Latest news with #Chipman
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
From dream to reality, Chipman welcomes Toews to Jets
That Kevin Cheveldayoff got emotional and nearly broke into tears when recalling a conversation he had roughly 15 years ago is telling. On the other end of the aforementioned discussion was Winnipeg Jets governor and co-owner Mark Chipman, who floated an idea to Cheveldayoff shortly after his introduction as Jets general manager that both individuals thought was nothing more than a pipe dream at the time. 'Would there ever be a day that Jonathan would play for us?' Chipman recalled in a conversation on Friday afternoon. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Mark Chipman still finds it hard to believe Jonathan Toews is coming home to play for the Jets. Jonathan was Jonathan Toews, the pride of St. Vital, who at the time of the original chat in 20011 was the young captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. On Friday, Toews was being introduced as a member of the Jets before a large group of assembled media members and a room full of other interested observers that included Mayor Scott Gillingham and Premier Wab Kinew. This wasn't your typical off-season free agency signing press conference and before it officially began, Toews took time to say hello to his mother Andree Gilbert, who was sitting in the front row and bursting with pride at this unexpected turn of events. 'It was just a casual thought,' said Chipman. 'But what I remember about those early days was watching them roll in here. Those were hard games to watch. That was peak 'Hawks. I just remember vividly being drawn towards Joanthan back then, with the way that he played the game. That's what prompted the question. He was still very young at the time and he was just getting going.' Those peak Chicago Blackhawks were a force to be reckoned with, capturing three Stanley Cups in a five-year period between 2010 and 2015 and Toews was at the centre of it. After dealing with a host of health issues that threatened to end his playing career, Toews finds himself at a place where he feels healthy enough to add to his Hall of Fame resume. That he's chosen to do that with his hometown Jets is music to Chipman's ears. 'When I got the text that JT is a Jet, it was pretty cool,' said Chipman. That text message came from Cheveldayoff after the Jets and Toews agreed to a one-year contract that has a base salary of US$2 million, with incentives that could reach an additional US$5 million. The contract became official on July 1 and there have still been times when Chipman is lost for words thinking about how things finally came together all of these years later. Chipman and Toews had kept in contact over the years, including a trip to Saskatchewan to show support after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy. When Toews got serious about his comeback, Chipman helped paint a picture of what it would be like to join the organization. 'That was a huge part of really starting to clue in on what the reality of playing here would be like — or anywhere else for that matter,' said Toews. 'But it really got to a point where I couldn't see myself wearing any other jersey. Just on so many levels. It wasn't something where you write down the pros and cons on a piece of paper. To me, it wasn't rational at all. It was more of an intuitive thing where it just felt right. 'You can go over the million reasons why, but I didn't have to call my mom or dad or my brother, anyone really. I just knew in my heart that this is what I wanted to do, so it felt good every step of the way. I'm really excited to be a part of it.' That excitement is mutual, especially when you consider the realization that the original conversation between Chipman and Cheveldayoff was now coming full circle. 'I don't know how to really put it into words. I don't know that I ever really imagined that it would come to be,' said Chipman. 'It took some time. Until I saw the text, it was hard to fathom. I called (Toews) right away and I said to Jonathan 'I can't believe this is actually happening.' And he's like 'I can't believe this is actually happening.' 'It's been a really cool process to be a part of. I'm really happy for him, I'm happy for our fans and I'm happy for our team — because they're really excited about this.' It's easy to understand why. Throughout his career, Toews has been a force to be reckoned with. A two-way player who has racked up plenty of points to go along with all of the hardware, Toews also spent a lot of time making those around him better. He's a proven winner whose leadership qualities were apparent, both in the NHL and on the international stage, where he often starred for Canada in high-pressure moments. Part of that time it took Chipman had alluded to earlier included Toews coming to grips if his remarkable career might be cut short. Although he was never officially retired, Toews had the sport taken away from him and he wasn't sure he would get to play again. His appreciation for having the chance to not only do so, but to do so in his home province was evident to anyone in attendance. As he sat at a podium with Cheveldayoff and Jets head coach Scott Arniel, Toews sat intently watching a highlight video put together by the team. This stroll down memory lane brought a smile to his face and his words matched his emotions. When you've had the sport you've loved your entire life taken away from you — especially from circumstances that were out of your control — the appreciation for having another opportunity to rewrite the ending is a powerful thing. 'It's all the sweeter, for sure,' said Toews. 