The Great Canadian Talk Show

Episode 9 opens with an update on Transcona Councillor Russ Wyatt, who had a health scare last week; then a brief welcome for our newest sponsor, Timeless Tales Travel 13.28 Part 2- Public Works chair Janice Lukes wants to get right to building a permanent bike lane on Wellington Crescent instead of installing a promised temporary lane this summer. That's because she thinks it will save taxpayers money, and the extra time and added inconvenience for motorists and neighborhood residents won't amount to much. In reality, she's doing the bidding of radicals within the bike lobby who see drivers as menaces, vehicles as the enemy of mankind, and proper public consultation as a tool of oppression. With an election looming, it appears Lukes has chosen to cater to the radicals in case they decide to bully her on the campaign trail and shout her down, as they did at a Convention Centre meeting she held last year. You'll hear a recap of the information on her March 4th committee motion gleaned from various news reports, including the comments of an extremist leader of the bike lobby who thinks those who rely on vehicular transportation like seniors and the disabled "are in such a hurry" that it makes them bad citizens. 39.37 Part 3- You'll hear a preview of our upcoming civic election coverage on the podcast and in the Winnipeg Sun. Marty provides an explanation why your financial support of Season 7 is the best way to arm yourself, your family and your neighbours with insight, analysis and information to make good choices about who will best represent you and your community.To make a contribution via e-Transfer, or for details on other methods - email martygoldlive@gmail.com****Check out our Wednesday column: Weekend crime wave creates challenge for Gillingham re-election campaign

We've led the way in reporting the NDP's attempts to impose a "safe consumption" facility in Winnipeg - and the questions posed by residents to City Council about its responsibility to address concerns about public safety in the targetted neighborhoods. In Episode 8, Transcona councillor Russ Wyatt provides his views on Council's role, the shortcomings of the Province's 'harm reduction' approach, and why City officials are obliged to step into the fray and not turn away.5.44 Part 2- With personal, lived experience with addiction and recovery, Russ Wyatt didn't hesitate to agree that Winnipeg council has to ask the NDP government to specifically exclude youth under 18 from utilizing the SCS proposed for 366 Henry Avenue. (See- NDP under fire for allowing minors at drug consumption site)He addresses the broader issues about overall government policy- "when it comes to mental health and addiction, you might as well call us Mississippi Manitoba, because we're not only one of the poorest provinces in Confederation today, when it comes to health care, it seems we're kind of the most backward as well."Wyatt believes that the Wab Kinew government needs to look towards the model implemented in Alberta, that prioritizes prevention, detox facilities, rural healing centres, court-ordered rehabilitation and private-sector participation. "You put a plan in place for the over-all healing to start." He criticizes the layout of the sobering centre on Disraeli and says the addictions file "should almost be taken away from Shared Health" because that bureaucracy has an "ass-backwards" approach to mental health, with addicts seeking help facing long waits to get into recovery programs. 19.40 Part 3- Coun. Wyatt sees similarities between the NDP's intention to drop a drug user site into North Logan/Point Douglas, and the controversy 20 years ago about a plan for a hog processing plant in his Transcona ward. In the present day, he's concerned that city planners aren't doing their job and are "more concerned about how to establish a bike path or how to take Graham Avenue out of circulation for downtown traffic."Wyatt calls for intervenor funding for the neighborhood groups "to research and double-check our facts and bring their own experts to the table" and there should be a hearing process. "Zoning has fallen behind but that doesn't prevent the area councillor (Vivian Santos) to start moving motions and raising the issue" instead of "leaving it at the Province... she can get a legal opinion on behalf of the residents to challenge that.""There's nothing preventing a member of Executive Policy Committee like Vivian Santos, or the Mayor, from sending this off to the Director of Planning Hazel Borys and asking her to look into this ... they're not blind to what's happening out in the community right now, they can read the same newspapers I'm reading."Wyatt added that "there's nothing preventing the residents also from approaching the public service and saying "where are you professionally on this issue. You're the ones who are supposed to be looking over the whole zoning regimen of the city."""It comes down to political courage and the willingness to represent your community," Wyatt asserts. "I think the resident's concerns are legitimate, that they should be taken seriously, and the local representatives - at every level of government - should be working with them to address their concerns."****Today in the Winnipeg Sun - Coun. Russ Wyatt says that Mayor Gillingham and EPC iced a proposed bylaw to restrict protest demonstrations that harass community groups and facilities "to save their own skin."https://www.winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-wyatt-accuses-epc-of-self-preservation-in-by-law-vote/article_6950e52b-8241-49cb-9ad5-ec207e527c63.html

Episode 7 touches on reaction to previous episodes and columns, and has information about an upcoming 3 day seminar. Part 1 - We received a personal remembrance about our friend Peter Young from Marylene Vestergom, a former luge competitor who has provided television coverage of four Olympics. Peter helped her at the start of her broadcast career and she wrote about how "Peter’s passing just days before another Winter Olympics has brought those Sarajevo memories back with such clarity." You'll hear her tribute to him.12.18 Part 2- "Bridges for Peace has truly been a great friend and supporter of both Jews and Israel over the years," wrote Bill Narvey in his email about their upcoming seminar, Israel’s Battle for Truth . It's being held Feb. 25-28th and features informedand expert speakers such as Itamar Marcus, the director of Palestinian Media Watch. The sessions deal with historical and current truths, facts and realities about Israel and the existential challenges and threats Jews and Israel continue to face. To register or for more information, contact info@bfpcan.org or call 1-855-489-369721.00 Part 3- Our two latest columns in the Winnipeg Sun garnered a lot of comment and reaction. They were:Feb. 8- Ashdown Market shutdown reflects city’s disarrayFeb. 15 - The reluctant acceptance of Louis Riel Day by the NDPYou'll hear a recap of those columns - including a terse email that Point Douglas Councillor Vivian Santos received about failing to address crime from homeless encampments in the East Exchange. There are underlying issues with the way legacy media fails to cover these kinds of stories accurately. EVERY EPISODE OF OUR PODCAST IS AVAILABLE AT https://actionline.ca/podcast/

