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Friday, December 31, 2010

MANITOBA ELIMINATES GENERAL CORPORATION CAPITAL TAX EFFECTIVE JAN. 1

December 31, 2010
– – –
Change will Save Manitoba Businesses Over $119 Million: Wowchuk
Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk has announced today is the last day businesses in Manitoba will pay the Manitoba general corporation capital tax.
 
Effective tomorrow, it will be eliminated.
 
“When we came into office, Manitoba businesses were burdened with the highest general corporation capital tax in the country.  Our government recognizes the important role businesses play in our economy and in our communities. We continue to strive to make Manitoba a great place to do business and I am very pleased that our government will phase out this tax tomorrow.  This will save Manitoba businesses $119 million annually beginning in 2011,” said Wowchuk.
 
On Dec. 1, Manitoba became the first province in Canada to permanently eliminate the small business income tax rate.
 
“Combined, these two tax cuts will significantly help our businesses keep more money, allowing them to reinvest in their companies,” added Wowchuk.
 
The general corporation capital tax was eliminated for manufacturers and processors, effective July 1, 2008, providing savings of $25 million annually, the minister said. “Our approach has been one that provides tax relief to businesses and all Manitobans while ensuring our government is able to deliver the front-line services that Manitobans need and count on.
 
Along with the elimination of the general corporation capital tax, 2011 will see additional tax measures including:
·         A provision in the Research and Development Tax Credit of a five per cent refundable income tax credit and a 15 per cent non-refundable income tax credit for companies undertaking research and development in Manitoba.  The five per cent refundable tax credit will provide companies with an estimated $6 million in additional tax savings.
·         An extension of the Co-op Education and Apprenticeship Tax Credit to employers who hire high‑school students and post-secondary level 1 and 2 apprentices.  The tax credit is equal to 10 per cent of the remuneration paid to an apprentice up to a maximum credit of $2,000, providing employers with an estimated $2.1 million in annual tax savings.
 
·         As announced in Budget 2010, starting in 2011, expansion of the Manitoba Fitness Tax Credit to include young adults from 16 to 24.  The annual cost of eligible fitness activities up to $500 can be claimed by young adults, a spouse or parent, providing tax savings of up to $54.  For young adults with a disability for whom at least $100 is spent on qualifying fitness activities, the maximum annual tax saving is $108.  Since 2006, Manitoba has paralleled the federal Childrens’ Fitness Tax Credit for children up to age 15. The Childrens’ Fitness Tax Credit provides $3 million in annual tax savings and the young adult Fitness Tax Credit will provide an estimated $1.2 million in tax savings.
·         Budget 2010 also announced the extension of the following tax credits:
-       the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit,
-       the Manitoba Film and Video Production Tax Credit, and
-       the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit.
·         And, as Manitobans begin to file their 2010 individual income tax returns in early 2011, they will be able to claim the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit for the first time.
 
“In total, the tax cuts delivered by our government since 1999 will save Manitoba families and businesses more than $1.1 billion each year including $455 million in personal tax savings, $269 million in property tax reductions and $422 million in business tax cuts,” said Wowchuk.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               -30-

Trying to Estimate Cancer Rates in Ancient Times - NYTimes.com

According to this research, cancer is not a modern disease, it has been around since time immemorial. I guess what is new is just naming of a disease that had no name in the past. Diseases I believe is part of the human condition and we cannot escape it. we are unique individuals and some disease that might affect one person might not affect another in the same way. However, our modern scientific gurus has done everything to kill us themselves by the frightening pictures they paint about diseases.  The professionals and researchers have scared us into shedding our shirts to raise funds to cure a disease which there could never be a cure for, because we a humans and tumors are just part of the picture.  Just as we cannot stop children with disabilities from being born, no matter what we do (unless of course we abort all children with spotted disabilities and even then), because we are human and the workings of our bodies are a mystery to us all including the brightest scientist. We have to work with what we have.
     Could it be that our thoughts about the diseases we get are what kill us. If when diagnosed with say cancer, we accept it for what it is and focus on living rather than preparing for death? Could it be that fears and resolution produce more of what we fear and the fear of early death becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy.
I was listening to Wayne Dyer tape and in one of them he relayed a story told to him by Deepak Chopra whose friend, an Internist, died shortly after a spot on his lungs was discovered. It turned out that that spot had been on his lungs forever. It is believed that this man gave up as soon as the spot was found, he interpreted that as a death sentence.
So, take care of yourself, most of all be happen and try to lead a stress free life and let nature do the rest.

