In this edition of Winnipeg Newsmakers, Kevin Klein speaks with Councillor Brian Mayes about Winnipeg’s 2025 preliminary budget, which includes a 5.95% property tax increase, the largest in 34 years. Mayor Gillingham defended the hike as necessary to address years of underfunding, depleted reserves, and rising service demands. Critics, including Kevin Klein, described the budget as evidence of fiscal mismanagement rather than responsible planning. The increase follows years of property tax hikes, totaling more than 25% since Gillingham’s tenure began. The administration has avoided significant spending cuts, choosing instead to introduce measures like a pilot program reducing snow-clearing thresholds from 10 to 15 centimetres. Critics argue this approach prioritizes optics over meaningful fiscal reform, as services are reduced while councillors’ spending habits go unaddressed. Council members' compensation has also been the subject of attention. Mayor Gillingham earns $213,328 annually, more than the premier of Manitoba. Councillors earn $114,609, higher than the salary of a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Additional premiums for roles such as Deputy Mayor and committee chairs further increase some councillors’ earnings. Rookie Councillor Evan Duncan spends over $11,000 annually on promotional materials, while others, including Councillors Lukes, Wyatt, and Sharma, maintain dual offices funded by taxpayers. Critics see these expenditures as wasteful, especially as residents face rising taxes and reduced services. Mayes, for his part, remained measured in his comments, emphasizing the importance of balanced decision-making. He continues to push for policies that reflect public input while keeping broader fiscal challenges in view. #politics #politicalnews #winnipeg #wpgpoli #governmentspending

Royce Koop and Kevin Klein of the Winnipeg Sun discuss new data from the Angus Reid Institute, revealing a sharp decline in Canadian unity and national pride. In 2024, only 49% of Canadians reported a deep emotional attachment to the country, a significant drop from 62% in 2016. The proportion of Canadians who say they are “very proud” to be Canadian has also fallen dramatically, from 78% in 1985 to just 34% in 2024. Klein reflected on the data, saying he feels disconnected in his own country. “This is my home and native land, and I’m tired of feeling like I don’t belong,” he said. Koop offered a more optimistic view, expressing hope that pride and unity would return over time. The hosts explored potential reasons for the decline, including political polarization, lack of government cooperation, and a weakening sense of compassion. They discussed ways to rebuild Canadian pride, focusing on the importance of leadership that prioritizes citizens over personal or political gain. The episode underscored Canada's challenges in maintaining unity and fostering a sense of belonging among its citizens. Both hosts agreed that strong, responsive leadership will be critical in addressing these issues and navigating the country’s future. #canada #politics #winnipeg #manitoba #wpgpoli #cdnpoli #mbpoli

This week’s Winnipeg Newsmakers features City Councillor Brian Mayes, who successfully delayed a proposed zoning change that would allow four-plexes across Winnipeg. Mayes has advocated for greater public input on the issue, citing concerns about the impact on neighbourhood character. Mayor Scott Gillingham expressed disappointment in the decision, suggesting it could affect future funding opportunities. Mayes dismissed these concerns, stating the delay would not impact funding that is unlikely to materialize, especially if a federal election is called. #winnipeg #wpgpoli #politics #politicalnews

This week on Inside Winnipeg Politics, Royce Koop and Kevin Klein discussed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff and who is doing it right and completely wrong. The conversation highlights differing approaches by Canadian leaders and raised questions about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mishandling of the situation. Both expressed disappointment in Trudeau’s response, calling it inadequate and harmful to Canada’s economic interests. "His mistakes are jeopardizing Canada, especially with his comments about Trump’s overwhelming win and his lack of concern over the economic impact of a tariff," said Klein. Klein contrasted Trudeau’s actions with those of provincial leaders, praising Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew for stepping up and commending Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for her proactive measures to protect her province. He emphasized the need for all government leaders to take the tariff threat seriously. Koop and Klein also suggest that the federal NDP should reconsider their support for Trudeau, warning that continued backing should cost them seats in the next election. #donaldtrump #winnipeg #politics #canada

In the latest episode of Koop and Klein Inside Politics, University of Manitoba Political Science professor Royce Koop shares criticism of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh's strategy with the Liberal government, pointing out the contradiction in supporting the minority government while publicly condemning its policies. If the NDP is going to criticize the Liberals so forcefully, they need to take responsibility for their role in enabling this government. It undermines their credibility. The discussion also delved into Winnipeg's growing crime crisis, a pressing concern for residents and businesses alike. Koop dismissed claims that little can be done to combat violent crime, calling such acceptance a failure of leadership. People don’t feel safe. They stay home. They don’t engage with their community. This hurts not just individuals but the entire social fabric of the city. This isn’t just about enforcing laws; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to live, work, and participate in public life. Winnipeg deserves better. Watch now! 👇 #Winnipeg #Politics #CrimeCrisis #KoopAndKlein

In this episode, we welcome Chuck Davidson, President and CEO of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the potential implications of President-Elect Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Chuck shares insights into how this could affect Manitoba businesses, the importance of border control, and what it all means for Canada’s trade future. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on one of the most pressing economic issues of the day! 🔔 Subscribe for more updates on local and global business news! 👍 Like and Share to support independent journalism.