Our friend Peter Young, who made his mark in education, in local and network broadcasting, and in sports management across multiple leagues, passed away on Feb. 2nd after a courageous fight against cancer. In Episode 6 we discuss our tribute column in the Winnipeg Sun, tell a few stories that couldn't fit into the newspaper, and reflect on the great friend and mentor he was and his role in Winnipeg's sports scene. He was a product of a freewheeling era, encountering legendary world famous characters almost every day. 21.16 Part 2- You'll hear an audio excerpt from our interview with Peter conducted 3 years ago about Bobby Hull. The full interview can be found at this link - https://actionline.ca/2023/02/feb-5-2023-the-impact-of-bobby-hull-on-winnipeg-in-the-1970s-with-guest-peter-young/******To support our reporting, investigations and analysis, via PayPal, E-transfer or other methods including advertising, please email martygoldlive@gmail.com

A round-up of our recent podcasts and columns in the Winnipeg Sun opens Episode 5, and then we review a warning from a West End business owner that "The city feels more like Gotham every day. "In Part 1 - you'll hear how, as predicted by our guest last Sunday, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region lost another 2 members this week and are down to only 10 dues-paying municipalities in the aftermath of the failed Plan20-50. Plus, a little insight into our exclusive in the Sun about a letter that Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine sent to the General Child and Family Services Authority that resulted in the top two GA directors tabling their resignations.18.08 Part 2- With over 500 incidents requiring city Fire and Paramedic crews to attend to homeless encampments and almost 800 derelict buildings boarded up, Winnipeg is in a serious decline. An open letter from the Executive Director of the Sargent Business Community explained the effect on small businesses like his. "Crime is running rampant in our city," wrote Michael Paille. "We should not have to put our staff through self-defense courses just to work in retail. ""Dealing with shoplifting, vandalism, and violence is not something a business should have to handle alone," Paille stated, but when he evaluated police staffing numbers, he realized that despite a population increase of 200,000 in the last 15 years, there are almost 50 fewer cops."Seniors are being attacked in parking lots, stabbings occur in Walmarts, and drug deals are now as common as a hot dogvendor on a street corner. Where is it safe? You can't even go shopping without fearing for your life. The city feels more like Gotham every day."Listen to the challenges facing businesses like Paille's, and his argument that "We do not need safe injection sites or vans giving out needles."Instead, he believes, "We need to help these people with addiction through community programs and support units that focus on helping them leave drugs and gangs behind to be part of this great city."Coming up in the Sunday Sun - city councillors are scrambling after hard questions were asked about their responsibilities for the proposed drug user facility at 366 Henry Avenue.*******- The Winnipeg Sun has an online subscription offer that's too good to pass up - $9.99 a month - get the details here - Subscribe | winnipegsun.com- PLAN AHEAD FOR VALENTINE'S DAY: Marty will be hosting the 17th Anniversary event as Canadian Wrestling's Elite kicks off the celebration tour across Western Canada on February 14th at the beautiful Ukrainian Labour Temple hall. It's an action-packed night of fun family-friendly sports entertainment with championships on the line and a special tag team match featuring the international star, 'British Bulldog' Davey Boy Smith Jr.!We have a limited number of discount-priced CWE tickets for our readers and listeners - and as a bonus- every order will come with a limited edition "Dr. Marty Goldstein" Trading Card! Email martygoldlive@gmail.com to get your tickets and enjoy a unique way to spend Valentine's Day!

The controversies surrounding the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region board continued this week after a sixth rural municipality, Springfield, voted to depart the group. In Episode 4, Councillor Mark Miller elaborates on their reasons, which echoed complaints that derailed the WMR's previous Plan20-50 development blueprint.This interview supplements our column in today's Winnipeg Sun - RM of Springfield exits WMR6.10 Part 2- Ward 3 councillor Mark Miller describes the district of 16,000 residents which includes the towns of Oakbank, Dugald and Anola. It's a rural setting east of Winnipeg with many commuting to the city for work and appointments. He explains how Plan20-50 was set up to allow Winnipeg to "dominate" development planning with a veto that undermines local autonomy. After being ordered back to the drawing board, that hasn't changed."We can breathe a sigh of relief to get out of this bad situation," Miller says, calling it "a horrendous horrible exercise" that cost his RM over $130K. While WMR defenders smeared opposition concerns, "It wasn't misinformation - you were providing accurate information... they did not consult. I'm thankful you were on top of this from Day One."He actually attended to the single Plan20-50 open house the WMR staged in Winnipeg in 2024, held on a weekday when "most of us are working stiffs" and couldn't go."I was disgusted, " Miller states. "They weren't catering to the citizen who is most affected in the rural municipalities... maybe it was strategy that they don't want the public to be involved" 23.23 Part 3- While Springfield will go back to the residents before any vote to re-join the WMR, residents of Winnipeg have had no say whatsoever on remaining in the organization, let alone be able to find out if taxpayers are getting value for their dollars."The hemorrhaging is continuing, and there could probably be more," Miller predicts, as other RMs determine "there's nothing for us. "27.10- The schedule for preparing a new regional plan runs concurrent to the fall municipal elections, which Miller agrees means support for the WMR can become an campaign issue.- "If our Mayor runs that he is for it, I can assure you his vote count will go way down because our residents don't want it. "- "The whole process was flawed and continues to be flawed if they don't consult with the public directly... it isn't an expensive exercise, don't tell me it's too expensive."- "I will not vote for anything that allows the City of Winnipeg to have veto power."At the council meeting before the vote, Mayor Patrick Therrien revealed “The City of Winnipeg will be looking to expand its boundaries in the very near future." Miller asks, "Does he know something we don't?... if that's the case are they just going to take parts of West St. Paul and Springfield and MacDonald or Headingley?... If that's their subtle agenda then we ought to be really cautious about this."*****OUR RECENT COLUMNS IN THE WINNIPEG SUNTop cop silent on drug siteExcuses for ridership decline fails to fool Transit usersTO DONATE TO THE SEASON 7 FUNDING DRIVE, EMAIL MARTYGOLDLIVE@GMAIL.COM

