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Friday, October 28, 2011

Providence College goes Enviromental

October 28, 2011

NEW HEATING UNIT AT PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE WILL REDUCE GREENHOUSE-GAS EMISSIONS: LEMIEUX


OTTERBURNE—A new biomass heating unit at Providence University College that burns waste straw and other biomass byproducts from local suppliers to reduce greenhouse gases is now operational, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux announced here today.
“Every step we take to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions is a step in the right directionand this will make a significant difference at Providence University College,” said Lemieux.  “This new heating unit will not only save money but will improve the health of the environment by removing approximately 180 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year, the equivalent of taking 33 cars off the road annually.”
The province invested $84,000 through the Community Led Emissions Reduction (CLER) Initiative’s competitive fund for the installation of a new biomass heating unit for buildings on the Providence University College campus.  The unit replaces natural gas heating and is expected to generate cost savings of up to $50,000 per year.
The minister noted Providence, the federal government and the Rural Municipality of De Salaberryalso supported the project.
“This biomass heating system is an excellent example of governments, businesses and community institutions like Providence working together to become better stewards of the world,” said Dr. August Konkel, president, Providence University College and Theological Seminary.  “Not only will this greatly reduce Providence’s carbon footprint, we’ve designed this system to be a demonstration site to showcase the crucial role rural Manitoba business can play producing non-fossil-fuel energy.”
CLER is a pilot initiative aimed at supporting projects and providing incentives to encourage locally driven efforts to achieve reductions in Manitoba’s greenhouse-gas emissions and build toward sustainable, long-term changes. 
“Investments we make in these kinds of projects help communities diversify and become more energy efficient.  This project is a good first step to supporting this kind of change in rural Manitoba,” said Lemieux.  “I commend our partners for their hard work to see this project come to fruition.”
Eighteen rural and urban centres including six neighbourhood organizations were selected for funding under the $2.8-million, four-year CLER program (2008-12).

Upcoming Event - November 14 - Women and the web

Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council
  (Status of Women)

   invites you to attend a
  Lunch & Learn
on
Women and the Web

presented by
Sergeant Robert Cooke
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Monday, November 14, 2011
Doors open:11:45 a.m.

 Formal presentation:  12:05 – 1:00 p.m.
Basement Level
401 York Avenue, Norquay Building
Bring a brown bag lunch
Coffee and a healthy snack provided
RSVP to 945-6281
Please cancel if you cannot attend

Upcoming Event - Sober ride walk October 30th

Dear Community Members,

You are all invited to a Sober ride walk in memory of  Senhit Mehari and Amutha Subramaniam whose lives were claimed in an horrific accident caused by a drunk driver last year on October 31st, 2010, at the intersection of Bishop Grandin and St. Mary's Road.

The sober ride walk will take place on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30TH 2011, from 4:30pm prompt, at the corner of BISHOP GRANDIN & ST. MARY'S ROAD, St Vital.

For more information, please contact Cecilia Oduro @ 283 2495 or 770 7634.

Your support will be deeply appreciated.
Thank you.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Upcoming Event - Caribbean 55 Plus Horizon Club

The Caribbean 55 Plus Horizon Club
first Oldie Goldies Night
When: It is the twelvth of November
Sat. November 12
where: Caribbean Community Cultural Centre
Address: 1155 Fife street
Safe location with plenty of free parking available
Fun, fun , fun for only $10.00 from 8 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
All are wecome. Come one Come All
Door Prizes, cash bar. Call 942-1526 for tickets or at Dinos
October 25, 2011

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW SUITE OF PROGRAMS TO HELP YOUTH SUCCEED

– – –
Programs Will Complement Major New After-school Program: Selinger
A new host of programs designed to help keep Manitoba youth engaged in school, active in their communities and supported with the tools they need to succeed are beginning to be rolled out, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at Westwood Collegiate.
“These programs, Work2it, Youth Making a Difference Grant Programs and Manitoba Mentors -Connecting Learning and Work, will help get our high-school students and youth on the path to success,” said Selinger.  “Our youth are our future and we need to keep investing in programs that help them achieve their full potential.  Ensuring they have access to education and supports to stay on the right track will build a stronger Manitoba for all of us.”
Work2it will offer supports to youth facing multiple personal barriers to training and employment.  Starting as a pilot this fall in Winnipeg and The Pas, Work2it will provide pre-employment training, job coaching and employment opportunities for at-risk youth through partnerships with two community organizations, New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families in Winnipeg and FireSpirit in The Pas.  The program will expand over the next three years and at full capacity will serve up to 345 youth, the premier said.
The new Youth Making a Difference Grant Programs will provide students and youth working with educators or adult supervisors from youth serving organizations with up to $1,000 to develop and implement social-justice and community development projects in their schools and communities.  The program will offer an opportunity for youth to develop and practise skills including leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.  The deadline for applications is Nov. 10.  More information and applications are available at: www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving/youth/leadership/youthmakingadifference.html.
Manitoba Mentors -Connecting Learning and Work was launched at the beginning of this school year in seven schools across Manitoba.  Working in partnership with the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils, the three-year pilot project will see students matched with employers who will provide group mentoring, speakers’ panels, site visits to employers and businesses, small group discussions and one-to-one mentoring through job shadowing, internships and job placements.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Manitoba Mentors, an exciting new program that helps students gain further knowledge with regards to the requirements and expectations of their professional interests and aspirations,” said Mike Wake, principal, Westwood Collegiate.  “Manitoba Mentors is a true extension of the classroom, which hopefully will provide further direction to our young people on their journey to productive citizenship.”
Selinger noted these programs will complement another innovative new youth program, modelled on the successful Chicago After School Matters program.  The new program will see the Manitoba government partner with businesses, professional associations and community organizations to provide high-school students with after-school training and apprenticeship opportunities in fields like sports, performing arts, technology, communications and science.
“The more we can promote positive activities for young people and help keep our kids busy after school, the brighter their futures will be.  By working together, we can create an environment where every kid in Manitoba has a chance to succeed,” the premier said.
The premier noted these programs were formed based on advice and recommendations from the Premier's Economic Advisory Council and consultations with community leaders and community organizations.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED







