Immigrants drive up Manitoba's population

September 29, 2009
MANITOBA RECORD-BREAKING POPULATION GROWTH BEST IN AT LEAST 38 YEARS– – –Provincial Nominee Program, Immigration Driving Growth: Allan
Manitoba’s population grew by nearly 16,000 people during the last 12 months, Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Nancy Allan announced today.

Driving this record-breaking growth were people moving to Manitoba from other jurisdictions, the minister said. Manitoba reported a net gain of 10,562 individuals coming to Manitoba from other regions of Canada and around the world, which is a 38-year high net gain.

“We are proud that so many people from other provinces and countries have chosen Manitoba to be their new home,” Allan said. “They have come here because this province offers so much potential for individuals and families to find meaningful jobs, grow their businesses and raise children with real hope for a rewarding future.”

According to Statistics Canada data released today, Manitoba’s population stood at 1,222,000 as of July 1. This is 15,864 more people since July 1, 2008, for an increase of 1.32 per cent, which is well above Canada’s growth rate of 1.24 per cent.

“In fact, the growth of Manitoba’s population since 1999 has been quite remarkable,” the minister said. “In the last 10 years, Manitoba’s population has increased by nearly 80,000. This growth was more than double the increase of the previous 10-year period.”

Much of the growth during the last several years can be attributed to the success of the Provincial Nominee Program, Allan said. This program has resulted in historic growth in Manitoba’s immigration population. Of the more than 13,000 individuals who arrived in Manitoba during the last 12 months, three-quarters were provincial nominees.

Mary Scott, Winnipeg's Community Activist wins Governor General's Award commemorating Person's Day 30th Anniversary.

Government of Canada Honours Governor General’s awards recipients Ottawa – The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women), is pleased to announce today the recipients of the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the Awards recognize outstanding individuals who have helped to advance the goal of equality for women. The awards ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall on October 1, 2009. “Our Government is pleased to recognize the achievements of these distinguished women, who have so enriched our national life with their contributions,” said the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women). “The legacy of the Famous Five endures through the work of these women. By dedicating their lives to bringing about true and lasting change, they have benefited women, their families and their communities across Canada, and strengthened Canadian society, as a whole.”

The following six individuals are the 2009 recipients of the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case: Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, of Wikwemikong, Ontario, a well-known role model and advocate, was instrumental in founding the Ontario Native Women's Association, the Native Women's Association of Canada and Indigenous Women of the Americas. She fought a landmark court challenge to regain her Aboriginal status. Jeannette sits on many boards, including the National Aboriginal Health Organization. Daphne E. Dumont, of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, who was the first woman admitted to study law at any of the Oxford men’s colleges, has led a distinguished career, devoting herself to organizations that promote equality for women. She is a founding member of the Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF). She has volunteered with community groups, providing legal aid, advice on family law and access to justice. Bev LeFrancois, of Oakville, Ontario, is a school teacher and mother of four who has been a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She has advocated for women’s rights in such areas as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms equality clause, the “Rape Shield” law and matrimonial property laws and has helped establish community, women’s and rape crisis centres and shelters for battered women. Karen Messing, of Montréal, Quebec, is an academic, researcher, author and scientist. For over 30 years, she has worked to promote policies and practices that support working women. She chairs the Gender and Work Technical Committee of the International Ergonomics Association. She has increased opportunities for women, helping to ensure women’s workplace needs are considered so they can access all jobs without endangering their health. Mary Scott, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has a long history of advancing equality for women, with a particular focus on Aboriginal women. Mary has applied her skills in internet technology to teaching, relaying communications to networks and creating web pages for many women’s organizations. Mary was also instrumental in the success of an oral history project and the Babs Friesen Councils of Women Archival Project.Youth Award recipient Pauline Fogarty of Thunder Bay, Ontario, became involved in social activism at an early age. She designed a girls’ collective, served with the Regional Multicultural Youth Centre and has worked on a wide array of issues, including mental health, gender, anti-smoking and First Nations advocacy.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Persons Case. In 1929, five Canadian women – Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Nellie McClung, who became known as the Famous Five – fought and won the right for women to be recognized as persons, and thus eligible to sit in the Senate. In 1979, the Government of Canada established the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case decision and to salute contributions to the advancement of women.

