Saturday, November 28, 2009
gig-ga
(Jing Lou)Lou Jing Shines for China but the Chineses with low intelligence created a hugh rukus. Never mind those bullies Lou they are just jealous! You belong to China as any Chinese American belongs to America or Canada of wherever.
SHANGHAI -- As a mixed-race girl growing up in this most cosmopolitan of mainland Chinese cities, 20-year-old Lou Jing said she never experienced much discrimination -- curiosity and questions, but never hostility.
So nothing prepared Lou, whose father is a black American, for the furor that erupted in late August 2009 when she beat out thousands of other young women on "Go! Oriental Angel," a televised talent show. Angry Internet posters called her a "black chimpanzee" and worse. One called for all blacks in China to be deported.
As the country gets ready to welcome the first African American U.S. president, whose first official visit here starts Sunday, the Chinese are confronting their attitudes toward race, including some deeply held prejudices about black people. Many appeared stunned that Americans had elected a black man, and President Obama's visit has underscored Chinese ambivalence about the growing numbers of blacks living here.
"It's sad," Lou said, her eyes welling up as she recalled her experience. "If I had a face that was half-Chinese and half-white, I wouldn't have gotten that criticism. . . . Before the contest, I didn't realize these kinds of attitudes existed."
As China has expanded its economic ties with Africa -- trade between them reached $107 billion last year -- the number of Africans living here has exploded. Tens of thousands have flocked to the south, where they are putting down roots, establishing communities, marrying Chinese women and having children. Not one child according to Chinese law.
“As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the ending” The new Shang Dynasty. The EXODUS was FROM Africa--NOT TO AFRICA
The first major Dynasty of China was the Black Shang Dynasty. There are over 100 thousand of these original black chinese remaining. UNESCO is begging china to protect there heritage. Chairman Mao slaughtered millions between 1940 - 1960.
The skeletal remains from Southern China are predominately Negroid. The people of that era practiced single burials which is an African ritual. In northern China Blacks founded many civilizations. The three major empires of China were the Xia Dynasty (c.2205-1766 BC), Shang Yin Dynasty (c.1700-1050 BC) and the Zhou Dynasty. The Zhou dynasty was the first dynasty founded by the Mongoloid people in China called Hua (Who-aa). The founders of Xia and Shang came from the Fertile African Crescent by way of Iran . Chinese civilization began along the Yellow River . By 3500 BC. Blacks in China were raising silkworms and making silk. The culture hero Huang Di is a direct link of Africa . His name was pronounced in old Chinese Yuhai Huandi or "Hu Nak Kunte." He arrived in China from the west in 2282 BC and settled along the banks of the Loh River in Shanxi . This transliteration of Huandgi, to Hu Nak Kunte is interesting because Kunte is a common clan name among the Manding speakers. The Africans or Blacks that founded civilization in China were often called Li Min "black headed people" by the Zhou dynasts. This term has affinity to the Sumero-Akkadian term Sag-
Gig-Ga "black headed people.”
China was occupied predominately by Blacks from West Asia to China . Blacks were forced from East and Southeast Asia by the expansion of the Thai, Annamite, Bak and Hua Mongoloids. Blacks ruled China until around 1000-700 BC. Blacks of China were known in historical literature by many names, including Negro, Austroloid, Oceanean, etc. by the Europeans. The East Indians and Mongoloid groups had other names like Dara, Yneh-chih, Yaksha, Suka, K'un-lun, Lushana and Seythians.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
CD Sales for Christmas
Jazz singer, pianist, composer June ‘Pepper’ Harris hooked up with saxophonist bluesman Deano Deane and his Fat Chance Blues Band as a part of the talented Manitoban musicians who performed for the ‘Hurricane Katrina’ fundraiser held at the Lyric Theatre this past fall.
Deano and June share a common heritage. “My father Simon Harris was from Rustin Louisiana and all of Deano’s family lived in Baton Rouge.” The two decided that it was the only way they could pay homage to the survivors and victims of the tragic event. “Blues and gospel are bases from which jazz was originated. So we played one of my latest compositions, “The Day The Rains Come Down.”
“June ‘Pepper’ Harris, All Original” CD features Walle Larsson, alto sax and flute; Chris Birti, Bass and drummer Chris Gillies. The 13-song compilation CD has four original smooth jazz tunes plus, a bonus track on which Harris plays solo piano called “You Better Run, Run,
Run” (an American Civil War code song). The compilation disk is available in Winnipeg at ThePianoShop, 170 Moncton Avenue, Chapter’s and McNally’s Bookstore (Grant Park Location) and online at www.musicalinstrumentsdirect.com . Sam The Record Man’.June Pepper Harris
www.musicalinstrumentsdirect.com
Jazz singer, pianist, composer June ‘Pepper’ Harris hooked up with saxophonist bluesman Deano Deane and his Fat Chance Blues Band as a part of the talented Manitoban musicians who performed for the ‘Hurricane Katrina’ fundraiser held at the Lyric Theatre this past fall.
Deano and June share a common heritage. “My father Simon Harris was from Rustin Louisiana and all of Deano’s family lived in Baton Rouge.” The two decided that it was the only way they could pay homage to the survivors and victims of the tragic event. “Blues and gospel are bases from which jazz was originated. So we played one of my latest compositions, “The Day The Rains Come Down.”
“June ‘Pepper’ Harris, All Original” CD features Walle Larsson, alto sax and flute; Chris Birti, Bass and drummer Chris Gillies. The 13-song compilation CD has four original smooth jazz tunes plus, a bonus track on which Harris plays solo piano called “You Better Run, Run,
Run” (an American Civil War code song). The compilation disk is available in Winnipeg at ThePianoShop, 170 Moncton Avenue, Chapter’s and McNally’s Bookstore (Grant Park Location) and online at www.musicalinstrumentsdirect.com . Sam The Record Man’.June Pepper Harris
www.musicalinstrumentsdirect.com
SUNRISE CEREMONY, MWAC
The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council (Status of Women) invites you to a sunrise memorial to mark twenty years since 14 young women were killed in Montreal on December 6, 1989 and to commemorate Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Monday, December 7, 2009
8:00 a.m.
Manitoba Legislative Building
refreshments to follow
This year, we are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children. Contributions are welcome.
Please RSVP by Friday, December 4 to 945-6281.
The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council (Status of Women) invites you to a sunrise memorial to mark twenty years since 14 young women were killed in Montreal on December 6, 1989 and to commemorate Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Monday, December 7, 2009
8:00 a.m.
Manitoba Legislative Building
refreshments to follow
This year, we are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children. Contributions are welcome.
Please RSVP by Friday, December 4 to 945-6281.
November 24, 2009
PROVINCE SEEKS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TO STRENGTHEN ALL ABOARD POVERTY-REDUCTION STRATEGY
– – –Process Building on Earlier Initiatives That Have Cut Child Poverty Rate in Half Since 2000: Mackintosh, Irvin-Ross
The Manitoba government has launched a series of public consultations on its new strategy to reduce poverty called ALL Aboard, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh and Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
Based on consultations already piloted with Manitobans living in poverty and with community organizations, the province is seeking advice on priorities for action as well as advice on the best key indicators to track annual progress. It is expected that more than 50 organizations and hundreds of individuals will be engaged through a series of meetings and roundtables. The general public is also invited to provide comment by visiting the ALL Aboard website at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/allaboard.
The latest figures from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, which can be found on their website, indicate that considering purchasing power and government income supports, Manitoba has the third-lowest child poverty rate in Canada at 10.1 per cent. Additional background information can be found at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/cs/comm/news/2003/030527.shtml.
The ALL Aboard poverty reduction strategy was launched on May 21, based on an annual investment of more than $744 million including $212 million of new investments. Initiatives fall under four pillars:
· safe, affordable housing and supportive communities;
· education, jobs and income support;
· strong, healthy communities; and
· accessible, co-ordinated services.
To measure progress, a set of key indicators from the four pillars was proposed including the
market-basket measure of income, which considers purchasing power, direct government
anti-poverty income supports, as well as 14 other indicators.
“National figures show that from 2006 to 2007 Manitoba has reduced poverty more than any other province outside Newfoundland. That gives us confidence that provincial measures can make a difference,” said Irvin-Ross. “We also know that co-ordinating services enhances the impact of annual increases to the minimum wage and initiatives such as HomeWorks!, which includes our new homelessness and mental-health housing strategy.”
The ALL Aboard booklet is available in print or online at the above website. Consultations are now being scheduled beginning with the United Way’s Poverty Reduction Council in early December and will be concluded by March 2010.
- 30 -
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
PROVINCE SEEKS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TO STRENGTHEN ALL ABOARD POVERTY-REDUCTION STRATEGY
– – –Process Building on Earlier Initiatives That Have Cut Child Poverty Rate in Half Since 2000: Mackintosh, Irvin-Ross
The Manitoba government has launched a series of public consultations on its new strategy to reduce poverty called ALL Aboard, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh and Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
Based on consultations already piloted with Manitobans living in poverty and with community organizations, the province is seeking advice on priorities for action as well as advice on the best key indicators to track annual progress. It is expected that more than 50 organizations and hundreds of individuals will be engaged through a series of meetings and roundtables. The general public is also invited to provide comment by visiting the ALL Aboard website at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/allaboard.
The latest figures from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, which can be found on their website, indicate that considering purchasing power and government income supports, Manitoba has the third-lowest child poverty rate in Canada at 10.1 per cent. Additional background information can be found at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/cs/comm/news/2003/030527.shtml.
The ALL Aboard poverty reduction strategy was launched on May 21, based on an annual investment of more than $744 million including $212 million of new investments. Initiatives fall under four pillars:
· safe, affordable housing and supportive communities;
· education, jobs and income support;
· strong, healthy communities; and
· accessible, co-ordinated services.
To measure progress, a set of key indicators from the four pillars was proposed including the
market-basket measure of income, which considers purchasing power, direct government
anti-poverty income supports, as well as 14 other indicators.
“National figures show that from 2006 to 2007 Manitoba has reduced poverty more than any other province outside Newfoundland. That gives us confidence that provincial measures can make a difference,” said Irvin-Ross. “We also know that co-ordinating services enhances the impact of annual increases to the minimum wage and initiatives such as HomeWorks!, which includes our new homelessness and mental-health housing strategy.”
The ALL Aboard booklet is available in print or online at the above website. Consultations are now being scheduled beginning with the United Way’s Poverty Reduction Council in early December and will be concluded by March 2010.
- 30 -
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Upcoming Events
St. James Assiniboia neighbourhood Network and Parent Association
Invites you to Lunch and Refreshments
at Westwood Community Church
401 Westwood Drive
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
RSVP swalters@wrha.mb.ca by December 8, 2006
******
POLYTENIQUE - The Film - December 6th
Eckhardt Grammate Hall, University of Manitoba
Twenty years ago, 14 women were murdered in Montreal
because they were women.
Polytechnique is a film dramatization of
that tragic event.
University of Winnipeg
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall
3 pm,Sunday, December 6th
DON't MISS THIS ONE
St. James Assiniboia neighbourhood Network and Parent Association
Invites you to Lunch and Refreshments
at Westwood Community Church
401 Westwood Drive
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
RSVP swalters@wrha.mb.ca by December 8, 2006
******
POLYTENIQUE - The Film - December 6th
Eckhardt Grammate Hall, University of Manitoba
Twenty years ago, 14 women were murdered in Montreal
because they were women.
Polytechnique is a film dramatization of
that tragic event.
University of Winnipeg
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall
3 pm,Sunday, December 6th
DON't MISS THIS ONE
Monday, November 23, 2009
November 23, 2009
GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, MANITOBA AND WINNIPEG MARK NATIONAL HOUSING DAY WITH FUNDING FOR 10 MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR WINNIPEG'S INNER CITY
Winnipeg MB, November 23, 2009 – The Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are making a joint investment to create new affordable homes for Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.
The Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan on behalf of mayor Sam Katz, marked National Housing Day with a celebration of this partnership that will develop 10 new homes for low-to-moderate income Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.
Today’s announcement includes more than $1.4 million in funding through Manitoba Housing’s HOMEWorks! Een Dah Aung Aboriginal Housing Program, which is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba. The City of Winnipeg is also contributing nine lots in the Dufferin, West Alexander, St. John’s and William Whyte neighbourhoods.
“Building new affordable housing makes a great impact because it does more than just provide housing,” said Irvin-Ross. “Initiatives like this breathe new life into the neighbourhood by helping to strengthen communities while providing a foundation for families.”
Kinew Housing Inc. will oversee the construction of the 10 infill homes, and will also manage them as rental units for urban Aboriginal families. Kinew Housing Inc. is a non-profit Urban Aboriginal housing group that already owns and manages about 400 units of housing in Winnipeg.
Representing Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan said, “The City of Winnipeg is proud to be a partner in the development of these 10 new homes. Shelter is a fundamental need for everyone in the community – meeting that need will open up new opportunities and new hope for the families who live in these homes.”
All 10 units have been designed to incorporate a wheelchair accessible, visitable main floor and all homes will have R-2000 certification for energy efficiency which will reduce operating costs. These homes will be targeted at low-to-moderate income Aboriginal families, with rent geared to income and be supported with additional funding through Manitoba Housing. It is estimated they will be completed in spring 2010.
“Access to affordable housing is a struggle for many people, and Kinew is proud to be able to help 10 more families find a home in the inner city,” said Lawrence Poirier, General Manager of Kinew Housing Inc. “A lot of people have put a lot of work into this effort, and we look forward to seeing Aboriginal families move into these homes.”
This investment is being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing, to address homelessness, and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods.
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada are contributing $327 Million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the Province. Manitoba is contributing $227 Million and the federal contribution is close to $100 Million. This funding will result in the development of new affordable housing, and significant investment in the renovation of public and private sector housing for low to moderate income households.
To find out more about HOMEWorks! and Manitoba Housing projects visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, MANITOBA AND WINNIPEG MARK NATIONAL HOUSING DAY WITH FUNDING FOR 10 MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR WINNIPEG'S INNER CITY
Winnipeg MB, November 23, 2009 – The Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are making a joint investment to create new affordable homes for Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.
The Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan on behalf of mayor Sam Katz, marked National Housing Day with a celebration of this partnership that will develop 10 new homes for low-to-moderate income Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.
Today’s announcement includes more than $1.4 million in funding through Manitoba Housing’s HOMEWorks! Een Dah Aung Aboriginal Housing Program, which is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba. The City of Winnipeg is also contributing nine lots in the Dufferin, West Alexander, St. John’s and William Whyte neighbourhoods.
“Building new affordable housing makes a great impact because it does more than just provide housing,” said Irvin-Ross. “Initiatives like this breathe new life into the neighbourhood by helping to strengthen communities while providing a foundation for families.”
Kinew Housing Inc. will oversee the construction of the 10 infill homes, and will also manage them as rental units for urban Aboriginal families. Kinew Housing Inc. is a non-profit Urban Aboriginal housing group that already owns and manages about 400 units of housing in Winnipeg.
Representing Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan said, “The City of Winnipeg is proud to be a partner in the development of these 10 new homes. Shelter is a fundamental need for everyone in the community – meeting that need will open up new opportunities and new hope for the families who live in these homes.”
