Right in the centre - Let's just cut the crap!

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

If anyone is offended by that headline, toughen up and hang on.

A couple of weeks ago Winnipeg (and Manitoba) was subjected to yet another notice to the public. It was one of many and likely won’t be the last. A picture was posted in various media of a man who had a criminal record as long as your arm, a violent sexual re-offender and murderer who was, as they often note, “was likely to re-offend and would be dangerous to women and children.” The man in question re-offended in a few days and ended up back in jail. That’s likely good news but I have a few questions.

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Right in the centre - Some housing and immigration questions

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

Population growth and immigration numbers are in the news again. In 2023,  2,656 people left Manitoba, 25,591 people moved into Manitoba, 11,994 people died and 17,146 babies were born. The Province of Manitoba wants to bring in another 12,000 foreign worker immigrants in 2025. Companies are begging for more workers to fill waiting jobs in many sectors. Universities and Colleges are protesting cuts in foreign student numbers imposed by the federal government. Educational institutions have been charging much higher fees for foreign students than Canadians. There’s a lot of forces at play here.

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Right in the centre - Thankfully, many changes are ahead

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

The New Year always sets the stage for reflection on the past year(s) and it’s always a good to time to plan ahead.

Let’s start with the known things. No matter how upsetting world events have become, the sun will rise tomorrow. If it doesn’t, we won’t have anything to worry about anyway but I am nearly sure the sun will rise. The sun has a good track record.

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Right in the centre - A year of turmoil and blessing

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

Towards the end of my Christmas column last year I wrote, “I also believe in prayer and have prayed for dozens, if not hundreds of people. I plan to continue to do so but as some of you know, my wife and I, but especially my wife would appreciate your prayers. We are grateful for all our medical people, but they can only do so much. Prayer is needed for sure.”

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Right in the centre - Triumph over trials

By Ken Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

I don’t think I can remember a busier December. The Christmas month is always busy for peoples’ personal lives and for us that is no exception. Christmas parties, family gatherings and staff parties are all part of the expected activities for any given family in any given December.


This year has all of that but it seems that from a business point of view, times are busier this year. In part it’s due to the absolutely stupid Canada Postal strike.

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