Trying to Estimate Cancer Rates in Ancient Times - NYTimes.com

'Dancing Boy' Scandal Taints Both Americans and Afghans | | AlterNet

While in this country a culture of sexually abusing children is a taboo in other culture it is a familiar practice and everyone turns a blind eye. Wikileaks have explosed how Americans used this practice to pave the way to get what they want from villagers knowing that what they were doing is wrong but for the sake of greed and to make more money, they silenced their conscience. The god of money triumphs over moral values.


Children were abused on American military dollars. The cables are undoubtedly an embarrassment to the war effort. Whereas previously bacha bazi was used in the media to stress the necessity of the war effort – "these people need to be liberated," so the theory went – the WikiLeaks cables have completely reversed that notion. Americans are clearly not liberators if they are promoting child abuse instead of preventing and prohibiting it.
But the bigger picture remains that bacha bazi was there to be exploited.
It exists, and Pashtuns need to talk about it so they can make the changes from within. Pedophilia is not a phenomenon exclusive to one culture. It tends to thrive in any situation where males and females are segregated, whether that is a religious institution, a culture of segregated boarding schools, or a closed society. Bacha bazi is particularly troubling to many people because it is not only pedophilia but culturally accepted pedophilia – amongst those Pashtuns who accept and practice it openly. The sensitivities are even greater because of this but the fact that they exist suggests that many Pashtuns realize the practice is problematic.  Read the entire story
'Dancing Boy' Scandal Taints Both Americans and Afghans AlterNet

8 Condom Commandments for Women (and Men, Too) | | AlterNet

All you single women out there, be careful, do not let one night of pleasure bring you a lifetime of pain and regret.
8 Condom Commandments for Women (and Men, Too) AlterNet

Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Years Day Levee from Lt. Governor of Mb. His Honour Philip S. Lee


Lieutenant Governor’s His Honour the Honourable Philip S. Lee, C.M., O.M.,
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba,
Cordially invites the public to attend the
New Year Levee on Saturday, January 1, 2011 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Legislative Building Entertainment Winnipeg Police Service Choir
Ching Wu Athletic Association Lion Dance
Michael Audette – Fiddler
Harpist – Janelle Nadeau
Complimentary sleigh rides around the Legislative grounds
Members of the Manitoba Living History Society and the United Empire Loyalist Association will attend in heritage costume Canned and dry food contributions to Winnipeg Harvest
would be gratefully appreciated
Refreshments will be served

New Year Levee

Sam Sifton's Best Dishes of 2010 - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com

Sam Sifton's Best Dishes of 2010 - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com

Prosperity Starts With a Black-Eyed Pea - NYTimes.com

The story of Black eyed peas
Prosperity Starts With a Black-Eyed Pea - NYTimes.com

Doctoral degrees: The disposable academic | The Economist

Doctoral degrees: The disposable academic The Economist

Girl, Get Me Started! » What Makes a Man Fall in Love?

Girl, Get Me Started! » What Makes a Man Fall in Love?

Girl, Get Me Started! » What Makes a Man Fall in Love?

Girl, Get Me Started! » What Makes a Man Fall in Love?

Five unhealthy foods you think are healthy | Chatelaine.com

There'll be a lot of talk about dieting after the holidays - here's an easy way to banish hundreds of calories from our daily intake.

Five unhealthy foods you think are healthy Chatelaine.com

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

How to get rid of a bloated belly | Chatelaine.com

How to get rid of a bloated belly Chatelaine.com

How to stop inflammation | Chatelaine.com

Inflammation is a secret killer - learn how to stop it in is track.
How to stop inflammation Chatelaine.com

YouTube - RSA Animate - The Secret Powers of Time

The Secret Powers of Time


The Secret Powers of Time

Professor Philip Zimbardo conveys how our individual perspectives of time affect our work, health and well-being. Time influences who we are as a person, how we view relationships and how we act in the world.
YouTube - RSA Animate - The Secret Powers of Time

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Upcoming-Event - January 2011 - Alliance Francais - Winter Classes