All 10 units have been designed to incorporate a wheelchair accessible, visitable main floor and all homes will have R-2000 certification for energy efficiency which will reduce operating costs. These homes will be targeted at low-to-moderate income Aboriginal families, with rent geared to income and be supported with additional funding through Manitoba Housing. It is estimated they will be completed in spring 2010.
“Access to affordable housing is a struggle for many people, and Kinew is proud to be able to help 10 more families find a home in the inner city,” said Lawrence Poirier, General Manager of Kinew Housing Inc. “A lot of people have put a lot of work into this effort, and we look forward to seeing Aboriginal families move into these homes.”
This investment is being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing, to address homelessness, and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods.
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada are contributing $327 Million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the Province. Manitoba is contributing $227 Million and the federal contribution is close to $100 Million. This funding will result in the development of new affordable housing, and significant investment in the renovation of public and private sector housing for low to moderate income households.
To find out more about HOMEWorks! and Manitoba Housing projects visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
Government addresses Homelessness in Manitoba
November 23, 2009
MANITOBA BUILDS ON COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS WITH STREET OUTREACH
Manitoba will increase supports and services that will help move hundreds of people struggling with homelessness into transitional or long-term housing, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“We want to make every effort to reach out to the people who are on the street or in emergency shelters,” said Irvin-Ross. “By partnering with community resources, we can have a real impact in the daily lives of Manitobans struggling with homelessness by assisting them to connect with culturally appropriate support services and housing.”
Manitoba has committed $357,000 to fund seven outreach mentors, who will work collaboratively on behalf of homeless individuals, helping them to connect to supports that are available in Winnipeg, Thompson, The Pas and Brandon. The mentors will work closely with the Canadian Mental Health Commission of Canada project on homelessness that is also supported by Manitoba.
“Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) is honoured to partner with the Province of Manitoba and the other agencies in a project that recognizes the street outreach and housing expertise of these organizations,” said Kelly Holmes, executive director RaY. “This new program will provide capacity to help individuals experiencing homelessness access the necessary services and resources needed to make a difference in their lives.”
As a team, the outreach mentors will work with vulnerable individuals in their community and help guide them through day to day activities in a holistic manner.
“The foundation of healthy living is good housing. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Westman is proud to be part of this new strategy that will connect homeless people and those with mental health challenges to stable, secure housing and support services,” said Glen Kruck, regional manager of CMHA Westman. “We believe this strategy can improve lives while at the same time reduce demand on other services such as emergency rooms and crisis services.”
The team of outreach mentors will work out of the Main Street Project, Salvation Army, RaY and Spence Neighbourhood Association in Winnipeg, and CMHA Westman in Brandon, CMHA Thompson, and The Pas Friendship Centre. Each of the agencies brings significant experience and demonstrated community partnerships in dealing with individuals experiencing homelessness, the minister said.
This project was developed under All Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty-reduction strategy.
November 23, 2009
MANITOBA BUILDS ON COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS WITH STREET OUTREACH
Manitoba will increase supports and services that will help move hundreds of people struggling with homelessness into transitional or long-term housing, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“We want to make every effort to reach out to the people who are on the street or in emergency shelters,” said Irvin-Ross. “By partnering with community resources, we can have a real impact in the daily lives of Manitobans struggling with homelessness by assisting them to connect with culturally appropriate support services and housing.”
Manitoba has committed $357,000 to fund seven outreach mentors, who will work collaboratively on behalf of homeless individuals, helping them to connect to supports that are available in Winnipeg, Thompson, The Pas and Brandon. The mentors will work closely with the Canadian Mental Health Commission of Canada project on homelessness that is also supported by Manitoba.
“Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) is honoured to partner with the Province of Manitoba and the other agencies in a project that recognizes the street outreach and housing expertise of these organizations,” said Kelly Holmes, executive director RaY. “This new program will provide capacity to help individuals experiencing homelessness access the necessary services and resources needed to make a difference in their lives.”
As a team, the outreach mentors will work with vulnerable individuals in their community and help guide them through day to day activities in a holistic manner.
“The foundation of healthy living is good housing. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Westman is proud to be part of this new strategy that will connect homeless people and those with mental health challenges to stable, secure housing and support services,” said Glen Kruck, regional manager of CMHA Westman. “We believe this strategy can improve lives while at the same time reduce demand on other services such as emergency rooms and crisis services.”
The team of outreach mentors will work out of the Main Street Project, Salvation Army, RaY and Spence Neighbourhood Association in Winnipeg, and CMHA Westman in Brandon, CMHA Thompson, and The Pas Friendship Centre. Each of the agencies brings significant experience and demonstrated community partnerships in dealing with individuals experiencing homelessness, the minister said.
This project was developed under All Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty-reduction strategy.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide
Check out this year's Sweatshop Hall of Shame
We have worked hard to pull together the good, bad and the ugly of the apparel industry. The Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide sponsored by the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) and SweatFree Communities (SFC) highlights companies that are transparent, pay a decent wage, and promote workers’ right to organize. The Sweatshop Hall of Shame, sponsored by ILRF, is a list of “bad and ugly” companies that are flouting international core labor standards and basic worker rights.
The Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide features clothing produced in shops where workers are organized into democratic unions or worker-owned cooperatives and have an effective, collective voice in deciding their wages and working conditions. The companies highlighted produce clothing in adherence to international core labor standards, pay decent wages, maintain healthy and safe working conditions, and treat workers with respect and dignity.
The 2010 Guide features the following brands: Autonomie Project, DeMoulin Apparel, Donnelly/Colt, Fair Trade Sports, Justice Clothing, Just Shirts, Kenneth Gordon, Leather Coats, Maggie’s Organics, Metro Sportswear, Nicaraguan Garment Workers Fund, No Sweat Apparel, Rage Baby, SterlingWear, Traditions Fair Trade, and The Working World. There is also a wholesale guide for ordering t-shirts or other items for your book club, sports team, place of worship, or school.
Sweatshop Hall of Shame inductees are known for paying workers poverty wages to toil for excessively long hours under hazardous working conditions. This year's official inductees are: Abercrombie, Gymboree, Hanes, Ikea, Kohl’s, LL Bean, Pier 1, Propper International, and Walmart. Most of this year’s Hall of Shame inductees use suppliers that practice illegal tactics to suppress workers’ rights to organize. And, some even use cotton riddled with child and forced labor.
For those of you not into shopping, check out a list of other ways you can make sure the clothing you are wearing doesn't come at the cost of worker exploitation.
Happy holidays,
International Labor Rights Forum
google sweat shop hall of fame for more information
SweatFree Communities: 2010 Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide
Check out this year's Sweatshop Hall of Shame
We have worked hard to pull together the good, bad and the ugly of the apparel industry. The Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide sponsored by the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) and SweatFree Communities (SFC) highlights companies that are transparent, pay a decent wage, and promote workers’ right to organize. The Sweatshop Hall of Shame, sponsored by ILRF, is a list of “bad and ugly” companies that are flouting international core labor standards and basic worker rights.
The Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide features clothing produced in shops where workers are organized into democratic unions or worker-owned cooperatives and have an effective, collective voice in deciding their wages and working conditions. The companies highlighted produce clothing in adherence to international core labor standards, pay decent wages, maintain healthy and safe working conditions, and treat workers with respect and dignity.
The 2010 Guide features the following brands: Autonomie Project, DeMoulin Apparel, Donnelly/Colt, Fair Trade Sports, Justice Clothing, Just Shirts, Kenneth Gordon, Leather Coats, Maggie’s Organics, Metro Sportswear, Nicaraguan Garment Workers Fund, No Sweat Apparel, Rage Baby, SterlingWear, Traditions Fair Trade, and The Working World. There is also a wholesale guide for ordering t-shirts or other items for your book club, sports team, place of worship, or school.
Sweatshop Hall of Shame inductees are known for paying workers poverty wages to toil for excessively long hours under hazardous working conditions. This year's official inductees are: Abercrombie, Gymboree, Hanes, Ikea, Kohl’s, LL Bean, Pier 1, Propper International, and Walmart. Most of this year’s Hall of Shame inductees use suppliers that practice illegal tactics to suppress workers’ rights to organize. And, some even use cotton riddled with child and forced labor.
For those of you not into shopping, check out a list of other ways you can make sure the clothing you are wearing doesn't come at the cost of worker exploitation.
Happy holidays,
International Labor Rights Forum
google sweat shop hall of fame for more information
SweatFree Communities: 2010 Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide
Academic and Professional Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Teachers
Announces a fourth cohort to begin September 2010
Applications available December 1, 2009
Contacts: Dr. Lee Anne Block, program coordinator, 474-9368 or blockla@cc.umanitoba.ca.
Ms. Mandy Mou, program assistant, 474-6411 or moum@cc.umanitoba.ca
What the program provides for internationally educated teachers (IETs): a way to attain Professional Certification in Manitoba and qualify to practise their profession in Manitoba schools.
The Bridging Program is a 10 month academic and professional bridging initiative designed for internationally educated teachers who require additional university coursework for Manitoba teaching certification as determined by the Manitoba Professional Certification Unit.
Orienting teachers to the cultural, social, and political contexts of Manitoba schools, the program includes courses on educational foundations, the Manitoba curriculum, language development for non-native, English-speaking teachers, and 12 weeks of supervised practicum in collaboration with mentor teachers.
How the program accomplishes this:
· Program curriculum is designed so that IETs can make a successful transition into the Manitoba school system
· All courses and seminars take place in the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba
· Core program of 30 credit hours includes the practicum
· Twelve weeks of practicum (2 blocks of 6 weeks) in Winnipeg schools
· Language development seminars integrated with course curriculum
· Participants work as a cohort and support each others’ learning
· Professional Development workshops where IETs have an opportunity to integrate and network with B Ed students, faculty, mentor teachers and school division administrators.
· Possibility of a “cost of living allowance” from Professional Immigrant Pilot Program (Employment Canada), Employment Insurance, and Income Assistance
Who is eligible for the program?
· Internationally educated teachers with a teaching degree from an accredited university in their home country and a minimum 2.0 grade point average
· IETs who have a written evaluation of their credentials from the Manitoba Professional Certification Branch
· IETs who have achieved a 3.0 on their Can-TEST
· IETs who are permanent Manitoba residents
· Must be available to be full time students
Announces a fourth cohort to begin September 2010
Applications available December 1, 2009
Contacts: Dr. Lee Anne Block, program coordinator, 474-9368 or blockla@cc.umanitoba.ca.
Ms. Mandy Mou, program assistant, 474-6411 or moum@cc.umanitoba.ca
What the program provides for internationally educated teachers (IETs): a way to attain Professional Certification in Manitoba and qualify to practise their profession in Manitoba schools.
The Bridging Program is a 10 month academic and professional bridging initiative designed for internationally educated teachers who require additional university coursework for Manitoba teaching certification as determined by the Manitoba Professional Certification Unit.
Orienting teachers to the cultural, social, and political contexts of Manitoba schools, the program includes courses on educational foundations, the Manitoba curriculum, language development for non-native, English-speaking teachers, and 12 weeks of supervised practicum in collaboration with mentor teachers.
How the program accomplishes this:
· Program curriculum is designed so that IETs can make a successful transition into the Manitoba school system
· All courses and seminars take place in the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba
· Core program of 30 credit hours includes the practicum
· Twelve weeks of practicum (2 blocks of 6 weeks) in Winnipeg schools
· Language development seminars integrated with course curriculum
· Participants work as a cohort and support each others’ learning
· Professional Development workshops where IETs have an opportunity to integrate and network with B Ed students, faculty, mentor teachers and school division administrators.
· Possibility of a “cost of living allowance” from Professional Immigrant Pilot Program (Employment Canada), Employment Insurance, and Income Assistance
Who is eligible for the program?
· Internationally educated teachers with a teaching degree from an accredited university in their home country and a minimum 2.0 grade point average
· IETs who have a written evaluation of their credentials from the Manitoba Professional Certification Branch
· IETs who have achieved a 3.0 on their Can-TEST
· IETs who are permanent Manitoba residents
· Must be available to be full time students
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
NEWS ADVISORY
For immediate release
Toronto, November 12, 2009: The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is accepting nominations for its Award of Excellence (AoE) from public, private and non-governmental organizations, agencies and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in combating racism and discrimination. This AoE has six categories: Aboriginal, Education, Community, Corporate, Government/ Public Sector and Youth. Submissions for all categories are to be received no later than December 15, 2009.
The Award of Excellence program was created to recognize best practices in antiracism by institutions and individuals and is presented every two years. Adjudicated by an independent group of well-respected antiracism and human rights activists, the 2009 presentation will be made at the CRRF conference “Is there a New Paradigm for Understanding, Unlearning & Addressing Bias in Society” in Montreal, Quebec, May 17-19, 2010. Past winners include Carrefour BLE (Quebec), Darren Lund (University of Calgary), AMSSA ( Vancouver), Canadian Pacific, and Media Awareness Network.
"The Award of Excellence symbolizes national recognition of commitment and success in combating racism,” said Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, the CRRF’s Executive Director. “Over the years, Canadian institutions—federal and provincial, government, NGO, private sector, and individuals—have communicated the message that racism is not acceptable in our society. The AoE provides the opportunity to share the best practices of those who demonstrated leadership in eliminating racism and racial discrimination.”
Details on submissions and nominations, including application forms, are available at www.crrf-fcrr.ca.
-30-
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) was founded as part of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement to shed light on the causes and manifestations of racism, to play a leading role in the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and to bring about a more harmonious Canada. The CRRF has registered charitable status and has Special NGO Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN.
For more information, please contact:
English: Aren Sarikyan, Project Associate 416-952-8360
French : Dominique Etienne, Media Relations 416-952-8171
INVITATION À SOUMETTRE DES CANDIDATURES
AU PRIX D’EXCELLENCE 2010
DE LA Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR)
AVIS AUX MÉDIAS
Pour diffusion immédiate
Toronto, le 12 novembre 2009 : La Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR) invite les organismes publics, privés et non gouvernementaux, et les particuliers ayant fait preuve d’innovation et d’excellence dans la lutte contre le racisme et la discrimination raciale à lui soumettre leur candidature à son Prix d’excellence. Ce Prix est décerné dans les six catégories suivantes : engagement autochtone, éducation, engagement communautaire, secteur privé, secteur gouvernemental ou public, et jeunesse. La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est le 15 décembre 2009.
Le Prix d’excellence de la FCRR, décerné tous les deux ans, a été créé pour reconnaître la mise en œuvre, par des organismes et des particuliers, de pratiques modèles en matière de lutte contre le racisme au Canada. Comme par le passé, les lauréats de 2009 seront sélectionnés par un groupe indépendant de défenseurs reconnus des droits de la personne et militants de la lutte contre le racisme. Leur nom sera annoncé au Colloque de la FCRR, organisé à Montréal (Québec) du 17 au 19 mai 2010 sur le thème « Existe-t-il dans notre société un nouveau paradigme pour comprendre et désapprendre les préjugés et y faire face? » Au nombre des anciens lauréats du Prix d’excellence, mentionnons Carrefour BLE (Québec), Darren Lund (université de Calgary), AMSSA (Vancouver), Canadien Pacifique, et le Réseau Éducation-Médias.