This week in Episode 2, we review some of the headlines and issues raised by recent happenings in the Crime, Courts and Public Safety Update, sponsored by JamRock Security.Part 1- Crime - You'll hear about a police investigation into activities near Ferry Road in St. James that led to a bust with guns, drugs, and cash seized and 8 arrested, including two underage teens. - A not-so-upstanding citizen was tracked down and arrested after a troika of robberies and threats, to the relief of beer vendor clerks and city cabbies.14.38 Part 2- Courts- The conviction of ex-cop Alston Bostock and the guilty plea of a junior officer for theft, breach of trust and other offences leads to an obvious question for senior WPS brass- who knew what and when?- The NDP government couldn't fool a judge and former PC leadership candidate Wally Daudrich proved that licences for his Churchill tourism business were pulled for political reasons and not to save the bears. We read out some of the conclusions of Winnipeg Sun publisher Kevin Klein about the ruling.31.47 Part 3- Public SafetyAbout 15 years ago, a mayoral candidate's wife complained about safety on the downtown skywalk system. Instead of the authorities properly solving the problem, she and her husband were damn near run out of town. Last week, three women were assaulted by a goon before 7am up there. “We feel that we have to ramp up safety and security in the downtown core,” a union leader said. “If something is not addressed, this is going to become an epidemic.”We have a few things to say about that. *****Coming up- more about not-so-safe consumption sites, more interviews, and more columns in the Winnipeg Sun.

We kick-off Season 7 with a review of the most-listened to podcasts we produced in 2025. Four of the top 10 aired last January which gave TGCTS a strong start to the season, and overall five of the top 10 featured our exclusive interviews with newsmakers!In Part 1 you'll hear which episodes didn't make the top 20 but led the months of May, June, October and December. 11.25 Part 2- Numbers 10 through 20 are discussed - which included 3 episodes about NDP cabinet ministers, 2 about safe consumption site consultations, and our federal election coverage launch.30.33 - You'll hear a countdown from Number 9 to the most popular episode of Season 6 - which may surprise you as it did us. Among the names and topics that helped drive listener interest in the chart-toppers include Dan Lett and Tom Brodbeck of the Winnipeg Free Press, Coun. Jeff Browaty, Police chief Gene Bowers, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine (x2), and three were interviews with political candidates. A special mention goes to our tribute to our friend entitled 'About Joanne Cochrane, and other things' which finished in second place.****Read our latest column in the Winnipeg Sun- It’s time to throttle Iran-influenced demonstrations https://www.winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-it-s-time-to-throttle-iran-influenced-demonstrations/article_cb4d6c1a-b3ee-4cf2-a637-54d0fdb8a0ac.html*******To contribute story and interview tips, provide feedback on podcasts and Sun columns, or to advertise on TGCTS episodes, email: martygoldlive@gmail.com

Episode 61 reviews an editorial from Don Woodstock about the insistence of City Councillors and Mayor Scott Gillingham to disregard a ruling by the Municipal Board and ram through a Housing Accelerator Fund "affordable" apartment building on the west parking lot of the Granite Curling Club. "When a win-win requires one side to give up land, parking, certainty, and peace of mind while being told the details will come later, it is fair to ask whether the benefits are truly shared."Given the effect on the viability of the Club, a squeeze on area parking, and the persistent threat to neighbourhood liveability by a lawless encampment in the adjacent Mostyn Park that was allowed after every major blaze to re-establish itself and endanger the community, Woodstock's points about the proposed 11-storey project should be addressed and not dismissed out of hand. "Winnipeg needs housing. That is not in dispute," wrote Woodstock. "But how housing is built matters. Site selection matters. Spillover impacts matter. Transparency matters. And whether the public can clearly see who benefits matters."(We note that according to Heritage Winnipeg - "The redevelopment plans are in collaboration with the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation 2.0" and "the tender is being chosen by the city and the UWCRC, rather than through an open process as city-owned projects often are." The ghost of Sherman Kreiner looms large in this process.) *****Our recent columns in the Winnipeg Sun:Dec. 21 - Unique partnership developing safe accommodations, cultural supports for northern First Nations visitorsDec. 27 - Failures on Homelessness file top news story of 2025Dec. 28 - Safety of Jewish Canadians compromised by political cowardice****To end Season 6, we thank our sponsors, supporters, guests, listeners and the readers of the Winnipeg Sun and wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year. TGCTS remains committed to holding elected officials, bureaucrats, and mainstream media to account as Your Watchdog! To contribute to the Season 7 Funding Drive for 2026, please email martygoldlive@gmail.com

