich campaign is at Wally4Leader.ca * 57.25 Part 4 - Our Donate page on ActionLine.ca has handy lists of our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and our reports on City Hall and the Legislature. It's a great way to get caught up on important issues that matter, and the lists serve as proof that when we kick-off the Season 6 funding campaign in February, we ALWAYS earn your support. Go to WinnipegSun.com to read more columns and news reports from Marty Gold.

The kick-off episode of Season 6 follows up on our exclusive Winnipeg Sun interview - 'Winnipeg Police Service is at the crossroads, and Loren Schinkel is waiting there'. You'll hear audio of the former police Sergeant discussing how to restore effective policing to tackle rampant theft, and problems with the Police Board and the Checkstop program. Part 1- TGCTS podcasts are interviews, investigations and analysis that is independent of government, and our costs are met by sponsor, listener and reader support. We're pleased to announce the final total of the Season Five Funding Drive which exceeded the goal of $5600! 9.28 Part 2- With the hiring of a new chief by the Police Board seemingly at a stalemate, Loren Schinkel spoke out in the Sun about his interest in the top job and his ideas for how order can be restored to the community after the failed tenure of Danny Smyth. “I think it was a very divisive nine year period that set certainly the service back in a number of areas,” Schinkel said, citing Smyth's failures on community policing, downtown safety and especially response to 911 calls. 14.00- In this bonus audio, Schinkel addresses a variety of topics including the surge of retail theft, how the Police Board may be undermining law enforcement, and the need to re-evaluate programs like the Checkstop traffic blockades to ensure resources are directed to 911 and front-line services. He also describes the endless loop that can trap good ideas from the front lines in a maze of bureaucracy so nothing gets changed. Another legacy of Danny Smyth. 23.48 - Marty recaps the points made by Schinkel, and previews some of the upcoming coverage on the podcasts and in the Winnipeg Sun. We were able to force elected officials to consider issues affecting business owners, employees, homeowners and seniors last year and we will continue to be Your Watchdog! * Use the listings on the Donate page to listen to: The Top 10 Rated Podcasts, Winnipeg Issues & City Hall Interviews, Government Analysis, and Hear Directly From Crime Victims. Hear how we earn your support! * To send in feedback, story and interview ideas, or to send an E-Transfer towards our Season 6 budget, email martygoldlive@gmail.com

This year, we earned your support, and made a difference! With our interviews, investigations and analysis on City Hall, Manitoba politics, and the key issues like crime, public safety and bungling governments, we've seen more voters than ever wondering what they're actually paying for. Part 1- We wrap up Season 5, and the calendar year, with a look at what people are saying about TGCTS and our Winnipeg Sun columns: * "You do a great job of keeping those politicians up at night. Thank you." * "That picture of the Riverwalk says it all, doesn't it? Unused needles tossed and garbage from one end to the other. Addicts won't even use the needles given to them for harm reduction. Toss them aside and get more free ones." * "This is what our tourists see when they walk down to The Forks. Welcome to Winnipeg. Made from what's real. Let's see how Wab's new plan plays out. You've helped shine a big spotlight on the issues we have been fighting so hard for."  Marty has a brief preview of the topics and interviews we want to bring you in 2025- and of course, substantial coverage of the pending federal election. E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- martygoldlive@gmail.com Part 2- It's a little of Season 4, a little more of Season 5, and a lot of gratitude to our supporters, donors, and for the volunteer help we get on the production side to keep the train a-rollin'! Here's the hit parade, and you'll hear them and more discussed: Number 1- Hear from the neighbour who saw it all Season 5 Episode 27 - Years Of Drugs, Disorder, Death At EK Crime Hub https://actionline.ca/2024/10/oct-20-2024-years-of-drugs-disorder-death-at-ek-crime-hub/ Number 2- Story of the Year got rolling S5 Ep 14- Metro Fumbles Plan20-50 Public Hearing, Forced To Retreat  https://actionline.ca/2024/08/aug-9-2024-metro-fumbles-plan20-50-public-hearing-forced-to-retreat/ Number 3- A big surprise as people wanted to hear the TV audio we archived for almost 40 years S4 Ep 17- When Holocaust Denier David Irving Spoke In Winnipeg https://actionline.ca/2024/02/feb-21-2024-when-holocaust-denier-david-irving-spoke-in-winnipeg/ Number 4 - The first episode of 2024 S4 Ep 1- Dr. Joss Reimer, The Pollyanna of Downtown Winnipeg https://actionline.ca/2024/01/jan-4-2024-dr-joss-reimer-the-pollyanna-of-downtown-winnipeg/ Number 5 - S5 Ep 19 – Amped Up Anti-Cop Mob Claims Portage & Main https://actionline.ca/2024/09/sept-6-2024-amped-up-anti-cop-mob-claims-portage-main/ Number 6 - S5 Ep 28- Former Flophouse Resident Wants City To Shut It Down   https://actionline.ca/2024/10/oct-25-2024-former-flophouse-resident-wants-city-to-shut-it-down/ Number 7 -  S4 Ep 18 Bell MTS A Hot Mess As Layoffs Loom https://actionline.ca/2024/02/feb-24-2024-bell-mts-a-hot-mess-as-layoffs-loom/ Number 8 - About our big scoop that upset the NDP  S5 Ep 35– NDP Reeling After Sun Scoop On Drug User Site https://actionline.ca/2024/12/dec-5-2024-ndp-reeling-after-sun-scoop-on-drug-user-site/ Number 9 - A heart wrenching interview - To support the Truth for Lily campaign, email sheenapaterson.massagetherapy@gmail.com S4 Ep 42- City Keeps 911 Audio From Suicide Victim's Family https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/great-canadian-talk-show/episodes/May-1-2024--City-Keeps-911-Audio-From-Suicide-Victims-Family-e2iq1d6 Number 10- The Broadway insiders were sharing this a lot S4 Ep 38 – Manitoba MLA News And Rumours https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/great-canadian-talk-show/episodes/April-18-2024--Manitoba-MLA-News-And-Rumours-e2ii0h7 Bonus- Marty's choice is this special episode about our friend and colleague Brian Smiley:  S4 Ep 43- Brian Smiley, Gone Too Soon https://actionline.ca/2024/05/may-5-2024-brian-smiley-gone-too-soon/ PLEASE SHARE THESE EPISODES AND HELP US REACH MORE LISTENERS ************ And... the Season 5 Funding Drive tally - WE MADE IT! Campaign target - $5600 As of Dec. 30th - $5615 THANK YOU FOR HELPING US KEEP THE BILLS PAID AND OUR PLATFORMS ONLINE. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Part 1- This weekend's columns in the Winnipeg Sun are reviewed, as important issues we've covered all year long came to a head. The vaunted Metro Region Plan20-50 was deep-sixed, Wab Kinew finally decided illegal encampments had to go and stay gone, and former Winnipeg broadcaster Dahlia Kurtz is organizing the fight against Jew-haters, declaring, “Our leaders have failed us. We will not fail us.” We fill in some details- and there's news about terrorist-supporting mobs taking over malls during Christmas across the country you probably haven't heard about yet. 11.44 Part 2 - From the Sun column on Sunday: In 2021, Mayor Cheryl Christian of West St. Paul told the media, "Plan 2050 will have significant impact on all businesses, citizens and property owners living within the Winnipeg Metro Region boundaries." She was sounding the alarm- but after the blueprint document that included the power of expropriation emerged from WRM backrooms, the City of Winnipeg did nothing to get the people of Winnipeg informed or made aware. It all blew up at the Niverville public hearing, and you'll hear how the scene unfolded from Don Woodstock and Marty, after the WMR board foisted dealing with hundreds of affected residents stuck in the lobby on their diminutive Executive Director. Woodstock, who operates a security firm, addressed them when she floundered and tried to placate the crowd. He describes how shortly after, most of the board had snuck out a side door and none of them explained their postponement ruling to the restless crowd in person. A discussion of the roles of mismanagement of the public hearings, Mayor Scott Gillingham, a biased media, and Wab KInew's play to support the dissenting RM's gets analyzed. * EVERY PODCAST EPISODE CAN BE HEARD AT ⁠https://actionline.ca/podcast/⁠ WITH ADDED IMAGES AND GRAPHICS * From the column: “While Gillingham and WMR staff insisted opposing views were based on “misinformation”, within two weeks, a total of 12 out of the 18 member municipalities had rejected the plan, including one (Rockwood) that claimed the consultants had never even spoken to them before tabling a document that would determine future development in their district.” This is story of the year because it was a power grab and it cost a lot of money to be just be blown up by the people responsible for it's failure and stick taxpayers with the bill. The narrative of “it's conspiracy theories” fell to the legitimacy of the concerns about democracy. Listen to what really forced the WMR to unanimously scuttle the plan. We are almost at the fundraising goal for Season 5 of $5600 ! Make a year-end contribution via ⁠⁠ActionLine.ca⁠⁠ using Paypal or E-Transfer and receive a rare copy of the Black & White photographic history of 1970's Winnipeg, Retropeg! 26.15 -  More from the Sun column: The NDP's Bill 4 would revoke making participation mandatory. That means elected officials in places like Niverville, Headingley, East St. Paul, and Winnipeg will have to vote on maintaining WMR membership. Woodstock and Marty explore what sort of delegations with questions might appear when City Hall has to do what every other WRM member will – hold a public vote about continuing to be a WRA member. With Gillingham being on the Metro executive committee, questions will arise about Plan20-50 expenses, consulting costs, and potential conflicts of interest (Woodstock says out loud what was only whispered until now- "their friends and their cronies"). Taxpayers deserve answers about the lack of return on investment, and why Gilliingham and city planners went along with the scheme to override elected RM's autonomy, which was confirmed by Municipal Affairs Minister Glen Simard as being why the province stepped in. As for the slanted portrayal of Plan20-50 opponents by Winnipeg's broadcast media as 'misinformed crazies', Woodstock says "you should be ashamed." COMING UP- THE TOP TEN PODCASTS OF 2024 -AND THE SEASON 5 FUNDING DRIVE CONCLUDES.