« Ce Prix d’excellence symbolise la reconnaissance nationale de l’engagement et du succès à combattre le racisme », souligne M. Ayman Al- Yassini, directeur général de la FCRR. « Au fil des ans, des institutions canadiennes – qu’elles soient fédérales ou provinciales, gouvernementales ou ONG, entreprises du secteur privé – et des particuliers, diffusent le message que le racisme n’est pas acceptable dans notre société. Le Prix d’excellence fournit l’occasion de faire connaître les pratiques modèles de ceux et celles qui font preuve de leadership dans l’élimination du racisme et de la discrimination raciale ».
Pour en savoir plus sur le processus de sélection des lauréats ou vous procurer un formulaire de mise en candidature, rendez-vous sur le site www.crrf-fcrr.ca
.
-30-
La Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR) a été créée dans la cadre de l’Entente de redressement à l’égard des Canadiens japonais afin de mettre en lumière les causes et les manifestations du racisme, d’agir à titre de chef de file dans l’élimination du racisme et de toute forme de discrimination raciale, et de promouvoir des relations harmonieuses. Organisme de bienfaisance enregistré, la Fondation est dotée du statut consultatif spécial auprès du Conseil économique et social des Nations Unies à titre d'organisation non gouvernementale (ONG).
Pour plus d’information, veuillez communiquer avec :
Français : Dominique Etienne, Relations avec les médias 416-952-8171
Anglais : Aren Sarikyan, Assistant de projet 416-952-8360
For immediate release
Toronto, November 12, 2009: The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is accepting nominations for its Award of Excellence (AoE) from public, private and non-governmental organizations, agencies and individuals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in combating racism and discrimination. This AoE has six categories: Aboriginal, Education, Community, Corporate, Government/ Public Sector and Youth. Submissions for all categories are to be received no later than December 15, 2009.
The Award of Excellence program was created to recognize best practices in antiracism by institutions and individuals and is presented every two years. Adjudicated by an independent group of well-respected antiracism and human rights activists, the 2009 presentation will be made at the CRRF conference “Is there a New Paradigm for Understanding, Unlearning & Addressing Bias in Society” in Montreal, Quebec, May 17-19, 2010. Past winners include Carrefour BLE (Quebec), Darren Lund (University of Calgary), AMSSA ( Vancouver), Canadian Pacific, and Media Awareness Network.
"The Award of Excellence symbolizes national recognition of commitment and success in combating racism,” said Dr. Ayman Al-Yassini, the CRRF’s Executive Director. “Over the years, Canadian institutions—federal and provincial, government, NGO, private sector, and individuals—have communicated the message that racism is not acceptable in our society. The AoE provides the opportunity to share the best practices of those who demonstrated leadership in eliminating racism and racial discrimination.”
Details on submissions and nominations, including application forms, are available at www.crrf-fcrr.ca.
-30-
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) was founded as part of the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement to shed light on the causes and manifestations of racism, to play a leading role in the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and to bring about a more harmonious Canada. The CRRF has registered charitable status and has Special NGO Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN.
For more information, please contact:
English: Aren Sarikyan, Project Associate 416-952-8360
French : Dominique Etienne, Media Relations 416-952-8171
INVITATION À SOUMETTRE DES CANDIDATURES
AU PRIX D’EXCELLENCE 2010
DE LA Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR)
AVIS AUX MÉDIAS
Pour diffusion immédiate
Toronto, le 12 novembre 2009 : La Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR) invite les organismes publics, privés et non gouvernementaux, et les particuliers ayant fait preuve d’innovation et d’excellence dans la lutte contre le racisme et la discrimination raciale à lui soumettre leur candidature à son Prix d’excellence. Ce Prix est décerné dans les six catégories suivantes : engagement autochtone, éducation, engagement communautaire, secteur privé, secteur gouvernemental ou public, et jeunesse. La date limite de dépôt des candidatures est le 15 décembre 2009.
Le Prix d’excellence de la FCRR, décerné tous les deux ans, a été créé pour reconnaître la mise en œuvre, par des organismes et des particuliers, de pratiques modèles en matière de lutte contre le racisme au Canada. Comme par le passé, les lauréats de 2009 seront sélectionnés par un groupe indépendant de défenseurs reconnus des droits de la personne et militants de la lutte contre le racisme. Leur nom sera annoncé au Colloque de la FCRR, organisé à Montréal (Québec) du 17 au 19 mai 2010 sur le thème « Existe-t-il dans notre société un nouveau paradigme pour comprendre et désapprendre les préjugés et y faire face? » Au nombre des anciens lauréats du Prix d’excellence, mentionnons Carrefour BLE (Québec), Darren Lund (université de Calgary), AMSSA (Vancouver), Canadien Pacifique, et le Réseau Éducation-Médias.
« Ce Prix d’excellence symbolise la reconnaissance nationale de l’engagement et du succès à combattre le racisme », souligne M. Ayman Al- Yassini, directeur général de la FCRR. « Au fil des ans, des institutions canadiennes – qu’elles soient fédérales ou provinciales, gouvernementales ou ONG, entreprises du secteur privé – et des particuliers, diffusent le message que le racisme n’est pas acceptable dans notre société. Le Prix d’excellence fournit l’occasion de faire connaître les pratiques modèles de ceux et celles qui font preuve de leadership dans l’élimination du racisme et de la discrimination raciale ».
Pour en savoir plus sur le processus de sélection des lauréats ou vous procurer un formulaire de mise en candidature, rendez-vous sur le site www.crrf-fcrr.ca
.
-30-
La Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR) a été créée dans la cadre de l’Entente de redressement à l’égard des Canadiens japonais afin de mettre en lumière les causes et les manifestations du racisme, d’agir à titre de chef de file dans l’élimination du racisme et de toute forme de discrimination raciale, et de promouvoir des relations harmonieuses. Organisme de bienfaisance enregistré, la Fondation est dotée du statut consultatif spécial auprès du Conseil économique et social des Nations Unies à titre d'organisation non gouvernementale (ONG).
Pour plus d’information, veuillez communiquer avec :
Français : Dominique Etienne, Relations avec les médias 416-952-8171
Anglais : Aren Sarikyan, Assistant de projet 416-952-8360
Monday, November 16, 2009
November 13, 2009
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK PROMOTES BENEFITS OF WORLDWIDE CO-OPERATION– – –
International Students Bring $74 Million to Manitoba Economy, Promote Harmony Among Diverse Cultures: Province, Council
International students contribute over $74 million to the Manitoba economy while fostering cross-cultural friendship and economic opportunities between the province and the world, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford, minister responsible for international education; Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard; and Manitoba Council for International Education president Garry Dyck announced today.
To help Manitobans appreciate these benefits, the provincial government and the Manitoba Council for International Education (MCIE) are proud to support International Education Week from Nov. 16 to 20, the three said. International Education Week is celebrated in over 85 countries.
“International education enhances cultural understanding, broadens the scope of learning for all students and helps develop trade opportunities and partnerships that add to Manitoba’s multiculturalism,” McGifford said. “International students contribute to our economic well‑being and community development.”
“Manitoba’s diverse history combined with the tripling of new immigrants over the past decade mean we already have a multicultural environment that international students find welcoming,” said Howard. “Some students choose to make this province their permanent home, while others return to their countries of origin across the globe as goodwill ambassadors for Manitoba.”
“The number of international students in Canada has more than doubled since 1998 – but as their numbers grow, so does competition to attract them to different jurisdictions,” Dyck said. “MCIE was created in 2000 to encourage more students to choose Manitoba as their international education destination, and we hope to see the international student population continue to grow over the coming years.”
MCIE is a not-for-profit organization comprising 27 member institutions, ranging from elementary to post-secondary level, public and private, in both rural and urban areas.
Members share resources and information, collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and advocate for international education. MCIE’s members work with the Manitoba and federal governments to streamline the issue of study permits and monitor market trends; they also help international students gain valuable work experience during their study term, which in turn helps local employers meet labour market needs.
The number of international students in Manitoba has grown to 4,815 in 2006 from 2,380 in 2000, a 102 per cent increase, the largest percentage increase of all Canadian provinces during this time period.
More information can be found at www.education-excellence.ca.
For more information about MCIE, visit www.mcie.ca.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK PROMOTES BENEFITS OF WORLDWIDE CO-OPERATION– – –
International Students Bring $74 Million to Manitoba Economy, Promote Harmony Among Diverse Cultures: Province, Council
International students contribute over $74 million to the Manitoba economy while fostering cross-cultural friendship and economic opportunities between the province and the world, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford, minister responsible for international education; Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard; and Manitoba Council for International Education president Garry Dyck announced today.
To help Manitobans appreciate these benefits, the provincial government and the Manitoba Council for International Education (MCIE) are proud to support International Education Week from Nov. 16 to 20, the three said. International Education Week is celebrated in over 85 countries.
“International education enhances cultural understanding, broadens the scope of learning for all students and helps develop trade opportunities and partnerships that add to Manitoba’s multiculturalism,” McGifford said. “International students contribute to our economic well‑being and community development.”
“Manitoba’s diverse history combined with the tripling of new immigrants over the past decade mean we already have a multicultural environment that international students find welcoming,” said Howard. “Some students choose to make this province their permanent home, while others return to their countries of origin across the globe as goodwill ambassadors for Manitoba.”
“The number of international students in Canada has more than doubled since 1998 – but as their numbers grow, so does competition to attract them to different jurisdictions,” Dyck said. “MCIE was created in 2000 to encourage more students to choose Manitoba as their international education destination, and we hope to see the international student population continue to grow over the coming years.”
MCIE is a not-for-profit organization comprising 27 member institutions, ranging from elementary to post-secondary level, public and private, in both rural and urban areas.
Members share resources and information, collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and advocate for international education. MCIE’s members work with the Manitoba and federal governments to streamline the issue of study permits and monitor market trends; they also help international students gain valuable work experience during their study term, which in turn helps local employers meet labour market needs.
The number of international students in Manitoba has grown to 4,815 in 2006 from 2,380 in 2000, a 102 per cent increase, the largest percentage increase of all Canadian provinces during this time period.
More information can be found at www.education-excellence.ca.
For more information about MCIE, visit www.mcie.ca.
November 11, 2009
Editorial
The Trouble With ‘Zero Tolerance’
Congress took a reasonable step in 1994 when it required states receiving federal education money to expel students who brought guns onto school property, but states and localities overreacted, as they so often do. They enacted “zero tolerance” policies under which children are sometimes arrested for profanity, talking back, shoving matches and other behavior that would once have been resolved with detention or meetings with the students’ parents.
This arrest-first policy has been disastrous for young people, who are significantly more likely to drop out and experience long-term problems once they become entangled in the juvenile justice system. It has led to egregious racial profiling, with black and Hispanic students being shipped off to court at a higher rate than white students. And it has been a waste of time for the police to haul off children to the courts when they should be protecting the public from real criminals.
School officials who want to back away from the failed zero tolerance policy are looking to a farsighted model developed in Clayton County, Ga., a fast-growing enclave south of Atlanta. Its juvenile courts were nearly overwhelmed by students referred from their schools — mainly for minor offenses like fistfights and disruptive conduct.
Juvenile court officials met with the schools and explained the dangers of criminalizing what are essentially normal childhood behaviors. They also helped to retrain school counselors and cooperated with the schools to create a three-strikes system for dealing with minor offenses.
Under this system, the student receives a warning after the first offense. After the second offense, students and parents are required to attend a mediation session or a school conflict workshop. The third offense leads to a court complaint.
The number of children referred to juvenile court dropped by about half after the new system went into effect. With fewer low-risk students being referred to the courts, probation officers were able to focus more closely on high-risk young people, driving down felony numbers as well. Graduation rates have risen steadily since 2004, the year the new protocol was introduced.
According to the juvenile court official who helps to oversee the program, police officers have a better and more effective relationship with the students, now that they have stopped dragging them off to court for every little spat.
Impressed by these results, the court and school officials in Birmingham, Ala., recently adopted a similar protocol. Clearly, more school systems need to follow suit.
(NYT article)
Could this have implications for students in our schools in Manitoba? especially visible minority, immigrant and refugee students?
Editorial
The Trouble With ‘Zero Tolerance’
Congress took a reasonable step in 1994 when it required states receiving federal education money to expel students who brought guns onto school property, but states and localities overreacted, as they so often do. They enacted “zero tolerance” policies under which children are sometimes arrested for profanity, talking back, shoving matches and other behavior that would once have been resolved with detention or meetings with the students’ parents.
This arrest-first policy has been disastrous for young people, who are significantly more likely to drop out and experience long-term problems once they become entangled in the juvenile justice system. It has led to egregious racial profiling, with black and Hispanic students being shipped off to court at a higher rate than white students. And it has been a waste of time for the police to haul off children to the courts when they should be protecting the public from real criminals.
School officials who want to back away from the failed zero tolerance policy are looking to a farsighted model developed in Clayton County, Ga., a fast-growing enclave south of Atlanta. Its juvenile courts were nearly overwhelmed by students referred from their schools — mainly for minor offenses like fistfights and disruptive conduct.
Juvenile court officials met with the schools and explained the dangers of criminalizing what are essentially normal childhood behaviors. They also helped to retrain school counselors and cooperated with the schools to create a three-strikes system for dealing with minor offenses.
Under this system, the student receives a warning after the first offense. After the second offense, students and parents are required to attend a mediation session or a school conflict workshop. The third offense leads to a court complaint.
The number of children referred to juvenile court dropped by about half after the new system went into effect. With fewer low-risk students being referred to the courts, probation officers were able to focus more closely on high-risk young people, driving down felony numbers as well. Graduation rates have risen steadily since 2004, the year the new protocol was introduced.
According to the juvenile court official who helps to oversee the program, police officers have a better and more effective relationship with the students, now that they have stopped dragging them off to court for every little spat.
Impressed by these results, the court and school officials in Birmingham, Ala., recently adopted a similar protocol. Clearly, more school systems need to follow suit.
(NYT article)
Could this have implications for students in our schools in Manitoba? especially visible minority, immigrant and refugee students?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Michaelle Jean stood beside the King in Waiting on Remembrance Day
Michaëlle Jean stood at the National War Memorial Wednesday in full army uniform, the first time in her four years as Governor-General that she'd worn military garb to Remembrance Day ceremonies.
It was a senior Canadian Forces official working on leave at Rideau Hall who convinced her earlier this year that donning an army uniform would be a fitting way to show respect for the men and women under her formal command, the Governor-General's office said. And now she in intends to wear one to all major military events.
Ms. Jean's sudden embrace of the Forces uniform is in keeping with other developments this week that further cement the military at the heart of Canada's identity – from new Sacrifice Medals for killed or wounded soldiers to new citizenship questions announced by the Conservative government.
“For the Governor-General, wearing the uniform is a way of paying tribute to the Canadian Forces,” said Marthe Blouin, a spokesperson for Ms. Jean.
She has every right to do so as commander-in-chief of the Canadian Forces. The uniform was created for former governor-general Edward Schreyer, and on the shoulder substitutes the governor-general's office insignia for a formal military rank. The tradition had been abandoned by Ms. Jean's two predecessors, Romeo LeBlanc and Adrienne Clarkson.
Commander Hubert Genest, a spokesman for the Forces, said he was not aware of any request made to Ms. Jean regarding uniforms. However, he said he was pleased to see her in uniform for Remembrance Day.
“I think it's great,” he said.
JAZZ at the Park Theatre
Hello friends!