JAN. 10
th to MAR. 26th, 2011
COURSE CALENDAR
Get 10% off
your next group course when you future session dates
refer someone who registers!
Spring 1 April 11
Winter 1 January 10th – March 26th, 2011th – June 25th, 2011
We now offer a
$5 discount on regular course Summer 1 July 4th – 30th, 2011
tuition
when paid by cash, cheque, or debit card. Summer 2 August 2nd – 20th, 2011
Regular Courses
– 11 weeks
General courses –
$250 tuition ($5 discount for cash, cheque, debit card payments)
Course Day Start Time Textbook
Tuesday 5:30 PM
or
Thursday 5:30 PM
A1
1
or
Monday 5:30 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM
or
Thursday 5:30 PM
A1
2
or
Saturday 9:30 AM
A1
4 Wednesday 5:30 PM
A2
1 Saturday 9:30 AM
A2
2 Thursday 5:30 PM
Alter Ego 1
($49)
B1
3 Tuesday 5:30 PM Alter Ego 3 ($49)
B2
4b Wednesday 6:00 PM Alter Ego 4 ($49)
(see reverse for program duration of general courses)
Specialized courses
($5 discount on tuition for cash, cheque, debit card payments)
Course Day Regular Duration tuition Textbook
Conversation B1
Tuesday 5:30 to 7:15 PM 180$
Conversation B2
Tuesday 7:15 to 9:00 PM 180$
French for Breakfast
Wednesday 7:30 to 8:30 AM 165$
No textbooks are
required
COUNCIL OF EUROPE LEVELS
Basic User
A1 Breakthrough
A2
Independent User
IntermediateB1 Threshold
B2
Proficient User
AdvancedC1 Autonomy
AN INTERNATIONALLY
RECOGNIZED CURRICULUM
The Alliance Française du Manitoba uses international methods and standards
of progression which embrace the progressive curriculum established by the
European Council for Languages for all European languages. This curriculum
has been further adapted to many other languages worldwide.
C2
Control
Program Duration (general courses)
6
4
3 students 11 weeks @ 1,5h/week = 16.5 hours Custom program
2 students 11 weeks @ 1h/week = 11 hours Custom program
12 students 11 weeks @ 2.5h/week = 27.5 hours Regular program5 students 11 weeks @ 2h/week = 22 hours Faster progression
Tutoring
– custom programs to suit your needs!
One
customized to suit the student's needs, schedules are flexible, and you can start any time. Let our professional
instructors help you with your specific needs!
toone and semiprivate (2+ students) tutoring is available through the AF. Program content can be
Duration:
minimum 5 hours
Civil servants
– Practice for the oral proficiency test in French as a second language!
This course familiarizes participants with the Public Service Commission’s Test of Oral Proficiency (TOP) in French.
The candidate usually requires special preparation for this test. First, typical questions and expectations of the
examiner are presented and explained to familiarize the candidate with the test. Then, the candidate will take the
mock tests simulating conditions of the actual experience. The candidate will be offered a detailed personal
feedback and advice from the instructor.
Duration:

Visit our website : www.afwpg.ca !
Alliance Française du Manitoba
934 Corydon avenue
Winnipeg, MB   R3M 0Y5

Tel.: (204) 477-1515
Fax: (204) 477-1510


15 hours Offered as a tutorial – flexible scheduleMembership (required): Student $30 valid to August 31st, 2011

WINTER 1 session

Upcoming Event - Call for Proposals - MAVA

Call for Proposals!

The Manitoba Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) is accepting presentation proposals for Growing the Future, the 2011 conference on Friday, May 13, 2011. We are inviting experts from outside the field of Volunteer Management to share professional experiences, research or tools in a
1 ¼ hour workshop session in any of the following areas:

·         Capturing Diversity
Newcomers , Boomers and Intergenerational volunteer environments
·         Latest TrendsEmerging research or experts that impact the field of Volunteer Management
·         Growing ForwardNew approaches and implementation in the field of Volunteer Management

If you would like to present, please fill out the attached form and return it to Jennifer Cawson (jcawson@ggh.mb.ca) or Barb Gemmell (bgemmell@mts.net ) by February 7, 2011.  

Upcoming Event - January 2011 -Educational Session - Human Trafficking

Sent on behalf of the
Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Council (MEAAC)
December 15, 2010

Re:      Human Trafficking Educational Session sponsored by The Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Council (MEAAC)
MEAAC would like to thank all ethnocultural communities for the progress in promoting of Manitoba’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. As a Council responsible for advising the Minister responsible for Multicultur! alism, on all matters of ethnocultural communities in Manitoba, MEAAC recognizes the impact of Human Trafficking on the multicultural mosaic of families in Manitoba and would like to inform you that as a leader, you are welcome to join other Ethnocultural Community Leaders to a free educational session on Human Trafficking.
Since Canada’s Human Trafficking Law was enacted in the criminal code in 2005, there have been five (5) convictions and twelve (12) outstanding cases according to the Justice Canada representative at the Bill C-268 committee hearings. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has reported that, Human Trafficking is the third largest grossing sector of organized crime. Your participation in this event will inform you of the need for action as well as introduce you to what you can do as a leader to help prevent Human Traffick! ing from affecting members of your community.
Please find attached a formal invitation to the Human Trafficking Education Session sponsored by MEAAC in order to create awareness on how Human Trafficking impacts on Manitoba’s social and economic fabric and also to provide preventative means to this growing trend. The education session will be held at Caribbean Community Cultural Centre on Saturday, January 22, 2011.
For details on how to RSVP for this free event and to register in advance, please see the invitation attached or call 945-2435.