Cricket in Manitoba - A symbol of change and diversity.
Not that long ago, many school children in Winnipeg may have never heard about this game called Cricket. It is a that has been played in many parts of the world for centuries but it is not a game that was embraced by Winnipeg. But some die hard Guyanese cricketers migrated to this province and brought their passion for the game and slowly started to introduce it into the mainstream sports. Today Winnipeg boasts several cricket fields and if you should go on a good Sunday at Assiniboine Park, you would see the boys in white hitting ball.
Many people see cricket as a boring sports. There is not a lot of action going on but if you understand the game, maybe it can be compared to golf in some ways (re the appearance of boredom is concerned) once you understand the game it can be so exciting.
The Guyanese Association of Manitoba, Inc. lead by Kamta Roy Singh, President and his team of guys are at the forefront of making Cricket a household sport in this province. There are many Canadian born school children who are now plying the game. I think it is great.
It is a sure sign that Winnipeg is changing for the better. We are becoming more diverse and culturally accepting of each other and willing to embrace a little change.

Cricket is played by two teams of eleven players each, which take turns to bowl a hard-leather ball. AT first view, cricket looks somehow similar to baseball, with players batting a ball and trying to score as many runs as possible. The differences, however, are many. For starters, cricket is played with a flat bat, rather than a rounded one, and players do not run on a square to score a point, but instead run forward in an effort to reach the opposite end of the pitch. If the ball is hit hard enough to go far, a player may keep running back and forth between the opposite ends, scoring one point every time they complete the full distance.

A cricket pitch is always a grassy rectangle measuring 66 x 10 feet (20.12 x 3.05 m). Wooden stakes at each end of the field mark the points to reach in order to score a run. Several additional lines mark the infield and outfield areas, used to determine if a pitch is legal according to the position of the player and the direction of the ball.
(Wikipedia)

If you want to find out more about cricket call any one of these people listed below
Members of the Maples Community Centre Board and it's volunteers, cordially invite you to join us at the official opening of the first cricket park in Winnipeg north district (Maples). The Maples is one of the fastest growing areas in the city, and the Maples C. C. is proud to add cricket to it's many programs- reflecting the diversity of our community.
For more info: Call Derek Dabee: 779-6101
Kamta Roy Singh: 227-4193
Mohamed Alli: 633-2668
Maples C C: 953-1191

Is neutering your pet friend humane or cruel? Here's one opinion


br> How Would You like to Be a Neutered Man or Woman?

This is an interesting article and debate that ensued. We are all trying to avoid cancer and receive many conflicting information about causes and cures. Take a look and judge for yourself.

Is Eating a Plant-Based Diet a Cure for Cancer? AlterNet#c1330503

September 23, 2009
MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENT INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today that $20,000 will again be available for school science projects designed to encourage careers in science and technology.

“We would like to see more students exploring the exciting career options available in the scientific and high-tech world,” Bjornson said. “Special projects that encourage hands-on learning offer great opportunities to Manitoba students, whether they’re interested in the fields of health research, nuclear medicine, biotechnology, sustainable development or astrophysics.”

Students in previous years have studied genetics, soil composting, engineering, sustainable water systems and elements of forensic science. For example, Grade 9 students from four Division scolaire franco-manitobaine (DSFM) schools met face-to-face and online with professors and community resources from Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, as well as a scientist working in the field of genetics. Grade 5 and 6 students from Brandon learned about active, healthy lifestyles by partnering with various health professionals in their community. In the River East Transcona School Division, Grade 5 students worked with engineers to research, design, construct and test bridges.

All grade 5 to 10 teachers in the English, Français or French immersion programs in Manitoba public schools are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is Nov. 20. Projects will be selected by a committee of teachers and staff. All projects must incorporate a visit from a scientist and be completed in the current school year.

“Teachers and scientists working together have already demonstrated new, creative approaches to teaching science and we hope the community partnerships formed through this grant program will motivate and inspire young Manitobans to expand their definition of what a science project can be,” Bjornson said.

More information on these and other grants can be found at:
www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/science/grants/index.html.

Guyanese Cultural Dance
The Kwe Kwe is dance several weeks at the home of the bride to be. Friends and neighbours would gather sing songs and dance. The dances at kwe kwe are highly sexual because it is showing or teaching the girl how to make her new husband happy. There are lots of whine-downs and swaying of hips - sometimes there are competitions between men and women to see who can go down lowest and still whining. This is accompanied by food and rum. It's a jolly old time. Check it out.