Episode 38 focuses on how we get results! Part 1- Transcona Councillor Russ Wyatt hosted a Christmas party on Saturday, collecting food hampers and much-needed funds for the needy in Transcona. Hear how on Monday, he took on the role of traffic cop to unsnarl shoppers in his ward. 8.38 Part 2- The Winnipeg Metro Region voted unanimously to pull Plan20-50 and discontinue the public hearings. The first anyone heard a critical word about the power-grab by the unelected body of elected municipal officials was Marty's column in the Winnipeg Sun. But once the flaws of the "climate change"-driven document, including insane housing density concepts and misguided and inaccurate maps, became known, the dream of Metro allowing the City of Winnipeg to have veto power over all development planning in nearby RMs was shattered. Wab Kinew's promise to legislate an 'out' for dissenting RM's helped grease the skids. In 2021, Mayor Cheryl Christian of West St. Paul told the media, "Plan 2050 will have significant impact on all businesses, citizens and property owners living within the Winnipeg Metro Region boundaries." Did Mayor Gillingham ever warn us of that? The public's opposition shocked the media- but not us. You'll hear a brief overview of the news- with more details coming up in the Winnipeg Sun next Sunday. * For comments, feedback, or - To Donate via E-transfer, Cash and Cheque contributions, Ads & Sponsoring segments, please Email - ⁠⁠Martygoldlive@gmail.com * 19.08 Part 3- What led up to Wab Kinew telling reporters he's changing course and intends to clear out lawless riverbank homeless encampments in downtown? You can bet Marty Gold's series of stories in the Sun about the effects on property owners and residents near the Red and Assiniboine - and revealing the proposed location of a safe injection site - created an urgency to turn away from emphasizing harm reduction ideology over public safety. Last Sunday's column suggesting the campers be moved to the Legislature grounds was spurred by Coun. Cindy Gilroy touting a UN initiative she chairs in Winnipeg- which exposed how there was a two-tier approach to women's safety by the City. Listen to the background of the column and the obstacles to Kinew's goal to house tent-dwellers within 30 days. The real winner here is Marion Willis of St. Boniface Street Links whose smart, results-oriented approach to dealing with the homeless and addictions has now been admitted as the right way to go- even if Kinew, Gillingham and "harm reduction experts" refuse to say so out loud. ********* We are almost at the fundraising goal for Season 5 of $5600. Thank you to our donors! You've seen the results our exclusive Investigations, Interviews and Analysis can bring the community. Make a year-end contribution via ActionLIne.ca using Paypal or E-Transfer and receive a rare copy of the B & W photographic history of 1970's Winnipeg, Retropeg! *****

Taxpayers are ornery after the City of Winnipeg proposed a 5.9% increase to their property taxes. Finance Chair Jeff Browaty joins us in Episode 37 to pitch service improvements that he and Mayor Scott Gillingham say their budget will deliver. 7.15 Part 2- Coun. Jeff Browaty says that while in theory the law requires the city to have a balanced budget, escalating costs like overtime for firefighters and transit operators have wiped out the rainy day fund. While his budget proposes $41M in savings across departments, "if we don't have enough revenue, we're going to have to start closing down the amenities people appreciate." Browaty addresses raising transit fares, new payment options, and 311 wait time improvements, but admits, "it's ridiculous that there's certain things that are failing residents and it's unacceptable." 14.00- Browaty confirms the poll Gillingham cited as proof there's support for the budget only surveyed 400 people, in a city of over 800,000. With affordability an issue, raising taxes was "the last thing we wanted to do" but other levels of government benefit from inflation while "fire trucks are being purchased in US dollars." 17.40- Marty asks why city councillors aren't tightening their belts with wage or ward allowance rollbacks. Browaty airs some criticism of the spending of other council members. To Donate via E-transfer, Cash and Cheque contributions, Ads & Sponsoring segments, please Email - ⁠Martygoldlive@gmail.com⁠ 20.05 Part 3- Former Mayoral candidate Don Woodstock sent an email to council members on December 9 about the City needing a DOGE approach to reduce the cost of civic governance. Listen to Browaty explain a new process that will "drill down into the nitty gritty" on "big cost departments", to find more government efficiencies, such as lowering fleet costs. 23.15- "Nothing's off the table" for consideration, including Woodstock's proposal for the city resuming operation of an aggregate recycling program. Browaty is asked about Don's other proposals, like pulling performance bonds on errant contractors- "we should probably better stay on top of it." 25.00- The North Kildonan councillor had asked to appear on TGCTS in October (a top 20 episode) to warn Winnipeggers that water and other costs and fees were spiraling out of control - we ask about the North End Water Treatment Plant. He mentions other projects including Centreport and Parker Lands/Rapid Transit. 28.40 - What's going on with spending another $1.2M on Goulet? "I'm not sure because Goulet I think was basically completed. " When asked if it could be the installation of an unconsulted bike lane, Browaty spoke about his view of the misnomer of winter cycling- "I believe it's a waste"- using seasonal infrastructure, where new lanes should go- and where they rank as a spending priority. He gives a history lesson of the booddoggle of the Assiniboine bike lane in 2010. 33.10- We asked Browaty if money refendums could bolster public confidence in civic democracy. He explains why he agreed to postpone the blanket Fourplex rezoning hearings. * The Season 5 Funding Drive is within $700 of the target- use ⁠the Donate tab⁠ to contribute today! 38.10 Part 4- A review and updates on Marty's Sun reports and columns, and audience comments, including- 47.00 Evidence safe consumption sites bring more crime and disorder can't be ignored https://winnipegsun.com/news/local-news/gold-evidence-safe-consumption-sites-bring-more-crime-and-disorder-cant-be-ignored 49.00 Lukes' Christmas gift to Transit scofflaws- keep ridin'! https://winnipegsun.com/news/local-news/gold-lukes-christmas-gift-to-transit-scofflaws-keep-ridin You'lll hear about Ottawa's ticket blitz on freeloaders, with over 1900 fines issued. 55.15 Living Near Jubilee Station Risky for Women and Kids https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-living-near-jubilee-station-risky-for-women-and-kiids Will Coun. Shaun Dobson get his 'Winnipeg Committee for Safety' on the case?

The fallout from our surprise revelation that 200 Disraeli was the chosen location for the NDP's drug consumption facility garnered strong reaction from the area residents, businesses and a church deemed unworthy of prior consultation. But they weren't the only ones with valid concerns about the possible ramifications for the neighbourhood, who the "harm reduction" proponents kept in the dark. In Episode 36, we review a lengthy email sent to TGCTS by Mynarski Councillor Ross Eadie- who thanked us because "no city councillor could find out to answer resident's requests for information." Part 1- "I believe safe consumption sites are needed to generally save lives as we hear from parents and family expressing the sorrow of the deaths of loved ones on the street" Coun. Eadie wrote. However, "What no one has brought up except myself is the pilot mobile safe injection site funded by the federal government in Winnipeg summary report and recommendations released some time ago. " For comments, story tips, or to donate via E-transfer, Cash and Cheque contributions, Ads & Sponsoring segments, please Email - ⁠Martygoldlive@gmail.com⁠ 14.00 Hear why Eadie prefers mobile and multiple smaller sites over a single destination-:"what reality has already demonstrated in the move of SSCOPE to the former Neechi Commons building to provide temporary housing."  He described that reality in stark terms and how it affected the quality of life in North Point Douglas. He doesn't want to see it come to the other side of the CPR tracks. "Continue the mobile safe consumption site program in other areas so there is no mass migration to the edges of South Point Douglas where there is already so many struggling in life." 19.20 Part 2- In the course of the controversy unfolding, the Point Douglas Residents Association raised the problem that at City Hall, there is no unified voice through a single council member for the area. While the group maintained the ward boundaries are a result of "gerrymandering," Eadie pushes back on that belief. Listen to a redistricting solution he tried to put forward that was quashed by another councillor, and about a meeting held without his knowledge by two other councillors that intends to interject "the brainiacs" from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative into core area planning "when the NGOs and residents already know the solutions to the underlying problems. " We go into what the Harvard project - a program of the  Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University - is about with excerpts from their website. When you hear which the other Mayors from Canada are involved, you'll be wondering why Mayor Gillingham is wasting your tax dollars on something that very much resembles Metro's discredited Plan20-50 - a make-work project for out-of-town, out-of-touch consultants. This work is entirely funded by YOUR support. Check out our ⁠⁠Donate page⁠⁠ - it's easier than ever to make a contribution . We are within $900 of the Season 5 budget target of $5600 -- help us continue to serve the public.

In Episode 35 you'll hear the story of our big scoop in the Winnipeg Sun, getting word out of the location of the NDP's planned "Safe Consumption Site". It ruined their attempt to stage-manage the public consultation process and divide the Point Douglas community. The controversy continued to play out today but with the cat out of the bag, Premier Wab Kinew is desperate to maintain control of public opinion and squelch opposition. Part 1- Readers and Listeners across Manitoba continue to voice enthusiastic support for the style and content of our efforts to get right down ta' business and tell it like it is at City Hall and at the Legislature. You'll hear some comments and insights into the issues we are covering for the community. There's also a brief review of our Sun analysis last Sunday after we discovered the City of Winnipeg has no data about how many free needles are given out in Winnipeg, and how many dirty rigs are tossed onto our streets and parks, spreading danger and disease. https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-free-needles-how-many-the-city-of-winnipeg-is-hiding-the-facts How can Mayor Scott Gillingham stand up to the WRHA and make sure they make it right? 16.00 Part 2- Marty Gold explains how the Kinew government couldn't keep the location a secret, and why they wanted their "harm reduction" den address kept from Point Douglas residents and property owners as long as possible. The Sun website has the scoop- Safe Consumption Site location not-so-secret any more Learn about the far-left ideology that demotes public safety and the role of affected residents in the consultation process, and bestows special status on strung-out drug addicts. That's one big reason why there's almost no restaurants open for late night customers, affecting the quality of life for all Winnipeggers. The Point Douglas Residents Association has voiced not only concerns about the possible consequences of a magnet for drug users in their neighborhood, but say that this situation reveals a weakness in the representation available by their MLA and on City Council. 31.00- Hear how the rest of the Winnipeg media scrambled to cover the story, with none of them crediting that the Sun broke the news; then you'll hear the lie told by the Health Minister that resulted in our follow-up report today, proving there was serious pushback against her PR campaign. ‘Homelessness is a business': Pushing back on NDP's proposed drug user hub From a reader: "As much I hate to say it, Audrey Gordon was a lot better health minister then Ozuma Asagwara" 37.35- Part 3— More about the relentless siege of 500 Waterfront, with details about the way CentreVenture misled the owner about how the street was going to be "the Tuxedo of downtown"; instead he's had to spend $40,000 to keep his tenants and employees safe. Stolen water, stolen electricity, and meth users staggering into the building and parking lot causing damage and disorder, all of which he's told Gillingham, Kinew and dozens of city offiicals and non-profit managers about. He says it started with Brian Bowman putting his career goals ahead of the public, lest he be accused of "racism" for having law and order imposed on the homeless criminals. He says that the "shooting gallery will turn Winnipeg into Vancouver." 45.50- A Free Press columnist smeared the residents and property owners being concerned about more crime being caused near the planned drug site as spreading "misinformation." What is misinformation, is Tom Brodbeck ignoring the lived experience of people in Vancouver and Edmonton and of folks in Toronto, where a woman was shot and killed in a gun battle between drug dealers outside a user site. What Brodbeck got wrong, is denying that "Harm Reduction" causes harm to the neighbourhoods; what he got right was, Kinew tried to skirt proper and transparent consultation, and may pay a political price for it. See also: Profiling Opioid Addiction in Alberta & British Columbia