October 26, 2011
SMALL CLASSES IN EARLY YEARS TO BENEFIT CHILDREN, FAMILIES: ALLAN
– – –
Province Establishes Implementation Team, Commits to Online Class-size Tracking System
A oversight committee that includes parents, teachers, school administrators and trustees will work in partnership with government to implement a new initiative to limit class sizes to a maximum of 20 students for kindergarten through Grade 3 starting in 2012, Education Minister Nancy Allan announced today.
“We know that students are more likely to succeed when they have the attention they need in their early years,” said Allan.  “This team will provide the expertise, input and direction we need to implement a class size cap of 20.”
Government will also work with school divisions to make an online tracking system for class sizes available on their websites so parents and other interested community members can monitor progress of this important initiative, Allan said.  The online tracking system is expected to be in place for the 2012-13 school year.
The implementation team includesrepresentatives from Manitoba Education, the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, Manitoba School Boards Association, Manitoba Association of School Business Officials and Manitoba Association of Parent Councils.  They will work with the province to develop the plan and identify the requirements for new teachers and classrooms.
Funding for the initiative will include a $20-million annual investment to hire more teachers and
$85 million to build more class space by full implementation.  It is scheduled to be completed provincewide within five years.
“Smaller classes will give students more one-on-one time with their teachers to help them excel while allowing teachers more time to do what they do best,” said Allan.
October 27, 2011

NEW AIR TRANSPORT PROGRAM WILL ENSURE PATIENT COMFORT AND SAFETY WHILE TRAVELLING TO WINNIPEG FOR MEDICAL CARE: OSWALD


Patients in rural communities requiring specialized diagnostic tests and medical procedures will soon be able to take regularly scheduled flights to Winnipeg for care rather than travelling for hours on the road in an ambulance, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“For patients who need specialized medical tests or procedures not available in their home community, a long drive in an ambulance can be uncomfortable and inconvenient,” said Oswald.  “We’re pleased to follow through quickly on this important commitment to Manitobans to offer more comfortable and faster transportation for rural patients.”
Currently, rural patients requiring inter-facility transports to a larger urban centre for more specialized care not available in their home community are transported in a road ambulance.  There are approximately 20 inter-facility transports into Winnipeg every day.
Under the new air transport initiative, regular flights will be scheduled for patients facing longer ambulance rides of two and half hours or more from their local hospital or personal-care home to Winnipeg for testing and treatment.  Each flight will be able to accommodate up to four patients and will be staffed with two paramedics and two pilots.  As an extension of the existing inter-facility transport program, patients will not be charged any fees for the flights.  Inter-facility transport fees were eliminated in 2006.
This change will also allow more paramedics to work in their home communities, respond to local emergency needs and reduce long work hours spent transporting patients.
“A long-distance transport requires both an ambulance and an emergency medical service team to be out of service for the duration of a trip,” said Randy Lock, chief executive officer of the Interlake Regional Health Authority.  “This new program will free up rural paramedics and ambulances in our communities while giving our patients a faster and more comfortable ride.”
The program officially begins mid-November and will transport patients primarily from the Parkland and Assiniboine health regions.  Some patients will also be able to access scheduled flights from Brandon and communities in the northern Interlake region.  The initiative will be delivered in partnership with the Medical Transportation Co-ordination Centre in Brandon, Government Air Services and participating regional health authorities.  It is expected that up to three flights a day will be scheduled.                                                                                      
All patients requiring urgent and emergency care currently have access to air transfer using an air ambulance, LifeFlight and the new STARS ambulance helicopter.  Patients in northern Manitoba have access to air ambulance transport for non-emergency care through the Northern Patient Transportation Program.
Inter-facility transports move patients between health-care facilities for diagnostic tests or treatment, rehabilitation or recovery.  Physicians will approve transfers for patients who need medical care during the trip but whose condition is non-critical.
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Manitoba Celebrates Women Artists for Women's History Month