Three pieces of correspondence sent to TGCTS form the basis of Episode 60, which opens with the story of Marty's surprise meeting in a drug store with a former NDP cabinet minister. You'll then hear a letter sent to Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe by an aggrieved NDP supporter. He had asked for help with an arbitrary punishment imposed by Manitoba Public Insurance on his driving record despite a court dismissing the ticket- and got no response from Kinew or Wiebe."This record has already resulted in my being denied employment. I am a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record who is simply trying to earn a living."14.35 Part 2- A follower of our independent reporting sent a note reflecting on the coverage we have provided this past year. He touched on the federal election campaign, "the rise in unchecked anti-semitism in our city" and "the Province trying to push through a safe injection site that would be so destabilizing to the community it is established in."21.35 - Listen to an op-ed submitted to local media outlets by Portage La Prairie PC MLA Jeff Bereza, after he took part in all four of the public meetings held in December about a proposed Safe Consumption Site for 366 Henry Avenue in the North Logan neighbourhood. Noting how the announcement of the new location was made after the Legislature had wrapped up the fall session- meaning there could be no debate about the SCS in the House, Bereza noted: "Only one thing is abundantly clear following these four sessions: there is no plan."As the Critic of Homelessness, Housing, and Addictions, he itemized the unanswered questions from stakeholders, and the illogical claims from Minister Bernadette Smith and site proponents about staffing and policing for the drug user site. Bereza concluded that "The accusation that push-back and questions from neighbours and businesses is nothing more than nimby-ism is unfair and insulting."You can read the entire op-ed in the post for Episode 60 at ActionLine.ca.******MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR LISTENERS AND SUPPORTERS!

The NDP government tried to throttle opposition to a drug use site slated for the North Logan neighbourhood by scheduling only one in-person meet-up. Episode 59 explains what they heard at two more hastily-added sessions this week. (Sorry for the blizzard delay!)Part 1- In November, Winnipeg Free Press columnist Dan Lett criticized neighborhood opposition to the first proposed location for a safe consumption site east of Main Street because "they make them safer and cleaner." His uninformed opinion clearly failed to sway the residents and businesses west of Main Street, who have voiced significant concern about the unsafe conditions already tolerated by elected officials and police around 366 Henry Avenue, where Wab Kinew now wants to open an SCS. In fact, the experiences they described last week and again this week demonstrate how proponents of enabling users of drugs like fentanyl and meth are killing the viability of Winnipeg's core area with suicidal empathy. At Monday night's public meeting, Housing and Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith- who is MLA for the area- showed how disconnected she is from the reality her constituents live with, as she claimed "We are focused on safety and security in the community. Police will be there to make sure enforcement is happening." Ed Gallos, owner of the roofing company next door to the proposed SCS, rebuked her: "I'm not very confident in the Winnipeg Police Service... we have to barricade our business, we look like a bunker from the Second World War."You'll hear the comments and questions voiced at the Chinese Cultural Centre by people who have suffered repeated serious violent incidents with no meaningful response by Winnipeg Police or the Winnipeg Police Board. 13.40 Part 2- The North Logan community held their own meeting on Tuesday night at Pampanga Hall across from 366 Henry. Stakeholders, which includes industrial, food services, and child program facilities, continued to press Smith and project operators, the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, for substantive answers to their safety concerns. This isn't 'NIMBYism' as Kate Kehler of the ultra-leftist Social Planning Council insinuated- it's democracy.17.30-Listen to Bernadette Smith tell the meeting "this is meant to bring the crime levels down." Yet a businessman pointed out that as Siloam Mission has expanded and line-ups outside have quadrupled, social disorder has not been addressed, with officials not even ensuring there are bathroom facilities for the indigent. Instead, cleaning up the human waste left in nearby doorways and on properties became the responsibility of the affected private citizens. The resulting tensions have community members who confront the derelicts wandering through their yards and using it as a toilet fearing for their safety. There's only so much mayhem and disorder that can be inflicted on a neighborhood. Somehow, despite being their MLA, Smith had nothing to offer aside from "I'm sorry." 27.50 - Unreported by the media in attendance, WPS Inspector Helen Peters answered a question about her opinion if the SCS "will make the area safer." We have the audio of her shocking reply, which no doubt ruined Dan Lett's Xmas. ******Catch up on Marty Gold's columns in the Winnipeg Sun- Dec 10- North Logan neighborhood demands answers to safe consumption site concerns   https://www.winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-north-logan-neighbourhood-demands-answers-to-safe-consumption-site-concerns/article_32e5e23b-dce4-46a8-b811-c1b4800f590b.htmlDec 14- Survey says Winnipeg Metropolitan Region fumbleslatest public pollhttps://www.winnipegsun.com/gold-survey-says-winnipeg-metropolitan-region-fumbles-latest-public-poll/article_c8fd78eb-0d97-47d9-af04-1edafcf2b6cb.htmlDec 17- Anhart's big plans for affordablehousing in Winnipeghttps://www.winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-anharts-big-plans-for-affordable-housing-in-winnipeg/article_42efee06-df8d-49f0-9ee8-d161b68f26a2.html