Episode 34 focuses on the shooting by police last weekend of a violent repeat offender, who should never have been allowed to wander Winnipeg streets because of his diminished capacity to function in society. Part 1- An email from a new listener came along with their donation to the Season 5 Funding Drive. You'll hear his messaqe to other listeners and readers about our work. Then, Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt sent a letter to the Sun going scorched earth on those responsible for the "epidemic" disorder and violence faced by Transit drivers and riders- the "liberal/white-wine socialists we have on council" who don't take "entitled law-breakers seriously." He maintains skipped fares could amount to $10M a year. Marty discusses his Sun story about EK Councillor Jason Schreyer's safety meeting last Monday, the ATU safety rally at City Hall on Tuesday, and why Mayor Gillingham's idea of a solution- more Community Safety Officers - falls far short of what's needed to restore trust in taking a bus. A lot of the problems we face now were created by former Mayor Brian Bowman, who put his political ambitions ahead of public safety. Thanks to our supporters, funding for Season 5 has exceeded 80%. We have only $1035 to go to meet the target. Please go to the Donate page on ActionLine.ca to contribute today and support public affairs coverage in Winnipeg! 20.40 Part 2 - Jordan Charlie was a 24 year old Inuk man from Taloyoak, Nunavut who was incapable of controlling himself, born into a bad situation with FASD, chronic mental health conditions and low cognitive function. He was sentenced to 4 1/2 years after stabbing a victim in the throat while stealing his pot, then battering a corrections officer. Sent to Stony Mountain Penitentiary, Charlie severely wounded himself repeatedly, sustaining brain damage. He was released from prison in January. Stuck in Winnipeg and homeless because somehow, the judges and Crown couldn't be bothered to figure out how to arrange for him to go back to Nunavut as he wanted, Charlie used a weapon to slash a security guard at HSC, was found with a concealed saw on a Transit bus downtown, and breached probation when apprehended on a bike with a kitchen knife in West Kildonan. All by the end of July. He was released with time served and a meaningless supervised probation by provincial court Judge Don Slough on November 19. Five days later, he was shot dead after (allegedly) stabbing a cop in the throat and as seen in bystander video, refusing to drop his weapon and walking out of a bus shack towards two officers at the Unicity plaza. We ask why a violent man diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder -  Recurrent patterns of negative, hostile, or defiant behavior towards authority figures - wasn't detained for the safety of everyone in Winnipeg, while the details of getting him home were worked out by the Public Trustee. Jordan Charlie's death isn't "society's fault"- this blame is on the judge who didn't make sure he was taken care of and on the Crown who failed to ensure the public in Winnipeg was protected from him. To send story tips & comments, or to contribute support to Season 5 costs via E-Transfer - Email martygoldlive@gmail.com 39.55 Part 3 Revisions to the powers of the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) - including compelling cooperation by employees of a police service and ending the practice of assigning police officers to investigate other cops - has been slow walked by consecutive provincial governments. The Bill was passed in 2022- but hasn't been proclaimed. We spoke to the Singer family after Bradley was killed when police stormed his Magnus Avenue home, and we have no doubt the investigation is being hindered by the delay in strengthening the IIU operations. https://actionline.ca/2024/04/april-24-2024-family-gets-ambulance-and-clean-up-bills-but-no-answers-after-cop-shooting/ See also- Charge 'em: The Magnus Avenue Shooting by Cops

Episode 33 features an interview where we learn a little more why Winnipeg Transit can't solve the violence and disorder plaguing routes, and how City Council and the police are responsible to solve the problem. Part 1- What happened at the Public Hearing on Tuesday? Marty Gold touches briefly on what he told City Council about opening up 'Malls and Corridors' for residential housing buiilds - and what it took to even get registered to speak- in the first segment and in his Sun column today: City Hall Roadblocks Discourage Public Participation At Marathon Meeting . 4.00- A Transit supervisor barely escaped an attack with an improvised 'flamethrower' at Graham and Fort on Friday. The perp had been sleeping on the bus for a couple of hours until being roused that morning. Combined with the assault and robbery of a 21 year old girl getting off a bus in Windsor Park, there's no question that even being near Transit is a dangerous proposition- and that undermines the concept that new tenants on Malls and Corridors will risk taking a bus. (Editor's note- as this episode was in post-production yet another incident involving a machete-wielding man in a bus shelter and police occured at Unicity plaza.) 14.20 Part 2- Once upon a time, before his outsider run for Mayor, Don Woodstock worked as a Transit driver. Earlier in November, he spoke with TGCTS about ways to improve overall bus safety and efficiency. - "Management has no interest or desire to make sure they have a workforce like it was 20 years ago" - "If you can't keep your staff, that's an indication that something is wrong." To send story tips & comments, or to contribute support to Season 5 costs via E-Transfer - Email martygoldlive@gmail.com - Even if MPI doesn't find an Operator at fault for an accident, Transit management can disregard it and penalize an employee. - Don explains the 'white card' system that blames drivers for almost anything. - If new police hires replace the role of Supervisors in incident responses, those supervisors can put on their blue shirt and get back behind the wheel. "We have a system bloated in bureaucracy." 27.20 - "Let us put plainclothes officers in the bus in designated routes that we know we have problems." - "The police top brass need to find away to interject the junior officers, supervisors ultimately stiil have to call police anyway." 31.00 - "They have done nothing to assure the general public they are going to be safe." 35.15 Part 3 - A Rally for Public Safety is being hosted by ATU from 10.30 to Noon on Tuesday at City Hall, 510 Main Street. "We want to encourage riders who have felt unsafe to participate at the rally." Marty will be covering the rally for the Sun. - A preview of upcoming topics heading into the New Year, including Manitoba Hydro wind farms, city hall 'integrity', and more in-depth interviews! That's how we earn your support! - WE ARE OVER 80% OF THE WAY - You can help us meet the budget for Season 5 and ensure this podcast continues to be your voice- go to ⁠⁠the Donate page at ActionLine.ca⁠⁠ and pitch in towards our costs - under $1200 to go! - All donors until Dec. 15th will receive a rare copy of Retropeg, a black and white photographic collection of our city in the 1970's ! (while supplies last)

Episode 32 begins with a recap of Marty Gold's latest reports and columns in the Winnipeg Sun, and the reaction to our most recent podcasts about City Hall. He also previews his upcoming Sunday column about appearing at the Council public hearing this week regarding amendments to zoning bylaws to allow for new HAF-funded housing at malls and along commercial streets. You'll hear how the entire process and the public hearing itself didn't serve the public good. * To send story tips & comments, or to send support to Season 5 costs by E-Transfer- Email martygoldlive@gmail.com 17.00- Part 2- There are 40 agencies involved in the city plan to deal with homelessness and demands for shelter spaces. While some, like St. Boniface Street Links, are taking down illegal camps and getting affected occupants into social service programs, Main Street Project - and official City policy- persists in placing the "human rights" of those campers over the rights of the taxpayers whose lives and safety are upended by the criminals. 26.00 - MSP opposes relocating encampments from river banks to safer spaces inland. Yet the organization takes tax funding from those same residents pleading for relief. Some of those residents told the media this week they don't want to be identified for fear of retaliation. Even Premier Wab Kinew isn't down with the MSP approach. “As a society, we do not accept when people are not of sound mind that we allow them to continue suffering.” Is it time to defund groups like MSP that enable criminals to disrupt the peace and threaten those who blow the whistle? And is it time for Wab Kinew to offer up some Crown Land the homeless encampments can move to? And who is responsible for refugees being among the homeless? You'll hear some surprising statistics about emergency service trips to illegal camps- we await a price tag for those visits. SEASON 5 FUNDING DRIVE UPDATE-- we are now within $1185 of the $5600 target! You can help us meet the budget for this season and ensure this podcast continues to be your voice - go to ⁠⁠the Donate page at ActionLine.ca⁠⁠ and pitch in towards our costs! 39.25 Part 3- Crime Courts and Public Safety Update A 27 year old Philippino Winnipegger rode his bike to a hotel vendor just before closing time last year to grab a case of beer. Instead he was viciously beaten by a youth mob and stabbed to death by the then-14 year old ringleader. That punk proceeded to assault 3 of his accomplices. Manslaughter, robbery, weapons charges (brass knuckles!) - and he got 3 years in closed custody. What did he learn from this? What he can get away with if his lawyer plays the 'bad upbringing card. Who should have been wondering "it's 2 AM on Remembrance Day, where's junior?" We ask- what are the repercussions for the parents, social workers, and Nahanni Fontaine's provincial Families Department? 49.45- Another day, another lawsuit against the City of Winnipeg. We go over the details of the claim made by a Nova Scotia company who were turfed from working on the North End Sewage Plant. The way they tell it, it smells like city honchos are covering up for their own bumbling - again. ****** Latest Sun Columns and Stories: City's Push For Housing Steamrolls Over Residents Mayes wants St. Vital residents ready for fight over new fourplex zoning rules COMING UP- More on bus safety; An update on antisemitism in Winnipeg; Dark days for Manitoba Hydro; more interviews! ******* * THANK YOU FOR LISTENING *

In Episode 31, you'll hear exclusive news about how the City of Winnipeg started the reconstruction of Portage and Main and managed on the first day to screw up not one, not two, but three different requirements to keep the public properly informed about the week-long closure of Portage Avenue East. And it isn't just us 'saying it'. You'll hear the details - including an eyewitness account of the chaos - in Part 2 of the episode, which begins at 7.45. Listen to our previous episode about Portage and Main- March 11 2024- Walls To Seal Off Portage And Main Underground 20.40- The bigger picture is that on DAY 1 of Scott Gillingham's 'Team Open' approved project, his team at 510 Main Street FAILED. You'll hear how a city official admitted in an email that as we suspected, stakeholders and drivers alike were failed, although it wasn't clarified who is responsible for failing to do their job. Marty Gold asks questions about why the public service continually screws up, and why councillors and the Mayor refuse to ensure taxpayers get the services they are paying for. Listeners are asked to chime in for a special poll about City Hall. In Part 1 -- Marty Gold provides a brief overview of his recent columns and reports in the Winnipeg Sun - exclusives about the failure of Winnipeg Police to maintain the trust of the Jewish community, and about a child seen in a homeless encampment with drug users. He also speaks of his upcoming appearance in the big CWE wrestling main event on Saturday night in Winnipeg - here's a link to the preview in the Sun: Wrestlers to Rumble at CWE showcase card on Saturday If you want to buy tickets for the card and see Marty in action, send a quick message to make arrangements to martygoldlive@gmail.com. ****** SEASON 5 FUNDING DRIVE UPDATE-- we are now within $1200 of the target. You can help us meet the budget for this season and ensure this podcast continues to be your voice- go to the Donate page at ActionLine.ca ****** COMING UP- Jewish teen targeted by antisemites; why infill housing crews need more regulation; more ideas for improving Transit safety; city councillors holding town halls...