'It was hard to really see myself wearing any other jersey. I think day by day, this is becoming more real and it will as we get closer to the season, too. I'm looking forward to it. It's an exciting time and it's another fresh opportunity.' Toews, who was chosen third overall by the Blackhawks in the 2006 NHL Draft, had a number of suitors for his services, but part of his decision came back to his hockey roots. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. It's obvious that his passion for the sport has been rekindled. Although he wasn't making any bold predictions when it came to expectations, you can be sure Toews is going to do everything in his power to be the best version of himself. 'You learn your lessons and sometimes life throws you some curveballs,' said Toews. 'It's easy to play the victim card. A lot of people go through difficult times and it's something that I try to keep the mindset and that attitude that it's not happening to me, it's happening for me. 'I try to learn from it and I try to grow. When you have a health issue, that's what healing is, you're just taking a look at your life and trying to find balance within it all.' X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
11-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jets co-owner: 'Patently unacceptable' to see downtown change from Whiteout to down and out
Vulnerable people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks, in front of businesses and on park benches. Visible signs of addiction and mental illness at seemingly every turn. Desperate panhandlers teetering on concrete dividers hoping motorists will toss them some change. These were the scenes obvious to anyone in downtown Winnipeg on Monday afternoon — ones that Winnipeg Jets co-owner and chairman Mark Chipman experienced first-hand as he made his way into a Main Street building for an event much bigger and more important than any hockey game. 'I just don't know how we can look away from it,' Chipman told the Free Press during a candid, wide-ranging one-on-one chat. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.' Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Chipman noted the stark contrast of how the inner-city was bursting with energy and excitement during the seven Jets home playoff dates earlier this spring, with more than 15,000 fans cheering inside Canada Life Centre and thousands more at the outdoor street parties. But what happens once the buzzer sounds, the game ends and the crowds head home? 'I just find it patently unacceptable,' Chipman said of the challenges facing so many citizens. The painstaking, often frustrating work to address what he calls a 'complex, multi-generational set of issues' continues, with days like Monday providing hope that progress is slowly being made. Chipman stood front and centre inside Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), with Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo at his side, presenting a cheque for $234,890 to the United Way which represents 50 per cent of the proceeds from the playoff events held earlier this spring. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.'–Mark Chipman The funds will be shared equally among four grassroots organizations working to combat issues of addiction, homelessness and mental illness. 'It's just incredible,' said Connie Walker, the interim president and CEO of United Way who recently returned to the organization she had previously been with between 2008-2023. 'I didn't realize just how big the cheque was.' It's the biggest single playoff contribution since True North and United Way began partnering together in 2019 — and it comes just in the nick of time. 'I've been taken aback by the level of need in our community,' said Walker. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.' Chipman said it was a similar glance outside from his office back in 2014 that led to a personal awakening. A dishevelled, disoriented man was clearly in some distress. He watched as first responders, paramedics and police showed up to deal with him. Chipman had viewed similar scenes countless times over the years. But this one, he says, stuck with him. He had seen enough. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I got really curious about what was happening to this soul. Where is this soul going?' Chipman said. 'That just took me down a path that I'm still very much on and have spent a lot of time trying to understand and offer solutions to.' OPK, which works with marginalized, at-risk Indigenous young adults, are one of the four recipients of this year's funds. 'It's been a tsunami of need,' said OPK Executive Director Sheryl Blacksmith. 'Helping our young people to realize their dreams, to realize their potential, to forgive themselves. Failure is a great teacher. Thank you so much for this amazing gift and how much it's going to change lives.' Blacksmith drew plenty of laughs when, looking directly at DeMelo, she admitted to being 'a little star-struck…Dylan, I'm your No. 1 fan. I was more nervous about being in your presence than anything else. Just know that you are our heroes.' DeMelo, an Ontario product who now lives year-round in Winnipeg with his family, embraced her with a hug. The other recipients this year are N'Dinawemak – Our Relatives' Place (an Indigenous-led resource offering 24-7 space for individuals experiencing homelessness), the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (which provides 24-7 non-emergency support, outreach and intervention) and Kã Ni Kãnichihk – Velma's House (a shelter for adult women). Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. 'The gravity of the situation is very serious. Having said that, I think in many ways I've never been more hopeful,' said Chipman, noting ongoing initiatives at both the provincial and municipal level which he and many other partners are involved with. 