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Published Dec 03, 2025  • Last updated 58 minutes ago  • 3 minute read
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Readers share their views on recent columns by writing to the editor. Photo by Klein Media /Winnipeg SunArticle contentUsing sheriffs in hospitals is the common-sense approach Winnipeg needs
Re: KLEIN: Grey-listed hospitals demand real action — Sheriffs could be the answer
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Finally, a smart proposal to the Hospital Safety Problem. Exceptional idea!
I’m a former police officer and remain involved in law enforcement. Mr. Klein’s idea to use already-trained provincial sheriff’s officers for hospital security is the kind of common-sense Winnipeggers want. I’m told that Mr. Klein suggested this be looked at a while ago. Why isn’t anyone listening?
The Sheriffs are already trained to make arrests and conduct real legal enforcement (not simply asking if you have fare ready for transit boarding). They meet and exceed the requirements. Need armed officers? An efficient transition can be implemented if required.
Also valuable in this idea is that we won’t deplete our much-needed police officers within Manitoba or on the streets of Winnipeg to be assigned these security tasks. As these Sheriff Peace Officers are provincial, they can be placed in Thompson, Manitoba, HSC, or any location within the province.
The Winnipeg Sun’s Daily Headline News
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Instead, in Winnipeg, we implemented the Public Safety Officer program. The top City Safety Officer earned $227,613 in 2024, as reported in the Public Disclosure document. That program does not allow any enforcement or arrest capability from their security team. That program should have addressed hospital security needs before implementation. That was a costly mistake.
Taxpayers want a solid plan, efficient use of taxpayer funds, and results. The Sheriffs Officers in hospitals is a no-brainer to at least be considered. We need this outside-the-box thinking in our city, which is in a serious financial crisis.
William G.
JohnQ must open its books and be accountable to the public
RE: KLEIN: Retirement or escape? John Q faces scrutiny
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Thank you for setting the tone in your article on JohnQ for how an organization should be held accountable. Without open disclosure and transparency, their apparent positive intentions may be clouded and, at times, interrupted by political interference and favouritism.
Members of the Board of JohnQ and any councillors who wanted information were requested to sign a letter of nondisclosure and privacy if they were to be briefed or informed about any happenings within JohnQ, this quasi-publicly funded organization. I, along with fellow Springfield councillor Andy Kuczynski, were adamant that JohnQ should be transparent and, as your article pointed out, even more accountable and engaged with the public rather than be secretive.
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We opposed signing any non-disclosure agreement with JohnQ and were ridiculed by Springfield’s mayor, who said we were renegades and must sign it if we wanted information. As such, over the past three years, we had concerns, but we could not ask the tough questions because no information of substance was shared.
Secrecy was the veil JohnQ used to operate, with the promise of daycares as the backdrop, leading to the negative scenario they are shadowed with today. Even today, ask any current sitting Board member about financial details and likely few will claim to know or disclose how the money flowed. If this is so, is the Board of Directors a flowchart on paper, or an operational cover, perhaps unbeknownst to them, for something much more questionable?
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It’s time JohnQ opens their books — let’s follow the money and every transaction to get to the root of the problem. If there are no issues, transparency should be embraced and a willingness to disclose demonstrated.
When our community — any community — is represented externally, and particularly when public funds and regional partnerships are involved, I believe all councillors (elected officials) should be kept fully informed without the handcuff of secrecy. We owe it to ratepayers, as this fosters trust and authenticity toward the greater good.
JohnQ is not CSIS; there are no state secrets at risk. Operating as a quasi-public entity, the public deserves open disclosure, as they are funded by you and me.
Mark Miller
Councillor, RM of Springfield
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