Cindy Gilroy has represented the West End ward of Daniel McIntyre for ten years. In Episode 30 you'll hear a fast-paced 20 minutes as we ask her about key issues facing Winnipegl. Part 1- Marty Gold speaks briefly about his exclusive report in the Winnipeg Sun on November 7th -Province, CFS won't discuss at-risk child reported at Mostyn Park encampment  7.20 Part 2- Cindy Gilroy isn't happy a council committee isn't acting on a report about a clean-up of the heaps of used needles, weapons and broken glass being found in kids playgrounds and inner-city parks. "Every kid, when they go to a park, need to feel safe.... we have to find the money to keep them safe for kids." Hear her comments about the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority abandoning needle return targets, yet maintaining discarded needles was "rare". 15.00- The safety of bus drivers and passengers has gone downhill but Gilroy believes the new transit service plan will help. She wants better lighting at stops, and getting cops and transit support workers riding the buses. 18.00- Asking about the future of the Arlington Bridge gets Cindy Gilroy fired up- "We need the bridge fixed". Citing population growth in the North End, suburban councillors opposing paying the costs "are wrong... we need to focus on the other side of the city" and is worried about the closure "dismantling the community." Noting the Louise Bridge is also disintegrating, she says "We have two bridges and we have no thought of even how we're going to deal with them." 20.25- Mayor Scott Gillingham is floating new fees and taxes to increase revenue but Gilroy isn't aware of the specifics. While she agrees in principle the city needs more cash, "I don't wnat to do it on the backs of people that are already struggling." The increased fees for residential parking passes unfairly punishes inner-city neighborhoods like hers that can't afford extra charges and wants it reviewed. Asked about the pattern of tax dollars being wasted by City Hall projects, Gilroy says "There's definitely room for efficiencies." 25.30- CBC distorted what Gilroy said about riverbank homeless encampments and she sets the record straight. "I have said we need a new encampment strategy that really dictates where we're going to allow them." She talks about the concept of a shelter system that would allows users to come and go but keep their belongings safe. Citing federal guidelines that forbids "just kicking people out," Gilroy wants more housing and services to address the underlying mental health and addictions at play. "The citizens of Winnipeg want us to figure this out." "It's not OK" for homeless camps to be interfering in the public's access to city parks. Gilroy wants to ensure "our parks are safe, our river fronts are free from fires... there is a way that we can do this but so far we haven't come as a council and had those hard discussions." Related: ⁠How would Mayor Gillingham deal with a homeless camp in his backyard? E-Transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments and feedback can be sent to martygoldlive@gmail.com 29.45- Marty Gold tosses an idea at Coun. Gilroy about where homeless encampments can be moved to. While Gilroy laughs at first, she stops laughing when told the province actually banned encampments on the Legislature grounds, shifting all emergency response costs to the city. It also shifted all the danger onto law-abiding residents along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, instead of Wab Kinew and the NDP government sharing the burden. 33.33 Part 3- The episode wraps up with a reminder of the importance of the ActionLine.ca platform covering public affairs and producing unique reports and substantive interviews with Winnipeg councillors and other newsmakers. Listeners can help close the gap and contribute in November to the Season 5 Funding Drive, which is now at 80% of the target goal. Support independent investigations and analysis - Use the Paypal link at https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/

Episode 29 looks at a few key issues that we've been reporting on, and puts some important new concerns on the table. Part 1- In Thursday's Winnipeg Sun, Marty Gold reveals hidden details that city officials and the broadcast media didn't want you to know about as a lawless homeless encampment in West Broadway. Click here to read Winnipeg refuses to oust homeless camp with crime, safety issues - Coming in Sunday's column- more about the frustrating refusal of Mayor Gillingham and City officials to clean up the illegal camps behind 300 Assiniboine. 8.30 - Hear how CBC deliberately distorted comments by Coun. Cindy Gilroy to favour the homeless campers and not the victims of the ongoing mayhem. She was talking about where they are being allowed- the same theme our reporting has been focusing. Meanwhile, who decided there's no count being kept of emergency response trips to encampments? Are riverbank property owners are being used as political pawns? * We are only $1295 shy of the Season 5 funding target! * Donors over $250 get a rare hardcover version of Retropeg- contribute to our costs via the Donate page Our target is $5600, we always earn your support! 15.00- Another information session about Plan20-50 is being held Saturday in Howden, Mb. from 1-4 pm at 1078 Red River Drive. Marty discusses the topics being covered by Manitoba Stronger Together and why the central planning agenda for land development and 'density' should be opposed by pretty much everyone- as should divisive NDP legislation to require 300 signatures to appeal a zoning decision. There's a new leader in the TGCTS all-time rankings: Episode 27 with the whistleblower exposing the Watt Street crime central rooming house - here's the link 23.10 Part 2- Crime Stoppers have good intentions but transit drivers tell us cops already don't respond to serious crimes like break-ins and there's no dedicated unit to investigate the anticipated complaints. Focusing on passengers to call in tips is re-active, not pro-active. And with the Code of Conduct not even on the Transit main page and banned people allowed to ride anyways, the ‘It's Your BUSiness' campaign is smoke and mirrors. What passengers and drivers need, is enforcement on the actual buses in real-time. The early morning assault of a driver on the 672 South Pointe route, forcing her to crawl out a window, is being cited as a reason to completely seal off transit drivers from passengers- a horrible idea that punishes the victims. 38.00 - The Gillingham plan to reconstruct Portage and Main doesn't mention the effects on the one neighborhood most affected. Hear which councilor won't answer the questions asked on behalf of the people of St. Boniface. 41.00- Dr. Joss Reimer gets a lesson from Marty Gold in the Gary Doer concept of "think global, act local". Reimer got lots of airtime this week in her role as chair of the Canadian Medical Association. "The current sick note system puts unnecessary pressure on our already overwhelmed health system," she tweeted. Wait till you hear which of her colleagues employed by the province requires it. Will she challenge them to change? Don't hold your breath. - Although the media won't ever connect the dots, when Coun. Gilroy complains about the projected costs to clean-up the skyrocketing number used needles dropped in inner-city parks, she's complaining about whose vision of "harm reduction"? That's right, the WRHA's Joss Reimer, matriarch of the free needle program that sacrificed the safety of Winnipeg families to cater to derelicts and criminals. Coming up- How Mayor Gillingham's administration hampers needle and garbage clean-up in downtown parks overrun by illegal camps; unreported incidents of antisemitism; and more special interviews!

Follow-ups on "Nightmare on Watt Street", more about Plan 2050, and asking if civic politicians played politics with commemorative awards, are what you'll hear in Episode 28! Part 1- Lots of horror stories continue to emerge after Marty's column in the Winnipeg Sun exposed a rooming house wreaking havoc on a working class neighborhood in East Kildonan. The interview with the whistleblower in the last episoderecounted the ways the City of Winnipeg has failed to protect the community. Coun. Jason Schreyer is scrambling to hold public meetings to turn things around- even as advertising appeared on Thursday to fill a vacant bedroom for $650 a month. You'll hear reaction not only from readers, but audio from a recovering addict who lived there until March, confirming one of the deaths that occured inside the Watt St. "death trap" and outraged the rental property is still operating. Harvey Smith made a point of taking a drive through his ward to see for himself what was happening at night. Do any city councillors do that anymore? No one is speaking up for area families and businesses in fear of more arsons, crime and deaths- and we will keep the pressure on to help them. Our Investigations and Interviews are made possible by generous supporters who donate to our Season 5 Funding Drive! We are within $2000 of the $5600 target- please go to the ActionLine.ca Donate page to chip in via Paypal or E-Transfer today! 23.20 Part 2- A telephone referendum, held in the RM of Springfield by a taxpayer's rights group, showed an incredible degree of opposition to Metro's Plan20-50. Will the rump WMR caucus still supporting the plan- led by Mayor Gillingham - persist in calling them "misinformed" or "conspiracy theorists"? There's 2900 folks in that RM who'd challenge the name-callers. Who would residents of Winnipeg ask if they wanted to know how Plan20-50 will affect them? Months later, the City can't answer that question. 31.00- Another story about crime and disorder affecting law-abiding property owners and residents is in the Winnipeg Sun today. Riverbank ‘garbage dump' impacting ability to attract tenants to downtown building Marty Gold spoke with a representative of the high-end apartment complex at 300 Assiniboine, who have challenged Mayor Gillingham and Premier Wab Kinew to remove the garbage-strewing, arson-starting, drug-using homeless encampments behind their building on the banks of the Assiniboine River. 33.00- Politicizing the Winnipeg 150 Awards has fueled even more cynicism towards City Hall. An email from a listener - one of many, actually- raised questions about the choices the Mayor and city councillors made for Winnipeg 150 medals, supposedly "nominated for their significant contribution to their neighbourhood or the city at large." Some are clearly deserving of recognition. Others, such as a CBC radio host with no listed volunteer activities since moving here, seem to have been beneficiaries for political purposes. Some check all the right boxes- except the boxes denoting the actual pre-requisites for the medals. Should people doing a job at a city-funded agency get an award for simply doing the jobs thay are paid to do? Coming up- Transit undermines driver and rider safety; more trouble from downtown homeless encampments; Vandal says vamanos to politics... E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- martygoldlive@gmail.com

Our public safety investigations continue with an exclusive interview in Episode 27, about a house on Watt Street in East Kildonan that has been the source of mayhem for years with no relief for area residents. It was the topic of our Winnipeg Sun column today- Five Bodies Later, Neighbours Sound Alarm Over Elmwood Flophouse. You'll hear a neighbour tell all about the constant drug and criminal activity around the rental property; the fear and intimidation everyone feels; and the lack of help they've gotten from the City and their councillor. Only a provincial justice department enforcement program brought a brief respite. Part 1- Marty catches listeners up on his recent reports on how unsafe taking Winnipeg Transit has become, more controversy about a guest speaker the Winnipeg School Division already apologized for, and riverbank homeless encampments. 6.48 - Nightmare on Watt Street, is what the print headline said. More tips and details have poured in confirming it. One clarification is required- the corner house in question actually falls a few blocks outside the traditional Elmwood border, which is not Munroe. Who knew? E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- martygoldlive@gmail.com Part 2- Marty Gold has an exclusive interview with a homeowner in direct sight of a rental property that's wreaking havoc on the peace of the neighborhood In the last five years, the rooming house with a revolving door of troublemakers has only been quieted after seeking help under the provincial Safer Communities Act. "Al" recites the laundry list of emergency police and fire response calls, arsons, harassment, filth and break-ins. He says he saw 5 deceased individuals lugged out of the flophouse in the last 18 or so months. A constant coming and going of drug buyers, stolen bikes and thieves destroys the peace and quiet residents expect. His experience with a break-in to his garage illustrates the collapse of the justice system. 22.25- Al and a number of other residents claim that they sent messages and complaints to Councilor Jason Schreyer when calling 311 and police failed to produce a pro-active community safety initiative. From used needles near the schools to a mom and child harassed at the bus stop, public safety in EK is at serious risk, but Schreyer says he never got Al's calls. "I find that very hard to believe." Marty and Al talk about fires around the area including a hydro pole, and whether city administration is keeping information from councilors about problem spots in their own wards. Coun. Schreyer told Marty he's prepared to convene town halls about crime in the ward. Al suggests "he'll get an earful." 30.50 - Al also works downtown and sees plenty of incidents there too. He's asked about Mayor Gillingham's approach to deteriorating public safety. "By far this is the worst I've ever seen it," Al says, and complains "I never see anyone get arrested." He also has criticism for Premier Wab Kinew- calling for more treatment and getting tougher on drug dealers. 40.00 Part 3- You'll hear the frustrating experiences of other EK residents trying to get help from the authorities and Schreyer, and the councillor's explanations and plan to meet with the community. Listen for the feedback to the Sun column, the scepticism now facing Schreyer, and a surprising tip about one of the deaths. How badly is City Hall failing the good people in Elmwood and EK trying to raise their families and live in peace? Damn near 100%. ****** The Season 5 Funding Drive is bumped up to $3555, as we head into the home stretch. The costs of our interviews and investigations are paid for by you, members of the public who value aggressive, old-fashioned, Peter Warren-style reporting. You can contribute to the campaign by E-Transfer to martygoldlive@gmail.com, or by using the Donate tab at ActionLine.ca.