Thank you,


Mamadou Ka/Sergio Glogowski
Chairperson/Vice-Chairperson
Manitoba Ethnocultural Advisory and Advocacy Council

Invitation attachment:

wishes to invite members of your organization to an open
 Information Session on Human Trafficking
Saturday, January 22, 2011
at the Caribbean Community Cu! ltural Centre 
1100 Fife St. Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3A5
(See Map enclosed)
From 1:00 – 3:00pm
R.S.V.P. by January 12, 2011 to the Office of the Multiculturalism Secretariat
@ 945 2435 or email: Paul.Ssembwere@gov.mb.ca
This session is free of charge       Refreshments will be served


Human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor: a modern-day form of slavery.
The speakers at this educational event will bring a local W! innipeg perspective to this globally widespread problem.


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Girl, Get Me Started! » In Love and Sex Does Race Matter?

Why some black men make such stupid jokes? Is it because they are stupid - or have been brainwashed for too long. Smarten up you stupid guys when you joke about black women you are joking about yourself and showing your inferiority complex. So sickening

Girl, Get Me Started! » In Love and Sex Does Race Matter?

Tipping guide for the holiday season | Chatelaine.com

Are you a tipper? If not, well, it's time to start. Here's a guide to help you with your tipping.
Tipping guide for the holiday season Chatelaine.com

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

YouTube - 2010 Mommy kissing Santa.MP4

YouTube - 2010 Mommy kissing Santa.MP4

My Presentations

My Presentations

Tapping Spirituality to Help Resolve Global Water Conflicts - Knowledge@Wharton

 What is your approach to conflict resolution?
Wolf: Every situation is unique; there is no blue print. But there are two worlds that I draw from. The first is the rational school of thought to conflict resolution, which deals with what people's interests are, how to ask questions and craft dialogue around core issues. The other is related to the worlds of transcendence or spiritual transformation. My experience is that there are often moments of transformation in a room and rational models are very bad at thinking about how and why this happens. So in recent years, I have been working with people from different spiritual traditions to learn how they deal with concepts such as anger, conflict and transformation, because they have been thinking about it for a lot longer than the West has.
http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2658

Monday, December 20, 2010

Serious Mental Health Needs Seen Growing at Colleges - NYTimes.com

Serious Mental Health Needs Seen Growing at Colleges - NYTimes.com

Stony Brook is typical of American colleges and universities these days, where national surveys show that nearly half of the students who visit counseling centers are coping with serious mental illness, more than double the rate a decade ago. More students take psychiatric medication, and there are more emergencies requiring immediate action.
“It’s so different from how people might stereotype the concept of college counseling, or back in the ’70s students coming in with existential crises: who am I?” said Dr. Hwang, whose staff of 29 includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and social workers. “Now they’re bringing in life stories involving extensive trauma, a history of serious mental illness, eating disorders, self-injury, alcohol and other drug use.”

Potato and Onion Frittata - Recipes for Health - NYTimes.com

Potato and Onion Frittata - Recipes for Health - NYTimes.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

BBC News - World News America - NYC's children of the world caught on camera

BBC News - World News America - NYC's children of the world caught on camera

Vision -- Homemade Prosperity: How to Get Out of the Consumer Trap | | AlterNet

Could this woman's epiphany or ah-ha moment save American family? The simple lesson is go back to your roots, observe the way your forefathers lived and the kind of life they had, how did they make ends meet in the toughest times without overwhelming debt, learn how to be content and the value, the true value of what it means to be fully human living a human life in the real world and not in a bubble of someone else's fantasy namely the advertisers and entrepreneurs who make us throw away good stuff, buy what we do not need and pile on debts that eventually kill us with its burden.
Vision -- Homemade Prosperity: How to Get Out of the Consumer Trap AlterNet

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Girl, Get Me Started! » Aretha Franklin health update: Does Queen of Soul have cancer?

The bad news is that it is rumoured that the Queen of Soul has pancreatic cancer, the good news that the prognosis is good. Start praying for the Queen please
Girl, Get Me Started! » Aretha Franklin health update: Does Queen of Soul have cancer?