Winnipeg might not be Harlem in the 1920s, but dig! magazine is rolling back the rugs and inviting the whole Winnipeg neighborhood to join us for our first annual Rent Party on Sunday, December 6 at the Park Theatre, 698 Osborne.
The party kicks off at 7:30 pm with the high octane sounds of the U of M Jazz Studies faculty—Steve and Anna-Lisa Kirby, Larry Roy, Jimmy Greene, George Colligan, and friends. The second set will feature the Retro Rhythm Review, a band of younger musicians who bring some sass to tunes from the last three decades or so. Tickets are $20, available through Jazz Winnipeg and McNally Robinson, or at the door.
We’re assembling some great prize packages with recordings, concerts, books, gift certificates, and various treasures. We’re also firming up a few high-end auction items as well—you might take home a piece of art, or a private concert over the holiday season.
If you have something you wish to donate as an auction item, please contact Anna-Lisa at kirby@cc.umanitoba.ca at any time!
From the beginning, it’s been our vision to make dig! magazine available—for free—throughout the city, sharing the news about jazz in the Jazz Capital of Canada. We depend on the support of Jazz Winnipeg and revenues from advertisers, but it’s the community itself that makes dig! possible. We are absolutely indebted to our sponsors, donors, and voluntary subscribers—you help us pay the bills!
Many of you have approached us about supporting our community-building work in the Jazz Capital of Canada. If you’re in a position to give us a hand, consider joining one of these categories:
· groovin’ ($50+)
· steppin’ ($100+)
· swingin’ ($500+)
But of course, if you find you cannot attend, we will gratefully receive contributions of any size at any time!
In return for your support, we’ll acknowledge you in the magazine and on our website, and as part of the Jazz Winnipeg family, we’ll issue you a charitable tax receipt. You’ll receive a ticket to the Rent Party and a 2010 subscription. Visit www.digmagazine.ca or www.jazzwinnipeg.com, or talk with us in the Park Theatre lobby on December 6.
A rent party pays the proverbial landlord, but more than anything, it’s an excuse to be in the company of friends—and to let music renew our spirits and our community. See you there!
Steve Kirby, editor
Charlene Diehl, associate editor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello friends!
Winnipeg might not be Harlem in the 1920s, but dig! magazine is rolling back the rugs and inviting the whole Winnipeg neighborhood to join us for our first annual Rent Party on Sunday, December 6 at the Park Theatre, 698 Osborne.
The party kicks off at 7:30 pm with the high octane sounds of the U of M Jazz Studies faculty—Steve and Anna-Lisa Kirby, Larry Roy, Jimmy Greene, George Colligan, and friends. The second set will feature the Retro Rhythm Review, a band of younger musicians who bring some sass to tunes from the last three decades or so. Tickets are $20, available through Jazz Winnipeg and McNally Robinson, or at the door.
We’re assembling some great prize packages with recordings, concerts, books, gift certificates, and various treasures. We’re also firming up a few high-end auction items as well—you might take home a piece of art, or a private concert over the holiday season.
If you have something you wish to donate as an auction item, please contact Anna-Lisa at kirby@cc.umanitoba.ca at any time!
From the beginning, it’s been our vision to make dig! magazine available—for free—throughout the city, sharing the news about jazz in the Jazz Capital of Canada. We depend on the support of Jazz Winnipeg and revenues from advertisers, but it’s the community itself that makes dig! possible. We are absolutely indebted to our sponsors, donors, and voluntary subscribers—you help us pay the bills!
Many of you have approached us about supporting our community-building work in the Jazz Capital of Canada. If you’re in a position to give us a hand, consider joining one of these categories:
· groovin’ ($50+)
· steppin’ ($100+)
· swingin’ ($500+)
But of course, if you find you cannot attend, we will gratefully receive contributions of any size at any time!
In return for your support, we’ll acknowledge you in the magazine and on our website, and as part of the Jazz Winnipeg family, we’ll issue you a charitable tax receipt. You’ll receive a ticket to the Rent Party and a 2010 subscription. Visit www.digmagazine.ca or www.jazzwinnipeg.com, or talk with us in the Park Theatre lobby on December 6.
A rent party pays the proverbial landlord, but more than anything, it’s an excuse to be in the company of friends—and to let music renew our spirits and our community. See you there!
Steve Kirby, editor
Charlene Diehl, associate editor
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 12, 2009
PROVINCE RELEASES INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF DISCLOSURE IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
A report conducted to review current Manitoba law and practice concerning disclosure of the condition of homes during real estate transactions has been released, Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.
“This review was initiated by the province following concerns raised with one of the homes damaged by the 1997 Red River flood which was moved under the 1997 Flood Protection Program and resold by the purchaser,” said Wowchuk. “Government has since decided to no longer sell flood-damaged homes.”
The review was conducted by John Neufeld, a real estate lawyer with Smith, Neufeld, Jodoin LLP of Steinbach. Neufeld is also a lecturer in real estate law at the law school at the University of Manitoba.
“We are taking a serious look at the review and we have asked the Manitoba Securities Commission to consult with a broad base of stakeholders on its recommendations by summer 2010 and report back on how to improve current practices for homebuyers. Manitobans who would like to provide input should contact the Manitoba Securities Commission,” added Wowchuk.
The report is available at the Manitoba Securities Commission website at
www.msc.gov.mb.ca/real_estate/.
PROVINCE RELEASES INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF DISCLOSURE IN REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
A report conducted to review current Manitoba law and practice concerning disclosure of the condition of homes during real estate transactions has been released, Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.
“This review was initiated by the province following concerns raised with one of the homes damaged by the 1997 Red River flood which was moved under the 1997 Flood Protection Program and resold by the purchaser,” said Wowchuk. “Government has since decided to no longer sell flood-damaged homes.”
The review was conducted by John Neufeld, a real estate lawyer with Smith, Neufeld, Jodoin LLP of Steinbach. Neufeld is also a lecturer in real estate law at the law school at the University of Manitoba.
“We are taking a serious look at the review and we have asked the Manitoba Securities Commission to consult with a broad base of stakeholders on its recommendations by summer 2010 and report back on how to improve current practices for homebuyers. Manitobans who would like to provide input should contact the Manitoba Securities Commission,” added Wowchuk.
The report is available at the Manitoba Securities Commission website at
www.msc.gov.mb.ca/real_estate/.
BLACK PUBLIC TRANSIT INSPECTOR AWARDED $9,500 FOR BEING CALLED THE
N-WORD BY A TOW-TRUCK DRIVER
Montreal, November 3, 2009 --- A Black inspector of the Montreal Transit Corporation (MTC) has been awarded $9,500 by the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission after being called the N-word by a driver of a towing company.
In 2007, Insp. BM (name withheld for personal reasons) intercepted tow truck driver Daniel McCluskey for stopping his vehicle in a bus-reserved lane outside the Lasalle metro station. When BM, accompanied by a white partner, asked for the driver's ID with a view to issuing a fine, Mr. McCluskey refused to give the information and told both inspectors to call the “real police.” Two police officers intervened and ordered the driver to produce his ID. Only then did the latter comply; BM then gave him two fines: one for illegally parking in an area reserved for bus circulation and another for refusal to comply with the order to produce identification. As BM was writing the tickets, Mr. McCluskey told him in front of others that “you're going to lose your job, damn N. (calisse de n-).”
Deeply offended and humiliated, BM calmly handed the tickets to Mr. McCluskey and explained how to contest them. Mr. McCluskey grabbed the tickets, threw them onto the floor of his truck and drove away.
In a complaint filed on BM's behalf with the human rights commission, CRARR argued that “a rigorous sanction of this reprehensible racially offensive conduct will help protect minority law enforcement officers' standing within their law enforcement services and the community at large, and make these officers first-class and equal law enforcers.” CRARR claimed $7,500 in moral damages and $2,500 in punitive damages from the driver and his employer, Remorquage Sud-Ouest. It also asked the company to adopt an antiracism policy in its customer services.
In a decision transmitted to the parties two weeks ago, the Commission required the company and the driver to pay BM $7,500 in moral damages, and the driver to pay an additional $2,000 in punitive damages. It also ordered the company to adopt an anti-discrimination policy. Both had until November 2, 2009 to comply with the decision.
“This is a very important civil rights gain not only for me, but for all Black and other racialized law enforcement officers as well. Despite our authority and our uniforms, we are not always treated as law enforcers who command equal respect. I am glad that CRARR helped advance equality for Black public security officers,” said BM.
CRARR is currently assisting three other Black and Middle Eastern law enforcement officers who encountered racism in employment, as well as several Black police students who want to challenge discriminatory college admission tests.
N-WORD BY A TOW-TRUCK DRIVER
Montreal, November 3, 2009 --- A Black inspector of the Montreal Transit Corporation (MTC) has been awarded $9,500 by the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission after being called the N-word by a driver of a towing company.
In 2007, Insp. BM (name withheld for personal reasons) intercepted tow truck driver Daniel McCluskey for stopping his vehicle in a bus-reserved lane outside the Lasalle metro station. When BM, accompanied by a white partner, asked for the driver's ID with a view to issuing a fine, Mr. McCluskey refused to give the information and told both inspectors to call the “real police.” Two police officers intervened and ordered the driver to produce his ID. Only then did the latter comply; BM then gave him two fines: one for illegally parking in an area reserved for bus circulation and another for refusal to comply with the order to produce identification. As BM was writing the tickets, Mr. McCluskey told him in front of others that “you're going to lose your job, damn N. (calisse de n-).”
Deeply offended and humiliated, BM calmly handed the tickets to Mr. McCluskey and explained how to contest them. Mr. McCluskey grabbed the tickets, threw them onto the floor of his truck and drove away.
In a complaint filed on BM's behalf with the human rights commission, CRARR argued that “a rigorous sanction of this reprehensible racially offensive conduct will help protect minority law enforcement officers' standing within their law enforcement services and the community at large, and make these officers first-class and equal law enforcers.” CRARR claimed $7,500 in moral damages and $2,500 in punitive damages from the driver and his employer, Remorquage Sud-Ouest. It also asked the company to adopt an antiracism policy in its customer services.
In a decision transmitted to the parties two weeks ago, the Commission required the company and the driver to pay BM $7,500 in moral damages, and the driver to pay an additional $2,000 in punitive damages. It also ordered the company to adopt an anti-discrimination policy. Both had until November 2, 2009 to comply with the decision.
“This is a very important civil rights gain not only for me, but for all Black and other racialized law enforcement officers as well. Despite our authority and our uniforms, we are not always treated as law enforcers who command equal respect. I am glad that CRARR helped advance equality for Black public security officers,” said BM.
CRARR is currently assisting three other Black and Middle Eastern law enforcement officers who encountered racism in employment, as well as several Black police students who want to challenge discriminatory college admission tests.
Monday, November 09, 2009
November 7, 2009
33 MANITOBA COMMUNITIES TO GLOW IN LIGHT OF OLYMPIC TORCH: SELINGER
The Olympic Torch arrives in Thompson today and will travel to Churchill tomorrow, launching the first of many celebrations as it is carried through 33 Manitoba communities and lighting the way for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“This is a proud and exciting time for all Manitobans as we welcome and witness firsthand the flame that symbolizes the world’s most famous international sports competition,” said Selinger. “Our province is known for its friendly hospitality and our own excellence as we have hosted national and international sporting events. We have a deep appreciation for what this means to Manitobans and all Canadians and we look forward to the opportunity to celebrate as the glow from the Olympic torch shines on us all.”
In Thompson, the community is planning family events and a late afternoon relay with a celebration at the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Churchill is planning a morning relay through town followed by a celebration at the Town Centre.
“I look forward to joining our new premier and the people of Thompson and Churchill this weekend as they welcome the flame and celebrate this historic event,” said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, minister responsible for sport.
After it visits Thompson and Churchill, the flame will leave Manitoba and re-enter the province again on Jan. 5. Approximately 400 torchbearers will carry the flame through 33 Manitoba communities including five Aboriginal communities. There will be eight official celebration stops including Thompson, Churchill, Steinbach, Winnipeg, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Neepawa and Brandon.
The complete Olympic torch relay route in Manitoba will include the following communities:
· November: Thompson and Churchill;
· January: Falcon Lake, Richer, Ste. Anne, Steinbach, Dugald, Oakbank, Selkirk, Winnipeg, Peguis First Nation, Gimli, St. Laurent, Oak Bluff, Sanford, Brunkild, Carman, Roland, Winkler, Morden, Elm Creek, Oakville, Portage la Prairie, Dakota Tipi First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Gladstone, Neepawa, Minnedosa, Forrest Station, CFB Shilo, Brandon, Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation and Virden.
The arrival of the Olympic torch in Manitoba marks the 16th day of the 106-day journey across Canada, visiting over 1,000 communities, involving 12,000 torchbearers and covering over 43,000 kilometres. The Olympic cauldron will be lit at the opening ceremonies in Vancouver on Feb. 12.
- 30 -
33 MANITOBA COMMUNITIES TO GLOW IN LIGHT OF OLYMPIC TORCH: SELINGER
The Olympic Torch arrives in Thompson today and will travel to Churchill tomorrow, launching the first of many celebrations as it is carried through 33 Manitoba communities and lighting the way for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“This is a proud and exciting time for all Manitobans as we welcome and witness firsthand the flame that symbolizes the world’s most famous international sports competition,” said Selinger. “Our province is known for its friendly hospitality and our own excellence as we have hosted national and international sporting events. We have a deep appreciation for what this means to Manitobans and all Canadians and we look forward to the opportunity to celebrate as the glow from the Olympic torch shines on us all.”
In Thompson, the community is planning family events and a late afternoon relay with a celebration at the Thompson Regional Community Centre. Churchill is planning a morning relay through town followed by a celebration at the Town Centre.
“I look forward to joining our new premier and the people of Thompson and Churchill this weekend as they welcome the flame and celebrate this historic event,” said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, minister responsible for sport.
After it visits Thompson and Churchill, the flame will leave Manitoba and re-enter the province again on Jan. 5. Approximately 400 torchbearers will carry the flame through 33 Manitoba communities including five Aboriginal communities. There will be eight official celebration stops including Thompson, Churchill, Steinbach, Winnipeg, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Neepawa and Brandon.
The complete Olympic torch relay route in Manitoba will include the following communities:
· November: Thompson and Churchill;
· January: Falcon Lake, Richer, Ste. Anne, Steinbach, Dugald, Oakbank, Selkirk, Winnipeg, Peguis First Nation, Gimli, St. Laurent, Oak Bluff, Sanford, Brunkild, Carman, Roland, Winkler, Morden, Elm Creek, Oakville, Portage la Prairie, Dakota Tipi First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Gladstone, Neepawa, Minnedosa, Forrest Station, CFB Shilo, Brandon, Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation and Virden.
The arrival of the Olympic torch in Manitoba marks the 16th day of the 106-day journey across Canada, visiting over 1,000 communities, involving 12,000 torchbearers and covering over 43,000 kilometres. The Olympic cauldron will be lit at the opening ceremonies in Vancouver on Feb. 12.
- 30 -
CELEBRATE KWANZAA
THE CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN OF CANADA
(MANITOBA CHAPTER)
Invites you to a CELEBRATION of Kwanzaa
Place: Wolseley Family Place
691 Wolseley Ave
( north side across from the
Misericordia Health Centre)
Phone: 788-8052
Date: Sun. Dec. 13, 2009
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Traditional observances, food, fun and fellowship.