Episode 26 has behind-the-stories details, with your comments, about our recent columns and reports in the Winnipeg Sun and Season 5 podcasts! Part 1- We've been bringing forward exclusive interviews and investigations about what's happening in Winnipeg. Marty Gold tells how you can help ensure strong independent reporting makes up for Trudeau-funded media consistently failing our community. It's necessary to pick up the pace on the fundraising drive in October. We are within $2500 of our budget goal! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to donate today 5.00- Listeners expressed concerns that in our interview with Coun. Jeff Browaty about Metro's Plan20-50, he seemed uninformed about the implications of the "aspirational" development blueprint. Marty explains what will happen next, with 12 member RMs turning down the document. About 80 folks gathered in Niverville to see Manitoba Stronger Together raise troubling questions about the "expert" ideas given priority by the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region board over proper stakeholder and public consultations. When a plan requires greater population density in Oak Bank than in Brandon, you know something fishy is going on. (The next MST session is on Nov. 2 in the RM of Ritchot.) Marty discusses how density targets will destroy the character of the St. Boniface business district, as Mayor Gillingham and Coun. Matt Allard nod approvingly. 15.20- Gillingham's plan to reconstruct Portage and Main will obliterate commuting times to and from St. Boniface. Nobody at City Hall cares about St. B- but we do. 19.30 Part 2- The first hint anyone got that 7-Elevens were on the chopping block was in Marty's Sun column, and word is up to 20 total are being shut down. Last week two in the North End and one in the West End closed. Now, 3 out of 4 retail building are closed at the corner of Ellice and Arlington. How will City Council stop the decay? 27.00- More coming about homeless encampments on our riverbanks. The hazards facing property owners and residents, first described in our Sun exclusive, are worse than we knew. The Superintendent of the Winnipeg School Division had to apologize after a guest speaker extolled the virtues of terrorism as "resistance." Hear why Matt Henderson had a very bad week after sailing though his first year. Before the WSD apology, some people posted support for the pro-terror message and thanked the division for displaying it on the arena jumbotron. How many were involved in the "pro-Palestinian" rally held on Yom Kippur in River Heights, near the Chabad synagogue? Fans of Iran were. Marty assesses how the cops would react if a pro-Israel rally is held near a mosque. ⁠We're looking at holding a Town Hall on Oct. 29 - Interested? Let us know! E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments - martygoldlive@gmail.com 41.20 Part 3 'Hell on Wheels' - listen to the story behind the story of this week's Sun column about violence on Transit buses. 46.00 - We explain how the short-staffed supervisor crew cannot possibly handle the volume of trouble calls from drivers. Before they showed up last weekend, Marty videoed an incident that could easily have turned into yet another stabbing, with the belligerent pulling the race card when challenged. 53.00- City officials need to ride the buses, share the pain, and shore up procedures until Transit users can feel safe. Enforcement of decorum on board - "turn down your radio!" and no foul language - is urgently needed. With the new routes coming in 2025, and only 4 supervisors on duty at night on weekends, it will only become more unpleasant and dangerous if nothing changes. Mayor Gillingham's 'root causes' approach holds the rights of homeless bus shelter dwellers above transit users getting to work, school and appointments. What do councillors say to women and seniors and teens too petrified to take a bus? A sample of public comments rounds out the episode such as: "The city likes to gag its employees. That should rattle a few cages."

Our interview with North Kildonan Councilor Jeff Browaty ⁠went so well⁠, we took it into overtime to get his thoughts on the biggest regional story of the summer for Episode 25! The collapse of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region's vaunted Plan20-50 started with ⁠Marty Gold's column in the Winnipeg Sun alerting the public⁠ of the serious flaws stakeholders exposed at first Public Hearing. Then when 600 concerned citizens showed up for the next hearing in Niverville- ⁠the WMR postponed the session until a bigger venue could be found. But the tide had turned. Rural municipalities spoke out with ⁠their own concerns about the WMR itself⁠, the power grab to control elected RM councils, and the 'Winnipeg veto'. Winnipeg councillors were remarkably silent about Gillingham not bringing the plan back to City Council for their review and approval- something Gillingham voted for when Brian Bowman was mayor. And so did Jeff Browaty. We need your help! The Season 5 Funding Drive is within $2500 of our budget goal! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to donate today Part 1- Marty updates the audience on the Winnipeg Sun's shift to a broadsheet format, the closure of 4 more 7-Elevens and the failure of civic leaders, and the fear of ⁠cat killers roaming the inner city⁠ - which CBC and the Free Press refuse to report. Then you'll hear why the RM of Macdonald has also rejected Plan20-50. That is 12 (out of 18) Metro members to turn thumbs down on it. ⁠⁠⁠ 14.10 Part 2- An EPC member, Browaty doesn't recall if Council was briefed on the Open House held by the WMR last November- and was not aware of the proposed 10 year hold to making changes to Plan20-50. He says the problems of the "well intended plan" are rooted in being a "creature of the Brian Pallister regime." "Their communications were abhorrently bad. It was all concentrated power in the Premier's office, he didn't like talking to people whether it was his Ministers, to the media, to the public." Browaty addresses what he calls "conspiracy theories" of Plan20-50 opponents - "Is there going to be some shock collar or toll gate or Checkpoint Charlie to prevent you from going beyond your area? Nooo... these Capital Region reeves are not these WEF folks, they're good Joe Lunchbox municipal leaders." 21.40 - Regarding the City Transportation2050 plan which is subject to any over-riding Metro blueprint, "I don't think most residents have any interest or care." The large crowd in Niverville was drawn under "false pretences", Browaty insists. "We aren't going to be restricting peoples movements," and will table a motion to confirm it: "Yes yes, if it makes people feel better, absolutely." Agreeing that any revised plan needs to have proper public consultation, he's focused on protecting "the Winnipeg advantage", and mentions the surrounding RMs need to pick up some of our "heavy costs". 27.30 - Meanwhile, dissenting RMs mentioned WMR fees and costs- and Browaty agrees. "You're right, those consulting dollars were not small." He describes getting earlier briefings about Plan20-50 but he saw "nothing eye-pokingly problematic" and as for feedback from NK residents, "the concerns were about stuff I don't think are going to see the light of day." Browaty calls Plan20-50 "basically dead in the water" but maintains, "there's a big advantage to better coordinating the Capital Region." "Let's find a way where we can sell the Region," he concludes, after agreeing to ensure Council will vote on any future blueprint. 36.20 Part 3 - Marty has a bit about Pallister, more about Browaty's comments, and a lot about how the local media can't give credence to the Hail Mary PR blitz of Plan20-50 supporters or call the rebellious RMs misinformed. Also- we're looking at holding a Town Hall - Interested? Let us know! E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments - martygoldlive@gmail.com Read Marty Gold's column in the Sun on the first anniversary of October 7: ⁠⁠⁠Courting Hamas supporters shows our PM to be morally bankrupt⁠

Another in our series of interviews with elected officials, as North Kildonan councilor Jeff Browaty steps up to the plate in Episode 24. Part 1- Marty recaps his recent reports in the Winnipeg Sun about riverbank homeless encampments and the town hall held by St. Vital councilor Brian Mayes. 7.40 Part 2- Jeff Browaty has guested on TGCTS since he was first elected, and is always ready to talk about City Hall. First he's asked about homelessness and crime in his ward- while "not an ongoing, persistent issue," as in other wards, he says, "we're on it." 13.00- Browaty shares concerns about our Sun report describing garbage and filth piling up on the river banks, and the effect on the adjacent communities and on boaters. He was surprised by how many encampments we identified, and confirms that City Council does not get regular reports on encampments. - Other ward problems includes poor road conditions and potholes on regional roads. He explains that planned bridge repairs on Lagamodiere at Concordia will reduce traffic to only 2 lanes and is urging Public Works to get any work needed on Henderson in 2025. This work is made possible because listeners and readers generously donate support towards our costs. That way, we can continue to deliver the interviews, investigations and analysis. The target to the end of October is $2545 - and you can use the links on our Donate page to contribute to the Season 5 Fundraising Drive! 21.00- Although the transit piece of the city Transportation2050 plan is being re-examined because of council voting to scale back the new transit garage, Browaty says "I'm not convinced" promised bus service levels won't be met. - He reveals there's an idea to keep the to-be-mothballed North Main bus garage in use, rather than sell it off. 24.00- While city officials intend to study adding light rail to the public transit menu, Browaty recognizes the huge costs and relative lack of environmental benefits may work against the concept. "Building these new super-dense suburbs" is adding to gridlock. 27.00 - "I don't feel particularly safe, to be honest, Marty." While he only uses transit service a few times a month, Browaty has seen plenty of incidents illustrating the public disorder and danger users face. Hear him describe what he saw on a Sunday trip in August, including open drug and alcohol use. E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- martygoldlive@gmail.com 33.00 Part 3- Browaty wants revenue flowing into 510 Main Street- but rejects calls for a City Sales Tax, citing the affordability crisis. - On overall debt- "We're lower than the average" among Canadian cities and "we're fairly prudent in terms of the amount of debt we have." - It's the "gorilla in the room" for taxpayers. The five-term councillor is "really worried about the upcoming Water and Sewer Rate Report ." It's due out around the New Year. The skyrocketing north end treatment plant costs need support from the province and feds. Without it, Browaty says, there's a risk water and sewer bills could exceed property tax bills. - Within 3 or 4 years, adding new subdivisions could be off the table unless sewage capacity is increased. 39.20- A talk about the responsibility of long-time councilors like Browaty and others who served on Brian Bowman's EPC and went along with his high-priced schemes. The City only has about $150M in borrowing space left. Recent studies and polls show a crisis of crime and violence in Winnipeg- and that the public isn't confident in City Hall's ability to deal with it. Browaty points a finger at Justin Trudeau's revolving door justice, and wants more and better policing. "I'm as frustrated as anybody else," he says, and notes "the Premier is saying the right things" about crime. In terms of hiring a new police chief, "we also need somebody who understands what we need to do to stop people from going down the downward spirals." You'll hear more soon from Councilor Browaty about the WMR Plan20-50!

A long time listener was elected to Parliament last week, and you'll hear from the new MP for Elmwood-Transcona, Leila Dance, in Episode 23! Part 1- Fifteen years ago, Leila Dance appeared in the Kick-FM studio in her role with a social services agency, and "politics was not even being considered." But coming from a family with generational union and NDP links and deep roots in Transcona, she was an ideal candidate for the NDP to retain the seat. After being a fundraiser for major charities and then Executive Director of the Transcona Biz, she saw opportunity to further the causes of social services and small business on a larger stage. Dance decided to make the leap from running the Biz and put her name on the ballot, beating the Conservative candidate in a close race- the first woman ever elected as a Member of Parliament from the east Winnipeg riding. As she describes, working on NDP campaigns was a part of her upbringing and during her run for office, "a lot of the key players have very much been people who knew my dad (Bill) and remember him from different campaigns in the early days and such." Hear her describe doorknocking on the street named after her father, and the issues she heard at the doorstep, including "people being able to make ends meet." While some voters criticized NDP leader Jagmeet Singh keeping the Trudeau government in power, she says her principle is "we work with whoever we can to get stuff done, and I'll continue to do that." Dance downplays the effect of policy flip-flops by Singh on the carbon tax and supply deal with the Liberals in her attaining the winning margin, attributing it to a hard-fought 15 weeks of campaigning with a strong volunteer base. Read Marty's column in the Winnipeg Sun analyzing the federal byelection result, with comments from Leila Dance -'Trudeau collapse helps propel NDP to by-election win' Part 2- Dance explains the on-the-ground support from provincial NDP MLAs and the endorsement of Premier Wab Kinew, as well as NDP MPs from across the country - "I couldn't have done it without them all." Singh joined her in appearances across the community and his media profile means "it's like traveling with a rock star" on the hustings. She has her sights set on how best to help the 70,000 residents in the riding and has "a long list" of what she wants to accomplish in her first session in Ottawa including health care and affordability. ******* Season 5 marches on and we need your support to keep it rolling forward smoothly. The current total is $3055, with a target of $5600, so whether it's $50 or $500, it all adds up and makes a difference. Your financial support means more interviews, more investigations and more insight into policy and public affairs - so please take a moment to help us out today. Donating via PayPal- paypal.com/paypalme/MartyGoldMedia To Donate via E-transfer, Cash and Cheque contributions, Ads & Sponsoring segments, please Email- Martygoldlive@gmail.com Every donor over $50 is receiving a copy of Retropeg in appreciation of ensuring the costs of holding government and bureaucrats accountable and breaking stories no one else can, or will. We earn your support! Coming up- more on homeless encampments, a Crime and Public safety update, and an interview with Councilor Jeff Browaty!