Drive dance Company Dancers


October 26, 2011

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATES CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN ARTISTS TO SOCIAL CHANGE


In honour of Women’s History Month, the province today celebrated the significant achievements and contributions of women artists in Manitoba at a special reception held at the Legislative Building, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, has announced.
“Manitoba women who have embraced the arts challenge many of society’s deepest assumptions through their personal interpretation, expression and creativity,” said Howard.  “By presenting their unique view of the world around us, the artistic women we are honouring have demonstrated how they can preserve history, reflect our world and shape the future.”
The 2011 theme is Women in the Arts:  Artists Working for Social Change.  The keynote speaker at this year’s program was multi-disciplinary artist Shawna Dempsey, who is known for her work in performance art, video, film and print.  She is also co-executive director of Mentoring Artists for Women’s Art (MAWA).
This year the Manitoba Status of Women Division partnered with MAWA to celebrate eight women whose art has changed the lives of women, families and communities.  Each is a passionate and gifted individual who has inspired meaningful social and political reflection and is an outstanding role model for young, aspiring female artists, the minister said.  
Today’s honourees included Cecilia Araneda for her work in media arts; celebrated craft artist Teresa Burrows; Roewan Crowe for her work in the literary arts; Leah Decter for her accomplishments in the visual arts; accomplished dancer Buffy Handel; Ingrid D. Johnson for her work as an activist and noted singer; Hope McIntyre for her achievements in the performing arts; and Jaime Black, honoured as an emerging multi-disciplinary youth artist.
At the celebration, Howard also introduced the publication Women in the Arts:  Artists Working for Social Change that highlights the contributions of these eight women.  Copies of the publication are available from the Manitoba Status of Women Division by phone at 204-945-6281 or 1-800-263-0234 (toll-free), by email at msw@gov.mb.caor online at www.gov.mb.ca/msw/publications.
“Manitoba is home to a vibrant group of acclaimed and emerging female artists, as well as mentors, guides, leaders and teachers who encourage and nurture young artists in the community,” said Howard.  “Female artists in Manitoba can be found in all areas of our province where they exert a profound influence on all Manitobans.” 
Today’s event also featured dance performances choreographed by Stephanie Ballard and performed by students from The School of Contemporary Dancers Professional Program and the Drive Dance Company.
Women’s History Month is held nationally in October to celebrate the advances and contributions of women in all aspects of Canadian society.  Howard said this annual celebration provides an opportunity to recognize the many achievements of women in Manitoba and to reflect on the continuing evolution of women’s roles in today’s society.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

CRIME PREVENTION-THE SINGAPORE APPROACH


Jarmal Singh*

I. INTRODUCTION

Singapore, being a city state dependant

on trade and with business links to all parts

of the world, is a very open country.

Further, its strategic location makes it a

natural hub for airlines and ships. In view

of the very many varied cultures and

historical attractions in the region

surrounding it, large numbers of tourists

and business travelers pass through it. It

is hence open to varied influences, and is

also vulnerable to passing crooks who can

easily pass of as locals or tourists.

As most of its occupants are descendents

of immigration stock, mainly from the

Peninsula Malaysia, the Indonesia

archipelago, China, India and Europe, it

is heterogeneous. There are hence

sensitivities relating to race, religion,

language and nationality. These need to

be safeguarded against exploitation by

bigots and anti-national elements.

Nevertheless, their common destiny and

the need to work among and with each

other have led to the establishment of a

generally similar outlook relating to their

physical self and property. As all value

these rights, crime which attacks these

rights is obviously abhorred and is always

a highly topical subject of concern inspite

of Singapore having one of the lowest crime

rates in the world.

The low crime rate has been achieved

by the combination of deterrence,

enforcement and rehabilitation under a

very effective criminal justice system.

Deterrence is provided by tough laws,

* Deputy Director Operations, Police Headquarters,

Singapore Police Force, Republic of Singapore.

pushed by a strong executive and enacted

by a very responsive legislature; a very

robust and efficient world class court

system; a police force also aspiring to be

world class in its total policing capabilities,

which includes at its bedrock, community

policing in a strong, symbiotic partnership

with the community it polices, strong

enforcement by incorruptible officers and

an austere but humane correctional system

which aids rehabilitation whenever

possible.

The main thrust of the police-community

partnership is based on mutual help, with

the public being persuaded and encouraged

to take personal responsibility both

individually and in partnership with others

in safeguarding themselves, their property

and their neighbourhood with the advice

and assistance of the police. It is based on

the principle that prevention is a

community responsibility and crime

prevention measures taken by the

community can limit and reduce

opportunities for the commission of crime.

Further, the community has a role in

mitigating the impact of crime on

unintended victims, such as the

dependents of victims, offenders and others

who suffer collateral damage from these

crimes. The community also has a role in

reintegrating people into society.

Since 1988, Singapore has been enjoying

a decreasing crime rate for 9 consecutive

years. This would not have been possible

if not for cooperation from the public,

brought about by community-policing.

