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Winnipeg Free Press
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Tories must decide who they are
Opinion The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba has a problem — and it's one they can't ignore much longer. The Tories are not only sinking in the polls, they're losing their grip on who they are, and who they represent. Months after a bruising leadership race that saw MLA and former Blue Bomber Obby Khan emerge as the new face of the party, the PCs remain mired in low poll numbers, particularly in Winnipeg — a city they must win if they hope to return to government. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan Meanwhile, their once-solid rural base is showing signs of discontent and drift, as evidenced by the surprising support for Wally Daudrich, the controversial hotelier and social conservative who captured a sizable chunk of votes during the leadership contest. The growing divide — between a socially conservative base in rural Manitoba and the more centrist, urban voters in Winnipeg — is pulling the party in opposite directions. And under Khan's leadership, the PCs have yet to articulate a clear vision that bridges that divide, or restores public confidence in their brand. It's not just a question of time. The wounds from the 2023 election defeat under former premier Heather Stefanson haven't healed. The loss was historic, not just because it handed the NDP a decisive majority under Premier Wab Kinew, but because the PCs were trounced in many of the urban ridings they had previously held or contested closely. And although Khan brought a new face to the party, the political winds have not shifted in their favour. The latest Free Press-Probe Research polling shows the PCs languishing in Winnipeg, where the NDP continues to dominate. In many urban ridings, the PCs are at historically low levels. In the suburbs — once a stronghold for the party — NDP support remains stubbornly strong. Compounding the issue is the ideological tension at the heart of the party. To win rural Manitoba, the Tories need to appeal to more socially conservative voters, many of whom are skeptical of urban-focused policies and are drawn to voices like Daudrich's — who rails against what he calls 'woke politics.' But that same message is political poison in most parts of Winnipeg, where voters tend to be more progressive on social issues, and more demanding when it comes to public services like health care, education and affordable housing. Khan, to his credit, has tried to strike a balance. He's spoken about economic growth, entrepreneurship and community development — issues that transcend the urban-rural divide. But his message has yet to cut through, in part because he hasn't clearly defined how his vision for the party differs from that of his predecessors, or how it would translate into actual governance. The PCs can't simply wait for the NDP to falter. They need to do the hard work of rebuilding trust with Manitobans — not just by changing leaders, but by clarifying what they stand for and who they serve. Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. Are they a party of rural populism? Of fiscal restraint? Of urban renewal? Right now, no one — perhaps not even their own caucus — seems entirely sure. If they want to regain relevance, they must find a way to unify their base while appealing to the broad political centre. That will take more than flashy news conferences or slogans. It requires hard policy work, meaningful community engagement, and a willingness to evolve. Manitobans want a real choice at the ballot box. And we all know democracy is stronger when both government and opposition are vibrant, credible and competitive. Right now, the Tories are not offering that. Until they figure out who they are, they'll remain on the outside looking in.
Winnipeg Free Press
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Vanterpool ready for the big time
It didn't take long for Micah Vanterpool to fall in love with the CFL. 'It was the Banjo Bowl at home. It was the opening kickoff, and I heard the crowd for the first time, and I went 'Oh my goodness, this is lovely. The CFL is beautiful,'' said Vanterpool, a second-year Blue Bomber, after Friday's practice. The University of Hawaii product only saw action in two games as a rookie as he spent the majority of 2024 on the practice squad. This year, however, should be a different story as all signs point to Vanterpool starting at left guard in next Thursday's season opener against the visiting B.C. Lions. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Micah Vanterpool is likely to start in the Bombers' season opener. The 26-year-old Vanterpool, who stands at 6-6 and weighs 315 pounds, has been working with the starters and turned a ton of heads in training camp. The Bombers had a hole to fill with last year's starter Liam Dobson inking a two-year deal with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. 'You can expect to see a big, physical guy moving around the field. Wherever the ball stops, that's where you're going to see No. 68,' said Vanterpool. 'If you see a receiver getting tackled all the way down the field, I'm gonna be the guy picking him up. I'll be making sure our quarterback is safe, and all our ball carriers are safe as well.' That's certainly music to the ears of running back Brady Oliveira — the CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Player. 'He's got a lot of energy, which is great. You need that, especially through the course of a game. It can be a grind, and you need guys that can boost your energy,' said Oliveira. 'Micah is great. He had an incredible camp. He's a big dude, which I prefer, obviously, running behind. He's physical and he fits the blueprint of this offence. The offensive line is the backbone of this team.' As a senior at Hawaii, he was one of only two offensive linemen in the nation who played 900 snaps or more and not get flagged for a penalty. He was also the only blocker in Mountain West Conference to not surrender a sack. After college, he turned pro in the USFL with the New Jersey Generals and spent a few weeks in the NFL with the New England Patriots before ending up in Winnipeg as the Blue and Gold owned his CFL rights. The Phoenix, Ariz., resident had never been to Canada before, but he had an idea as to what he was getting himself into as he was teammates at Hawaii with Bombers backup centre Tui Eli and Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown — who spent the first three years of his three-down career in Winnipeg (2020-23). 