'Because I'm sensing a real willingness of all those interested parties to work together. We're at an intersection here, and we're going to go one way or the other here. I think we're really close now. Parts of it are finally coming together.' Whether it's on or off the ice, there's no question the Jets have always had a strong connection with the community, re-enforced by losing the NHL back in 1996 only to get a second chance in 2011. Chipman, who along with business partner David Thomson purchased the Atlanta Thrashers 14 years ago, believes this year's hockey club only solidified that bond. True North made a concerted effort to re-connect with old and new fans, due in part to a decrease in its season ticket base and overall attendance. They made significant progress on that front while overseeing a team that won the Presidents' Trophy, beat the St. Louis Blues in an epic seven-game series and then eventually fell to the Dallas Stars in six games. 'We were really a good team from start-to-finish. Getting past the first round, and the way it was done so dramatically, helped,' said Chipman. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.'–Connie Walker 'But when I think about our team, I think about the core of our team. It's that group of men that really represent us I think people connect with. They've watched them grow up. That maturation process revealed itself in some very difficult circumstances.' None greater than first-ever draft pick Mark Scheifele learning his father, Brad, had passed away just hours before a pivotal Game 6 in Dallas. Scheifele ultimately played in the game, scored the opening goal, then took a late penalty that led to the overtime winner by the Stars. Jets players and fans immediately rallied around him, and Chipman chartered a plane to take the group to the funeral several days later. 'The way our group rallied around Scheif left an impression on me. I can't tell you I'm surprised, because I've watched these guys grow into men together. But it still left an impression that I'll never forget,' said Chipman. 'It was just so authentic and genuine and real that I think people connected with it. Schief was everybody's son.' On the hockey side, Chipman said the ultimate goal remains delivering a Stanley Cup to Winnipeg. He believes this group is closer than ever to making that happen. 'It's been a work-in-progress. This group didn't all of a sudden just emerge into what they showed themselves to be. They've been becoming this group for many, many years now,' said Chipman. 'And what excites me is they're going to continue to be this group for the foreseeable future. I think that's what's really resonating with people.' And, as Monday showed, that can be a real win-win for everyone. 'It's one of the great privileges of being involved in this business of professional hockey,' said Chipman. 'That you can associate with organizations like this and try, in some incremental way every year, to make the community a little bit more healthy and stronger. Hopefully we can do this again next year and maybe the cheque is a little bit bigger because we go a little bit deeper.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike 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.
Winnipeg Free Press
10-06-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Jets partner with community groups aiming to see city soar
Vulnerable people passed out and sleeping on sidewalks, in front of businesses and on park benches. Visible signs of addiction and mental illness at seemingly every turn. Desperate panhandlers teetering on concrete dividers hoping motorists will toss them some change. These were the scenes obvious to anyone in downtown Winnipeg on Monday afternoon — ones that Winnipeg Jets co-owner and chairman Mark Chipman experienced first-hand as he made his way into a Main Street building for an event much bigger and more important than any hockey game. 'I just don't know how we can look away from it,' Chipman told the Free Press during a candid, wide-ranging one-on-one chat. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.' Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press True North and United Way Winnipeg funding event is attended by (from left) Sheryl Blacksmith, Executive Director, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), Connie Walker, President & CEO, United Way Winnipeg, Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment and Winnipeg Jets defenceman, Dylan DeMelo with a cheque for money raised during Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party events, Monday. Chipman noted the stark contrast of how the inner-city was bursting with energy and excitement during the seven Jets home playoff dates earlier this spring, with more than 15,000 fans cheering inside Canada Life Centre and thousands more at the outdoor street parties. But what happens once the buzzer sounds, the game ends and the crowds head home? 'I just find it patently unacceptable,' Chipman said of the challenges facing so many citizens. The painstaking, often frustrating work to address what he calls a 'complex, multi-generational set of issues' continues, with days like Monday providing hope that progress is slowly being made. Chipman stood front and centre inside Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), with Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo at his side, presenting a cheque for $234,890 to the United Way which represents 50 per cent of the proceeds from the playoff events held earlier this spring. 'It never ends. Just driving over today … you can't drive a block without being reminded of somebody that is really suffering.'–Mark Chipman The funds will be shared equally among four grassroots organizations working to combat issues of addiction, homelessness and mental illness. 'It's just incredible,' said Connie Walker, the interim president and CEO of United Way who recently returned to the organization she had previously been with between 2008-2023. 