About 1/3 of all arrest cases are solved as a

result of public-spiritedness shown by

members of the public, assisting or giving

vital information leading to the

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apprehension of the criminal.

In the last two decades, Singapore has

become highly industrialised and

urbanised. The SPF has become an

organisation fully committed to serving the

needs of and protecting the people living

in Singapore. In response to these changes,

the SPF has also undergone a period of

transformation in terms of its

organisational structure and policing

strategies.

The SPF has moved from reactive

policing to proactive policing based on the

concept of community policing and adapted

from the very successful Japanese Koban

model. This led to the establishment of 91

neighbourhood police posts (NPPs) under

the supervision of 7 land division

headquarters. The NPPs primary role is

creating a sense of security in the

neighbourhood through easily accessible

counter service, close liaison with the

public, high visibility patrols, house visits

and crime prevention education.

II. CRIME PREVENTION

CONCEPTS AND STRUCTURES

A. Concepts

Accompanying community policing, is

the development of a proactive approach

to crime prevention. The most strenuous

efforts by the police alone will not produce

the desired results if the community stands

by passively in the erroneous belief that

crime is purely a police responsibility. The

community must accept that the task of

crime prevention is as much a community

responsibility as it is a police responsibility,

and must join hands with the police to

make crime prevention effective. The

failure of public involvement in crime

prevention may be attributed to ignorance.

It is the police responsibility to overcome

this ignorance through a sustained

programme of education that brings about

crime prevention awareness throughout

the community. Crime prevention

education make people aware that:

(i) They are personally responsible

for the safety of their property

and themselves, and for the

safety of their neighbourhoods.

(ii) Many crimes are opportunistic in

nature and are committed

through the negligence and

carelessness of the victims.

Crime is prevented if the

opportunity is denied or delayed.

(iii) They can prevent crimes by

taking simple and effective

measures on their own or in cooperation

with their neighbours.

Crime prevention measures must

be commensurate with the threat.

Effective protection will not come

from any single measure but from

the sum total of all practical and

possible measures.

B. Formation of a Crime Prevention

Branch

The Crime Prevention Branch of the SPF

was formed in 1977 under the Criminal

Investigation Department (CID) to cater

for the needs of a specialised branch

devoted exclusively to crime prevention

activities. The main task of the branch was

to inform the public that they have a

significant role to play in safeguarding

themselves and their properties against

crime. For that purpose, the branch

embarked on an extensive programme of

crime prevention activities, which includes

talks, exhibitions and personal calls to

disseminate advice on measures that could

be adopted to prevent crime.

In view of the economic growth and

industrial development in Singapore, the

branch was expanded to that of a Crime

Prevention Division (CPD) in 1981, so as

to provide a more thorough and efficient

crime prevention programme for the public.

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The formation of the CPD signaled the

beginning of the community-oriented

policing strategy in Singapore. Since its

inception, the CPD has initiated several

projects in crime prevention, namely the

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (NWS),

Crime Prevention Committees (CPCs),

Crime Risk Surveys, Operation

Identification, crime prevention

exhibitions, crime prevention campaigns;

and youth programmes like the Crime

Proficiency Badge Scheme for uniformed

groups like the National Police Cadet

Corps, Scouts and Girl Guides etc.

The Division was later to work closely

with the National Crime Prevention

Council (NCPC) which was formed on 4

July 1981. The formation of the Council

marked an extremely important event in

the history of crime prevention work and

development in Singapore.

C. National Crime Prevention

Council

The National Crime Prevention Council

(NCPC) was set up in 1981 to act as a

catalyst and partner to mobilise the

support of groups and individuals from the

community to work closely with the police

on crime prevention. It is a non-profit

making organisation which depends

entirely on donations to run their activities.

The NCPC objectives are:

(i) To raise the level of public

awareness and concern about

crime;

(ii) To encourage self-help in crime

prevention;

(iii) To study, develop and improve

crime prevention measures

suitable for adoption by the

public; and

(iv) To co-ordinate the efforts of

organisations interested in such

activities.

The NCPC comprises of persons from

both the private and public sector.

Members include business and social

leaders, professionals and police officers.

It is involved with other organisations and

government departments in promoting

crime prevention. It works closely with the

police and organises exhibitions,

workshops, courses, contests and talks to

involve and educate individuals and

organisations on crime prevention. It also

conducts research into various aspects of

crime prevention. Research is also

commissioned to measure the effectiveness

of crime prevention programmes. Various

subcommittees are also formed under the

NCPC to address problems related to crime

within various trades and concerns. They

include:

(i) Hotel Security Committee

(ii) Se cur i t y at Cons t ruc t i on

Worksites Committee

(iii) Children & Youth Committee

(iv) Security at Commercial Premises

Committee

(v) Security in Housing Committee

(vi) Focus Group Committee

III. CRIME PREVENTION

SCHEMES

A. Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

(NWS)

In 1981, the SPF introduced the

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (NWS) to

tap on the resources of the community,

especially the residents of high-rise

apartments, in line with its community,

policing concept. The Scheme was

originally conceived to encourage mutual

care and help among neighbours, through

residents keeping an eye out for each

other’s premises, and it was hoped that

civic-mindedness, neighbourliness and

social responsibility in the context of crime

prevention would be enhanced. This would

contribute to keeping neighbourhoods safe

from crime.