The NDP government attempted to manipulate the public consultation process for a drug use site slated for a small downtown neighborhood off of Logan Avenue- but got big pushback and plenty of questions they don't want to answer. We have a play-by-play recap of the meeting that's a real eye opener about the desperation of the "harm reduction" lobby to give hard-core addicts a place to get high.Part 1 of Episode 58 takes a few moments to note the recent passing of four people who made their mark on Winnipeg. Marty Gold provides personal memories of 1960's Blue Bomber All Star pass catcher Dr. Ken Nielsen, former Free Press education reporter Nick Martin, retired lawyer and city councillor Moishe Kaufman, and Jewish community stalwart Ruthie Gale.11.48 Part 2- The theme of episode 58 is based on a recent comment from Marion Willis of St. Boniface Street Links:“We normalized bike theft, we normalized homelessness, we normalized drug use, we’ve normalized encampment living — we normalized it all." A consequence of it is a collapse of public safety in the inner city, and Wab Kinew'selection promise to enable drug use at a "safe consumption' site". After the first attempt to ram it through on Disraeli failed, they want to try it again on the other side of Main at 366 Henry Avenue.Marty provided an analysis of the tactics to limit public participation, and the way it was immediately challenged by area stakeholders.Dec. 8- NDP tries to rig consumption site consultations- again  Dec. 9- North Logan neighborhood demands answers to safeconsumption site concerns   Tuesday night, the normalization of the abnormal hit a tipping point at a hastily arranged public meeting. Housing and Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith and other "experts" tried to convince home and business owners in the North Logan area that a safe consumption site is more important than their safety and their property values. At the start it was announced that another meeting was added for next week, a retreat by the NDP of their plan to hold only one public session. Then, Smith proceeded to lay a goose egg with a total reversal of her assurances of a robust police presence near an SCS during the previous Disraeli Town Halls. Calling police to the Henry site would be "a last resort", pumping the Downtown Community Safety Partnership handling things. The DCSP is already under fire for failing to respond to urgent situations in the East Exchange- and it doesn't seem to be trusted in North Logan either.Smith described a pipeline to haul problematic addicts from the SCS to the "sobering centre" now slated for the Disraeli building, but her and her experts repeatedly ducked questions about rehab and recovery programs available for the drug users. Listen to how "a very fragile community" has been spiraling downwards as Siloam Mission expanded operations on Princess Street, with complaints about increasing vandalism, theft, confrontations and human waste resulting. Through it all, Police Inspector Helen Peters didn't utter a peep. Neither did area councillor Vivian Santos.42.45 Part 3- You'll hear how Smith tried to leverage the tragedy of a father whose son died to justify the need for the site. He had already spoken about his opposition to the SCS - and returned to the microphone to admonish Smith, especially because his son was not an addict."You don't get to own my story," Joseph intoned, warning Smith not to use his family to advance her "harm reduction'" agenda. Meanwhile, attendees asked about how much was spent on the Henry Ave. proposal so far- and got no answer.An SCS can affect property insurance and home and property values; drug dealers can lurk in nearby public parks to sell toxic drugs to site users; yet Smith and her experts showed no care for the worries of hardworking residents and business operators. "It will save lives" rings hollow, when the lives and investments of neighborhood stakeholders can be ruined.

December kicks off with a recap of the visit of a far-left member of the Canadian Senate who tried to tour the in-progress 'sobering centre' that Wab Kinew's NDP is opening at 190 Disraeli. Kim Pate - who represents Ontario- dismissed the idea that Winnipeg residents need protection from out of control meth and alcohol addicts.Part 1- A hard drive failure interrupted podcast production in late November but Episode 57 is here to get our public affairs coverage back on track. We're looking to top up the Season 6 fundraising campaign with another $1000 this month to get a head start on paying for web hosting and the ActionLine Wordpress template in 2026, and to provide a Christmas bonus to our volunteer production staff. To contribute, contact martygoldlive@gmail.com. 15.30 Part 2- Legalist Kim Pate has a long history of standing up for prisoners -especially women- involved with Canada's justice system. But when it comes to the women and general public who have endured years of harassment, abuse and violence at the hands of Winnipeg's criminally-inclined homeless addicts, she says the rights of the abusers comes before the rights of the public to a safe community. A clue why she spouts such nonsense comes from a 2017 interview, after Justin Trudeau handed her a taxpayer-funded lifetime job in the Senate: I’ve gone back to the call from the prime minister several times in my mind. He said he was offering this appointment based on my career as an activist. That was the word that stuck in my head: “activism.” So I thought, “Okay, well, let’s go.” https://broadview.org/senator-kim-pate-wants-canada-to-get-rid-of-jails/Marty Gold explains the chicken-and-egg argument Pate hides behind to bolster her argument that "to actually put people in what can only be described as cells… I think it’s rifefor a Charter challenge."Warding off arsons, robberies, thefts, vandalism, matters not to Pate. She thinks the detention process might "traumatize" the addicts, and seemingly offered no comment to the Free Press about the years of trauma inflicted on women, children, families, property owners, employees, theatre patrons, transit riders and others by the anti-social and violent behavior of the homeless encampment crowd. 30.30 -The attempt to visit the site on Friday exposed a broken promise by Wab Kinew.Remember it was supposed to open within two weeks of the Legislation being passed? Listen to a media scrum on November 14th when Premier Kinew had to admit the sobering centre would not, in fact, open in November- and why. Only APTN reported on it, why is that?The split between the hard core “harm reduction” activists and the harm reduction-friendly Manitoba NDP shows how out of touch the radical defenders of lawless violent addicts are.39.15 Part 3- a brief discussion of why democracy at City Hall is being eroded by poor practices, including bogus public consultations, late publication of meeting agendas and the 5 minute time limit on speakers. Time and again, some councillors go the extra mile to hear from a wide range of constituents, while others treat hearing from the public as a nuisance. Here's hoping things improve in the new year, with an election on the horizon.******Have you read our recent columns in the Winnipeg Sun?Nov 23- Kinew, feds still shroud drug consumption site proposals in secrecyhttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-kinew-feds-still-shroud-drug-consumption-site-proposals-in-secrecy Nov 25- As the temperature drops, anger rises about transit revamp https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-as-the-temperature-drops-anger-rises-about-transit-revampNov 30- Too little, too late: Winnipeg Transit faces a record year of violencehttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-too-little-too-late-winnipeg-transit-faces-a-record-year-of-violence

