A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Manitoba's New Democrats that was launched after a failed political candidate and vaccine critic claimed he was defamed by one of the party's hopefuls in 2022. Patrick Allard ran as an independent in the 2022 byelection in Manitoba's Fort Whyte riding to fill former premier Brian Pallister's empty seat — a race narrowly won by now Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan. In a written decision released Thursday, Manitoba Court of King's Bench Associate Chief Justice Shane Perlmutter rejected Allard's claim he was defamed when Manitoba's New Democrats described him as someone who spouts "racist rhetoric" in a March 2022 news release provided to the Winnipeg Free Press.

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Episode 5 ~ Ain’t That A Kick In The Head

Allen had found that working out with just Patrick was a lot easier and it felt like a lot more got done. Usually, Anton would be talking their ears off about this woman or that one, about Talla, about the job, it didn’t matter, Anton would be saying something. Without him, well, it just was a lot easier. Patrick was so chill and humble that Anton's personality completely smothered his. Now that Anton was taking a 'vacation' Allen was learning that Patrick was a pretty cool guy to hang out with.

Episode 5 ~ Ain’t That A Kick In The Head

"So what's this whole vacation thing with Anton about?" Patrick asked. Allen was aware that he was closer to the man, they had been partners for some time after all. "He didn't say much about it, seems like an odd time to be on vacay too, with all that's going on around here...a good chance to get one of these big cases. Especially the serial killer one.”

"Dunno," Allen shrugged his shoulders. They felt a little sore he realized so he tried to roll the pain away. "Guess the man just needed a break." Allen wasn't going to mention that he knocked him out and he was probably taking a vacation to hide the shiner he left him. A man like Anton couldn't take hits to his pride.

"It's just odd is all. He works hard at his job, not the best time to take a break when the kitchen starts heating up."

Episode 1 ~ Talla

"So, that chick you working with?" Anton asked. He was the burly blond guy who was obsessed with his body. He looked more like an athlete than a police officer. "How long before you...you know, show her the ropes."

Patrick laughed. He was the opposite of Anton. Slim, like a stick, but Allen knew his size was deceiving. He was trained in various forms of martial arts. It's not wise to underestimate him. "Hey, Allen's not like that you know."

"I'd be showing her the ropes," Anton joked. Allen ignored. He didn't like Anton, not really, but he had so much clout around the office that he felt obliged to tolerate him. The man latched on to him, eager to be his mentor for one reason or another. Right now, he really didn't like him. He was such a...bro. "Women like that shouldn't be doing this kind of work."

"Why's that?" Patrick asked. Allen continued to lift, trying to tune them both out.

"It's an ugly job is all and she's a good looking woman. If she were mine, I'd put a shut down to this whole police thing. Not like she's going to get anywhere anyways, behind a desk is where she should stay, at the most. We already have too many of em, you know? Not that there aren't exceptions but...men are just stronger and faster, just science and facts," he said with a shrug as if he expected no argument. He was right too, Patrick was more of a family man and didn’t take Anton seriously. 

"I guess," Patrick said, laughing through it, thinking it was just Anton’s way of joking.

Allen ignored it, at least vocally, but he seemed to be lifting with a bit more purpose...

Episode 1 ~ Talla

The weights clinked and clanked, filling the empty gym with the smacking of metal and the grunts of men as they worked diligently and desperately, eager to get their work out in before the huddled masses filled in the gym. That was why they were here so early, to avoid the crowd. Plus, they were officers of the law, the owner always opened the doors at least an hour before, for them. Sure, they could have worked out at the station's gym but the equipment wasn't good enough for Anton and so he set this deal up for himself but he found working out alone wasn’t as fun as working out with friends, so he dragged them into his morning workouts sometimes.