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Tired of feeling ripped off by Cell-phones contract? The government is doing something about it

December 15, 2010

'LET'S MAKE A BETTER DEAL' CONSUMER PROTECTION STRATEGY LOOKS AT CELLPHONE, TEXTING CONTRACTS: MACKINTOSH

– – –
Public Input Sought on Proposed Changes
Manitoba is considering changes to the Consumer Protection Act to promote fair and clear cellphone and texting contracts, and is looking for input from Manitobans, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
 
“Cellphones offer convenience and security but, as they become an integral part of our daily lives. we’re finding that they are also a source of frustration for consumers,” said Mackintosh.  “We are committed to finding ways to ensure contracts are fair and worded more clearly, and we want public input on the best way to do that.”
 
In recent years, the number of complaints to the Consumer Protection Office about contracts for cellphones and other wireless devices has been growing.  As part of the Let’s Make A Better Deal consumer protection strategy, Manitoba intends to address the issue with legislation in the spring of 2011, Mackintosh said.
 
Some of the goals to improve cellphone and texting contracts include:
·         making them easy to read and understand by customers,
·         ensuring fairness for both consumers and suppliers,
·         making information about contract cancellations clear, and
·         providing more clear information on when contract terms can be changed.
 
More information and a discussion paper can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/cca/cpo.  
 
The Consumer Protection Office is accepting written submissions or comments on the issue of cellphone contracts and possible changes from now until Jan. 17.  To make a submission, either as a group or as an individual, send comments to consumers@gov.mb.ca or the Consumer Protection Office, Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs, 302-258 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB  R3C 0B6.
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SEEDS OF EMPATHY BRINGS MESSAGE OF SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO YOUNGER CHILDREN



Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors and minister responsible for the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet, Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, and Doug Martindale, MLA, join baby Seth at the launch of the Seeds of Empathy program at Four Feathers Aboriginal Head Start daycare


December 15, 2010
– – –
Program for Three to Five Year Olds to Build on Success of Roots of Empathy: Rondeau
A highly successful program that helps children understand the feelings of others and prevents bullying will now reach out to the three- to five-year-old age group with the startup of the Seeds of Empathy program, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau, chair of the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet, announced today.
 
“We’re taking the proven success of Roots of Empathy and will apply the same concepts of fostering social and emotional development to a younger age group,” said Rondeau. “Manitoba was the first to implement the Roots of Empathy program across an entire province and we are pleased to expand the reach of the program through Seeds of Empathy to even more kids.”
 
The program provides children in child care, nursery school and the preschool Aboriginal Head Start program with the opportunity to learn and experience empathy through special activities and monthly visits with a neighbourhood parent and baby. Teams of three or more staff members from 31 participating early-childhood settings completed the training program this year and began delivering the curriculum in October.
 
“There is little that is more important in society than giving our children a strong start in life,” said Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross.  “This program and its partner, Roots of Empathy, help to do that by fostering the social and emotional skills that children will need throughout their lives.  By reaching these kids at such a young age, they will be starting off on the right foot and their readiness to learn as they enter kindergarten will be enhanced.”
 
In Seeds of Empathy, the baby is the teacher, helping children become aware of its perspective and learning to label his or her feelings.  Children learn to understand their own feelings and to develop empathy, the ability to understand the feelings of others. As a result they are better able to develop positive relationships and are less likely to hurt each other.
 
“By joining the Seeds of Empathy family this year, Manitoba continues to show its tremendous leadership in early childhood development,” said Mary Gordon, founder, Seeds of Empathy.  “For the last 10 years, the province has been a dedicated partner in delivering Roots of Empathy programs to children across the province.  With their strong evaluation and evidence based approach, we will no doubt be seeing just how successful the Seeds of Empathy program can be and the impact that it can have on our society.”
 
The heart of Seeds of Empathy is the neighbourhood parent and baby who make 10 family visits from October to June, said Rondeau. Each visit has a theme: Baby and Me, Crying, Feeling Loved, Feeling Angry, Sleep, Feeling Grumpy, Friends, Who Am I?, Feeling Scared, Getting Bigger/Goodbye. Each theme is also explored through reading circles facilitated by Seeds of Empathy trained coaches who read specific program books to a small group of children. After each reading, there is group activity.
 
Ongoing core financial support for the Seeds of Empathy program has been established by Healthy Child Manitoba with additional funding for some of the training and implementation provided through Reclaiming Hope:  Manitoba’s Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy. Healthy Child Manitoba has also partnered with the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) to implement the program in MFNERC communities.
 