'I didn't realize just how big the cheque was.' It's the biggest single playoff contribution since True North and United Way began partnering together in 2019 — and it comes just in the nick of time. 'I've been taken aback by the level of need in our community,' said Walker. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.' Chipman said it was a similar glance outside from his office back in 2014 that led to a personal awakening. A dishevelled, disoriented man was clearly in some distress. He watched as first responders, paramedics and police showed up to deal with him. Chipman had viewed similar scenes countless times over the years. But this one, he says, stuck with him. He had seen enough. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I got really curious about what was happening to this soul. Where is this soul going?' Chipman said. 'That just took me down a path that I'm still very much on and have spent a lot of time trying to understand and offer solutions to.' OPK, which works with marginalized, at-risk Indigenous young adults, are one of the four recipients of this year's funds. 'It's been a tsunami of need,' said OPK Executive Director Sheryl Blacksmith. 'Helping our young people to realize their dreams, to realize their potential, to forgive themselves. Failure is a great teacher. Thank you so much for this amazing gift and how much it's going to change lives.' Blacksmith drew plenty of laughs when, looking directly at DeMelo, she admitted to being 'a little star-struck…Dylan, I'm your No. 1 fan. I was more nervous about being in your presence than anything else. Just know that you are our heroes.' DeMelo, an Ontario product who now lives year-round in Winnipeg with his family, embraced her with a hug. The other recipients this year are N'Dinawemak – Our Relatives' Place (an Indigenous-led resource offering 24-7 space for individuals experiencing homelessness), the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (which provides 24-7 non-emergency support, outreach and intervention) and Kã Ni Kãnichihk – Velma's House (a shelter for adult women). Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Mark Chipman, Executive Chairman, True North Sports + Entertainment speaks at the funding announcement, Monday. 'The gravity of the situation is very serious. Having said that, I think in many ways I've never been more hopeful,' said Chipman, noting ongoing initiatives at both the provincial and municipal level which he and many other partners are involved with. 'Because I'm sensing a real willingness of all those interested parties to work together. We're at an intersection here, and we're going to go one way or the other here. I think we're really close now. Parts of it are finally coming together.' Whether it's on or off the ice, there's no question the Jets have always had a strong connection with the community, re-enforced by losing the NHL back in 1996 only to get a second chance in 2011. Chipman, who along with business partner David Thomson purchased the Atlanta Thrashers 14 years ago, believes this year's hockey club only solidified that bond. True North made a concerted effort to re-connect with old and new fans, due in part to a decrease in its season ticket base and overall attendance. They made significant progress on that front while overseeing a team that won the Presidents' Trophy, beat the St. Louis Blues in an epic seven-game series and then eventually fell to the Dallas Stars in six games. 'We were really a good team from start-to-finish. Getting past the first round, and the way it was done so dramatically, helped,' said Chipman. 'Every day, any time of day, I can look out my window and see people struggling. More people than I have ever seen before. It's not right. I find it heartbreaking.'–Connie Walker 'But when I think about our team, I think about the core of our team. It's that group of men that really represent us I think people connect with. They've watched them grow up. That maturation process revealed itself in some very difficult circumstances.' None greater than first-ever draft pick Mark Scheifele learning his father, Brad, had passed away just hours before a pivotal Game 6 in Dallas. Scheifele ultimately played in the game, scored the opening goal, then took a late penalty that led to the overtime winner by the Stars. Jets players and fans immediately rallied around him, and Chipman chartered a plane to take the group to the funeral several days later. 'The way our group rallied around Scheif left an impression on me. I can't tell you I'm surprised, because I've watched these guys grow into men together. But it still left an impression that I'll never forget,' said Chipman. 'It was just so authentic and genuine and real that I think people connected with it. Schief was everybody's son.' On the hockey side, Chipman said the ultimate goal remains delivering a Stanley Cup to Winnipeg. He believes this group is closer than ever to making that happen. 'It's been a work-in-progress. This group didn't all of a sudden just emerge into what they showed themselves to be. They've been becoming this group for many, many years now,' said Chipman. 'And what excites me is they're going to continue to be this group for the foreseeable future. I think that's what's really resonating with people.' And, as Monday showed, that can be a real win-win for everyone. 'It's one of the great privileges of being involved in this business of professional hockey,' said Chipman. 'That you can associate with organizations like this and try, in some incremental way every year, to make the community a little bit more healthy and stronger. Hopefully we can do this again next year and maybe the cheque is a little bit bigger because we go a little bit deeper.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike 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.