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By 1993, the NWS had 10,000 groups of

about 5 households located on the same

floor of a block of apartments, and led by a

group leader. Such a group is called a

Neighbourhood Watch Group (NWG). The

goals of the NWG are:

(i) To encourage residents to keep an

eye for their neighbours’

premises, so as to enhance the

physical security of their estate.

(ii) To disseminate, through the

NWG leader, awareness of

potential threats to resident’s

safety in their estate.

(iii) Instill, through the NWG leader,

an awareness of potential threats

to residents’ safety in that estate.

Despite the large number of NWGs

formed, the scheme met with limited

success. The activities of the NWGs have

been minimal or, in some cases, nonexistent.

This is due to the following

factors:

(i) Lack of leadership by NWG

leaders;

(ii) Lack of participation by NWG

members;

(iii) Limited scope of activity for

NWGs;

(iv) Existence of alternative channels

of communication.

In the light of the above factors, a review

of the NWS in 1996 was made with a view

to ensuring that it continues to remain

effective and to complement the work of the

Residents Committees (RCs), Residents

Associations (RAs) and the police. The RCs

and RAs are grassroots community-based

civic organisations that are all over

Singapore. The principal considerations on

the revised NWS form an integral part of

the police’s overall strategy of community

policing, working in conjunction with

attempts to reach out to the communityat-

large (through initiatives such as

problem-solving ), and to the individual

(through house visits ). In order to achieve

this, the following was addressed:

(i) The need for the aims, structure

and activities of the revised NWS

to be congruent with the priorities

of community agencies, thus

underscoring the relevance of

community-based cooperation at

the grassroots level.

(ii) The need to leverage on the

strengths of the existing

grassroots network such as

Residents Committees (RCs) /

Residents Associations (RAs).

(iii) The need for activities under the

revised NWS to cause individuals

to develop a greater sense of

belonging to and responsible for

the neighbourhood they live in.

B. Neighbourhood Watch Zone

(NWZ)

The new model for the Neighbourhood

Watch Scheme envisages a strategic

partnership between the SPF and

Residents’ Committee (RC) for Public

Housing and Resident’s Association (RA)

for Private Housing (the key community

agency at the grassroots level). The SPF

no longer attempts to build up a network

of community relationships in isolation.

Instead, it will work with and through the

RCs and RAs, in order to achieve the

objective of the Neighbourhood Watch

Scheme. This is done primarily through

the creation of “Neighbourhood Watch

Zones” in each of the 456 RC and 65 RA

Zones. NWZs will form an integral part of

the RC and RA structure, and will be led

by the Liaison Officer (LO) of the RC or RA

Zone, assisted by their Assistance Liaison

Officers (ALOs). They can be the vehicle

through which the RC’s and RA’s aim of

engendering a strong community spirit can

be achieved. Their focus, unlike the NWGs,

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is not on crime-related concerns alone, but

on all issues that interest or affect the

community.

RCs and RAs have been strengthened

as the pre-eminent community

organisations at the precinct level. They

have the mandate not only to discuss, but

also to deal with all aspects of concerns that

have crime or law and order implications.

Key areas of community concern will be

focused on the RCs and RAs. This gives

the community an identity to rally to. Since

the RCs and RAs have more substantial

areas of focus, the possibility of active and

meaningful participation in RC/RA

activities by residents will be raised.

The transformation from Neighbourhood

Watch Groups to Neighbourhood Watch

Zones (NWZ) is a move from quantity to

quality. With a more manageable number

of NWZs to work with, NPPs can

concentrate on working more closely with

each NWZ, thus strengthening its

leadership and administration. A total of

25 NWZs were launched at the pilot phase

in April 1997. To date the SPF has

established 191 NWZs. A typical NWZ is

made up of a Liaison Officer (LO) and is

assisted by Assistant Liaison Officers

(ALOs). The LOs and ALOs of the NWZ

work very closely with the NPP officers to

coordinate crime prevention activities and

programmes to foster community bonding.

They will also disseminate information to

the residents and channel feedback from

residents to Resident Committees (RCs)/

Resident Associations (RAs) and NPPs.

The role of our NPP officers in NWzs are

to work in close partnership with the

members of RCs/RAs in promoting

neighbourhood watch. Typically, they will:

(i) Actively support RC and RA

activities;

(ii) Disseminate crime prevention

information through house visits,

leaflets and posters;

(iii) Work jointly with RC and RA

members to discuss and propose

solutions to crime concerns;

(iv) Seek residents’ feedback on police

issues during house visits;

(v) Meet NWZ LOs for information

on RC/RA events;

(vi) Identify RC/RA activities as

platforms to promote crime

prevention awareness;

(vii) Organise activities at a ‘small

g r o u p ’ l e v e l t o p r o v i d e

opportunities for NWZ members

to meet and get to know each

other;

(viii)Customise police publications

with community level messages

for dissemination to residents;

and

(ix) Work with the community on

crime prevention publications.