'When I signed, the first person I called was Tui and I said 'Tell me everything that I need to know,'' said Vanterpool. 'Last year, it was such a brand new and lovely experience… This is the best place. I learned so much under the O-line group that we had. (Now), I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and control what I can control.' He might be one of two second-year players on the O-line getting the start against B.C. as Kendall Randolph has been working at right tackle with veteran Eric Lofton missing most of camp with an injury. Randolph, who played both tight end, guard and tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide, made five starts last year — three at right guard for Patrick Neufeld and two at left tackle filling in for Stanley Bryant. NIC ADAM / FREE PRESS files Kendall Randolph started five games for the Bombers in 2024. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'Last year, I was thrown into the fire a couple times, and I was able to compete at a high level. So, ultimately, I'm just trying to build on that,' said Randolph. The Bombers have traditionally rolled with three Canadians and two Americans on the O-line, but head coach Mike O'Shea said Friday he has no qualms about taking a different approach this season. Bryant, Neufeld, and centre Chris Kolankowski are all back from 2024. 'We've got a nice mix of veterans and young guys. They know the standard. That room is always tight and well run by (O-line coach) Marty (Costello),' said O'Shea. 'It's an awesome place to sit and listen to the game unfold. They talk about practice, plays and game planning, it's a good place to sit, I don't do it enough, but it's always so well run you just trust that the o-line is going to be that beacon for our team, really.' Taylor AllenReporter Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor. Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
CFL suspends veteran quarterback Collaros for failing to respond to off-season test
The CFL has suspended Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros one game for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. The league announced Wednesday officials with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) twice tried to reach Collaros by phone and another time via email over a two-hour period. It added Collaros, 36, failed to respond within 24 hours, which usually would result in a two-game suspension. The league said after a review it shortened the suspension to one game, citing 'extenuating circumstances.' The CFL also stated Collaros has never tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug under the joint CFL/CFL Players' Association drug policy. The CFL and CFLPA have also agreed to enhance contact protocols for off-season testing of players. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Zach Collaros is one of the most respected leaders in our locker room and across the CFL,' Bombers president Wade Miller said in a statement. 'He's a professional in every sense — committed, accountable, and a true example of what it means to be a Blue Bomber. Story continues below advertisement 'There was no intent for wrongdoing by Zach — just a missed step in the process. Both the CFL and CFLPA have since clarified and improved their communication protocols to help ensure this doesn't happen to other players in the CFL.' Under terms of the drug policy, suspended players can't play in regular-season or playoff games. It is up to their club whether they participate in team activities, such as training camp, exhibition games, practices or meetings. 'Zach will miss our first regular-season game but will continue to fully participate in training camp and pre-season games,' Miller said. 'As an organization, we're also reviewing and strengthening how we support players in navigating off-season requirements. 'Zach remains an incredibly valued leader on and off the field, and we look forward to having him back under centre June 21 (Week 2).' Winnipeg kicks off its 2025 season hosting B.C. on June 12 and then visits the Lions the following week.
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
CFL suspends veteran quarterback Collaros for failing to respond to off-season test
TORONTO - The CFL has suspended Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros one game for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. The league announced Wednesday officials with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) twice tried to reach Collaros by phone and another time via email over a two-hour period. It added Collaros, 36, failed to respond within 24 hours, which usually would result in a two-game suspension. The league said after a review it shortened the suspension to one game, citing 'extenuating circumstances.' The CFL also stated Collaros has never tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug under the joint CFL/CFL Players' Association drug policy. The CFL and CFLPA have also agreed to enhance contact protocols for off-season testing of players. 'Zach Collaros is one of the most respected leaders in our locker room and across the CFL,' Bombers president Wade Miller said in a statement. 'He's a professional in every sense — committed, accountable, and a true example of what it means to be a Blue Bomber. 'There was no intent for wrongdoing by Zach — just a missed step in the process. Both the CFL and CFLPA have since clarified and improved their communication protocols to help ensure this doesn't happen to other players in the CFL.' Under terms of the drug policy, suspended players can't play in regular-season or playoff games. It is up to their club whether they participate in team activities, such as training camp, exhibition games, practices or meetings. 'Zach will miss our first regular-season game but will continue to fully participate in training camp and pre-season games,' Miller said. 'As an organization, we're also reviewing and strengthening how we support players in navigating off-season requirements. 'Zach remains an incredibly valued leader on and off the field, and we look forward to having him back under centre June 21 (Week 2).' Winnipeg kicks off its 2025 season hosting B.C. on June 12 and then visits the Lions the following week. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2025.
CBC
25-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Manitoba premier apologizes for private travel to Grey Cup without ethics commissioner's permission
Premier Wab Kinew says he's now disclosed his private travel on a Winnipeg Blue Bomber charter after a CBC investigation that examined whether his trip violated conflict-of-interest laws in Manitoba.