YouTube - KWE KWE 2009

mmmuffin low fat bran muffins are sugar candies.

I'm trying to watch what I eat and take care of my cholesterol and blood pressure as well as lose some weight. I ordered a low-fat bran muffin from mmmuffins at City Place. Well, the muffin might be low fat but it felt as if I was eating a mouth full of sugar. Boy, that low-fat muffin was like a sugar cake. I couldn't eat it. I thought to myself, why are these food places trying to make us fat and unhealthy. They are doing us no favour by substituting fat for sugar. It's all the same 9 and 4, 4 and 9. They advertise low fat as if you're getting something healthy. If you fall for that then you might just find your blood sugar spiking up to unhealthy levels or waste your money because you would have to throw it out. Come on mmmuffins - play fair and be real.
I won't try another of dem low fat baking.

Cell Phone Addicts - Beware! - Change is coming

If you are one of those folks who can't pull over or wait until you get to where you are going to use your phone while driving - take note, new laws are coming into force that would allow police officers to charge you with a traffic violation if caught using the cell phone or texting messages while driving. A long overdue amendment I say.


PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN FOR UPCOMING NEW LAW BANNING HAND-HELD CELL PHONE USE, TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING
– – –
Highway Traffic Act Amendments Will Also Prohibit Smoking in Vehicles When Children are Present


Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) banning text messaging and talking on hand-held cell phones while driving will be the focus of an extensive public education campaign starting today, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux has announced.

“We can’t say enough how important it is to pay full attention while driving a vehicle and bringing in this new law will address the issue of a major distraction, so motorists can focus on what matters most – the road,” said Lemieux. “We are committed to increasing safety on the province’s roads.”

The public education multimedia campaign will give motorists access to information they need prior to the amendments becoming law.

The new legislation, which will be proclaimed into law within the first half of 2010, will also place a ban on smoking in cars when children under the age of 16 are present.

“Education and raising awareness are both key factors in altering driver behaviour,” said Marilyn McLaren, CEO and president of Manitoba Public Insurance. “We know that some collisions in Manitoba are the direct result of driver distraction, be it texting or using a hand-held cell phone while driving. This is a road safety initiative which Manitoba Public Insurance fully supports.”

Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Quebec have comparable bans on hand-held cell phones and Ontario has introduced legislation banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Several jurisdictions have introduced prohibitions on smoking in vehicles with children present including British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Yukon.

Manitoba’s legislation allows communication devices when used in a hands-free manner.

Details on the multimedia campaign and more information on the new legislation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/seethesigns.
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September 21, 2009

ECO-CONSCIOUS STUDENTS JOIN MINISTERS TO PLANT TREES IN CELEBRATION OF EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DELEVOPMENT– – –
Event Marks Official Kick-off To National Forest Week


Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson and Conservation Minister Stan Struthers celebrated education for sustainable development (ESD) and Eco-Globe schools at the site of a tree planting to mark National Forest Week at The Forks today.

The ministers were joined by representatives from Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Forestry Association, and students from St. James-Assiniboia School Division to celebrate sustainable development partnerships designed to make a difference to schools, communities and the environment.

“Our government has taken a leadership role in supporting sustainable development activities provincewide to help students and teachers learn how to create a sustainable future through education,” Bjornson said. “The Eco-Globe schools program, introduced in 2008, is gaining momentum and, this year, 27 schools will be recognized for their efforts to raise awareness or take action on important local, national and international issues.”

Eco-Globe schools move through three levels of development including awareness, action and transformation. In the awareness phase, schools promote taking care of the environment, responsible citizenship and healthy living. The action level involves defining staff and student responsibilities for such things as conservation, social, economic and environmental issues. The transformation level includes a school-wide commitment to having students take part in planning ESD projects and incorporating a global component in daily lessons, assemblies, special events and group activities.

“Partnerships with Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Forestry Association have resulted in excellent programs such as Forests in the Classroom and the Envirothon which play a key role in helping students understand the complex nature of the global environment,” Struthers said. “I’d like to commend our partners for their ongoing efforts to create awareness of our valuable forest resources and provide conservation education for Manitobans, as well as supporting other sustainable education activities.”

Each public school in Manitoba receives a base grant of $700 to support school and community partnerships that benefit the environment. Through a partnership with Manitoba Hydro, 15 schools each year are also eligible for grants of $2,000 to develop and implement sustainable action projects in their schools. Applications and detailed information are available on the provincial website at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/esd.