The NDP gave the Free Press the scoop on a new plan to invoke an emergency authorization to open a drug user site. Dan Lett accordingly doubled down on the misinformation and myths used to attack the stakeholders who derailed the first safe consumption site plan. As Episode 56 explains, we saw how it really unfolded- and also noticed he got a key aspect of the new SCS plan wrong. Part 1-Our recent columns in the Winnipeg Sun peeled back the PR campaign pumping the tires of the Parking Authority's 5 year strategy- and it's apparent that trying to rig the upcoming public consultation will not be acceptable:"Would the City expand paid parking to Sargent Avenue in the West End, or to Marion Street in St. Boniface, or to Portage Avenue west of downtown or into St. James? That would cripple restaurants and stores in those neighbourhoods. Would the City charge disabled veterans to park outside the St. James or Norwood Legions? No one would put it past them."Nov. 12- New paid parking plan should require a Parking Authority Town Hall https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-new-paid-parking-plan-should-require-a-parking-authority-town-hall⁠"Introducing a “solution” where no problem exists only creates barriers, not improvements. Corydon is not downtown—and should not be managed as though it is.”Nov. 16- Paid parking on Corydon? Fuhgeddaboutdit, says BIZ https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-paid-parking-on-corydon-fuhgeddaboutdit-says-bizFollowing up on our reports, Kelly Ryback surveyed the businesses in St. James and told City Hall about their rejection of starting paid parking into their area. We have a brief description of the panic it caused a certain councillor.15.40 Part 2- A news story in the Free Press indicated Premier Wab Kinew is trying a slightly more conciliatory approach togarnering buy-in for the idea of a safe injection site “west of Main Street” – part of the Centennial neighborhood. But Kinew would not reveal the actual address. The story confirmed that public consultation is mandatory under federal licencing laws. Mayor Scott Gillingham, for the first time, stood behind the importance of “hearing from residents and business owners as to their thoughts related to the potential impact on the area,” while Kinew “dodged the question” from PC leader Obby Khan about when consultations would take place. In a companion column, WFP pundit Dan Lett dodged the facts, claimed the site was again being aimed for Point Douglas and the East Exchange, and attacked the verybasis of requiring the consultations. Hear his distortions of the concerns and ideas that residents put on the table about 200 Disraeli to try to misinform his readers about how widespread - and well-informed the opposition was.32.50 - We juxtapose the comments of a Point Douglas resident in the news story - “We’re beginning to feel like a drug rehab dumping ground around here," with the insistence of Lett that's "As it should be". Dismissing the working class residents and business owners as "champions of gentrification" and "squeaky wheels," Lett unloaded a big whopper- falsely claiming that "Supervised consumption and detox facilities do not make surrounding neighbourhoods unsafe; they make them safer and cleaner."Without ever attending one of the Town Halls about the 200 Disraeli proposal or speaking to the victims of the crime wave besieging residents and property owners, Ontario's Dan Lett set out a loathsome block of opinions about the people of Winnipeg in the pages of the Free Press. At least he's consistent: July 12 2025- Condescending Columnist Gets Educated On Neighbourhood’s Fight For DignityLet us know what you think- martygoldlive@gmail.com

Episode 55 looks at the first batch of results released about the 'Winnipeg Transit Violent Crime Intervention Strategy' and the enforcement focus on fare-jumpers.Marty Gold evaluates the numbers, including attempted fare skipping and those who took a hike when asked at the bus stops to verify they had the money to pay. There are also statistics on criminal charges laid by cops for either on-the-spot infractions or for prior cases. The numbers show how out of control things were allowed to get.While Mayor Scott Gillingham and Public Works chair Janice Lukes are lauding the way the initiative has addressed violent and disruptive behaviour and enhanced Transit safety, their comments may rub some folks the wrong way. Especially when the public is told "we need everyone to do their part" yet the situation was allowed to get out of control by City Councillors refusing to have fare collection enforced years ago. There's more bells and whistles coming too - a "fare education campaign" and a Transit megaphone announcing fare paymen is required as buses pull up.to stops. That's another example of something that could have been implemented last year, and didn't have to wait until the next civic election was on the horizon.******Our latest columns in the Winnipeg Sun:Nov. 5- "Despite the ongoing chaos, visible fire hazards, dirty used needles and close proximity to a child care facility and high-density residential properties, the city allowed the situation to continue until, on Sunday, there were two major blazes– one at each of those locations - within 12 hours. Toxic fumes spiralled skyward, yet again."Fires and vandalism expose City’s slow encampment responsehttps://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-fires-and-vandalism-expose-citys-slow-encampment-responseNov. 9 - "Having dismissed the validity of the PDRC complaints without outright calling them liars, Smith then proclaimed, “I have a great relationship with constituents.” "Smith is lucky she isn’t Pinocchio, or she would barely be able to turn her head in an elevator after saying that."Bernadette Smith ducks allegations that emails from Point Douglas are being ditched  https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-bernadette-smith-ducks-allegations-that-emails-from-point-douglas-are-being-ditched*****For story tips, advertising, or donation inquiries, please contact martygoldlive@gmail.com

An online reaction to our series in the Winnipeg Sun on homeless encampment mayhem and failed government policies has raised an important question for Episode 54- are governments actually bringing homeless people into Winnipeg?Part 1- A recap of recent Sun columns and podcasts, and a reflection on the 15 years since our last broadcast on 92.9 KICK-FM.Part 2- A source with access to the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) says that asylum/refugee claimants coming to Canada are "entitled to not only whatever benefits they may receive being refugees, but then all the benefits entitled to homeless as well." "Between October 2024 and April of this year we doubled our active case files from 5.5k to 11k... these people are entered and processed mostly by End Homelessness Winnipeg themselves or agencies that support new comers."Episode 54 will make you wonder- why haven't we heard from corporate broadcasters funded by the Liberal government about how homeless aboriginal and other Canadians are left waiting for assistance on riverbanks, while foreign nationals allowed into our country by the Liberal government cut in line ahead of them? We certainly never heard about it from the recently-departed homelessness czar of the NDP, Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud.*******On November 14th Marty Gold is going to compete in the biggest wrestling match in Canada - the CWE 50 Man Rumble To Remember!Presented by Canadian Wrestling’s Elite, the event at the Ukrainian Labour Temple offers a great reward to the last man standing- a CWE Championship match at the February supercard.A limited number of discounted tickets are available for listeners of the podcast and for readers of our columns in the Sun – email martygoldlive@gmail.com for more details and see Marty in action!