CBC
02-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Prosecutor asks to have law firm removed from double-murder case
A New Brunswick Crown prosecutor has asked that a criminal defence firm be recused from representing a man co-accused of murdering two people whose bodies were found in Chipman, N.B., last fall. Crown prosecutor Robert Johnston told a judge Monday that Nathan Gorham and others in his firm are in a conflict of interest in representing Corey Agnew, who was charged in January with two counts of first-degree murder. Johnston did not say what the exact source of the alleged conflict is when addressing provincial court Judge Natalie LeBlanc, but added that the recusal order should also apply to all other lawyers working for Gorham Vandebeek LLP. "[In] my discussions with Mr. Gorham on Friday ... he was in complete agreement that he is in a conflict of interest, that he will not be continuing," said Johnston. "But the focus of your decisions should be on whether or not other members of his firm may continue." The bodies of Robert Waugh, 47, and Victoria King, 23, were found on Nov. 25 inside a burning vehicle in Chipman, about 60 kilometres northeast of Fredericton. On Jan. 20, RCMP announced Mark Elley had been charged with first-degree murder, and two days later, Agnew was charged. Law firm should be allowed to stay on, says lawyer Lawyers for both sides were supposed to make arguments on the issue Monday, but the matter was adjourned because of Gorham's inability to attend the proceeding. In his place, Alexandra Youssef, an associate at his firm, appeared in court and said issues being dealt with in other cases prevented her firm from adequately preparing for Monday's appearance. However, she offered a brief summary of her argument that the firm should be allowed to continue representing Agnew. "Our position is that if Mr. Waugh's character was required to be impugned in any way, then our office would step off the file," Youssef said. "But if this is a defence, if this is a case where the defence does not require any impugning of Mr. Waugh's character then our position is that it is appropriate for our firm to represent Mr. Agnew." LeBlanc tasked Youssef with having her firm submit written arguments by June 13, giving the Crown a chance to reply in writing by June 16.
The Advertiser
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Defence says it's had no UFO briefings from the US. These newly revealed emails show otherwise
Australia has been receiving high-level briefings from the United States' UFO task force for years, despite the repeated denials of the top military brass, newly revealed emails show. Freedom of information documents from December 2021 show US officials discussing a briefing regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs) - the modern term for UFOs - with its Five Eyes allies. The email chain included officials from the United States UAP Task Force (UAPTF) and an Australian defence representative, using a US Department of Defence email address. "Re tomorrow's UAP briefing, I received confirmation from Australia and Canada they will be here ... and of course UK," a UAPTF official wrote. However, a scheduling conflict led to the meeting being rescheduled for early January, 2022, much to the annoyance of the Office Under the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (OUSD). "I recall you and your team said last week that you wanted to come in today to brief the other partners. Because of this I urged the partners to build time into their schedules and come in for the brief," the OUSD official wrote. "The last thing we want to do is be dismissive of our allies and their time," a UAPTF official replied. The former Chief of Air Force - and now Vice Chief of Defence - Air Marshal Robert Chipman twice told senators during an estimates hearing that Australia had not been briefed on UAPs after the email exchange and rescheduled Five Eyes briefing. In November 2022, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson asked if the US had discussed UAPs with Australian intelligence services or the Air Force. "I'm not aware of any formal discussions that we've held with the US," Air Marshal Chipman said. "I imagine it would have come across my desk if those discussions were held in the last four months." During the Senate estimates hearing the following year, the Air Marshal was more adamant in response to Senator Whish-Wilson's questions, which specifically queried if Australian defence attaches had received UAPTF briefings. "No," Air Marshal Chipman said. "No briefings at all," Senator Whish-Wilson said. "No," Air Marshal Chipman repeated. Briefing notes prepared in May 2022 for Air Marshall Chipman's Senate estimate hearing also state that neither "the US nor any other nation or ally" had requested or offered to collaborate on the issue of UAPs. "Defence has no desire to seek collaboration on this issue," the briefing note states. The Department of Defence refused to answer questions from The Canberra Times. Grant Lavac, an Australian civilian UAP researcher, said the lack of transparency was "quite concerning". "The Chief of Air Force leads all discussions on UAP in Australia, so if there's one person that needs to know what is happening on