The role of Liaison Officers (LOs) in

NWZs are as follows:

(i) Promote neighbourliness,

harmony and cohesiveness within

the NWZ;

(ii) Conduct NWZ programmes to

raise the crime prevention

awareness of the residents;

(iii) Acting through the ALOs,

disseminate information to and

channel feedback from the

residents to the neighbourhood

police post/RC/RA.

(iv) Coordinate and promote a wide

range of activities eg, social and

cultural, etc, to engender a strong

community spirit among

residents and to raise crime

prevention awareness;

(v) Attend to neighbourhood and

community crime prevention

matters;

(vi) Promote and encourage resident

participation in crime awareness

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programmes;

(vii) Mobilise community resources to

address residents’ crime concerns

(viii)Resolve, with the support of

NPPs, disputes among residents;

and

(ix) Foster civic consciousness

amongst residents.

The SPF, in building a strong community

support, had created the Neighbourhood

Watch Zones in 25 RC Zones for its pilot

scheme launched in April 1997. A survey

was conducted a year later to find out the

level of awareness of the NWZ scheme and

and the crime prevention knowledge of the

residents. The findings were that more

than 90% of the respondents wanted the

scheme to continue or be implemented in

their estates. They also felt that the

scheme was effective in helping to prevent

crime. With the success of this scheme, the

SPF is embarking to expand it island-wide.

To date, the SPF has established 191

NWZs.

IV. CRIME PREVENTION

PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

With community policing firmly in place,

and strategic networks established with

public organisations such as grassroots

organisations, and private bodies such as

various trade associations, it becomes

possible to leverage on their cooperation

and expertise in crime prevention. The

reach of crime prevention programmes

initiated by the SPF is greatly enhanced

through these collaborations with leading

public and private organisations that aim

to enhance security-awareness and

security within their respective trades and

spheres of operation. The following are

some of the crime prevention programmes

being implemented by the police in

collaboration with the community.

V. CRIME PREVENTION FOR THE

GENERAL PUBLIC

A. Crime Prevention Exhibitions

and Talks

To stimulate greater public interest and

instill crime prevention awareness, crime

prevention exhibitions are held throughout

the year at shopping centres, community

centres and void decks of apartments to

reach out to the general public. The police

also conduct talks at grassroots and private

organisations. Crime prevention

phamplets, posters and handbooks are also

produced and distributed to the general

public during exhibitions or talks and are

easily available at the Neighbourhood

Police Centres/Posts.

B. Annual Crime Prevention

Campaign

To focus attention on crimes which affect

the public at large, the police, together with

the NCPC, jointly organise the Year-End

Festive Season Crime Prevention

Campaign. The mass media such as

television, cinema, posters etc, would also

be employed to communicate crime

prevention messages to the general public.

C. Crime Risk Surveys

To determine security weaknesses, the

police conduct Crime Risks Surveys for

both residential and commercial premises

upon request (by appointment or

registration at crime prevention

exhibitions). The police also visit scenes of

crime to advise the victims of means of

improving the structural security features

of their premises. The aims of the surveys

are:

(i) To provide specialised advisory

services on crime prevention to

the public at no cost;

(ii) To help improve the physical

security features of premises; and

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 56

(iii) To encourage the use of various

crime prevention measures and

devices to enhance the security of

premises.

D. Crime Watch TV Progamme

To educate the general public through

the television, the police and the NCPC also

jointly produce the Crime Watch TV

Programme Series. The programme

features crime awareness including solved

and unsolved cases, appealing for

information and witnesses and public

education segments on crime prevention

measures or road safety. This TV

programme is shown monthly during

prime-time in both the English and

Chinese languages.

E. Crime Prevention for Senior

Citizens

Senior citizens being vulnerable and

trusting, can easily become victims of

unscrupulous criminals. Crime Prevention

Talks are conducted by Crime Prevention

Officers (CPOs) to various senior citizen

associations or groups. This also involves

police liaison with the People’s Association

and related organisations on the organising

of crime prevention programmes and

exhibitions.

F. Crime Prevention for the Young

and Youths

1. School Security Committees (SSCs)

The Committee is headed by teachers in

the schools themselves. The programme

was formed to enhance crime prevention

and fire safety in the schools. The police

officers at the NPPs act as liaison officers

to these SSCs. Meetings are held with

SSCs to update them on the latest crime

trends and advice. The police also render

assistance, such as arranging and

conducting crime prevention talks to the

students.

2. Crime Prevention for Uniformed

Groups

To reinforce crime prevention messages

among uniformed youth groups in schools

such as the National Police Cadet Corps,

the Scouts and Girl Guides, participation

in crime prevention activities are

encouraged. These activities include crime

prevention knowledge tests, visits to NPPs

and the Crime Prevention Display Room.