A video has been circulating online showing Winnipeg Police shooting a man who reportedly stabbed another officer in the neck. Thankfully, the injured officer is recovering in hospital. However, the video only captures a few seconds of the incident, and it does not provide the full context of what transpired. Tragically, some individuals have been quick to make negative comments and attack the police based on these brief moments. We must resist the urge to pass judgment prematurely and instead allow the investigation to take its course. Making rash judgments without all the facts is not only irresponsible but also deeply unfair to those involved. This incident has reignited the debate over body-worn cameras for police officers. As a former city councillor, I strongly advocated equipping our officers with body cameras. Unfortunately, my efforts were met with opposition and voted down by Scott Gillingham and Janice Lukes at a Community Committee meeting, not allowing it to be heard at City Council. Despite presenting evidence and data to support the case for body cameras, not one of these individuals requested the documents before voting against the proposal. Their decision was based on cost concerns, but their reasoning was flawed and, frankly, shortsighted. It is baffling that those who opposed body cameras could justify spending millions of dollars on roadside art installations while rejecting a tool that directly enhances public safety. How can they put a price tag on lives? How can they justify funding projects with questionable benefits, like the million spent on art installations near roads over equipment that could save lives and improve trust between police and the community? The priorities of these decision-makers are, at best, misplaced. Premier Wab Kinew has also failed to demonstrate leadership on this issue. His government recently announced the allocation of over $40 million to special interest and Indigenous groups in the last seven days. But talk of any meaningful investment in body cameras for the Winnipeg Police. It is worth noting that Minister Nahanni Fontaine and Minister Uzoma Asagwara of the Kinew NDP leadership team have been vocal about defunding the police. Is this reluctance to fund body cameras influenced by political alliances and ideology rather than what is best for public safety? Body cameras are not a luxury; they are a necessity in modern policing. As a former chair of the Winnipeg Police Service Board, I have seen the challenges officers face daily. Policing is a high-stakes, high-pressure profession where decisions must often be made in seconds. Body cameras provide an objective record of these interactions, offering protection for both officers and the public. They ensure that the actions of officers are viewed within the proper context, protecting them from false accusations of misconduct. For the public, body cameras promote transparency and accountability. They provide a clear and unbiased account of events, reducing speculation and preventing misinformation from spreading. When questions arise about an officer’s actions, the footage can quickly clarify the facts, building trust between the community and law enforcement. In many cases, body camera footage has exonerated officers who were unjustly accused and has provided critical evidence in investigations. Moreover, the presence of body cameras often de-escalates potentially volatile situations. Knowing they are being recorded, individuals are more likely to remain calm and cooperative, reducing the likelihood of conflicts escalating. Studies have shown that incidents of violence and aggression decrease when body cameras are in use. This creates a safer environment for officers, suspects, and bystanders alike. The refusal to fund body cameras is a failure of leadership at both the municipal and provincial levels. Mayor Gillingham and Premier Kinew must stop playing political games and take decisive action. The political spin and inaction are unacceptable. If they truly care about public safety and accountability, they will prioritize the implementation of body cameras for the Winnipeg Police Service. It is time to move beyond excuses and make this investment in our community’s safety and trust. Body cameras are not just a tool for policing; they are a step toward fostering a safer, more transparent, and more accountable society. Let’s stop debating their value and start equipping our officers with the resources they need to protect themselves and the public.

Winnipeg Sun columnists Royce Koop and Kevin Klein are raising concerns about the priorities of some media outlets after a CBC story targeted MLA Josh Guenter for his social media comments on a tragic accident near Altona. Koop and Klein discuss the issue, questioning whether such a story warranted attention when the focus should remain on the collision itself and the ongoing manhunt for the semi-driver. The tragedy occurred at the intersection of Provincial Roads 201 and 306, where police say a semi-truck ran a stop sign and collided with an SUV. A 35-year-old mother from the Rural Municipality of Rhineland died at the scene, and her eight-year-old daughter later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The truck driver, a 25-year-old from Brampton, Ontario, was treated for injuries but has since disappeared, prompting a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest. Guenter’s social media post expressed frustration and grief over the incident. Klein questioned whether sharing personal feelings on social media should be scrutinized as news. “Is this really news? Why can’t people express how they feel without it becoming a headline?” Klein asked, noting the CBC’s story seemed to miss the point by focusing on Guenter’s comments rather than the systemic issues raised by the accident. Koop and Klein’s discussion highlights a growing debate about media priorities and the role of social media in shaping news narratives.