Episode 22 provides a day-by-day account of the allegations hurled by Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP at Mark Wasyliw, the MLA they exiled who has pulled no punches in allegations about Kinew's toxic behavior and backroom micro-management. Part 1- A preview of the upcoming Sunday column in the Winnipeg Sun, about the federal by-election result in Elmwood-Transcona this week. You'll hear about a special interview with a key figure in the campaign. A brief note about a Town Hall on the new City transportation blueprint that had Coun. Brian Mayes seeing red. The session is from 7-9 pm on Monday Sept.23 at the Norberry - Glenlee Community Centre   Site at 176 Worthington and you'll be reading about it in the Sun. 7.30- Marty asks what was going through Wab Kinew's head when he decided- because no one believes it's a caucus decision- to turf his Fort Garry MLA. While a new poll puts Kinew at the peak of his political honeymoon, the attempt to dirty up Mark Wasyliw- for being a lawyer who knows other lawyers defending unpopular clients- has backfired. The resulting blowback is trans-partisan in nature and national in scope. 11.25- From the first sentence of the weak caucus announcement it was obvious the ouster was personal. Being somehow linked to counsel acting for Peter Nygard was a pretext for ousting Wasyliw. Marty walks listeners through what was said, the attack on the principles of criminal law, Wasyliw's fiery claim that all of the caucus is bullied by Kinew and his assertion that it's "a personality cult, it's all about him." 16.30- The anger erupted from lawyer's groups at the inference of Wasyliw having 'guilt by association.' Did Kinew think it was a good idea to attack the president of the Law Society for representing Nygard? The Charter guarantee to mounting a criminal defence doesn't hinge on the government's approval. F⁠ormer Tory A-G Kelvin Goertzen tweeted out a good overview⁠. 21.50- After waiting a day to comment, Kinew doubled down it was a "caucus decision." Then he falsely portrayed Wasyliw as being affiliated with Nygard's criminal defence, and shifted the reasons to the MLA not being a 'team' player. Season 5 fundraising is at $3055- help us reach the $5600 target by clicking here! 25.40 Part 2- Wasyliw issued a statement refuting Kinew's cover-up, claiming House Leader Nahanni Fontaine said she had no idea about the caucus vote. The Progressive Conservatives open a third front, wanting official House probes into possible respectful workplace infractions. They'd been harping on Kinew's behavior all year- yet the press gallery on Broadway never picked up on it. 29.50- Wednesday brought a fresh round of smears towards the dissident MLA as other justifications were trotted out. There's been MLAs continuing with their real-life jobs for years, but now the NDP considers it "the straw that broke the camel's back." Wasyliw laughed at the cover-up by a "toxic and dysfunctional government." He dared the media to ask for details on the vote and the supposed 'consensus'. 37.00 The unreported bombshell allegation: Kinew 'flagged' Wasyliw's law career after the MLA witnessed the 2023 incident between Kinew and PC MLA Obby Khan- and he's promising to dish more details soon. (Here is a Black Rod analysis of the confrontation- which includes a list of previous instances of Kinew's temper and lack of accountability: ⁠Obby vs Wabby: The real story of Handshake-gate⁠) By Thursday, the NDP trotted out more mouthpieces to try to undermine Wasyliw, who didn't actually provide any evidence of a vote while still lying that he is involved in Nygard's defence. At the same time, the actual lawyer pleading the case, Gerri Wiebe, issued her own public statement, thanking supporters and blasting the NDP. Watch Legislature video from May where interim Opposition leader Wayne Ewasko identified issues about Premier Kinew's conduct and behavior that Wasyliw has now seemingly confirmed. E-transfers/comments- martygoldlive@gmail.com

Episode 21 continues to explain the failed tactics used by regional planning honchos to override local councils and seize power, and the desperate attempts by influential proxies to rescue the Metro concept. Part 1- After all the hue and cry about the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region and the collapse of Plan20-50, you'd think the NDP government would want all the input they could get from the public. Instead,⁠ as Marty revealed in the Winnipeg Sun⁠, they posted a survey- but didn't tell the public. 8.40- It takes 20 questions to get to the Metro part of the survey- and you'll hear how the questions are framed. The NDP didn't advertise it, and none of the 18 member RMs advertise the survey. The WMR also didn't post it to their website. It's like the public consultation is being... rigged. Providing timely information to the public isn't a high priority for Metro, as they were shamed into updating the site last week. After the charade of public hearings was waylaid, WMR stand-ins are trying to rally support for the plan - even though one of the RMs has complained they were never spoken with by the plan's authors. Every time you look there's more proof this was a top-down process where the protecting the public interest was an inconvenience. Support our Season 5 Funding Drive - now over 50% raised with $2600 to go! ⁠Click here to donate⁠! 15.24 Part 2- Misinformation, disinformation and worse were in the arsenal of a trio of Metro supporters who penned op-eds that downplayed and misrepresented the fatal flaws of Plan20-50. With 11 RMs opposed, it's a safe bet they know better than any political scientist if the WMR was a threat to local control of land and water decisions. 20.00- A second op-ed was penned by a planning professor. He tried to get sympathy for the WMR's "decades worth of hard work" and 'relationship building", cast aside by Wab Kinew's opt-out promise made without even consulting the poor WMR. A reference to a "very small" staff was also designed for sympathy, before concluding the plan should not be shelved because opponents "that might not appreciate its benefits." In reality, there's no benefit to letting the Mayor of Winnipeg have a veto over your own municipal planning. 23.50- A third column came from a veteran planner. He did not disclose his own role in the formation of the WMR or previous employment with the City of Winnipeg. The column continued the tactic of demeaning opponents as 'just not getting it', while insisting there's a need to copy planning processes from failing jurisdictions like Vancouver where no one can afford a house anymore. The questions raised if the WMR suffered from a too-small staff and too-small budget were floated to set up doubt and exonerate the Metro efforts. In Episode 21 we present the facts to refute that tactic. 34.30- You'll hear the reported amounts spent in 2023 on Plan20-50, staff and other line items - with less than $1100 spent on advertising and promotion, total. That seemingly included holding 3 open houses on a blueprint affecting 850,000 people. With the province tossing an extra $140k into their account, money wasn't the problem either. It was the WMR itself- beset with an attitude of superiority and entitlement, rushing to the finish line to get the Plan20-50 passed. It was a naked power grab- and now no onen wants to advertise the NDP survey to hear from average citizens about their ire and dismay. 41.30 Part 3- A fourth op-ed demonstrated the bottom-line credibility problem Plan20-50 proponents have. They are aligned with far-left "climate crisis" activists who falsely claim the 600 that appeared in Niverville "shut down" the public hearing and reject a "sustainable lifestyle". That's what the doomsday crowd seems to believe. No wonder 11 RMs are saying "no". We accept no government funding. These investigations, interviews and analysis are funded by listeners like you. E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- martygoldlive@gmail.com

An update of our recent podcasts and Winnipeg Sun stories and a Crime and Public Safety round-up makes Episode 20 essential listening for the civic-minded of our city. Part 1- Marty discusses his column about a West End man who had enough with shoplifters at his local 7-eleven in Metis Batman Saves Day, and his report about homeless encampments briefly appearing in Happyland Park. In addition, there's a follow-up to our interview with St. Vital Coun. Brian Mayes who has now scheduled a town hall for Sept. 23. You'll also hear a brief overview of misinformation being spread by Plan20-50 defenders in local media, and the criticism of Winnipeg Free Press over their coverage of the death of AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. Both issues will get a more detailed analysis in the next week. ******** Support our Season 5 Funding Drive - now over 50% raised with $2600 to go! We accept no government funding. These investigations, interviews and analysis are funded by listeners like you. E-transfers, sponsor inquiries, comments, news tips- martygoldlive@gmail.com To donate via Paypal- ⁠paypal.com/paypalme/MartyGoldMedia⁠ ***** 15.20 Part 2- We compare two comments published a week apart about now-departed police chief Danny Smyth, involving Police Board chair Markus Chambers. WFP Sept. 3: "Chambers said Smyth fulfilled his mandate to reduce police overtime."  WFP Sept. 9: Chambers said “At a police level, you have to look adding more officers to the complement to reduce the amount of overtime,” after "the Winnipeg Police Service expects to exceed its overtime budget by $2.3 million by the end of this year..." Which was it? Was Coun. Chambers misled before Smyth took his pension and left? While social justice warriors proclaim policing doesn't reduce crime, the fact is taking criminals out of circulation does do exactly that. As to the reasons for increased OT being required, Smyth's mishandling of protest marches by inflammatory radical activists is never mentioned by MSM. 28.45- A rally decrying repeated violent incidents shattering the lives of newcomers is planned for Sept. 18th. Ukrainian refugees have had enough and we have the details. 30.30 - Sometimes threats to public safety are rooted in poor City practices. - Transcona homeowners still don't have answers about why a house blew up in June taking out the neighbouring home. They also don't understand why the City tolerates scavengers scaling the fences and picking through the rubble. We first covered that issue in City Keeps 911 Audio From Suicide Victim's Family, after a burned-out home in November 2022 was allowed to be pillaged. - Excuses galore are being made as the boondoggle of Centre Village on Balmoral Street is finally being demolished. Neither U of Winnipeg professor Jino Distasio or Coun. Sherri Rollins wanted to admit to the media what the problem was- the project was a vanity project for the architects. The "award-winning" design guaranteed ghetto conditions would prevail- and as we pointed out in Episode 27, while the neighborhood suffered from the blight after it was condemned, the City looked the other way instead of ticketing Manitoba Housing officials. - A listener raised another failure of city officials to ward off crime and disorder- piles of bricks are left in the open, an inviting freebie for vandals to use. ***** Here's what your support will bring in September: How Metro tried to rig the Plan20-50 process; City councilor interviews; and A special report about homeless encampments THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE PODCASTS AND READING OUR COLUMNS AND NEWS REPORTS IN THE WINNIPEG SUN!