The ministers said, during National Forestry Week, it is particularly important to note that forests are one of the most valuable resources, providing protection for soils and crops and a home for wildlife. Forests also support tourism, recreation and sport, ensure the availability of clean water and air, and provide thousands of jobs. Urban forests help to keep cities beautiful and improve quality of life, they said.

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Nia and Friends Night of Poetry

Nia and Friends Poetry Society celebrated its first anniversary with a Poetry evening at the Caribbean Cultural Centre, 1100, Fife street. The readers were: Joanne Macdonald, Effie Aqui, Beatrice Watson and Nia DeChausay. There was a good number of people in attendance. Diane Dwarka was the emcee and she did a great job introducing members. The poetry were quite interesting and gave glimpses into the innner workings of the minds of the women. The poetry ranged from the personal to the political - a refreshing change from the other events that the community plans.

Each reader read eight poems. The poems were interesting and thoughtful as well as entertaining. After each read 4 poems each there was an intermission. Refreshment was served - punch, fruit and samoosas. I can't wait for the next reading. One woman in the audience was making a lot of ooh and aaah sounds when Nia was reading her hot love poems.

The evening ended with the cutting of the birthday cake - yummy delicious.

Since the Caribbean Cultural Centre has been sold and no word as to where they would be taking up residence, the next poetry reading is slated for Wayne Arthur's gallery on Provencher in St. Boniface. Stay tuned and you will be informed as the time draws near.

Keep checking the blog for more info on upcoming events of interest and fun.

Squirrels are creating havoc in Winnipeg

I've heard many people complaining about squirrels destroying their stuff lately. ON Sunday while driving in my car and listening to CBC I heard a reporter asking for tips on how to keep squirrels away from her yard. The squirrels apparently have been chewing away at her gazebo and she had to repair it several times. I heard that the grey squirrels are a lot smarter than the red squirrels when it comes to avoiding traps and poisons but that the red squirrels which are more benign, help to keep the grey squirrels at bay.

I heard another funny story about squirrels from a friend the other day. A Winnipeg woman said that squirrels went under her car four times over a short period and ate away at the wires under her car which caused the car to not start. She had to report the matter to autopac and pay the deductible for four such incidents. The last time they strapped some sort of protection over the wires and placed some poison around the area, huh, I don't think the squirrels will go for the poison. Winnipeg squirrels are smart. Imagine that. I have never heard of such a thing - have you? What does her wires have that others do not? Is it laced with squirrel candy or something?

California Foods Closing Down
I heard it through the grapevine that California Foods is closing down and that Neechi Foods is going to take its place by Main and Selkirk Streets in the Winnipeg Inner ncity. The informant told me that the owners of California Foods said they could not compete with Winnipeg Harvest and the Free Food Industry in Winnipeg.

It begs the question is Winnipeg Harvest taking away jobs from people. Are we becoming a welfare basket? I know there is need for some help but do Winnipeg Harvest do diligent screening of people to ensure that the food goes to only those people who really need the help and not to prop up people's out of control lifestyle. How do we teach people to live within their means and to find a way to provide for themselves to ensure their personal responsibility for themselves and families are maintained. Many people see Winnipeg Harvest as an alternative to buying food? Is that right? Is it helpful to the economy and to society in general.

Once people start getting food for free why would they want to spend money to get it?
California Foods was one of those cheap outlets for inner city people many of whom are customers of the Food Bank. The impact of that distribution of free food has caused this vibrant grocery store to close its door. Will the same thing happen to Neechi Foods? We'll have to wait and see.

September 16, 2009

REVIEW OF GIFT CARD LEGISLATION COMPLETE: WOWCHUK


Following input from Manitobans, consumer organizations and business, there will be no change to provincial legislation prohibiting expiry dates and fees on most gift cards, Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.

“The mandatory review of Manitoba’s gift card regulation has been completed and it has been determined that no changes are needed to the legislation at this time,” said Wowchuk. “There will be another review in three years.”

Since Manitoba brought in the regulation, several other provincial jurisdictions have introduced their own gift card requirements. The commitment to a further review will allow government to monitor and compare Manitoba’s legislation to other jurisdictions.

Another review in three years will provide an opportunity to identify and explore opportunities to harmonize requirements between jurisdictions while still maintaining high levels of consumer protection, said Wowchuk.