Children especially welcome.
Entry fee for adults $5:00. Children are free.
RSVP 775- 4378 by Dec. 6, 2009, with your name and number of people attending
Traditional observances, food, fun and fellowship.
Children especially welcome.
Entry fee for adults $5:00. Children are free.
RSVP 775- 4378 by Dec. 6, 2009, with your name and number of people attending
“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”
Volunteers of varying abilities make an increasingly important contribution to social and economic wellbeing in society today. This vast and often untapped market of potential volunteers represents a significant portion of our society. As such, including this group in our recruitment plans aids us in diversifying our talent pools.
Ensuring that volunteering is inclusive and open to all is not easy. It requires an active commitment and hard work from many individuals throughout organizations. It requires a commitment to provide meaningful assignments for volunteers, and an acceptance from employees at all levels to welcome all volunteers to join the team.
In some cases, it is hoped that these actions can introduce basic job skills to volunteers. Then, conceivably they may develop and learn enough skills to enter the job market thus, in some cases, breaking a cycle of poverty and dependence on outside assistance. Together we are empowering people to make positive changes in their lives.
The provincial government has introduced a program that will assist with breaking down some of the barriers that exist in bringing volunteers of various abilities into our organizations. The Rewarding Work strategy was created to reduce poverty and to support sustainable employment. Of this overall strategy, the Rewarding Volunteer Benefit is just one aspect.
The Rewarding Volunteer Benefit began in February 2009. It allows persons with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) who do volunteer work to receive an extra monthly benefit. The benefit will encourage and reward volunteerism and cover related costs. People who volunteer at least four times per month will receive $50. People who volunteer at least eight times per month will receive $100 per month.
Tim Herkert, has been a Project Specialist (Family Services and Housing) two years with the Community Services Delivery division of the Department of Family Services & Housing and with the Department for over 25 years. In that time, he has held many roles including Income Assistance Counsellor, Program Specialist, EIA Director and as an FSH Area Director. He was also the Director of the Social Services Appeal Board for a number of years.
Presently, Tim is with a special projects unit that plans, supports and assists in initiating strategic service delivery initiatives across the range of supports being provided to Manitobans by the Department of Family Services & Housing. These include delivery of income assistance, vocational rehabilitation, children’s special services, support living, and childcare programs.
On Thursday November 19, 2009 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Westwood Community Church (401 Westwood Drive) MAVA will proudly present Tim Herkert as he brings information about:
“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers
to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”
Plan to join us for this informative event.
Volunteers of varying abilities make an increasingly important contribution to social and economic wellbeing in society today. This vast and often untapped market of potential volunteers represents a significant portion of our society. As such, including this group in our recruitment plans aids us in diversifying our talent pools.
Ensuring that volunteering is inclusive and open to all is not easy. It requires an active commitment and hard work from many individuals throughout organizations. It requires a commitment to provide meaningful assignments for volunteers, and an acceptance from employees at all levels to welcome all volunteers to join the team.
In some cases, it is hoped that these actions can introduce basic job skills to volunteers. Then, conceivably they may develop and learn enough skills to enter the job market thus, in some cases, breaking a cycle of poverty and dependence on outside assistance. Together we are empowering people to make positive changes in their lives.
The provincial government has introduced a program that will assist with breaking down some of the barriers that exist in bringing volunteers of various abilities into our organizations. The Rewarding Work strategy was created to reduce poverty and to support sustainable employment. Of this overall strategy, the Rewarding Volunteer Benefit is just one aspect.
The Rewarding Volunteer Benefit began in February 2009. It allows persons with disabilities on Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) who do volunteer work to receive an extra monthly benefit. The benefit will encourage and reward volunteerism and cover related costs. People who volunteer at least four times per month will receive $50. People who volunteer at least eight times per month will receive $100 per month.
Tim Herkert, has been a Project Specialist (Family Services and Housing) two years with the Community Services Delivery division of the Department of Family Services & Housing and with the Department for over 25 years. In that time, he has held many roles including Income Assistance Counsellor, Program Specialist, EIA Director and as an FSH Area Director. He was also the Director of the Social Services Appeal Board for a number of years.
Presently, Tim is with a special projects unit that plans, supports and assists in initiating strategic service delivery initiatives across the range of supports being provided to Manitobans by the Department of Family Services & Housing. These include delivery of income assistance, vocational rehabilitation, children’s special services, support living, and childcare programs.
On Thursday November 19, 2009 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the Westwood Community Church (401 Westwood Drive) MAVA will proudly present Tim Herkert as he brings information about:
“Increasing Accessibility: Eliminating Barriers
to Volunteering for People with Disabilities”
Plan to join us for this informative event.
Friday, November 06, 2009
The Value of Buying Local?
Do you know where your food comes from? Are you a conscious shopper or do you just head straight for the cheapest items on the supermarket shelves? This could be a deadly practice.
I think the time has come when we should start thinking and acting in a more responsible manner when it comes to buying foods that are expected to nourish our bodies and souls.
The research is abundant out their on the importance of eating foods grown in the area where you live. These are the foods that will most support our health. People should eat food grown nearest to them to get the full benefits of the particular nutrients that your body needs.
I support buy local, I support supporting our local farmers who are trying to make a living for their families and providing us with healthy alternatives to the junk - salt laced, fat-laced and more ingredients that the letters in the alphabet junk they present to us as food. I urge you to spend a few extra dollars and support your local farming industry - we will all benefit. We will benefit by having more nutritious foods, we will eventually save because we would not have to eat as much to feel full when we eat solid food and it would keep us slimmer and trimmer and healthier. Check out what Marketplace found in their investigative report and be angry about it and do something about it:
CBC.ca - Marketplace - It says 'Product of Canada' on the package, but the food is really from China. Or New Zealand. Or...
Do you know where your food comes from? Are you a conscious shopper or do you just head straight for the cheapest items on the supermarket shelves? This could be a deadly practice.
I think the time has come when we should start thinking and acting in a more responsible manner when it comes to buying foods that are expected to nourish our bodies and souls.
The research is abundant out their on the importance of eating foods grown in the area where you live. These are the foods that will most support our health. People should eat food grown nearest to them to get the full benefits of the particular nutrients that your body needs.
I support buy local, I support supporting our local farmers who are trying to make a living for their families and providing us with healthy alternatives to the junk - salt laced, fat-laced and more ingredients that the letters in the alphabet junk they present to us as food. I urge you to spend a few extra dollars and support your local farming industry - we will all benefit. We will benefit by having more nutritious foods, we will eventually save because we would not have to eat as much to feel full when we eat solid food and it would keep us slimmer and trimmer and healthier. Check out what Marketplace found in their investigative report and be angry about it and do something about it:
CBC.ca - Marketplace - It says 'Product of Canada' on the package, but the food is really from China. Or New Zealand. Or...
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Press Release
Supreme Court of Canada misses opportunity to redress discrimination against Aboriginal Women
Toronto, November 5, 2009 - This morning the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the appeal in the case of McIvor v. Registrar, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. This decision represents a lost opportunity for the Court to redress the historic and ongoing discrimination against Aboriginal women under the Indian Act.
The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) applauds Sharon McIvor, who has tirelessly pursued the redress of discrimination against Aboriginal women under the Indian Act for more than two decades. She first commenced her equality rights challenge to the discriminatory provisions of the Indian Act in 1985 with the support of LEAF. She has challenged the Indian Act in its definition of who is “Indian” under the Act, which accords diminished entitlement to Indian status to descendents of Aboriginal women. McIvor’s challenge was successful at trial and on appeal. The remedy on appeal, however, was narrower than the remedy ordered at trial. McIvor therefore sought leave of the Supreme Court of Canada to obtain broad redress for historic discrimination against Aboriginal women and their descendents, consistent with the ruling of the trial judge.
The elimination of sex discrimination under the status provisions of the Indian Act remains a priority for LEAF. The federal government is currently amending the Act, although its proposed amendments have been criticized by McIvor and Aboriginal organizations. “LEAF encourages the federal government to amend the legislation in a manner which comprehensively removes historic and ongoing sex discrimination under the Act and which responds to the concerns and demands of Aboriginal women,” said Audrey Johnson, Executive Director of LEAF.
The McIvor case was originally funded by the Court Challenges program. This federally-funded program provided resources to historically challenged individuals or groups to take test cases into courts to challenge federal laws based on equality rights in the Charter. This program was cancelled by the federal government in 2006, without warning.
-30-
Contact:
Audrey Johnson Joanna Birenbaum Nicole Curling
Executive Director, LEAF Director of Litigation, LEAF Director of Communications
416-595-7170 ext 225 416-595-7170 ext 223 416-595-7170 ext 224
LEAF is a national, non profit organization committed to confront all forms of discrimination through legal action, public education, and law reform to achieve equality for women and girls under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For more information, please visit us at www.leaf.ca.
Supreme Court of Canada misses opportunity to redress discrimination against Aboriginal Women
Toronto, November 5, 2009 - This morning the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the appeal in the case of McIvor v. Registrar, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. This decision represents a lost opportunity for the Court to redress the historic and ongoing discrimination against Aboriginal women under the Indian Act.
The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) applauds Sharon McIvor, who has tirelessly pursued the redress of discrimination against Aboriginal women under the Indian Act for more than two decades. She first commenced her equality rights challenge to the discriminatory provisions of the Indian Act in 1985 with the support of LEAF. She has challenged the Indian Act in its definition of who is “Indian” under the Act, which accords diminished entitlement to Indian status to descendents of Aboriginal women. McIvor’s challenge was successful at trial and on appeal. The remedy on appeal, however, was narrower than the remedy ordered at trial. McIvor therefore sought leave of the Supreme Court of Canada to obtain broad redress for historic discrimination against Aboriginal women and their descendents, consistent with the ruling of the trial judge.
The elimination of sex discrimination under the status provisions of the Indian Act remains a priority for LEAF. The federal government is currently amending the Act, although its proposed amendments have been criticized by McIvor and Aboriginal organizations. “LEAF encourages the federal government to amend the legislation in a manner which comprehensively removes historic and ongoing sex discrimination under the Act and which responds to the concerns and demands of Aboriginal women,” said Audrey Johnson, Executive Director of LEAF.
The McIvor case was originally funded by the Court Challenges program. This federally-funded program provided resources to historically challenged individuals or groups to take test cases into courts to challenge federal laws based on equality rights in the Charter. This program was cancelled by the federal government in 2006, without warning.
-30-
Contact:
Audrey Johnson Joanna Birenbaum Nicole Curling
Executive Director, LEAF Director of Litigation, LEAF Director of Communications
416-595-7170 ext 225 416-595-7170 ext 223 416-595-7170 ext 224
LEAF is a national, non profit organization committed to confront all forms of discrimination through legal action, public education, and law reform to achieve equality for women and girls under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For more information, please visit us at www.leaf.ca.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
November 4, 2009
MANITO AHBEE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH TRADITIONAL CEREMONY, PERFORMANCES AT THE LEGISLATURE– – –Fourth Annual Festival Celebrates Aboriginal Music, Art and Culture
Performances by local Métis fiddling and vocal sensation Sierra Noble and Yaqui classical guitar virtuoso Gabriel Ayala officially kicked off the fourth annual Manito Ahbee: A Festival for all Nations, which runs until Sunday at venues throughout Winnipeg, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson announced today.
“We are witnessing a rebirth of pride among Aboriginal people here in Manitoba as we once again welcome the world’s indigenous people and people of all cultures to the heart of Turtle Island,” said Robinson. “This truly is a festival for all nations and I invite all Manitobans to take part in the exciting week ahead.”
Activities throughout the week include nightly Aboriginal Music Week concerts, an indigenous marketplace, Métis Soiree, an international competition powwow and the nationally televised Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards.
A full calendar of events is available at www.manitoahbee.com.
MANITO AHBEE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH TRADITIONAL CEREMONY, PERFORMANCES AT THE LEGISLATURE– – –Fourth Annual Festival Celebrates Aboriginal Music, Art and Culture
Performances by local Métis fiddling and vocal sensation Sierra Noble and Yaqui classical guitar virtuoso Gabriel Ayala officially kicked off the fourth annual Manito Ahbee: A Festival for all Nations, which runs until Sunday at venues throughout Winnipeg, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson announced today.
“We are witnessing a rebirth of pride among Aboriginal people here in Manitoba as we once again welcome the world’s indigenous people and people of all cultures to the heart of Turtle Island,” said Robinson. “This truly is a festival for all nations and I invite all Manitobans to take part in the exciting week ahead.”
Activities throughout the week include nightly Aboriginal Music Week concerts, an indigenous marketplace, Métis Soiree, an international competition powwow and the nationally televised Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards.
A full calendar of events is available at www.manitoahbee.com.
November 4, 2009
TAKE OUR KIDS TO WORK DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS MANITOBA– – –Province Marks Career Week by Encouraging Youth to Explore Career Options: Allan
Thousands of Manitoba youth will get on-the-job experience as they take part in Take Our Kids to Work Day today, Education Minister Nancy Allan has announced.
“Grade 9 students have the opportunity to get first-hand experience and learn new skills by taking part in Take Our Kids to Work Day,” Allan said. “This and other events during Manitoba Career Week will help youth learn about their career options and begin to plan their futures.”
Every year, approximately 14,000 Manitoba students take part in Take Our Kids to Work (TOKW) Day. Students go to work with their parents, guardians or other family members to learn what they do every day. This gives them the opportunity to learn about careers in government, construction, law enforcement, manufacturing, technology, farming and other important industries.
Most students will be involved in supervised activities that show the real working environments while maintaining the student’s safety. Students complete in-class assignments and discuss their experiences following TOKW Day. Teachers and parents have observed that many youth discover a specific interest or experience that may strongly affect their career choices.
The minister also noted that Nov. 2 to 7 has been proclaimed Manitoba Career Week. Today, the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils (AMSC) and Workplace Education Manitoba will hold an event at 1000 Waverley St. to celebrate Take Our Kids to Work Day. The event will include activities such as AMSC’s industry awareness game, Workplace Essential Skills Training (WEST)Centre games and activities, career information booths, career exploration on the web featuring career cruising, job futures and similar sites. Parents and students are invited to drop in with their Grade 9 students and learn about the thousands of exciting careers available in Manitoba.
An AMSC Parents’ Expo will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1000 Waverley St. in Winnipeg. The come-and-go event will give parents and caregivers the tools and resources to guide their children in making career decisions.
“We want to support Manitobans and provide the resources they need to fully reach their potential and contribute to our economy,” said Allan. “This includes providing hands-on career information so people are able to make informed decisions about the path they want to follow in the years ahead.”
Since it began in 1994, well over 200,000 Manitoba students have participated in this day-long program sponsored by the national non-profit agency The Learning Partnership.
For more information on other Manitoba Career Week events across the province, visit www.manitoba.ca/careerdevelopment.
TAKE OUR KIDS TO WORK DAY CELEBRATED ACROSS MANITOBA– – –Province Marks Career Week by Encouraging Youth to Explore Career Options: Allan
Thousands of Manitoba youth will get on-the-job experience as they take part in Take Our Kids to Work Day today, Education Minister Nancy Allan has announced.