this topic in an Australian context and our discussions with allies, it's him," Mr Lavac said. "He's either uniformed because there is a complete lack of intelligence sharing, or there's a degree of incompetence, or it's something more sinister like plausible deniability. "Any one of those three scenarios is concerning." It's not the first time the Australian Defence Force has misled Senators about the nation's UAP activities. In 2024, Defence officials admitted Australia sent representatives to a UAP briefing in the Pentagon, after vigorously denying any involvement. The agenda of the meeting, which was attended by members of the Five Eyes alliance, was later released by the US government. It shows the alliance - which includes US, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand - met for a "caucus working group" to "cultivate shared awareness of allies' UAP issues, detection, and mitigation activities and challenges". They discussed the need for "networks to share Five Eyes UAP reporting", including documents marked "top secret" and "special intelligence", along with UAP "collection planning". "The intention is to develop a framework for future UAP collaboration," one document said. Australia's UAP policy has previously been criticised for being out of step with its closest military allies, including the US, which introduced mandatory UAP reporting for defence personnel in 2021. The US considers UAPs a potential flight safety and national security risk, while other allies have acknowledged the unknown aerial phenomenon, including the UK, Canada, France and Spain. The Canberra Times has previously reported Australian Defence personnel don't feel comfortable reporting UAP sightings through official channels and freedom of information documents revealed senior Defence officials mocked the subject while preparing briefing notes. Australia has been receiving high-level briefings from the United States' UFO task force for years, despite the repeated denials of the top military brass, newly revealed emails show. Freedom of information documents from December 2021 show US officials discussing a briefing regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs) - the modern term for UFOs - with its Five Eyes allies. The email chain included officials from the United States UAP Task Force (UAPTF) and an Australian defence representative, using a US Department of Defence email address. "Re tomorrow's UAP briefing, I received confirmation from Australia and Canada they will be here ... and of course UK," a UAPTF official wrote. However, a scheduling conflict led to the meeting being rescheduled for early January, 2022, much to the annoyance of the Office Under the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (OUSD). "I recall you and your team said last week that you wanted to come in today to brief the other partners. Because of this I urged the partners to build time into their schedules and come in for the brief," the OUSD official wrote. "The last thing we want to do is be dismissive of our allies and their time," a UAPTF official replied. The former Chief of Air Force - and now Vice Chief of Defence - Air Marshal Robert Chipman twice told senators during an estimates hearing that Australia had not been briefed on UAPs after the email exchange and rescheduled Five Eyes briefing. In November 2022, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson asked if the US had discussed UAPs with Australian intelligence services or the Air Force. "I'm not aware of any formal discussions that we've held with the US," Air Marshal Chipman said. "I imagine it would have come across my desk if those discussions were held in the last four months." During the Senate estimates hearing the following year, the Air Marshal was more adamant in response to Senator Whish-Wilson's questions, which specifically queried if Australian defence attaches had received UAPTF briefings. "No," Air Marshal Chipman said. "No briefings at all," Senator Whish-Wilson said. "No," Air Marshal Chipman repeated. Briefing notes prepared in May 2022 for Air Marshall Chipman's Senate estimate hearing also state that neither "the US nor any other nation or ally" had requested or offered to collaborate on the issue of UAPs. "Defence has no desire to seek collaboration on this issue," the briefing note states. The Department of Defence refused to answer questions from The Canberra Times. Grant Lavac, an Australian civilian UAP researcher, said the lack of transparency was "quite concerning". "The Chief of Air Force leads all discussions on UAP in Australia, so if there's one person that needs to know what is happening on this topic in an Australian context and our discussions with allies, it's him," Mr Lavac said. "He's either uniformed because there is a complete lack of intelligence sharing, or there's a degree of incompetence, or it's something more sinister like plausible deniability. "Any one of those three scenarios is concerning." It's not the first time the Australian Defence Force has misled Senators about the nation's UAP activities. In 2024, Defence officials admitted Australia sent representatives to a UAP briefing in the Pentagon, after vigorously denying any involvement. The agenda of the meeting, which was attended