In November 2007, the Manitoba government made changes to the Consumer Protection Act to better protect consumers when purchasing gift cards and certificates. The regulation on gift cards and certificates contains a requirement the changes be reviewed within 18 months of their effective date.

The regulation prohibits:
· a supplier from charging a fee for a gift card except in limited circumstances, such as to customize it or to replace a lost or stolen card, or if the card can be used to purchase goods or services at multiple unaffiliated sellers and has been inactive for 12 months; and
· expiry dates, except if the card is for a specific good or service or the card was issued at no cost.

The regulation also requires the supplier to ensure that information on the use of the card is clearly communicated to the card holder.

Comment
Good move. This legislation is long overdue. I could never why there is an expiry date on money. A gift card was purchased with cash then there should be no expiry date. If the product price has increased then so be in let the person pay extra. If the business went out of business then that's where the problem comes in.

Why Women Don't Experience Orgasms as Much as Men - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Ellen DeGeneres a Judge or a Desperate Act ? - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Patrick Swayze - the Rugged Texan Actor - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Patrick Swayze - the Rugged Texan Actor - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Kanye West and Taylor Swift - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Kanye West and Taylor Swift - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Vice Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission commends the Government on New Act

Yvonne Peters, Vice chairperson of the Manitoba Rights Commission says Bill 238 The Service Animals Protection Act offers a great opportunity to educate the public about the work of a guide dog.

In her submission to public committee hearings last night, Ms Peters, who is visually impaired and has a guide dog, explained her personal experiences regarding the safety concerns associated with interfering with the work of service dogs.

“On one occasion I was crossing a very busy street here in Winnipeg and a stranger, who thought my dog looked hungry, began feeding her some chips,” she said adding that many people do not realize the risk of such actions. “Dogs are not machines, and like many of us, the prospect of tasty food or other fun activities may be a distraction and put both the handler and the guide at risk.”

She compared such actions as being just as dangerous as grabbing a steering wheel or interfering with a driver when a car is in motion.

Ms Peters understands that in many cases, interference with a service dog is unintentional but emphasized that the result can be emotional and physical harm to both dog and person, and often the dog guide is no longer capable of working.

Ms Peters also addressed the cost of breeding and training a dog guide, which can range from $20,000 to $60,000. Also, if a dog needs to be replaced, the process of matching a dog with a handler can take many months, she said.

Ms Peters also thanked Sharon Blady, the MLA for Kirkfield Park, for bringing this legislation forward though a private members bill.

Typical Guyanese Picnic - A cultural Primer
Guyanese has its own special customs and ways of celebrating its culture in a new land. You will find that most Guyanese celebrate in much the same way as other overseas Guyanese. They love to picnic. These picnics are not just sitting around and playing games, they dance, they cook, they eat, drink and have a jolly time. Children get home made ice cream. Check out this youtube of a cross-border Guyanese picnic - Seattle and Vancouver BC - good stuff

#play/uploads/0/sBSm-tlK3aI

Cafe Talk Winnipeg

Cafe Talk Winnipeg

Parental Love
In the old days parents did not believe in saying "I love you" to their children. Not because they did not love their children, they did but they did not want to spoil their children with too much affection. They believedd it would go to their heads and create false pride. Today's parents cannot say "I love you" enough to their children and give the impression that they love their children to death. But what kind of love are we talking about. The article below will be instructive.
Hope you enjoy it


Mind - When a Parent’s Love Comes With Conditions - NYTimes.com

Interesting!!!
Only in Jamaica you say - Well in North America people carry their useless dogs. The goat can be eaten but the dog just eats

.

Fitness - Exercise Wear for Muslim Women - NYTimes.com

First Latina Justice Steps up to the Supreme Court with her gavel

What a glorious day for Justice Sonia Somatomayor, who will bring a certain excitement to dry law in the Supreme Court of America. She will be the judge of the people, who understands the story behind the story and yet be able to fit them within the legal constructs.

Ricky Martin, the international Puerto Rican singer and President Obama were among the official swearing in ceremony of Justice Somatomayor. There were ample photo ops and she was gracious in asking photographers to tell her when they've had enough before taking some private photos with family and close friends.