“Grade 9 students have the opportunity to get first-hand experience and learn new skills by taking part in Take Our Kids to Work Day,” Allan said. “This and other events during Manitoba Career Week will help youth learn about their career options and begin to plan their futures.”
Every year, approximately 14,000 Manitoba students take part in Take Our Kids to Work (TOKW) Day. Students go to work with their parents, guardians or other family members to learn what they do every day. This gives them the opportunity to learn about careers in government, construction, law enforcement, manufacturing, technology, farming and other important industries.
Most students will be involved in supervised activities that show the real working environments while maintaining the student’s safety. Students complete in-class assignments and discuss their experiences following TOKW Day. Teachers and parents have observed that many youth discover a specific interest or experience that may strongly affect their career choices.
The minister also noted that Nov. 2 to 7 has been proclaimed Manitoba Career Week. Today, the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils (AMSC) and Workplace Education Manitoba will hold an event at 1000 Waverley St. to celebrate Take Our Kids to Work Day. The event will include activities such as AMSC’s industry awareness game, Workplace Essential Skills Training (WEST)Centre games and activities, career information booths, career exploration on the web featuring career cruising, job futures and similar sites. Parents and students are invited to drop in with their Grade 9 students and learn about the thousands of exciting careers available in Manitoba.
An AMSC Parents’ Expo will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1000 Waverley St. in Winnipeg. The come-and-go event will give parents and caregivers the tools and resources to guide their children in making career decisions.
“We want to support Manitobans and provide the resources they need to fully reach their potential and contribute to our economy,” said Allan. “This includes providing hands-on career information so people are able to make informed decisions about the path they want to follow in the years ahead.”
Since it began in 1994, well over 200,000 Manitoba students have participated in this day-long program sponsored by the national non-profit agency The Learning Partnership.
For more information on other Manitoba Career Week events across the province, visit www.manitoba.ca/careerdevelopment.
L to r: Flor Marcelino, Jennifer Howard, Andrew Swan, Roseann Wowchuk
November 3, 2009
CHANGES TO MANITOBA CABINET MOVE PROVINCE FORWARD: SELINGER– – –Record Number of Women in Key Positions
Premier Greg Selinger said today’s appointments of three new ministers and the updated responsibilities of others renew and strengthen the cabinet, the size of which is 19 including the premier.
The new ministers are:
· Jennifer Howard – minister of labour and immigration and minister responsible for persons with disabilities;
· Bill Blaikie – minister of conservation; and
· Flor Marcelino – minister of culture, heritage and tourism;
Selinger said the three new ministers all have outstanding records of public service and he expects them to make a strong contribution at the cabinet table.
“As we work with all Manitobans to build a stronger, more compassionate province, I’m very pleased to be able to involve people of this calibre in the decision-making process,” said Selinger. “I’m confident these new ministers being appointed today will make Manitoba people proud.”
Veteran MLAs Rosann Wowchuk and Eric Robinson will serve as deputy premiers.
Other changes to the cabinet include:
· Wowchuk – minister of finance;
· Andrew Swan – minister of justice and attorney general;
· Stan Struthers – minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives;
· Kerri Irvin-Ross – minister of housing and community development;
· Robinson – minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs;
· Steve Ashton – minister of infrastructure and transportation;
· Jim Rondeau – minister of healthy living, citizenship and youth;
· Peter Bjornson – minister of entrepreneurship, training and trade;
· Dave Chomiak – minister of innovation, energy and mines;
· Nancy Allan – minister of education; and
· Ron Lemieux – minister of local government.
Theresa Oswald remains as minister of health, Gord Mackintosh will remain as minister of family services and takes on the additional responsibility of consumer affairs, Diane McGifford will remain as minister of advanced education and literacy, and Christine Melnick remains as minister of water stewardship. Selinger assumes responsibility for federal-provincial relations and retains responsibility for francophone affairs.
“I’m extremely pleased to have a strong core of eight women in cabinet,” said Selinger, noting that Wowchuk will be the first female minister of finance in the province’s history. “I believe we have the right mix at the cabinet table to do the job that Manitobans expect of us.”
In addition to his new cabinet responsibilities, Bill Blaikie will become the government house leader.
Legislative assistants include:
· Rob Altemeyer – housing and community development, and conservation;
· Greg Dewar – finance;
· Tom Nevakshonoff – conservation;
· Mohinder Saran – premier’s office;
· Erin Selby – family services and consumer affairs, and culture, heritage and tourism; and
· Drew Caldwell – premier’s office.
“We will continue to build upon the progress that we have made in the past decade,” said Selinger. “With this team of experienced, bright, hard-working people, I know we will continue to make progress on the priorities of all Manitobans.”
CHANGES TO MANITOBA CABINET MOVE PROVINCE FORWARD: SELINGER– – –Record Number of Women in Key Positions
Premier Greg Selinger said today’s appointments of three new ministers and the updated responsibilities of others renew and strengthen the cabinet, the size of which is 19 including the premier.
The new ministers are:
· Jennifer Howard – minister of labour and immigration and minister responsible for persons with disabilities;
· Bill Blaikie – minister of conservation; and
· Flor Marcelino – minister of culture, heritage and tourism;
Selinger said the three new ministers all have outstanding records of public service and he expects them to make a strong contribution at the cabinet table.
“As we work with all Manitobans to build a stronger, more compassionate province, I’m very pleased to be able to involve people of this calibre in the decision-making process,” said Selinger. “I’m confident these new ministers being appointed today will make Manitoba people proud.”
Veteran MLAs Rosann Wowchuk and Eric Robinson will serve as deputy premiers.
Other changes to the cabinet include:
· Wowchuk – minister of finance;
· Andrew Swan – minister of justice and attorney general;
· Stan Struthers – minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives;
· Kerri Irvin-Ross – minister of housing and community development;
· Robinson – minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs;
· Steve Ashton – minister of infrastructure and transportation;
· Jim Rondeau – minister of healthy living, citizenship and youth;
· Peter Bjornson – minister of entrepreneurship, training and trade;
· Dave Chomiak – minister of innovation, energy and mines;
· Nancy Allan – minister of education; and
· Ron Lemieux – minister of local government.
Theresa Oswald remains as minister of health, Gord Mackintosh will remain as minister of family services and takes on the additional responsibility of consumer affairs, Diane McGifford will remain as minister of advanced education and literacy, and Christine Melnick remains as minister of water stewardship. Selinger assumes responsibility for federal-provincial relations and retains responsibility for francophone affairs.
“I’m extremely pleased to have a strong core of eight women in cabinet,” said Selinger, noting that Wowchuk will be the first female minister of finance in the province’s history. “I believe we have the right mix at the cabinet table to do the job that Manitobans expect of us.”
In addition to his new cabinet responsibilities, Bill Blaikie will become the government house leader.
Legislative assistants include:
· Rob Altemeyer – housing and community development, and conservation;
· Greg Dewar – finance;
· Tom Nevakshonoff – conservation;
· Mohinder Saran – premier’s office;
· Erin Selby – family services and consumer affairs, and culture, heritage and tourism; and
· Drew Caldwell – premier’s office.
“We will continue to build upon the progress that we have made in the past decade,” said Selinger. “With this team of experienced, bright, hard-working people, I know we will continue to make progress on the priorities of all Manitobans.”
Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism
The Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism is a new initiative that recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to multiculturalism and diversity in Canada. The first winner was announced in June 2009.An award recipient is chosen every year in one of the following two categories:
Lifetime Achievement: Open to individuals who have demonstrated ongoing dedication to promoting a strong multicultural society in Canada over a period of at least ten years.
Outstanding Achievement: Open to individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to Canadian multiculturalism for at least one year within the last five years. The winner will receive a certificate of honour signed and presented by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism at an awards ceremony in June 2010.
In addition, he or she will choose an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization or association to receive a $20,000 grant. Nominations are now being accepted from the public. To be considered for the 2010 award, they must be postmarked by March 1, 2010. The award is open to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. For more information on the award, eligibility requirements and the nomination process, please visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102806315286&s=2232&e=001fB8VgYfY79-Esjty1pVl3vOYAdS39xehP4hWtSycw9J1dM_n2keB7lSAC1DgQGQZZ_P-bxY3Vb49l-okb9TnJfigotU8ns4rx1FEK48YM6HgT4MzWNT8sq0EWLysJSlZ or call 1-888-77 MULTI
The Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism is a new initiative that recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to multiculturalism and diversity in Canada. The first winner was announced in June 2009.An award recipient is chosen every year in one of the following two categories:
Lifetime Achievement: Open to individuals who have demonstrated ongoing dedication to promoting a strong multicultural society in Canada over a period of at least ten years.
Outstanding Achievement: Open to individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to Canadian multiculturalism for at least one year within the last five years. The winner will receive a certificate of honour signed and presented by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism at an awards ceremony in June 2010.
In addition, he or she will choose an eligible, registered, not-for-profit Canadian organization or association to receive a $20,000 grant. Nominations are now being accepted from the public. To be considered for the 2010 award, they must be postmarked by March 1, 2010. The award is open to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. For more information on the award, eligibility requirements and the nomination process, please visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102806315286&s=2232&e=001fB8VgYfY79-Esjty1pVl3vOYAdS39xehP4hWtSycw9J1dM_n2keB7lSAC1DgQGQZZ_P-bxY3Vb49l-okb9TnJfigotU8ns4rx1FEK48YM6HgT4MzWNT8sq0EWLysJSlZ or call 1-888-77 MULTI
First national convention of the Baha'is of Malawi, held in 1970, in the presence of Hand of the Cause Paul Haney (near center, second row).
A group of Baha'i women in Lilongwe
The group BABY (Blantyre Active Baha'i Youth) performs at the Malawian Baha'i community's 50th jubilee celebration
The group BABY (Blantyre Active Baha'i Youth) performs at the Malawian Baha'i community's 50th jubilee celebration.
LILONGWE, Malawi, 19 August 2003 (BWNS) -- Fifty years ago the two original members of the Baha'i community in Malawi would meet in the bush at night where they would say their prayers, discuss plans, enjoy biscuits, and then go their separate ways.
"This was done because in those days, blacks and whites could not meet openly," said Enayat Sohaili, who was describing the first Nineteen-day Feasts held in the country to an enthralled audience at the 50th jubilee celebration here on 9 August 2003.
Mr. Sohaili, a Baha'i of Persian background, had arrived from India in 1953 and was considered white. The first Malawian Baha'i, Dudley Smith Kumtendere, was black.
The colonial policy of discouraging racially mixed gatherings ended when Malawi, once known as Nyasaland, gained its independence in 1964.
Since then Baha'is have been able to openly express their commitment to a basic principle of their faith, the oneness of humanity.
They did so when they commemorated the golden anniversary of the Faith's establishment in their country. Baha'is came from all over Malawi -- Nsanje to Karonga, from Mchinji to Nkhotakota. They were joined by participants from as far away as Bermuda Australia and Mauritius, and from nearby African countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Lesotho.
Julius (Robert) Kasakula tells a story while Enayat Sohaili and master of ceremonies, Brown Malikete, look on.
The celebrations were in great contrast to the early days. Julius (Robert) Kasakula, one of the first Malawian Baha'is, recalled that when Baha'i meetings were held indoors they were just as secretive as the encounters in the bush.
"Because the blacks and whites could not meet openly, we used to have meetings at our house at night," Mr. Kasakula said.
Mr. Sohaili, who now lives with his wife, Iran, in Zimbabwe, recounted the time when he asked a restaurant owner to provide a table to allow visiting Americans John and Val Allen (Baha'is living in Swaziland), to meet with him and Mr. Kumtendere.
"When the owner was approached, he asked us to come after 2 p.m. when there would be few customers. He put us right at the back where we had our lunch."
These days the Faith is highly visible in Malawi. There are some 15,000 Baha'is, a handsome national center, 15 local Baha'i centers, two institute buildings, and some 101 Local Spiritual Assemblies.
These achievements are considerable in such a time span.
In September 1953, Mr. Sohaili arrived as a participant in what came to be known as the "Ten Year Crusade." From 1953 until 1963, in a plan initiated by Shoghi Effendi, Baha'is from various nations took their beliefs to countries that had not been exposed to the Faith. The ten-year effort more than doubled the number of national communities.
The festivities included songs, traditional and modern dance performances and comedy sessions.
Baha'is offered prayers of thanksgiving and read from the Baha'i writings and from the Bible and the Qur'an.
An uplifting message to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Malawi came from the Universal House of Justice, who said in part: "The foundation has been laid on which a spiritual and social structure of unprecedented splendor can be raised that will spread its shelter of unity and peace over your struggling land."
A highlight of the evening was the performance by a Zambian Baha'i theatrical group of a drama portraying the life of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 17-year-old Baha'i girl martyred in Iran in 1983.
First national convention of the Baha'is of Malawi, held in 1970, in the presence of Hand of the Cause Paul Haney (near center, second row).
As part of the jubilee festivities, a formal reception was held at the Capital Hotel, where guest of honor Counsellor Enos Makhele of South Africa gave a talk on the Baha'i Faith from a global perspective. Among the distinguished guests was British High Commissioner Norman Ling and Lilongwe city councilor Stella Thunyani.
In her address, Councilor Thunyani spoke of the oneness of humanity and the unity of religions.
"You may wish to ask yourself as to why a group of people of different races and creed are dining together in a friendly atmosphere," Councilor Thunyani said.
"I feel it is through the Divine love which is taught to us by the different messengers of God that we are one."
Today's Baha'i community in Malawi is comprised of Baha'is from villages, cities and from numerous tribes who speak different languages. Baha'is hold regular children's classes and study circles, perform in choirs and undertake social and economic development projects.
The Bambino School, a Baha'i initiative, has an enrolment of 1,100 from nursery level to secondary school and secretarial college.
Musicians from Mchinji singing Baha'i songs in Chichewa.
These results have come after years of effort. By 1970 there were 12 Local Spiritual Assemblies, enough for the country to have its own National Spiritual Assembly, which was elected in the presence of Hand of the Cause Paul Haney.
The next year a Hand of the Cause, Enoch Olinga, asked for official registration of the Faith, a request met by President Hastings Banda, who was quoted in the local newspaper, The Times, as saying the Faith was a good religion because it had respect for the culture.
The next year, Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, the widow of Shoghi Effendi, had a cordial audience with Dr. Banda, and traveled throughout the country, meeting and encouraging local Baha'is.
In 1975, the first Baha'i book -- about teaching classes -- was translated into Chichewa, and that work has continued with expansion into the Tonga and Tumbuka languages. In 1985, as a contribution to the International Youth Year, Baha'i youth planted fuel wood and fruit trees throughout the country, benefiting entire villages.
In 1982 and 1992, Malawi hosted international summer schools with participants from 17 and 10 countries respectively.
The Baha'i National Center in Lilongwe was completed in March 2000.
Julius (Robert) Kasakula tells a story while Enayat Sohaili and master of ceremonies, Brown Malikete, look on.
The group BABY (Blantyre Active Baha'i Youth) performs at the Malawian Baha'i community's 50th jubilee celebration.
LILONGWE, Malawi, 19 August 2003 (BWNS) -- Fifty years ago the two original members of the Baha'i community in Malawi would meet in the bush at night where they would say their prayers, discuss plans, enjoy biscuits, and then go their separate ways.