Healthy Child Manitoba is made up of seven provincial government departments and works with parents and families, community organizations and other levels of government to put the well-being of children and families first.  This collaborative, community-based approach uses research and evidence to develop policy and implement programs in areas such as early childhood development, readiness to learn, literacy, nutrition and parenting supports. 
 
- 30 -
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Imaginal Cells

Imaginal Cells

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

LEAF Makes Another Intervention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LEAF Intervening in Cunningham v. Alberta at SCC on December 16, 2010
LEAF Intervenes at Supreme Court of Canada:
Ameliorative Programs Protected Only from Claims of "Reverse Discrimination" 
December 14, 2010, Toronto - On Thursday, December 16, 2010, LEAF will intervene in the Supreme Court of Canada case of Cunningham v. Alberta.  LEAF will address an important and emerging issue in equality jurisprudence: whether ameliorative (affirmative action) government programs can discriminate against some members of disadvantaged groups while benefiting others.  LEAF will argue that s. 15(2) of the Charter should not be used by governments or the Courts to protect ameliorative programs that discriminate against members of disadvantaged groups. 

"LEAF is concerned that the arguments being made by various provincial governments in this appeal will result in a two-tiered hierarchy of equality rights that will diminish the constitutional protection for members of disadvantaged groups who are excluded from ameliorative schemes." says LEAF Legal Director, Joanna Birenbaum.
"For example, an ameliorative program which targets women for employment training, should not be automatically protected from a s.15(1) Charter challenge when it is held in an inaccessible location and thus unavailable to women with disabilities who use a wheelchair," explains Birenbaum.
The Cunningham caseinvolves a challenge to the Alberta Metis Settlement Act (the "MSA").  The MSA was enacted to preserve a land base for the Métis in Alberta, to enable Métis self-governance, and to enhance and preserve Métis culture and identity.  The MSA also governs entitlement to membership in the eight Alberta Métis Settlement communities. 
The claimants are challenging two provisions of the MSA which exclude those who "voluntarily" registered for Indian status under the Indian Act, after November 1, 1990.  Under the impugned provisions, those status Indians are excluded from membership in a Métis settlement.  However, Métis Settlement members who held Indian status on or before November 1, 1990 (the date on which the Metis Settlement Act came into force) are not excluded from membership.  
The Cunningham family claimants, all long-standing (and some even founding) members of the Peavine Métis Settlement, obtained status under the Indian Act in the early 1990s in order to access health benefits unavailable to Métis.  As a result, they were removed from the Métis Settlement Membership list, depriving them of, among other things, their rights to reside in their community and participate in governance and communal life.  Most of the claimants became entitled to Indian status following the partial removal of sex discrimination in the Indian Act status provisions under Bill C-31 in 1985.  The Cunninghams argue that the MSA discriminates against them on the basis of their Indian Act status. 
The Alberta government defends the legislation on the basis that the MSA in general, and the exclusion of status Indians in the membership provisions in particular, are "ameliorative" and thus should receive significant deference by the Court under s.15(2) of the Charter, and should not be subjected to full s.15(1) Charter scrutiny.
"This SCC appeal is the first to consider the application of s.15(2) of the Charter since the Supreme Court's landmark decision in R. v Kapp, in the summer of 2008," explains Birenbaum. 
In Kapp, a group of mostly non-Aboriginal fishers claimed that a 24-hour program exclusively for Aboriginal fishers in British Columbia was "reverse discrimination".  The Court in Kapp held that the fisheries program was protected under s.15(2) of the Charter because it was designed to ameliorate the conditions of the Aboriginal fishers.  The Court rejected the non-Aboriginal claimants' argument that the program should be struck down because it made a distinction on the basis of the Aboriginal "race" of those who received the benefit.
"The Kapp decision promoted substantive equality because it clearly put a stop to the kind of reverse discrimination claims we see made in the United States, in which targeted programs to increase the socio-economic inclusion of marginalized groups are attacked for allegedly discriminating against members of privileged groups," says Birenbaum.  "Since Kapp, however, we have increasingly seen governments try to shut downequality claims on the basis that the impugned legislation is "ameliorative".  This is a very troubling trend." 
LEAF's factum argues that s.15(2) of the Charter protects ameliorative programs from attack by privileged groups, but does not protect such programs from claims of under-inclusion by members of disadvantaged groups.  LEAF argues that any such protection will almost certainly have a disproportionate impact on women (and others) who experience multiple layers of discrimination, and are thus more likely to be excluded from a targeted "affirmative action" program. 
"In this case," explains Birenbaum, "the claimants all suffer the ongoing effects of sex discrimination under the Indian Act.  The claimants are only in the position of obtaining Indian Act status after November 1, 1990 because of this history of sex discrimination.  A full analysis under s.15(1) of the Charter is necessary to understand the intertwining of sex and Indian status discrimination in this appeal".  Birenbaum goes on to note that "following the 2009 British Columbia Court of Appeal decision in McIvor v. Canada and the recent enactment of Bill C-3,Indian status may become available to approximately 45,000 people.  Accordingly, the SCC's decision in this appeal will have particular impact on women and descendents of women who lost their status due to sex discrimination under the Indian Act and who identify as Métis". 
LEAF takes no position on the outcome of the appeal or even on whether the MSA is an ameliorative scheme, but strongly urges the Court to engage in a full s.15(1) analysis in its consideration of the equality claim. 
Professor Dianne Pothier of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University will argue the appeal on behalf of LEAF.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Joanna Birenbaum