Upon completion of these activities,

students would be awarded the Crime

Prevention Proficiency Badge. The police

intend to extend the award to all other

uniformed groups in schools.

3. Textbook for Students

To educate our students on crime

prevention, a series of crime prevention

textbooks called “Dear Mr Policeman” were

brought into the school curriculums in 1986

to teach students from upper primary to

lower secondary levels the importance of

crime prevention. This series, which is still

currently being taught, will soon be

replaced in 1999 by an enhanced series

called “Safe and Secure: That’s Our

Singapore”, which will carry not only crime

prevention messages from the police, but

also road safety, and fire safety messages

from the Singapore Civil Defence Force,

and drug abuse prevention messages from

the Central Narcotics Bureau.

4. Crime Prevention CDs for Schools

A crime prevention interactive multimedia

CD targeting students and youths

have been developed. The CD contains the

messages of crime prevention, fire safety/

emergency preparedness, anti-drug abuse

and road safety, from the police, Singapore

Civil Defence Force and the Central

Narcotics Bureau respectively. The CD

comes complete with digitised images and

good audio and visual animation to make

learning fun and interactive for students

and youths alike.

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VISITING EXPERTS’ PAPERS

5. Crime Prevention Videos

An educational video called “Gangfile”

warning teenagers of the dangers of joining

gangs; and a handbook called “Say No To

Gangs”, has been produced and distributed

to all schools. Another video, entitled

“Prison Me? No Way!” has been produced

for students and youths to steer them away

from crime. The video recounts the prison

life of 2 youth offenders, and conveys the

severity, harshness and consequences of a

prison sentence. The video, which is

distributed to all schools, comes complete

with a teachers’ guide.

6. Joint School Talks on Crime and Drug

Abuse Prevention

To maximise the benefits of combined

preventive drug and crime education

among students, the police and the Central

Narcotics Bureau (CNB) have integrated

and coordinated joint school talks on crime,

secret society activities and drug abuse

prevention. The police, CNB and Ministry

of Education (MOE) also work together to

draw up a year-long lecture schedule for

schools. This schedule ensures that every

school will be visited by the officers and

benefit from their talks. Apart from the

schedule, schools can also request special

talks to small group of students who have

been singled-out for any kind of infractions.

This helps the police and CNB to establish

better ties with discipline masters and with

schools in general.

7. Streetwise Programme

In addition to preventive education in

schools, the National Youth Council (NYC)

has initiated the “StreetWise Programme”

-a programme designed to change the

behaviour of youths who have unwittingly

drifted into gang activities. Three key

components in the programme are:

(i) Counselling;

(ii) Development training to

inculcate life skills and provide

academic and recreation support;

and

(iii) Voluntary curfew.

Participants in the voluntary curfew

scheme will have to undertake not to visit

certain entertainment outlets and likely

gang hangouts. They must also stay at

home during certain times of the day. Their

parents will have to agree to supervise

them and ensure that they observe the

curfew for the duration of the programme.

8. Visits to Penal Institutions

The police and CNB will continue to

organise institutional visits for youths

identified to be involved in petty crimes and

other delinquent activities at the prisons

and Drug Rehabilitation Centres

respectively. This would enable the youths

to have direct exposure to the deprivations

in the drug and penal regimes.

9. Organisation of Police Youth Camps

Youth camps for high-risk students will

be organised by the police to serve as an

outlet for energy and imagination, to steer

youths away from crime or associating with

bad elements. This will also instill some

confidence as well as social skills in them.

10. Honorary Vo l u n t e e r S p e c i a l

Constabulary (VSC) Scheme

As juvenile delinquents have become

increasingly defiant and aggressive over

the years, the police alone cannot tackle

the problem effectively. The Honorary VSC

scheme was introduced in 1997 to

strengthen the links between schools and

the police in an effort to keep juvenile

delinquency problems and youth-gang

influences away from schools. Teachers are

appointed as Honorary VSC Senior

Officers.

The appointment symbolises police

presence and authority in schools and

enhances teachers’ position as the overseer

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 56

of school discipline. The Honorary VSC

Senior Officers carry warrant cards which

enables them to make arrests when there

are serious breaches of the peace within,

or in the immediate vicinity of, the school

compound or during school activities.

The Honorary VSC Senior Officers play

the role of the liaison officer between the

respective schools and the police. Police

will work closely with them to curb juvenile

delinquency. They will contact the police

should the need arise and assist in

scheduling talks on topics related to secret

society activities or crime prevention. They

also help to organise police-youth activities

such as visits to prisons and monitor the

behaviour of delinquent students in

schools.

As they are part of the SPF, they are

conferred powers of arrest, and can offer

advice on police procedures and policerelated

matters to staff and students in

their schools. They also counsel

recalcitrant students on the consequences

of criminal or gang activities.