The real work begins on today, when Justice Sotomayor will hear her first argument, at an unusual summer session of the court. The case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, is important, but that is not the only thing that has aficionados of oral advocacy in the Supreme Court buzzing.
Good luck to Justice Somatomayor, we wish her all the very best for a successful and fruitful stay on the bench.


Reporter’s Notebook - The Newest Justice Takes Her Seat - NYTimes.com

Another African youth killed on Winnipeg's Streets

Not only is it alarming that so many murders or attempted murders have been committed in this medium sized city in the heart of Winnipeg, but also alarming is the number of African youths that are being killed or injured as a result of gang activities, drug dealing or simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The irony is that many of these youths escaped death to come to live in Canada but death still hovers over them and snatches them up when they least expect as if they just could not avoid their fate.

What is going on with African youths? Is this a problem with inadequate settlement services, ignorance of service providers in dealing with the complex issues of children of war affected backgrounds?

On Sunday Michael Mariak Jok became a statistic of murdered African youths. He was only 17 and according to reports was dreaming of a brighter future as he made plans to start his Grade 12 High school. Jok was on the street around 5:30 a.m. Isn't that a bit late for a 17 year old to be out of the streets.

He was not a member of a gang the story goes but he was caught up in some altercation at that time of the morning. Parents have to hold their children tighter, there has to be rules to guide their children and keep them out of harms way.

It is so unfortunate that this young man's life was cut short so brutally. I hope the lesson taught by this tragedy is not lost. We have to discipline our youths and sometimes that means tough love.

Used Book Sale

September 22 – 26, 2009

408 Booth Drive Hospital Auditorium

Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd, Thursday 24th
9am - 8pm
Friday 25th, Saturday 26th
9am - 4pm
Proceeds support Patient Care


NIA AND FRIENDS POETRY EVENING


Join us for

“TREASURED MOMENTS”

On

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th, 2009

At
THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTRE

1100 Fife Street
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Admission: $5.00 per person REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED

CELEBRATING OUR 1st ANNIVERSARY

(Free Parking available; Bus # 15 Mountain/Fife)
Sponsored by Nia’s Literacy and Educational Services

September 4, 2009

NEW JUDGE APPOINTED TO PROVINCIAL COURT


Attorney General Dave Chomiak today announced the appointment of Robert Heinrichs to the provincial court of Manitoba.

“The dedication of Robert Heinrichs to the profession of law and his deep commitment to community have been made evident in the 24 years he has been practising law in this province,” said Chomiak. “He will serve the people of Manitoba well in this new position.”

Until his appointment, Heinrichs was a senior attorney with the legal aid office in Brandon. Much of his practice has been in the areas of criminal law and child protection. He is a graduate of the University of Manitoba and received his law degree in 1982.

In addition to being a foster parent for the past 12 years, Heinrichs has been the registrar for the Brandon Diocese Anglican Church and served as the president of the Brandon Community Options board, which provides residential and day programming for mentally disabled adults.

Heinrichs will sit in Winnipeg. His appointment will assist the provincial court to offset demands on the judiciary stemming from some unusually lengthy and complex matters scheduled for the coming year.

The new judge was selected from a list of candidates recommended by an independent judicial nominating committee. The committee was chaired by then chief judge of the provincial court of Raymond E. Wyant and included three community representatives, representatives of the Law Society of Manitoba and the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and a provincial court judge.

The appointment is effective immediately. A swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled as soon as possible.

Zucchini Bread Pudding

Quick Info:
Servings
Contains Nuts
Contains Wheat/Gluten
Contains Dairy
Contains Egg
Vegetarian
Diabetes-Friendly

Ingredients• 2 medium zucchini
• 1/2 cup(s) corn, whole kernel
• 2 tablespoon oil, olive
• 1/2 cup(s) pepper(s), red sweet, roasted
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon basil, fresh
• 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh
• 1 tablespoon sage, fresh
• 5 cup(s) bread, sourdough
• 1 cup(s) cheese, Italian blend
• 1/4 cup(s) nuts, pecans
• 2 cup(s) milk, fat-free
• 1 1/4 cup(s) refrigerated or frozen egg product, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart rectangular or oval baking dish; set aside. In a large skillet, cook zucchini and corn in hot oil for 3 minutes. Stir in sweet peppers and garlic. Cook and stir about 2 minutes more or until zucchini is tender. Stir in basil, parsley, and sage. Stir in bread cubes.