(LEAF Legal Director/Co-Counsel)                                                 

(Cell) 647-500-3005 - (Office) 416-595-7170 ext. 223 - (E-mail) j.birenbaum@leaf.ca     


Extended Mind Redux: A Response - NYTimes.com

Philosophical musings of the "the mind" - What a terrible thing to waste

This talk of the machinery of mind is important. A few commentators rightly suggested that mind itself is probably not a “thing” hence not worth trying to locate. That is not to say — heaven forbid — that it is a non-material thing. Rather, it might be a bit like trying to locate the adorableness of a kitten. There is nothing magically non-physical about the kitten, but trying to fine-tune the location of the adorableness still seems like some kind of error or category mistake. In the case of mind, I think what we have is an intuitive sense of the kind of capacities that we are gesturing at when we speak of minds, and so we can then ask: where is the physical machinery that makes those capacities possible? It is the physical machinery of thought and reason that the extended mind story is meant to concern.

Extended Mind Redux: A Response - NYTimes.com

The Chain of Energy - NYTimes.com

The body, as we know, is a miraculous system of bones, muscles, blood and nerves, and it is possible to study it in purely anatomical terms. We can follow Da Vinci’s example and learn as much about the body as any medical student, and it might serve us well as artists, but most of us don’t have the inclination for this scientific kind of study nor the stomach for dissection.  Click on link
The Chain of Energy - NYTimes.com

LINE BY LINE - Opinionator Blog - NYTimes.com

More free art lesson - this is great - check it out.
In this last column of the series, I will show you the process of conceptual thinking, sketching, research photos, painting and lettering that led to a finished theater poster, in this case one for Jon Robin Baitz’s play “Ten Unknowns,” which was presented at Lincoln Center Theater in 2001.

LINE BY LINE - Opinionator Blog - NYTimes.com

Sunday, December 12, 2010

It's Christmas and Love is in the Air or Not

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Thank you.

Friday, December 10, 2010

 
Housing and Community Development Minister Awards Nine BUILDINGFoundation Bursaries: Back Row (left to right) Tania Lerat, Ali Almaleki, Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Holly Aho, Wenjun Zhu. Front row (left to right): Walter Tewelde, Emily Lou Friesen, Amy Crate, Patricia Pohl, Jacob Ajiith.
 

BUILDINGFOUNDATIONS BURSARIES GIVEN TO NINE MANITOBA STUDENTS


Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross today announced the nine recipients of 2010 BUILDINGFoundations bursaries.
 
“I’m very honoured to recognize the commitment of these nine students to their communities.  These bursaries honour their current accomplishments and anticipate their future successes,” said Irvin‑Ross.  “An investment in education provides outstanding returns both to individuals and to society.”
 
Manitoba Housing has partnered with the Winnipeg Foundation to offer these bursaries.
 
“The Winnipeg Foundation is Canada’s first community foundation.  Established in 1921, its mission is to be a catalyst for strengthening community well-being, now and for future generations, by promoting philanthropy, creating partnerships and supporting diverse charitable organizations,” said Rick Frost, chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Foundation. 
 
Irvin-Ross noted the BUILDINGFoundations bursary program is part of HOMEWorks!, government’s larger long‑term strategy and investment plan to renew Manitoba Housing and support tenants and their families.
 
The bursary is open to post-secondary students who are attending college or university, who are Manitoba Housing tenants or who live in subsidized housing associated with Manitoba Housing.
 