Episode 19 is a crime and public safety update with important details we are reporting first! Part 1- Marty Gold discusses his ground-breaking report in the Winnipeg Sun Banned radical Imam gets platformed in Winnipeg church hall Winnipeg broadcasters missed the memo from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg after extremist Saudi Shaykh Assim Al-Hakeem addressed a Muslim charity in a northwest Winnipeg church in August: “The parish was notified by the Archdiocese about this situation and was instructed to tell the charity to disinvite the guest speaker, but due to circumstances, the disinvitation did not occur.” No local media or politician spoke up. So much for being "anti-racists". 10.40- An overview of the death of a homeless woman inside Fort Rouge Park on River Ave. after being struck by a police car. A vigil held at the park revealed an agenda that seeks to erase the scales of justice: "The [investigation] systems have continued to be designed in a colonial practice, so when the systems are being applied for Indigenous people, you're colluding with colonization. That is not our ways, that is not our sovereign ways, that is not our treaty ways." A listener notes: "The problem is that what she calls someone's home is a public park and there is a law against overnight camping. If the City had enforced its own laws, Tammy Bateman wouldn't have been residing in the park in the first place." You'll hear the known facts, theories about the collision itself, the allegations flung around from radical far-left mouthpieces, and the MMIW spin being promoted in a case where the deceased was neither missing nor murdered. Season 5 fundraising has hit $3005- please help us reach the $5600 goal by donating in September - click here 26.20 Part 2- In response to the death, a protest at Portage and Main generated headlines after an altercation involving indigenous protesters and the bike lobby, and an errant driver. Not all the headlines told the truth. We walk through an account of the sequence of events, and add what the videotape showed. 29.00- Listen to TV audio that explains exactly how the police catering to the anti-cop mob demands cops not be present at the intersection led to a mob having opportunity to attack a motorist. Driving north on Main, he saw the unexpected- people with bikes and others in regalia blocking the no-pedestrians-allowed intersection "before others jumped on the car's hood." The mob threw punches, kicks, and smashed windows, and now presents a challenge to the justice system. The perps are all identifiable, and the average person would expect to see charges for the mayhem laid. Do charges in Winnipeg depend on which mob commits violence? Is "whitey got what was coming to him" or "our ways our laws" a reasonable defence? 36.00 All this occurred as Danny Smyth cleared his desk for the next police chief. After Smyth set the stage for mobs to take over our streets, Mayor Scott Gillingham and police board chair Markus Chambers have to set aside their DEI focus on a new hire "fostering relationships"- and hire a crime fighter. Hear why major US companies forcefully ditched their Diversity and Equity policies this summer, and returned to rewarding merit, delivering their core product, and restoring balanced HR and service practices. Now is not the time to be woke central when it comes to police leadership. If as Council claims, they're running a corporation, they should act like it. 44.00 Part 3 Crime Roundup - Two men in their 40's targeted by a West End carjacker with a knife - Coun. Jason Schreyer attended the aftermath of a Keenleyside shooting and sent an update; - A shooting north of Provencher on Tache- the third in about a year- may force St. Boniface Coun. Matt Allard to ask what's going on at area Airbnb's. Today in the Winnipeg Sun - Former St. Boniface pool now a 'dangerous place' Coming up Sunday - brazen shoplifters in the West End confronted by a hero filming their crimes and making them famous

The continuation of our interview with St. Vital councilor Brian Mayes has a few surprises for Episode 18. Part 1- A shout-out to our listeners outside of Manitoba and the readers of Marty's column sin the Winnipeg Sun. Hear a review of the impact of recent stories about Plan20-50 as an example of the work supported by our sponsors and donors. 8.28 Part 2- Civic issues relating to public information and consultation, and city staff falling far short of their duty: - Is the city Transportatation2050 plan merely formalizing an existing administration practice to "Design streets with emergency vehicles in mind?" Mayes confirms that even as chair of Community Services, he has "no memory of ever talking about that." He commits to asking how city staff decided there was not a "significant" delay to emergency service response caused by the Goulet bike lane bottleneck. 14.30 - Mayes says it was a "poor" decision by bureaucrats to give only one day's notice about pop-ups at local malls to explain Transportation2050 to the public. (Their excuse? it's not part of the public consultation process so there's no minimum notice required.) He agrees that the purpose of those sessions is to give residents a chance to evaluate the plan and then tell their councilors what they think. The limited times and venues chosen excluded too many Winnipeggers. "You'll show up at the mall? And nobody will spot that (pop-up)... I feel a town hall coming on." Mayes will be focusing on the lack of planning for modifying St. Mary's Road to manage traffic flow. 18.00- Hear Mayes describe: - How planners made assumptions when no money is alloted, wanting to "authorize density on the idea that oh, there'll be a bridge here (to the U of M)... it just seemed hare-brained." - "I voted for a bunch of this stuff under Mayor Bowman's fairly grandiose plans and the bills are now coming due... I think we'd be better off saying we can't afford to do a ton of this stuff, let's revise Our Winnipeg down to a much shorter list." - "The disconnect between the planning and the transportation has got to get better." - Mayes compliments transit planners for paying attention to residents in his ward - The city transportation plan was going to be subservient to the Metro region Plan2050, yet city bureaucrats admitted the WMR plan was only 'alluded' to in the City plan. - Mayes has concerns about water and sewage capacity as housing expands in the city and nearby RMs. "We can all say we want more housing but at the end of the day, we got to have a sewer system that can handle that and I'm not convinced that we do." The Season 5 Funding Drive is at $2905, with a target of $5600. Email Martygoldlive@gmail.com to arrange to support the podcast and ActionLIne.ca today! 32.00- Part 3- Crime and Public Safety update We have the latest on the August closing of 3 convenience stores, in EK, St. B, and the West End. 40.25 - You won't believe the extraordinary measures that retailers are taking to secure snack and grocery items. These closures and security concerns are devastating to the employees and degrade the quality of life for the community. - A trio of intoxicated teenage thugs - armed with a machete and an ax - ruined the lives of a 15 year old boy on Selkirk and an 80 year old homeowner on Pritchard this month. The north end wonders, do these kids have a social worker involved? Maybe Nahanni Fontaine can tell them. The new column in the Sun exposed years of complaints about cyclists and others racing at high speed over the Tremblay bridge into the Archwood neighborhood. Animals have been hurt, and private property damaged. https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-speeding-cyclists-on-collision-course-with-homeowners St. Boniface councilor Matt Allard did what he usually does when aggressive cyclists endanger the public- nothing. You'll hear an update from Saturday night about the kind of accidents waiting to happen that were witnessed.

We start out Episode 17 with a view from outside the Perimeter Highway about how Plan20-50 generated unprecedented grassroots pushback. As described by a Portage La Prairie outlet: "Kinew says this is a hot topic" & "Winnipeg Metro Region has taken the heat." You'll hear a rundown of what led the NDP Premier to don the mantle of freedom fighter, and defend local democracy at the expense of WMR over-reachers. "(For RM's) who don't think this is the right fit for them or for their citizens, they are going to have the freedom to leave" under legislation Kinew promised for the next session. Is Kinew the first socialist to ever decide to "move away from that centralization that you saw in the past..." ? Here's our background coverage: https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/columnists/gold-winnipeg-must-let-the-people-decide-on-plan20-50 https://actionline.ca/2024/08/aug-9-2024-metro-fumbles-plan20-50-public-hearing-forced-to-retreat/ https://actionline.ca/2024/08/aug-15-2024-media-misinformation-masks-metros-plan20-50-mess/ https://actionline.ca/2024/08/aug-16-2024-and-dunnator-makes-6-as-rms-pan-metro-plan20-50/ 4.45 Part 1- Another view from outside the Perimeter came from the Mayor of Ritchot, who got some things right but other things wrong. He rightly criticized a WMR gag order on board directors. He preached for "collaboration" among the members but never came near addressing if he agreed with the Gillingham veto- the crux of the dispute. Chris Ewan did admit, "it is now critical to answer the questions of community members when a change that will affect over a million people is about to happen.” Marty details two more RMs that, unnoticed by TV and radio newsrooms, opposed the planning blueprint by voting against it at first reading. The RM of Tache, and the RM of West St. Paul, would make 8 RM's that rejected the Plan and half objected to being forced into Metro membership. Ewan calling the plan 'flawed from the beginning' makes it 9 member RMs who wouldn't vote for it- 50% of the membership. Kinew outright said it was "a planning region that isn't working." But as Marty explains, ultimately the WRM bungled public consultations, hid behind word-salad documentation, and showed a patronizing attitude that created a storm across Southern Manitoba. Donate to the Season 5 Funding Drive ⁠at this link⁠ so our investigations can continue! 22.30 Part 2- Did you know that former Mayor Brian Bowman ensured that city council voted on the draft of Plan20-50 in 2021? He also wanted council to "have the opportunity to vote in chambers like this on the final plan before the Provincial Government finalizes it". We review the comments from Bowman, Coun. Janice Lukes and then-Coun. Gillingham. Guess which council member expressed concern that the WMR is an "unelected body"? Marty questions, if elected officials in Winnipeg and in St. Clements cannot even agree what the board status is, how was a plan brought forward? Listen to why Mayor Gillingham has to explain where he stands on having veto power in any future planning blueprint, and how he will add some democracy to the process. 29.45- Discontent with the $18,000 tab for Metro dues was on the table at a Springfield council meeting in January. You'll hear the scepticism and value for dollar questions, whether they were kept in the loop by the Mayor, and if they needed to do more to create awareness of the plan. His response? "They trust their governments, I guess, that's all I can say." In Winnipeg, there's a few good reasons why Mayor Gillingham and council need to earn that trust before sinking more tax dollars into the WMR. 37.45 Part 3- A crime and public safety update, following up on the recent Sun columns. We tell about three more convenience stores said to be closing by month's end; a west end murder in broad daylight; and the terror bomb threat sent to over 100 Jewish institutions in Canada yesterday. Somehow the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg didn't warrant being threatened.

Friday morning started with our Winnipeg Sun report about the wheels falling off of the Plan 2050 bus. RMs ask province to let them out of Manitoba's Metro Plan20-50 We have additional details in Episode 16 about why the rural municipalities of Headingley, Niverville, and St. Andrews- and then 2 more - joined Selkirk in pronouncing the document substandard and the take-it-but-you-can't-leave-it organizational structure unacceptable. The outpouring of opposition followed the WMR having to reschedule a vital public hearing when a reported 650 concerned citizens arrived in Niverville as discussed in Episode 14. 8.30- Among the issues raised by the RMs: The forced membership in the WMR was undemocratic, The weighted voting rules giving Winnipeg a veto even more undemocratic, Vesting the Metro board with final say on local land-use decisions and the power of expropriation was unthinkably undemocratic. Headingley warned: "the plan is being advanced without comprehensive background studies in crucial areas." Selkirk CAO Duane Nicol said "we're seeing the disconnect between the decisions being made and the actual on-the-ground lived experience of the communities and the residents that have to live with these decisions." Friday afternoon, East St. Paul issued a statement relaying "this Bill effectively strips elected local governments of their autonomy, placing final municipal decisions in the hands of unelected Provincial Government appointees." With evidence mounting that Plan20-50 is dysfunctional, it's been almost like a make-work project for the planners. And under their plan, Scott Gillingham - who supports the plan and claimed detractors had "misconceptions"- is the kingmaker of the Capital Region. 13.00 - The plan opens the door to things being put in later by an unelected board. When it suits them, the WMR calls Plan20-50 a "guide." That's deceptive- because it's a blueprint, with no deviations permitted. 20.30 And then there were 6! Only TGCTS found that the Village of Dunnator had put out a statement abandoning the plan on Wednesday. The Winnipeg media ignored the controversy of Plan20-50 until Marty's column at this link. 23.33 PART 2 - In contrast to the dissidents, the RM of St. Clements declared unquestioned loyalty to the WMR. You'll hear just a few of their official responses about "media coverage", "public debate" and "body oversight" that seem disconnected from reality, especially the claim that "the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) is not an unelected body controlling local decisions. Local councils retain their authority." There is no mention made of the 4 unelected provincial appointees, or of the Gillingham veto, or the power to expropriate RM property. 36.00- Marty gives a good example of why Dunnator would want no part of the WMR having control of the beach at Matlock. The Metro disinformation campaign is laid bare by this statement: "These FAQs are provided as information for residents of St. Clements, on how Plan20-50 impacts the community. Everyone is encouraged to read the plan." However, Metro executive director Jennifer Freeman has conceded, “a planning document like a regional planning bylaw can be hard to read when it's not your field.” "Read the plan"? Now, that's a scam. You still won't get it, so your questions are just misconceptions and you're confused. Just like those 6 RM councils. That's how planners have rigged the process. Welcome to Winnipeg. ***** The Season 5 Funding Drive is now at $2905 - over 50% of the target. Your support has ensured we can stay on the beat with unique interviews and investigations on ActionLine.ca and in the Winnipeg Sun. Donors of over $250 will get a rare hardcover copy Retropeg, a collection of black and white photographs of Winnipeg in the 1970's by James Donahue. Softcovers will be gifted to donors over $50.00. Use the Donate page to contribute- or send E-transfers and sponsor inquiries to martygoldlive@gmail.com Next Sun Column- Save the 7-Elevens