2. Place half of the mixture in prepared dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with nuts. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, egg product, salt, and black pepper. Carefully pour over bread cube mixture.

3. Bake, uncovered, about 35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

A gentle sense of humor leavens 'Amreeka' - USATODAY.com

No-nonsense dating can lead you to your soul mate | Ebony | Find Articles at BNET

September 4, 2009

RENT GUIDELINE SET FOR 2010


The 2010 rent increase guideline has been set at one per cent, Finance Minister Greg Selinger announced today.

The guideline is determined annually and takes into account cost increases including utilities, property taxes and other expenses in the operation of a residential complex.

The guideline applies to most residential rental property including apartments, single rooms, houses and duplexes.

The guideline does not apply to:
· rental units renting for $1,105 or more per month as of Dec. 31, 2009;
· personal-care homes;
· non-profit housing with subsidized rent;
· approved rehabilitated rental units, and;
· new buildings that are:
- less than 15 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after April 9, 2001, or;
- less than 20 years old, where an occupancy permit was first issued or a unit first occupied after March 7, 2005.

Landlords can apply for an increase above the guideline if they can show the guideline will not cover cost increases they have incurred.

Tenants must receive written notice of a rent increase at least three months before the increase takes effect. For example, for a rent increase to take effect January 1, 2010, tenants must receive notice by September 30, 2009. With few exceptions, rent can only be increased once a year.

Tenants can object to any rent increase, whether it is at, below or above the guideline by writing to the Residential Tenancies Branch at least 60 days before the date of the rent increase.

Landlords and tenants can contact the branch to find out more about rent increases and other rights and responsibilities. Information is available on the website at www.manitoba.ca/rtb, by calling 945-2476 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-800-782-8403.
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Oregon wants to limit it's "Dog-Friendly" policy.

Oregon State is about to put a halt on irresponsible dog owners who think their dogs are human being or some kind of accessoring to carry them around everywhere they go including grocery stores. This is ridiculous. I will never shop in a place that allows dogs to run around freely or even on lease smelling up food that I have to eat.
I have nothing against dogs, they do not know better but their owners are supposed to use common sense.

Dogs do not belong in a shopping centre, supermarket, hospital no where except the owners home and public spaces outdoor.





Oregon Wants ‘Dog Friendly’ to Be Less So - NYTimes.com

Blogger: Central Information Intelligence Activism - Edit Post "AlterNet: 7 Common Cosmetics Ingredients You Shoul..."

Blogger: Central Information Intelligence Activism - Edit Post "AlterNet: 7 Common Cosmetics Ingredients You Shoul..."

Upcoming Events of Note
1. Speak Up Winnipeg – Poverty Roundtable

Thursday, September 3rd, 8:30am - 2:30pm
Red River College - Princess Street Campus Room P107

The Poverty Roundtable was developed in partnership with the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, Make Poverty History Manitoba, and United Way of Winnipeg. The agenda for the day will include presentations by a number of organizations and coalitions dedicated to poverty reduction in Winnipeg followed by group discussions to develop recommendations for the City of Winnipeg related to its role in addressing poverty.
RSVP to Becky Raddatz at braddatz@winnipeg.ca or 986-3107

Lunch will be provided.

2. Speak Up Winnipeg – Food Security Roundtable

Monday, September 21st, 1pm – 4pm

St Mathews Church at Maryland and McGee (North McGee entrance)

Bring your ideas and suggestions for how the City of Winnipeg can support grassroots food initiatives, and the policies needed to help ensure a just and sustainable food system.

Learn about what other Canadian cities are doing from Wayne Roberts of Toronto Food Policy Council and author of No-Nonsense Guide to World Food.

Co-sponsored by City of Winnipeg’s Speak Up Winnipeg, Manitoba Food Charter and Food Secure Canada.

RSVP to Paul Chorney at paul@mbfoodcharter.ca or 943-0822

The Passing of an American Giant

Want to Improve your chances of sidestepping the HNI Flu?
Try some of this


15 Best Foods to Improve Your Immunity | | AlterNet

Immigrants come under scrutiny again

If it's happening in the US it might happen in Canada too. Immigrants are seen as burden on the society in which they seek temporary work. In Massachussets, immigrants will no longer be covered under the universal health care. Do you know what that means? Do you know the impact it will have on immigrants? This is huge!


Massachusetts Trims Immigrants’ Health Care - NYTimes.com