The 2010 BUILDINGFoundations bursary recipients are:
·         Wenjun Zhu,
·         Holly Aho,
·         Jacob Ajiith,
·         Ali Reza Almaleki,
·         Amy Crate,
·         Emily Lou Friesen,
·         Tania Lerat,
·         Patricia Pohl, and
·         Walter Tewelde
 
Nine $1,000 BUILDINGFoundations bursaries are awarded each year.  Applications are reviewed and evaluated based on a combination of academic excellence and volunteer work in the community. The bursary program began in 2007 and has provided 27 recipients with bursaries of $1,000 each. 
 
HOMEWorks! the province’s long-term housing strategy, supports a vision to create stronger communities through housing solutions.  More information about the province’s BUILDINGFoundations Bursary Program and long-term housing strategy is available at www.manitoba.ca/housing.

Thursday, December 09, 2010

The Circle of Life

MANITOBANS WILL HAVE SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS, FASTER ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE UNDER INITIATIVES INTRODUCED IN FALL SESSION OF LEGISLATURE: HOWARD

December 9, 2010
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Plans Include Family Doctors for All Manitobans, Quick-care Clinics, Winnipeg Police Cadets, More Job Training, Elimination of Small Business Tax, More Provincial Parks
The province focused on speedier access to health care, strengthening the justice system, growing the economy and protecting the environment during the fall sitting of the 39th legislature, house leader Jennifer Howard said today.
 
“The initiatives we introduced in this sitting build on our five-year plan to guide Manitoba out of the recession,” Howard said.  “The plan, launched earlier this year in Budget 2010, invests in the economy, infrastructure and the environment while reinforcing health care and beefing up crime fighting.”
 
The house will resume sitting in the spring of 2011.
Howard said important anti-crime measures initiated during the fall sitting included:
·        legislation passed allowing Winnipeg’s new 30-member police cadet corps to help make neighbourhoods safer,
·        legislation passed denying victims’ compensation to convicted criminals,
·        legislation passed requiring parents to pay the legal aid bills of their children,
·        legislation in effect taking drivers’ licences from drug dealers,
·        legislation passed making impaired driving laws tougher, and
·        legislation passed holding lawbreakers who don’t pay fines responsible for fine collection costs.
 
Health-care initiatives launched included:
·        a commitment to provide access to family doctors for every Manitoban by 2015,
·        a commitment to establish quick-care clinics staffed by nurse practitioners,
·        announcement of a new one-stop location for addictions and mental-health services,  
·        introduction of legislation which would restrict prescription of narcotics and other controlled drugs,
·        provision of more addictions beds for women seeking treatment,  
·        adoption of incentives for doctors who agree to practise in rural and northern parts of the province,
·        announcement of a new clinic for northwest Winnipeg, and
·        legislation introduced which would extend workers compensation health coverage for firefighters and paramedics.
 
Economic initiatives launched included:
·        elimination of the Small Business Tax on Dec. 1,
·        reduction in rates of Workers Compensation Board premiums for businesses and workers,
·        passage of legislation allowing unrestricted shopping when Boxing Day falls on Sunday, and
·        opening of a one-stop centre for immigrants to help augment the successful Provincial Nominee Program.
 
Initiatives to help train youth for the jobs of tomorrow included:
·        introduction of legislation which would require all Manitobans to pursue their education through the age of 18,
·        creation of the Manitoba Youth Corps to connect 2,500 Manitoba youth to mentor and job opportunities and create nearly 350 jobs for at-risk youth, and
·        adoption of a new policy allowing for penalties for late student assignments and clarifying that schools have the right to fail students for poor performance.
 
Initiatives to help families and individuals included:
·        the launch of a website to help Manitobans get information about private pension plans, 
·        creation of a 24-7 elder abuse hotline,   
·        $10.7 million for construction of new affordable housing for families and people with disabilities, and
·        passage of legislation to provide leave from work for immigrants to attend citizenship ceremonies.
 
Initiatives to benefit the environment included:
·        creation of two new provincial parks,
·        passage of legislation allowing for creation of the Polar Bear Centre, and
·        introduction of legislation which would strengthen rules governing pig barns and other large livestock operations. 
 
Initiatives for rural and northern communities included:
·        unveiling of a world-class water bomber for northern firefighting,
·        creation of a new, $1-million small communities transit fund,
·        announcement of $2.3 million in funding for innovative agriculture research,
·        announcement of consultations with municipalities on a new municipal bridges program,
·        announcement of a new hospital for Notre Dame du Lourdes,
·        introduction of a new grasslands project to keep pollutants out of Lake Winnipeg,
·        construction of a new dialysis service for Berens River,
·        opening of a new Workers Compensation Board office in Brandon, and
·        provision of improved compensation for producers who lose livestock to wildlife. 
 
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