Episode 15 has the latest about growing opposition to the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region board attempt to take over development planning from the city and adjacent rural areas. The media- which has no clue about the ongoing legislative process- takes cues from the WMR narrative to smear critics of Plan20-50. Then, a crime report with a follow-up to Marty's column in the Winnipeg Sun about the struggle of west end businesses to fend off criminals. Part 1- A brief reminiscence of the Peter Kapusta era of Duffy's Taxi as the company moved this week to new digs. It's a place quite familiar to old-timers, the former Salisbury House at Notre Dame and Ingersoll. A few imitations of dispatchers get slipped in. Then, an important message about our Season 5 Funding Drive. Your support is crucial to producing our unique investigations, special interviews and news-breaking Sun columns. A copy of Retropeg awaits our donors- and contributors over $250 will receive a very rare hardcover version! 17.13 Part 2- Leading up to the public hearing in Niverville, the media gladly let the WMR label detractors as "misinformed" and "confused" without speaking to a single opponent. The Free Press wasn't alone in spreading false information. CJOB's Fake News coverage - Mayor Gillingham was not "whisked away"- gets particular attention, but Global TV and CTV Winnipeg also failed to ask hard questions. Here's our preview of the session - and our report to the Sun about the scene when 500 people showed up to be heard. 25.00 You'll hear new details about how it was postponed- and the surprising discovery of the identity of the panicked WMR official who needed Don Woodstock's help to try to calm the angry crowd. In the aftermath, Metro dispatched executive director Jennifer Freeman on a media blitz to spin what the plan "isn't about." In interviews, she's mystified why people are opposing the proposed edicts of planners and insists the plan doesn't mention various concerns. But as Marty explains, it doesn't have to be "in the plan" right now- as it will enable the WMR board to add binding restrictions and conditions on member municipalities later. 36.10 - While Freeman and Gillingham urge opponents to "read the plan"-it was their own failure to hold proper public consultations that directly led to what they call "misconceptions." They have the misconception that a normal person can glean what is really going on, as the plan is full of jargony language, kum-ba-ya cheerleading, and illustrations that never show what their plan looks like in the dead of winter or depicts any homeless on the street. Meanwhile, Selkirk has opted out, and other RM's may soon follow as rules designed to regulate growth in Winnipeg would hamper their own communities. 47.25 Hear the objections filed by Keystone Agricultural Producers. They flagged inaccurate maps and narrow definitions that prove WMR planners and their aspirations for a 'circular economy' have no idea about the ag sector and thought politicians alone should develop policy for wetlands and farms. Five segments were done by Winnipeg TV and radio, and not a single opponent of Plan20-50 was spoken with or named. Coming up in the Sun- drilling into Plan20-50 and the 'dirty words' the WMR won't discuss that are buried in their paperwork. 55.00 - Part 3 - Crime and Public Safety Update- Readers add some examples of other Arlington-area businesses afflicted by crime; Coun. Ross Eadie blames crime as the North End Biz has now lost its last bank while almost 50% of member businesses have closed since 2010; on Selkirk a 15 year old was almost hacked to death by a punk on Saturday night yet a murder charge wasn't laid; and in EK, 2 cowards in their mid-20's used a bat to rob and beat a newly-arrived Ukrainian mother and her 14 year old son two weeks ago. We wonder what refugees are told about the roaming gangs of goons they might encounter in Winnipeg. E-transfers, News tip, comments, email: martygoldlive@gmail.com

An unexpected Episode 14 tells the story of what really happened in Niverville on August 8th, when the public demanded to be heard by a shocked Winnipeg Metropolitan Region board. Interviews and audio help deliver the details about the scene. 6.10 Part 2 - Marty Gold reviews the obvious red flags and how WMR staff completely failed to prepare for the groundswell of public concern. No one should have been surprised the second hearing attracted a bigger crowd than the first one. 9.30 Don Woodstock describes the RCMP on the scene- "the organizers of this event recognized very early when the room was 3/4 full, that there was more people outside than in the room." Hearing chants of "let them in" from those granted entry and "shut it down!" from those excluded, "I recognized this won't go away quietly" and the RCMP could not get them to leave. 13.00 - "They cannot have the meeting inside and have more people outside who want to have a voice." Woodstock criticizes how "all the able bodied men" on the WMR board including Mayor Scott Gillingham took no action and "they let this little lady (a staff member) face that crowd and she was petrified." Helping her address the angered crowd in the lobby he says the WMR "wanted to ram this hearing through until I insisted those people outside are not moving until we move." 17.00 - Hear audio of the announcement by WMR chair Michael Moore of the postponement of the hearing, which dispels fake news it was caused by "incidents". 23.00- While the audience was told the session would be reconvened in a larger venue and 40 days notice would be given, "nobody's making a move" to tell the 300 waiting in the lobby. "Gillingham and all of the mayors and so-called men, if they were leaders, they would have got up and talked to them... if they didn't make a decision inside soon, that would have boiled over. " 27.30 - It was left up to Don Woodstock and Marty Gold to calm the people down. At ActionLine.ca, we show Steinbach Online video of Marty addressing them. 30.00 - "Why did none of them (think) it best to come out and address the crowd?" Woodstock portrays the Mayor as being afraid to deal with concerned Winnipeggers, which numbered approx. 75% of those excluded- "He was the first person at the table to run away." 35.40 - Marty's theory is that the process is set up to make sure Winnipeg council is bound by Gillingham's decisions. Read his call in the Winnipeg Sun last week for Gillingham to hold a referendum at this link. E-transfers, News tip, comments, email: martygoldlive@gmail.com 42.15 Part 3-- A CJOB newscast falsely claimed there were 'incidents' forcing the postponement and then host Richard Cloutier piled on. He said texts from his stooges alleged 'there has been some disruption at this hearing by a group that wants to get all sorts of publicity, not going to give them the publicity they're looking for". Hear why that was all Fake News. 48.00 Failing to sneak the hearing past the public, a compliant media was recruited to parrot the narrative of Metro planners. Is this a harmless plan to boost job creation? They will baselessly try to smear opponents of the bylaw as rednecks, hayseeds and an extremist fringe and the planners as their all-knowing superiors. 52.00- A brief review of the fears in outlying communities- including those not yet part of the WMR club- about how the plan would infringe on their rights. Would CJOB tell their story? 54.00 Hear Patrick Allard's take away - "if they can't plan a meeting how can they plan our municipalities?" With lockdowns making Manitobans more aware of government over-reach, he explains many believe "private entities staffed by government officials should not control municipal bylaws and zoning and planning and development." He calls on the city to advertise the next public hearing so residents aren't kept in the dark. FOR LINKS TO POPULAR EPISODES & WINNIPEG SUN COLUMNS, AND TO DONATE TO THE SEASON 5 FUNDING DRIVE - ⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

When we arranged for another interview with St. Vital Councilor Brian Mayes, we didn't expect he'd have landed in the headlines by the time we spoke. In Episode 13, you'll hear Mayes talk about the friction with Mayor Scott Gillingham that led to a fateful phone call on July 24th, while Mayes was attending a conference in Atlanta. 4.25 Part 1- After almost 12 years as a Committee chair, Mayes and Mayor Scott Gillingham were on opposite sides of accepting federal housing cash with strings attached, as well as the huge price tag for Gillingham's pet project to widen Kenaston Blvd. "I had been pushing the limits, I would admit that. I would not have been surprised to be shuffled out in October," he said, "but it was certainly unfortunate to go when I was out of town and was about to hit this milestone in July that mattered to me." 7.00- Mayes discusses the various theories out there about what issue made Gillingham remove him but ultimately, "the Mayor's office said 'we have to be on the same page on housing.'" 8.40- Mayes benefitted from the 'strong mayor model', a system that also led to his ejection. Surprisingly, "I think we had a little more leeway under Mayor Katz and Mayor Bowman," Mayes revealed. "It's been an unhappy term, I could never quite figure out where I stood..." Mentioning "endless shadow-play" Mayes mused, "I could never quite crack the code and I don't think the mayor's staff could clarify what was expected." 13.00- Following up on our last interview, Mayes picks up on how city staff would say 'change is hard' to dismiss the complaints of residents affected by new policies. "It's not your job as a civil servant to tell me to write off 20% of the polls in my ward" by dismissing somebody "as a NIMBY just because they want to keep some vestige of their current neighborhood." “When you have councilors saying, you can't fight city hall, that's a problem." E-transfers, News tip, comments, email: martygoldlive@gmail.com 15.50 - A discussion of ward issues, including - Gravel lanes - How Marion Willis is effectively dealing with homelessness issues through a St. Boniface Street Links Centre set up at the old St Vital city hall: "I've come to quite like her, she's feisty man. I have a lot of sympathy for her approach," Mayes says. - "At some point there's a "communitarian" aspect to this - that the community also has some rights. We should be trying to house people and not fight for their right to sleep under the bridge." - A Norwood Bridge question about why a southbound traffic lane has never been opened for vehicles- it would take "an afternoon's worth of work", Mayes admits, yet "we still have this odd situation." 22.00- Coun. Mayes is familiar with our interview with Sophie Hildebrandt and her petition to open Lyndale Drive- and allowed he'd vote for funding a study. "I had a poisoningly bad term with Coun. Allard last term... this term we've been getting along... We're having a much better grown-up relationship this term." (There will be more of our interview with Brian Mayes in the next few weeks) 28.50 Part 2 - A fast recap and update of these recent podcasts and columns- Winnipeg must let the people decide on Plan20-50 Teenager Leads The Charge Against City Imposed St. B Bike Path Lyndale Drive petition ignored by Allard as cyclists run wild on residents Jews And Judaism In Canada Under Attack THE SUMMER OF SEASON 5 means more interviews, more street-level reporting, and more columns acting as YOUR VOICE in the Winnipeg Sun. We only need $3800 to reach our Season 5 target- and the faster we can hit the goal, the faster we can pay for necessary equipment upgrades and add a new podcast! Every donation receives a copy of Retropeg as our gift to you! We ask questions no one else will, about things no one else wants to tell the public about. Every donation big or small will keep the lights on, cover transportation and office expenses, and keeps us on the beat. Please donate today via PayPal at this link.