Episode 53 wraps up our coverage of the Elmwood-East Kildonan by-election to succeed the late Jason Schreyer on Winnipeg city council.Part 1- Our analysis: The win by Emma Durand-Wood sets the stage for the organization of a far-left slate in the 2026 general election to try to take control of civic politics. We look at the radical policies she and her backers like 2022 Mayoral candidate Shaun Loney want to impose, and the conflicts she might encounter with Mayor Gillingham and the area Community Committee in particular.Also discussed - how the race panned out for the runners-up Abel Gutierrez and Braydon Mazurkiewich; whether the chosen successor to Schreyer waited too long to enter the contest; and the rejection by the voters of two city employees vying for the seat.19.50 Part 2 - With a weak turnout of 15.7%, Durand-Wood gets to make decisions about city spending with the support of just 5% of the eligible ward voters. Her absurd solution to spur better public engagement? Children aged 16 and 17 should be enfranchised. But she benefitted from a more significant cause of the disinterest in the race- the failure of Winnipeg broadcasters to fulfill their CRTC obligations to provide even minimal coverage of candidates in the October 25th election. While listener-funded TGCTS invested 50 hours to produce and promote podcast interviews with the seven hopefuls, Winnipeg news operations raking in substantial subsidies from the federal Liberals shamefully failed to keep the community informed. Hear which newsroom didn't file a single story on their website between announcing the by-election was called, until just before voting day. *****Read the latest columns by Marty Gold in The Winnipeg Sun- Even the smallest victories eluding Gillingham in encampment crisisCity evasive about rubber stamping a “safe consumption rooms” permit ******On November 14th the biggest wrestling match in Canada, the 50 Man Rumble To Remember, is being presented by Canadian Wrestling's Elite - and once again, Marty Gold is going to compete! The event at the Ukrainian Labour Temple offers a great reward to the last man standing- a CWE Championship match at the February supercard. A limited number of discounted tickets are available for listeners of the podcast and for readers of our columns in the Sun - email martygoldlive@gmail.com for more details to see Marty in action!

After being the first candidate to declare, the campaign of Emma Durand-Wood has knocked on every door in Elmwood-East Kildonan. In Episode 52, she tells about her platform, her background in urban issues, and her vision for the ward as the October 25th vote draws near. A writer and editor by trade, Emma Durand-Wood moved to Elmwood in 2008 from Vancouver. While not being involved in politics there, her rise through community organizing in Winnipeg is similar to the BC progressive playbook. She's been endorsed by Shaun Loney, who finished fourth in the 2022 Mayoral election as the far left-wing choice. It appears he's the only one from that race to publicly endorse a successor to Coun. Jason Schreyer. Loney has vowed to put together a slate of like-minded people for next year's election. Part 1- Durand-Wood says that at the doorstep, a "common set of concerns" emerge. She recounts what she heard about crime, homelessness, the emergence of Transit complaints, and "a lot" of people want civic investment in youth programs. She tells Marty Gold about her own experiences living in the ward and how long it took to get a gang house shut down. "Have the police been effective? They've been very very busy... we need to take tackling crime as a community effort."10.00 - "We can't have this chaos of encampments."Durand -Woods hadn't considered the idea of establishing a monitored encampment at the Legislature. She advocates for more grassroots approaches like Elmwood Unity Walk to help get people out of encampments, but "we can't run everyone into jail."A Transit user, the new routing and schedule problems "does seem like a pretty big oversight" by city councillors, as her area "got a downgrade in service." "The smarter thing to do is the rehabilitation" for the Louise Bridge, rather than construct a new one, citing "a systemic problem" that's leading to "massive" deficits in the civic budget. 24.55 Part 2- Durand-Wood describes her personal background in the west before moving here for affordability and to start a family. She became involved in Elmwood issues by opposing a pawn shop licence, then helped re-establish a residents association in Glen Elm, then initiated a tree planting coalition. 36.00- With strong support from prominent members of the bike lobby and the 30km speed limit advocates- two groups that disrupted council proceedings in the last year - Durand-Wood is asked about whether their extremism and rhetoric aligns with her values. She disavows the political violence seemingly espoused by a prominent campaigner for her, who posted that the Charlie Kirk vigil at the Legislature was like "a Klan rally." 46.00- Citing a petition drive in EK showing support of 80-90% for lower residential speed limits, she maintains "it actually is not an extreme idea." Durand-Wood supports infill housing, and is asked about whether opposition to zoning changes because the demand for housing is rooted in mass immigration is also "not an extreme position". While she shows sympathy for their concerns, she says "Our neighborhoods have been kind of locked in amber... we need more people living in our existing neighborhoods" to ease fiscal pressures.Voters can get more information on her campaign at emmadurandwood.ca****- Go to the ActionLine "City" tab to find every podcast interview with the seven candidates.- Read our by-election preview column in the Winnipeg Sun: Home stretch starts in Elmwood-East Kildonanby-election- For sponsor or advertising inquiries, to contribute to our Season Six Funding Drive, send feedback or story tips, email martygoldlive@gmail.com