by members of the Five Eyes alliance, was later released by the US government. It shows the alliance - which includes US, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand - met for a "caucus working group" to "cultivate shared awareness of allies' UAP issues, detection, and mitigation activities and challenges". They discussed the need for "networks to share Five Eyes UAP reporting", including documents marked "top secret" and "special intelligence", along with UAP "collection planning". "The intention is to develop a framework for future UAP collaboration," one document said. Australia's UAP policy has previously been criticised for being out of step with its closest military allies, including the US, which introduced mandatory UAP reporting for defence personnel in 2021. The US considers UAPs a potential flight safety and national security risk, while other allies have acknowledged the unknown aerial phenomenon, including the UK, Canada, France and Spain. The Canberra Times has previously reported Australian Defence personnel don't feel comfortable reporting UAP sightings through official channels and freedom of information documents revealed senior Defence officials mocked the subject while preparing briefing notes. Australia has been receiving high-level briefings from the United States' UFO task force for years, despite the repeated denials of the top military brass, newly revealed emails show. Freedom of information documents from December 2021 show US officials discussing a briefing regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs) - the modern term for UFOs - with its Five Eyes allies. The email chain included officials from the United States UAP Task Force (UAPTF) and an Australian defence representative, using a US Department of Defence email address. "Re tomorrow's UAP briefing, I received confirmation from Australia and Canada they will be here ... and of course UK," a UAPTF official wrote. However, a scheduling conflict led to the meeting being rescheduled for early January, 2022, much to the annoyance of the Office Under the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (OUSD). "I recall you and your team said last week that you wanted to come in today to brief the other partners. Because of this I urged the partners to build time into their schedules and come in for the brief," the OUSD official wrote. "The last thing we want to do is be dismissive of our allies and their time," a UAPTF official replied. The former Chief of Air Force - and now Vice Chief of Defence - Air Marshal Robert Chipman twice told senators during an estimates hearing that Australia had not been briefed on UAPs after the email exchange and rescheduled Five Eyes briefing. In November 2022, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson asked if the US had discussed UAPs with Australian intelligence services or the Air Force. "I'm not aware of any formal discussions that we've held with the US," Air Marshal Chipman said. "I imagine it would have come across my desk if those discussions were held in the last four months." During the Senate estimates hearing the following year, the Air Marshal was more adamant in response to Senator Whish-Wilson's questions, which specifically queried if Australian defence attaches had received UAPTF briefings. "No," Air Marshal Chipman said. "No briefings at all," Senator Whish-Wilson said. "No," Air Marshal Chipman repeated. Briefing notes prepared in May 2022 for Air Marshall Chipman's Senate estimate hearing also state that neither "the US nor any other nation or ally" had requested or offered to collaborate on the issue of UAPs. "Defence has no desire to seek collaboration on this issue," the briefing note states. The Department of Defence refused to answer questions from The Canberra Times. Grant Lavac, an Australian civilian UAP researcher, said the lack of transparency was "quite concerning". "The Chief of Air Force leads all discussions on UAP in Australia, so if there's one person that needs to know what is happening on this topic in an Australian context and our discussions with allies, it's him," Mr Lavac said. "He's either uniformed because there is a complete lack of intelligence sharing, or there's a degree of incompetence, or it's something more sinister like plausible deniability. "Any one of those three scenarios is concerning." It's not the first time the Australian Defence Force has misled Senators about the nation's UAP activities. In 2024, Defence officials admitted Australia sent representatives to a UAP briefing in the Pentagon, after vigorously denying any involvement. The agenda of the meeting, which was attended by members of the Five Eyes alliance, was later released by the US government. It shows the alliance - which includes US, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand - met for a "caucus working group" to "cultivate shared awareness of allies' UAP issues, detection, and mitigation activities and challenges". They discussed the need for "networks to share Five Eyes UAP reporting", including documents marked "top secret" and "special intelligence", along with UAP "collection planning". "The intention is to develop a framework for future UAP collaboration," one document said. Australia's UAP policy has