"This was done because in those days, blacks and whites could not meet openly," said Enayat Sohaili, who was describing the first Nineteen-day Feasts held in the country to an enthralled audience at the 50th jubilee celebration here on 9 August 2003.
Mr. Sohaili, a Baha'i of Persian background, had arrived from India in 1953 and was considered white. The first Malawian Baha'i, Dudley Smith Kumtendere, was black.
The colonial policy of discouraging racially mixed gatherings ended when Malawi, once known as Nyasaland, gained its independence in 1964.
Since then Baha'is have been able to openly express their commitment to a basic principle of their faith, the oneness of humanity.
They did so when they commemorated the golden anniversary of the Faith's establishment in their country. Baha'is came from all over Malawi -- Nsanje to Karonga, from Mchinji to Nkhotakota. They were joined by participants from as far away as Bermuda Australia and Mauritius, and from nearby African countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Lesotho.
Julius (Robert) Kasakula tells a story while Enayat Sohaili and master of ceremonies, Brown Malikete, look on.
The celebrations were in great contrast to the early days. Julius (Robert) Kasakula, one of the first Malawian Baha'is, recalled that when Baha'i meetings were held indoors they were just as secretive as the encounters in the bush.
"Because the blacks and whites could not meet openly, we used to have meetings at our house at night," Mr. Kasakula said.
Mr. Sohaili, who now lives with his wife, Iran, in Zimbabwe, recounted the time when he asked a restaurant owner to provide a table to allow visiting Americans John and Val Allen (Baha'is living in Swaziland), to meet with him and Mr. Kumtendere.
"When the owner was approached, he asked us to come after 2 p.m. when there would be few customers. He put us right at the back where we had our lunch."
These days the Faith is highly visible in Malawi. There are some 15,000 Baha'is, a handsome national center, 15 local Baha'i centers, two institute buildings, and some 101 Local Spiritual Assemblies.
These achievements are considerable in such a time span.
In September 1953, Mr. Sohaili arrived as a participant in what came to be known as the "Ten Year Crusade." From 1953 until 1963, in a plan initiated by Shoghi Effendi, Baha'is from various nations took their beliefs to countries that had not been exposed to the Faith. The ten-year effort more than doubled the number of national communities.
Baha'i women from Lilongwe at the celebrations.
In that decade, the Faith entered 131 new countries, 37 of those in Africa. Accordingly, half a century on, many nations, including Malawi, are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the faith.
As well as Dudley Kutendere and his brother Douglas (both have since died), the first Malawian Baha'is included Albert Ntala and Mr. Kasakula and his wife Alice.
Present at Malawi's celebrations was Counsellor Maina Mkandawire, a keynote speaker. Also there was Ramucy Namkopowe, whose 1964 wedding was the first Baha'i marriage service in the country.
In that decade, the Faith entered 131 new countries, 37 of those in Africa. Accordingly, half a century on, many nations, including Malawi, are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the faith.
As well as Dudley Kutendere and his brother Douglas (both have since died), the first Malawian Baha'is included Albert Ntala and Mr. Kasakula and his wife Alice.
Present at Malawi's celebrations was Counsellor Maina Mkandawire, a keynote speaker. Also there was Ramucy Namkopowe, whose 1964 wedding was the first Baha'i marriage service in the country.
The festivities included songs, traditional and modern dance performances and comedy sessions.
Baha'is offered prayers of thanksgiving and read from the Baha'i writings and from the Bible and the Qur'an.
An uplifting message to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Malawi came from the Universal House of Justice, who said in part: "The foundation has been laid on which a spiritual and social structure of unprecedented splendor can be raised that will spread its shelter of unity and peace over your struggling land."
A highlight of the evening was the performance by a Zambian Baha'i theatrical group of a drama portraying the life of Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 17-year-old Baha'i girl martyred in Iran in 1983.
First national convention of the Baha'is of Malawi, held in 1970, in the presence of Hand of the Cause Paul Haney (near center, second row).
As part of the jubilee festivities, a formal reception was held at the Capital Hotel, where guest of honor Counsellor Enos Makhele of South Africa gave a talk on the Baha'i Faith from a global perspective. Among the distinguished guests was British High Commissioner Norman Ling and Lilongwe city councilor Stella Thunyani.
In her address, Councilor Thunyani spoke of the oneness of humanity and the unity of religions.
"You may wish to ask yourself as to why a group of people of different races and creed are dining together in a friendly atmosphere," Councilor Thunyani said.
"I feel it is through the Divine love which is taught to us by the different messengers of God that we are one."
Today's Baha'i community in Malawi is comprised of Baha'is from villages, cities and from numerous tribes who speak different languages. Baha'is hold regular children's classes and study circles, perform in choirs and undertake social and economic development projects.
The Bambino School, a Baha'i initiative, has an enrolment of 1,100 from nursery level to secondary school and secretarial college.
Musicians from Mchinji singing Baha'i songs in Chichewa.
These results have come after years of effort. By 1970 there were 12 Local Spiritual Assemblies, enough for the country to have its own National Spiritual Assembly, which was elected in the presence of Hand of the Cause Paul Haney.
The next year a Hand of the Cause, Enoch Olinga, asked for official registration of the Faith, a request met by President Hastings Banda, who was quoted in the local newspaper, The Times, as saying the Faith was a good religion because it had respect for the culture.
The next year, Madame Ruhiyyih Rabbani, the widow of Shoghi Effendi, had a cordial audience with Dr. Banda, and traveled throughout the country, meeting and encouraging local Baha'is.
In 1975, the first Baha'i book -- about teaching classes -- was translated into Chichewa, and that work has continued with expansion into the Tonga and Tumbuka languages. In 1985, as a contribution to the International Youth Year, Baha'i youth planted fuel wood and fruit trees throughout the country, benefiting entire villages.
In 1982 and 1992, Malawi hosted international summer schools with participants from 17 and 10 countries respectively.
The Baha'i National Center in Lilongwe was completed in March 2000.
Assaults in the Winnipeg Downtown
You may have heard about two women in the area around CityPlace being assaulted (one sexually) by a young aboriginal male
http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2009/11/02/11611246.html
You should know that these incidents:
1. Occurred in the stairwell between the CTV building and the CityPlace parkade located on Hargrave across from MTS centre.
2. Occurred very quickly and, while disturbing, were not of a serious or violent nature.
3. The suspect fled the scene quickly.
As a result MTS Centre Security are increasing their patrols in that area.
This is a reminder that staff should take reasonable and normal precautions when outside the office either on breaks, or walking to or from our offices.
Plan your route
Travel along well lit, busy routes - avoid shortcuts down alleys
Know where to go for help
Plan to travel with a group or make use of the Safewalk program: Downtown Biz Safewalk Program at 958-4627 (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m.)
While on route
Don't display purses, IPods, jewelry or other valuables
Walk quickly and with purpose
Pay attention to your surroundings
If alone, walk or wait near others
Keep your distance from doorways or other locations where someone could hide
Trust your instincts - avoid persons or situations that might be a problem
Going to your car
Park in well lit areas
Have your keys ready
Check inside vehicle before getting in
Thanks
Paul Robinson
Risk Management Specialist
Manitoba Public Insurance
711 – 234 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 4A4
Office 204.985.7162 Mobile 204.781.8893 Fax 204.985.8058
Monday, November 2, 2009
PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS - PUBLIC ADVISORY
On October 26, 2009 at approximately 5:00 p.m., a 33 year old female was struck in the lower body by an unknown male while exiting a building in the 300 block of Graham Avenue. The suspect then fled the area. The victim did not require medical attention.
On October 29, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 30 year old female was physically and sexually assaulted while exiting a building in the 200 block of Hargrave Street. The victim screamed for help and the suspect fled. She was not injured as a result of the assault.
It is believed that same suspect may be responsible for both assaults. Due to the close proximity of the assaults, police would like to advise the public to be mindful of their surroundings and personal safety at all times.
The suspect is described as a male, Aboriginal in appearance, 14-16 years of age, 5’03”-5’06” tall, weighing approximately 130-140 pounds with a thin build and had short dark cropped hair.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect or the incidents is asked to contact investigators at 986-8430 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).
You may have heard about two women in the area around CityPlace being assaulted (one sexually) by a young aboriginal male
http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2009/11/02/11611246.html
You should know that these incidents:
1. Occurred in the stairwell between the CTV building and the CityPlace parkade located on Hargrave across from MTS centre.
2. Occurred very quickly and, while disturbing, were not of a serious or violent nature.
3. The suspect fled the scene quickly.
As a result MTS Centre Security are increasing their patrols in that area.
This is a reminder that staff should take reasonable and normal precautions when outside the office either on breaks, or walking to or from our offices.
Plan your route
Travel along well lit, busy routes - avoid shortcuts down alleys
Know where to go for help
Plan to travel with a group or make use of the Safewalk program: Downtown Biz Safewalk Program at 958-4627 (Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday noon to 11 p.m.)
While on route
Don't display purses, IPods, jewelry or other valuables
Walk quickly and with purpose
Pay attention to your surroundings
If alone, walk or wait near others
Keep your distance from doorways or other locations where someone could hide
Trust your instincts - avoid persons or situations that might be a problem
Going to your car
Park in well lit areas
Have your keys ready
Check inside vehicle before getting in
Thanks
Paul Robinson
Risk Management Specialist
Manitoba Public Insurance
711 – 234 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 4A4
Office 204.985.7162 Mobile 204.781.8893 Fax 204.985.8058
Monday, November 2, 2009
PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS - PUBLIC ADVISORY
On October 26, 2009 at approximately 5:00 p.m., a 33 year old female was struck in the lower body by an unknown male while exiting a building in the 300 block of Graham Avenue. The suspect then fled the area. The victim did not require medical attention.
On October 29, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 30 year old female was physically and sexually assaulted while exiting a building in the 200 block of Hargrave Street. The victim screamed for help and the suspect fled. She was not injured as a result of the assault.
It is believed that same suspect may be responsible for both assaults. Due to the close proximity of the assaults, police would like to advise the public to be mindful of their surroundings and personal safety at all times.
The suspect is described as a male, Aboriginal in appearance, 14-16 years of age, 5’03”-5’06” tall, weighing approximately 130-140 pounds with a thin build and had short dark cropped hair.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect or the incidents is asked to contact investigators at 986-8430 or CrimeStoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Here's a little genius - At only 14 he is inventing healing strategies
He may just be 14-years-old but Tony Hansberry has already discovered a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies that stand to reduce the risk of complications and simplify the tricky surgical procedure of hysterectomy
Oh, and did BCK mention that he is on 14 years old?
Tony is only in the ninth grade but he is already being compared to first-year-medical students.
“I would put him up against a first-year med student,” says Angela TenBroeck, a medical lead teacher. “He’s an outstanding young man, and I’m proud to have him representing us.”
Toni hopes to oneday become a University of Florida-trained neurosurgeon.
“I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives,” said Tony, the son of a registered nurse mom and an African Methodist Episcopal church pastor dad.
Click Here to read more about Tony and his medical findings.
November 2, 2009
Reason to Celebrate
LAND SET ASIDE FOR NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION– – –Transfer Fulfils Treaty Land Entitlement Commitment: Struthers
NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION - Manitoba has completed the transfer to Canada of over 33,816 acres of land for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) to date under the 1997 Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced at a meeting here today with the NCN chief and council.
“Fulfilling treaty land entitlement obligations to First Nations is a government priority,“ said Struthers. “Today we are one step closer to honouring our commitment.”
Manitoba recently transferred to Canada three parcels of land totalling 7,922 acres of Crown (Manitoba) land known as Mile 20 Second Revision (1,821 acres), Wapikunoo Bay (4,438 acres) and Suwannee Lake (1,663 acres) for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
Previously, 25,894 acres of land were transferred to Canada for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. With today’s announcement, the remaining Crown land entitlement for the NCN is just under27,945 acres, for a total commitment of 61,761 acres.
“Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is to be commended for its economic development initiatives to date,” said Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson, acting minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs. “The land base provided through the treaty land entitlement process is a key part of continuing those successful efforts into the future.”
The land transfers fall under treaty land entitlement agreements that require Manitoba to transfer unoccupied lands to Canada so it can fulfil treaty land entitlement obligations.
Reason to Celebrate
LAND SET ASIDE FOR NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION– – –Transfer Fulfils Treaty Land Entitlement Commitment: Struthers
NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION - Manitoba has completed the transfer to Canada of over 33,816 acres of land for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) to date under the 1997 Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced at a meeting here today with the NCN chief and council.
“Fulfilling treaty land entitlement obligations to First Nations is a government priority,“ said Struthers. “Today we are one step closer to honouring our commitment.”
Manitoba recently transferred to Canada three parcels of land totalling 7,922 acres of Crown (Manitoba) land known as Mile 20 Second Revision (1,821 acres), Wapikunoo Bay (4,438 acres) and Suwannee Lake (1,663 acres) for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.
Previously, 25,894 acres of land were transferred to Canada for the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. With today’s announcement, the remaining Crown land entitlement for the NCN is just under27,945 acres, for a total commitment of 61,761 acres.
“Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation is to be commended for its economic development initiatives to date,” said Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson, acting minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs. “The land base provided through the treaty land entitlement process is a key part of continuing those successful efforts into the future.”
The land transfers fall under treaty land entitlement agreements that require Manitoba to transfer unoccupied lands to Canada so it can fulfil treaty land entitlement obligations.
Receptionist fired for pregnancy awarded $35K
An Ontario woman has been awarded $35,000 by the province's Human Rights Tribunal after she lost her job as a receptionist when she reveled she was pregnant.
Jessica Maciel, 20, will receive $15,000 as compensation for injury to her dignity and feelings and $20,000 in lost wages and maternity benefits from the owner of two related hair salons the tribunal ruled this week, finding Maciel's pregnancy was "likely the only factor" in her firing.
Kate Sellar, Maciel's lawyer from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, said the centre receives an "alarming" number of calls each week from women let go while pregnant.
"This story is typical and it shouldn't be," Sellar said Thursday. "It's illegal to fire workers because they are pregnant. Our centre receives 40 calls a week from women who are in a similar situation."
Most of the calls come from women who are fired when their employer learns they are pregnant. Others are from women terminated while on maternity leave or returning back to work, Sellar said. She said the firings are across all professions and the "vast majority" of woman lose their jobs under the guise of another non-discriminatory reason.
"Occasionally, we will encounter an employer who tells an employee now that they are pregnant they don't think they will be as reliable or efficient, or they simply aren't interested in covering the maternity leave that the woman is entitled to."
On Wednesday, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal awarded an Alberta teacher, Melanie Gilmar, more than $41,000 in lost wages and damages for pain and suffering and $25,000 for legal fees after ruling the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Board of Education discriminated against her.
The tribunal found the school board devised criticism of Gilmar's performance, which did not appear to exist before she advised that she was pregnant, and gave her no consideration after her maternity leave for open positions that she was qualified for, according to the ruling.
Maciel, who now works as an events co-ordinator at a banquet hall, said she was "completely devastated" when she was told to pack her belongings and leave.
"This shouldn't happen to anybody else," Maciel said Thursday.
© Copyright (c) The Windsor Star
An Ontario woman has been awarded $35,000 by the province's Human Rights Tribunal after she lost her job as a receptionist when she reveled she was pregnant.