Chris Sweryda was the last entrant to the October 25th by-election, but he's counting on the hard work he did as the ward assistant to Jason Schreyer to resonate with voters in Elmwood-East Kildonan. Episode 51 has a wide-ranging and informative interview about Sweryda and his platform.First on his list is building a new Louise Bridge, after he learned the rehabilitation plan "would involve an 18 month closure and that's completely unacceptable.... Repair is just not the answer any more." Sweryda believes maintaining the existing transportation network "is warranted over and above the expansions the City has been talking about." He also addresses road and pothole deficiencies. Sweryda wants more strategic resources provided so that police can fight crime- "they're not supposed to be the social workers of the community." The ward is affected by homeless encampments but, he says, "It's not as simple as just driving a bulldozer." If the campers move to other spaces, the result is the City playing "social problem whack-a-mole," so housing and affordability need action. Asked if a managed encampment should be set up at the Manitoba Legislature as part of their Your Way Home program, Sweryda replied, "It's probably not the worst idea to provide a place where resources can be provided and I would welcome the province doing that."19.40 Part 2- People recognize Chris Sweryda because of his work as a career advisor at Elmwood High School, and his effort to fulfill Schreyer's commitment to get affordable grocery programs where low-income residents need them, such as seniors' complexes. He's now trying to expand accessibility through schools, and arrange more group shopping for places like Legion Gardens to achieve "lowest price on basic food items" - a 25-40% savings. Sweryda noted the Legion Gardens, as we had reported, had crime problems, as does the entire ward. The recent law school graduate wants the bait-bike program revived and more police investigations to catch perps because "I'm sure the same handful of people are doing these crimes" including "trying door handles every night on every car " - and, as he learned, every daytime too. 32.00 -  Sweryda spent years in traffic court and sets out examples of outragous tickets issued by police to generate revenue and overtime pay - "Should these kinds of things really be a priority?"  The school-zone trap on Panet Road is another example of "they fish where the fish are." He thinks there still hundreds of signs missing, Hear his description of City engineers actually agreeing that "Speeding is not a major safety concern." Sweryda and Marty Gold talk about how the lack of care in placing traffic signs leads to opportunistic ticketing. He's also investigated Public Works 'make-work' projects shifting intersection layouts back and forth. Even tinkering with the placement of push buttons on crosswalk poles has created more danger for pedestrians and drivers. 51.20- Hear Sweryda discuss the endorsement of the Schreyer family, the limitations needed for bike lanes, and the facts against a 30km speed limit. Coming up- our final candidate interview! To support our public affairs reporting, go to https://actionline.ca/2024/02/donate-2/ *****Special Offer- The Winnipeg Sun Small Business Appreciation Edition on Sunday, October 19The Winnipeg Sun has always been proud to be a strong supporter of the small business community in Winnipeg. Local small businesses are facing immense challenges — Supporting them has never been more crucial. Take advantage of drastically reduced advertising rates for the Special Small Business Appreciation Edition on Sunday, October 19, published as part of Small Business Week (October 19–25). The special rates will also remain available until the end of Small Business Week, Saturday, October 25, allowing more local businesses the opportunity to promote themselves at a reduced rate. For more information, email martygoldlive@gmail.com

He works in the City Planning department, and the latest plan of Kyle Roche is to become the councillor for Elmwood - East Kildonan. Our series of interviews with the candidates in the October 25th by-election continues in Episode 50 of Season 6. Part 1- "If I was satisfied with how City Hall is handling things, I wouldn’t be running for Council."He's worked in a few different city departments, and Kyle Roche has a different way of approaching what's going on- and going wrong- in Winnipeg. Hear him describe having his bike stolen and why he put locks on his gates. "We need more police... (but) is spending $1 1/2 million a year leasing a helicopter really helping to reduce the crime?"12.35- Roche believes that "Winnipeg is hundreds or thousands of employees short" due to lower per capita spending compared to other cities. Roche argues that even though there is widespread distrust of city planners, many more need to be hired. While he wouldn't rule out a tax increase, he believes "the city would have millions more dollars if the railways at least paid their fair share."27.42 Part 2 - Loss of on-street parking was just one of the reasons why the proposed Marion bike lanes “had some controversy.” So was lack of consultation- but Roche insists that the problem is city council refusing to allocate funding for more staff. Roche discusses the city's performance with public communication and stalling off public delegations. He isn't opposed to putting five proposed supportive housing sites on the market for sale, instead of handing them over to the province.40.10- The idea of building a new Louise Bridge finds favour with Roche instead of a "25 year band-aid". He cites truck and commuter traffic that needs to be kept moving. He questions why, unlike users of Kenaston Blvd., east side and north end residents "don't get a cost-benefit analysis. Is our (wasted) time worth less?" 44.00- On encampments, Roche says "It's not a safe way to live and the fact it's gotten to this point reflects a failure at so many levels," but "when we're telling people to pack up and leave, where are we telling them to go?" He's asked why No Camping signs at Memorial Park are enforced by the province- but aren't by the city in Fort Douglas. "I totally get the point."Roche also talks about Community Safety Officers, Police Cadets, and not being satisfied with the status quo at 510 Main Street. "Watching things get not that much better, I couldn't sit on the sidelines anymore."More about his campaign is at kyleroche.ca******We'll be presenting interviews with the remaining two candidates in the Elmwood-East Kildonan by-election in the next week. ONLY TGCTS is producing long-form interviews with the candidates for the city council seat! This series is an example of why public affairs journalism is important to the community.Our work is funded by our listeners, and readers, whose donations big n’ small keep the bills paid, the lights on, and keep us on the beat as Your Watchdog!The Season Six funding drive has raised over $4300 – help us reach $5000 ⁠⁠by donating here!⁠⁠To advertise on the podcasts – email martygoldlive@gmail.comTHANK YOU TO OUR DONORS!***** Read Marty Gold's recent columns in the WInnipeg Sun: - "... times had changed, and we never anticipated being surrounded, jostled, sucker punched, because Canadians did not behave that way. That lack of anticipationarose the first time I encountered a face-to-face antisemitic threat- but then again, I was only 9 years old."Oct. 1 - My first, and more recent, experiences with Jew-haters- "Questions of ownership have also emerged. While the property’s listed owner was unclear, Main Street Project’s flyer suggested Siloam Mission, where Your Way Home advisor Tess Blaikie Whitecloud previously worked, may be involved. When asked about its role and ownership, Siloam Mission did not respond by press time.”Oct. 5 - Neighbours push back on Furby Street supportive housing site