previously been criticised for being out of step with its closest military allies, including the US, which introduced mandatory UAP reporting for defence personnel in 2021. The US considers UAPs a potential flight safety and national security risk, while other allies have acknowledged the unknown aerial phenomenon, including the UK, Canada, France and Spain. The Canberra Times has previously reported Australian Defence personnel don't feel comfortable reporting UAP sightings through official channels and freedom of information documents revealed senior Defence officials mocked the subject while preparing briefing notes. Australia has been receiving high-level briefings from the United States' UFO task force for years, despite the repeated denials of the top military brass, newly revealed emails show. Freedom of information documents from December 2021 show US officials discussing a briefing regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs) - the modern term for UFOs - with its Five Eyes allies. The email chain included officials from the United States UAP Task Force (UAPTF) and an Australian defence representative, using a US Department of Defence email address. "Re tomorrow's UAP briefing, I received confirmation from Australia and Canada they will be here ... and of course UK," a UAPTF official wrote. However, a scheduling conflict led to the meeting being rescheduled for early January, 2022, much to the annoyance of the Office Under the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (OUSD). "I recall you and your team said last week that you wanted to come in today to brief the other partners. Because of this I urged the partners to build time into their schedules and come in for the brief," the OUSD official wrote. "The last thing we want to do is be dismissive of our allies and their time," a UAPTF official replied. The former Chief of Air Force - and now Vice Chief of Defence - Air Marshal Robert Chipman twice told senators during an estimates hearing that Australia had not been briefed on UAPs after the email exchange and rescheduled Five Eyes briefing. In November 2022, Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson asked if the US had discussed UAPs with Australian intelligence services or the Air Force. "I'm not aware of any formal discussions that we've held with the US," Air Marshal Chipman said. "I imagine it would have come across my desk if those discussions were held in the last four months." During the Senate estimates hearing the following year, the Air Marshal was more adamant in response to Senator Whish-Wilson's questions, which specifically queried if Australian defence attaches had received UAPTF briefings. "No," Air Marshal Chipman said. "No briefings at all," Senator Whish-Wilson said. "No," Air Marshal Chipman repeated. Briefing notes prepared in May 2022 for Air Marshall Chipman's Senate estimate hearing also state that neither "the US nor any other nation or ally" had requested or offered to collaborate on the issue of UAPs. "Defence has no desire to seek collaboration on this issue," the briefing note states. The Department of Defence refused to answer questions from The Canberra Times. Grant Lavac, an Australian civilian UAP researcher, said the lack of transparency was "quite concerning". "The Chief of Air Force leads all discussions on UAP in Australia, so if there's one person that needs to know what is happening on this topic in an Australian context and our discussions with allies, it's him," Mr Lavac said. "He's either uniformed because there is a complete lack of intelligence sharing, or there's a degree of incompetence, or it's something more sinister like plausible deniability. "Any one of those three scenarios is concerning." It's not the first time the Australian Defence Force has misled Senators about the nation's UAP activities. In 2024, Defence officials admitted Australia sent representatives to a UAP briefing in the Pentagon, after vigorously denying any involvement. The agenda of the meeting, which was attended by members of the Five Eyes alliance, was later released by the US government. It shows the alliance - which includes US, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand - met for a "caucus working group" to "cultivate shared awareness of allies' UAP issues, detection, and mitigation activities and challenges". They discussed the need for "networks to share Five Eyes UAP reporting", including documents marked "top secret" and "special intelligence", along with UAP "collection planning". "The intention is to develop a framework for future UAP collaboration," one document said. Australia's UAP policy has previously been criticised for being out of step with its closest military allies, including the US, which introduced mandatory UAP reporting for defence personnel in 2021. The US considers UAPs a potential flight safety and national security risk, while other allies have acknowledged the unknown aerial phenomenon, including the UK, Canada, France and Spain. The Canberra Times has previously reported Australian Defence personnel don't feel comfortable reporting UAP sightings through official channels and freedom of information documents revealed senior Defence officials mocked the subject while preparing briefing notes.