Jessica Maciel, 20, will receive $15,000 as compensation for injury to her dignity and feelings and $20,000 in lost wages and maternity benefits from the owner of two related hair salons the tribunal ruled this week, finding Maciel's pregnancy was "likely the only factor" in her firing.
Kate Sellar, Maciel's lawyer from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, said the centre receives an "alarming" number of calls each week from women let go while pregnant.
"This story is typical and it shouldn't be," Sellar said Thursday. "It's illegal to fire workers because they are pregnant. Our centre receives 40 calls a week from women who are in a similar situation."
Most of the calls come from women who are fired when their employer learns they are pregnant. Others are from women terminated while on maternity leave or returning back to work, Sellar said. She said the firings are across all professions and the "vast majority" of woman lose their jobs under the guise of another non-discriminatory reason.
"Occasionally, we will encounter an employer who tells an employee now that they are pregnant they don't think they will be as reliable or efficient, or they simply aren't interested in covering the maternity leave that the woman is entitled to."
On Wednesday, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal awarded an Alberta teacher, Melanie Gilmar, more than $41,000 in lost wages and damages for pain and suffering and $25,000 for legal fees after ruling the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation Board of Education discriminated against her.
The tribunal found the school board devised criticism of Gilmar's performance, which did not appear to exist before she advised that she was pregnant, and gave her no consideration after her maternity leave for open positions that she was qualified for, according to the ruling.
Maciel, who now works as an events co-ordinator at a banquet hall, said she was "completely devastated" when she was told to pack her belongings and leave.
"This shouldn't happen to anybody else," Maciel said Thursday.
© Copyright (c) The Windsor Star
Winnipeg Super Star is releasing her first solo CD "Sweet Vibration" in Toronto. Watson wrote and produced all the songs on this album. We wish her success!
MAIKO WATSON ALBUM RELEASE:
SWEET VIBRATION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH @ THE RIVOLI, TORONTO
7-10 PM - 334 Queen Street West
WITH GUESTS:
ODARIO OF GRAND ANALOG(DJ SET)
MARINDA AND SOLARI
TICKETS AVAILABLE @ SOUNDSCAPES AND ROTATE THIS
OR EMAIL MAIKOWATSONTICKETS@GMAIL.COM
$10 ADVANCE
$13 DOOR
DON'T MISS OUT, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
November 3, 2009
APPLICATIONS TO PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM TO BE MADE EASIER BY NEW SERVICE: ALLAN
Applying to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will be faster and easier thanks to a joint initiative between the province and the Immigrant Centre Manitoba (formerly the International Centre), Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today.
The new Manitoba Nominee Application Centre will provide hands-on services to clients including regular information sessions and one-on-one consultations on completing PNP applications as well as notary services and referrals to other community services.
“In the past, incomplete applications have slowed down the approval process for prospective immigrants,” said Allan. “By having knowledgeable staff providing information and guidance to clients at no cost, the new centre will assist in the efficient completion of applications which will reduce processing times and facilitate the immigration process.”
The Nominee Application Centre will also help Manitobans assisting family and relatives in other countries, temporary foreign workers and international students already in Manitoba with their PNP applications and subsequent applications for permanent residency.
“The demand for this service has been high and is expected to grow as Manitoba continues to be a destination of choice for newcomers,” said Immigrant Centre Manitoba executive director Linda Lalande. “The immigrant centre is proud to deliver this innovative service with the expertise and personal touch that our clients have come to expect and we believe that this service will greatly facilitate the application process.”
The Nominee Application Centre will be located in the Immigrant Centre Manitoba’s new expanded location on the main floor of 100 Adelaide St. in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. The centre will officially open its doors to clients today. The centre will be open Monday to Friday during the day, Thursday evenings and by appointment on Saturday. Two information sessions will be offered per week including one Thursday evening.
Winnipegger featured in this article - Richard Mills
If you are an up and coming performer and seek to work with an A&R person, perhaps you might want to read this article
CelebrityAccess Industry Profiles
If you are an up and coming performer and seek to work with an A&R person, perhaps you might want to read this article
CelebrityAccess Industry Profiles
Industry Profile: Richard Mills— By Larry LeBlanc
This week in the hot seat with Larry LeBlanc: Richard Mills
Placing Richard Mills, vice-president of performing arts, S.L. Feldman & Associates in Toronto, alongside other booking agents may be a mistake.
Apart stylistically from the pack, Mills follows his own goals (certain that the single thing that has any real value in his sphere is his clients working), labors largely away from the limelight, and achieves what he does from paying attention to fundamentals.
With offices in Vancouver and Toronto, S.L. Feldman & Associates, Canada’s largest full-service talent agency, represents over 125 artists, including Michael Bublé, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden and Nelly Furtado, and the Tragically Hip.
Mills, working with the SLFA team, oversees bookings for such Canadian acts as Jesse Cook, Sophie Milman, the Canadian Tenors, Molly Johnson, Ron Sexsmith, Natalie MacMaster, Leahy, Quartetto Gelato, Michael Kaeshammer, Jorane and others.
As well, he does bookings for the Chieftains, who are managed by affiliated Macklam/Feldman Management that also handles the management of Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, Ry Cooder, and others.
Mills’ business style, if not his persona, has much to do with him being from the isolated prairie city of Winnipeg, Manitoba where the nearest interesting Canadian city is Calgary; and it's a 14-hour drive. Toronto is 24 hours away.
Music figures from Winnipeg tend to be individualistic, jack-of-all-trades types like, incidentally, Neil Young and Randy Bachman.
In 2003, the Weakerthans’ frontman John K. Samson penned a tongue-in-cheek homage to the hometown he shares with Mills. The tribute song was called "One Great City" and featured the chorus of “I hate Winnipeg.”
That might seem understandable when you come from a western Canadian city—with a population of slightly more than 700,000— where temperatures average below freezing from mid-November through March, dropping most nights below 11 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit.)
Despite this frosty backdrop, Winnipeg has had a vibrant music scene for decades. The city, in fact, stars in Neil Young’s multimedia autobiography “Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972.” In the box set's first disc, entitled “Early Years,” 7 tracks recorded by Young's Winnipeg band, the Squires are included.
Over a street map of Winnipeg, in the 236-page hardbound book that comes with the package, are photos of Young playing local high schools, and standing outside the 4th Dimension coffeehouse where he first met Joni Mitchell.
Among the city's best-known bands around that time were Chad Allen & the Expressions (later renamed the Guess Who), Sugar 'N Spice, the Mongrels, the Fifth, Blakewood Castle, and the Gettysburg Address.
Many of these acts recorded for Franklin Records run by accountant Frank Weiner, whose Hungry I Agency provided Mills with his first entertainment contact.
The ‘70s and ‘80s brought a hard rock vibe to Winnipeg’s music scene with Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Harlequin, and the Pumps leading the way. In the late 1980s, the Crash Test Dummies emerged.
Mills started his career as the director of programming for the University of Manitoba. Then he worked for two years as an in-house agent at Paquin Entertainment Group which managed such popular children acts as Fred Penner, Norman Foote and Al Simmons.
Mills joined S.L. Feldman as an agent for the launch of its Toronto office in 1993. He became dir. of performing arts touring in 2004, and vice-president of performing arts in 2007.
In his various positions, Mills has worked closely with Canadian government officials planning Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa for the past 12 years; overseen bookings for the Du Maurier Concert Stage's performing arts program in Toronto for 7 years; and bookings for First Canadian Place's Arts and Events Series , also in Toronto, for 15 years.
At the same time, Mills has also increasingly developed opportunities for his clients internationally, including in the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, and Japan.
Last month, he was part of a team that organized a concert event in Giza, Egypt featuring veteran Canadian singer Tom Cochrane.
You now travel a great deal. Are you trying to grow a more international business?
We are a global company, and have been for a number of years. Jeff Craib (senior vice-president) works extensively in Australia, and South America; and Shaw Saltzberg (senior vice-president) has been working extensively in Australia, South America, and quite a bit in Europe.
This business is evolving, and the opportunities for great talent are evolving. Canada is not a big place, and we have some great talent. Molly Johnson has had success in France, for instance. Sophie Milman is successful in Japan. This year, Jesse Cook is going to Turkey, Poland, Ireland, Germany and England. Last year, he was in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
The way the Internet works -- with people having the ability to now find product, and how talent is seen in different places -- there are more markets available. Development (of international markets) has probably happened in the past 8 or 9 years, but the Internet has sped it along. We have promoters from all over the world, and different parts of the United States, contacting our office, looking to connect with our clients. So opportunities reside with that (activity). We are following that, and growing outside of the (core) business. But you really have to do your research (to be successful in international markets).
Do you book in the U.S.?
I’m doing more bookings there now because of the relationships I have built up over time. I am now booking the Canadian Tenors there. They are currently on tour with David Foster. They have had a very good year. I think we have 75 dates on the books for them this year. I believe in them, and I have a sense of what’s going on with them.
Were the dynamics of booking family acts early in your career any less adversarial than booking rock or pop acts?
It was pretty congenial (booking family acts). There’s sort of an old school way of doing business, when you are trying to talk a person past the number, and make them do what you need them to do--as opposed to understanding their business, and figuring out what the best thing is to do, and coming up with something that is effective. With my early experiences, I didn’t have that feeling (that was happening). If you listen to the other person, and figure out what the reality is, you can usually stitch together something that is effective for both sides.
Given the tough economic times, shouldn’t booking agents today look at a promoter’s overall business in the market when booking?
Well, you have to. If you are doing things without consideration of the marketplace or an understanding of what a relative ticket price is; and, if you are not listening to the local promoter saying, “We can’t get that ticket price here” and things start failing all around you, you only have yourself to blame.
I think that back in the day, when people threw stuff at a wall, and were trying to figure out what would stick, there were going to be winners and losers. It was a volume business based on certain things. As that thinned out, it came down to being a business of relationships.
If you understand the long-term interests of clients, and you can create a balance that people can win at -- if they are contributing to each other -- then you are going to have a long-term business.
The recession isn’t as bad in Canada as it is in the U.S., but venues are scaling back or cutting guarantees. How are your acts reacting to that?
You have to have a dialogue back and forth with clients. If you don’t, you aren’t really servicing the clients that you are working with. You educate the artist or whoever is involved in their business. Then they can then choose whether they will go forward or not (with a booking). Or you create a different option. Or you choose not to play (the date), and you come back a different day when things are stronger, and more vibrant.
Artists come and go, but venues or promoters generally remain in place, and you have a continuing relationship with them. Don’t agents really have two masters?
We work and service the artists that we represent.
If an agent has a 20-year relationship with a promoter don’t lines get blurred?
It’s a balance. If you are dealing with people fairly, and if you go through each transaction as it is; and if you are upfront about how things are going to go, you will maintain the relationship (with a promoter). Some times things just don’t work out. Some times, you have to work with different promoters. Some times, an artist is evolving through a system. You have to be aware of what is going on in the marketplace.
What are the differences of working in Canada from the U.S.?
It’s easier to create a national identity in Canada because we are smaller (as a marketplace), although we have a large geographic space. We have fewer markets. So, if you want to build a national story, you have fewer markets to go to get to that place. In America, you have to hit a lot more markets to be a success, regionally or nationally. That takes more doing there.
You have had considerable success in building jazz singer Sophie Milman’s career.
When I took her on, the most tickets she had sold in Toronto was probably 200. I recognized that her potential, given the records she had sold in the region, was much higher. The step of creating a ticketed event that was in line with her ability to draw, had not been done. So, we took on the Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto with roughly 980 seats three years ago. We worked with Live Nation, put the story out there, and she sold out the show. She didn’t believe that could happen. But it was due; the step just hadn’t been taken.
If an artist makes their mark in Toronto, does that give you a story for the rest of Canada?
To a degree. Certainly, by selling out the Winter Garden Theatre, people started taking notice of Sophie, and we worked with some of the jazz festivals. But, because she was still emerging (nationally), many people also didn’t care what she was doing. And, the record was two years old at that point. [Linus Entertainment released Milman's self-titled debut in Canada in 2004.]
What was the next step taken in Sophie’s career?
We had a new record ("Make Someone Happy" in 2007), and we wanted to make a larger statement. To their credit, Live Nation was buoyed by the success that we had created with her. They worked with us in partnership, and we were able to find space at Massey Hall in Toronto.
Before that, an opportunity came up for Sophie to open for Cesária Évora at Roy Thompson Hall.
Sophie ended up on the front cover of the in-house program that goes in both Massey Hall and Roy Thompson Hall. It’s a striking picture. All of the brochures disappeared. You couldn’t find one.
Then, at the Roy Thompson Hall show, Sophie made a bunch of fans when she shared her story of being at Roy Thomson Hall as a young girl with her father, who didn’t have much money at the time, and he bought two front row tickets to see Oscar Peterson. She shared that story, and won everybody’s hearts.
When it became time to do Massey Hall the following year, the marketing department there chose her to be the cover of their (subscription) brochure. A couple of hundred thousand brochures were done. She went on to sell out Massey Hall.
[Milman was born in Ufa, Russia -- on the slopes of the Ural Mountains -- but her family immigrated to Haifa, Israel, when she was 7. At 16, Milman was uprooted again when the family moved to Canada.]
What stage is Sophie’s career at now?
Her third album (“Take Love Easy”) has come out. She’s been to Japan four times. This coming year, we will be focusing on Europe. Her career in America is continuing. We are doing performing arts business there with her and her bookings have grown. I work closely with Ed Keane (Ed Keane Associates) who does the day-to-day in the (U.S.). We have to co-ordinate a lot of information back-and-forth for the different territories we are working on with her.
There has also been a remarkable career evolution with guitarist Jesse Cook in the past few years.
I’m going into my 14th year working with Jesse. A festival buyer in Quebec; Jean Beauchesne at Festival D’ete in Quebec City; gave me a record one day. I was staying in Quebec City on a Sunday, and I was in a hotel that had a CD player. I only had one CD to play, and it was his. By the time I had finished, I had worked myself up into a frenzy to get on the phone and connect (with him). The music really spoke to me. It was different than what I had been working with before. I connected with his then manager. Two weeks later, an opportunity (for a show) came up that I knew he would be great for, and I sent it to them with no obligation. Two weeks later, I did it again. Eventually, they decided to make a change, and we’ve been working together ever since.
One of the first shows we did together was in Montréal for 200 people in a little room above the Spectrum (club) that isn’t there anymore. This summer, Jesse filmed his DVD for PBS in front of 60,000 people during the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Jazz Festival. He has now sold over a million records throughout the world.
Last month, you organized a concert event in Giza, Egypt near the site of the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and a number of other large pyramids and temples.
This was an event for a Canadian firm that I can’t disclose The company was creating a special incentive experience for 900 people. The company has been doing these events every two years for 12 years. Since the owner is attached to music in the past, it usually has involved a concert. In this case, it was a cruise to Greece, a day trip to the pyramids, and a concert event at the pyramids with Tom Cochrane performing. We were part of a team that executed it. It was an amazing experience. It was the first private event ever done there.
Difficult to pull off?
There were a lot of logistics, and many challenges in doing it, including that we had to load in the middle of the night. While we had to overcome a huge number of obstacles, the setting was amazing.
Coming out of a situation like that only reinforces my ability to do more things
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)