G. Commercial and Industrial

Sectors

1. Crime Presentation for Crime

Prevention Committees (CPCs)

To look after the commercial and

industrial sectors, the police in 1982

introduced Crime Prevention Committees

(CPCs). CPCs serve as an organised body

where the police can work closely with both

the commercial and industrial sectors on

crime prevention. They are equivalent to

the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in

public/private residential estates and are

responsible for monitoring and looking

after the security of their respective

commercial/shopping or industrial

complexes; organising crime prevention

activities and implementing the

recommended security measures in

consultation with police representatives.

To date, 145 CPCs have been formed all

over Singapore.

2. Crime Prevention for Construction

Sites

Security audits of construction sites are

conducted jointly by the Singapore

Contractors Association Limited (SCAL),

the NCPC and the police. The objectives

are to promote and encourage crime

prevention awareness, enhance work site

security and to deter unauthorised visitors

and illegal immigrants. To educate foreign

workers, a crime prevention video for

construction workers in 7 different

languages was also produced and

incorporated as part of the orientation

programme for foreign workers. Every

year, seminars on construction safety and

security are also jointly organised by the

police, NCPC and SCAL.

3. Crime Prevention for Hotels

The Singapore Hotel Association (SHA),

the NCPC and the police work closely in

organising the annual Hotel Security

Conference and Awards Presentation.

Together with SHA, the police also conduct

security audits at hotels to ensure their

standard of security. The objectives are to

promote an urgent sense of security in the

hotels, to encourage and assist installation

of mechanised security systems such as

closed-circuit television (CCTV) and to

endorse security training programmes for

the hotels.

VI. EVALUATING THE

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE

COMMUNITY POLICING

STRATEGY / CRIME PREVENTION

PROGRAMMES

The effectiveness of any country’s

policing strategy and crime prevention

programmes is best gauged by a public

perception survey on the overall crime

levels, sense of security and police

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112TH INTERNATIONAL TRAINING COURSE

VISITING EXPERTS’ PAPERS

presence. To this end, such a survey was

conducted by the police in 1997. Of those

surveyed, 62% of the respondents believed

that major crimes were declining, and 46%

perceived that minor crimes were

declining. Comparing the general security

of Singapore with most countries in the

world, 93% of the respondents felt it was

better. 86% of the respondents also felt that

the security in Singapore at present (1996)

was better than 5 years ago (1991). More

than 95% of respondents felt that, on the

whole, the NPP system, and the police in

general have met their expectations.

In terms of the effectiveness of crime

prevention programmes, television

programmes such as crime watch continue

to top the list, with 93% of respondents

having known of it. Of the respondents who

expressed knowledge of the crime watch

programmes, 75% have watched it before.

Other crime prevention activities which the

public are aware of include posters (73%),

leaflets and newsletters (69%), and

exhibitions (68%).

VII. FUTURE CHALLENGES

A. Expansion of Neighbourhood

Watch Zones

The strategy of engaging the community

in crime prevention awareness will

continue. The police are looking into the

expansion of the NWZ Scheme. The aim is

to foster the idea of neighbourhood watch

and the concept of self-help in crime

prevention to residents via the Residents’

Committee (RC) and the Residents’

Association (RA). With close partnership

in the community, the NWZ Scheme will

become more effective in reaching out to

residents island-wide.

B. Enhancing Strategic Alliances

with Community Groups

The SPF intends to enhance the

strategic alliances with community groups

and grassroots organisations to raise crime

prevention awareness. To do this, the

police will continue to establish close

partnerships with community-based

organisations and self-help groups to

leverage on mutual strengths and expertise

to combat crime.

C. Enhancing Crime Prevention

Awareness among Police Officers

To continue enhancing crime prevention

awareness among its officers, the SPF aims

to further enhance the expertise of Crime

Prevention Officers, by upgrading the

general crime prevention knowledge

(including technical and highly specialised

aspects) and awareness of officers through

training. Police will, together with the

NCPC, generate initiatives for crime

prevention and build strategic alliances

with organisations in the private and

public sector to raise crime prevention

awareness in their respective fields.

VIII. CONCLUSION

To manage the expectations of the public,

and to meet the challenges of the 21st

century, the police will continue to improve

and fine-tune the system of community

policing and to continuously involve the

public. Internally, the police will

continuously hone and improve the existing

infrastructure of community policing to

keep in step with the complexity of the

crime scene in the years to come. No effort

is spared as our officers are continuously

trained with the latest technology and

know how. Laterally, the police will also

venture to establish strategic alliances and

partnerships with grassroots bodies,

private organisations, various trade

associations, public institutions, etc, to curb

crime. In this regard, work on the NWZ

Scheme will be carried out in earnest so

that it is implemented island-wide. The

future of our policing strategy is embodied

in our crime prevention slogan for 1998/

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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 56

99, which is “Together We Can Prevent

Crime”. Thus, as we enter into the 21st

century, the police-public partnership will

remain a vital chemistry for any success

in combating crime.

Feeling Patriot-ic about football in inner-city - Winnipeg Free Press

Last evening while listening to the television about some of the ways in which some teachers are trying to bring home the world cup series to Winnipeg by having teams compete against each other, I was a little disappointed that teachers are promoting nationalism in children. I do not think it is healthy to reinforce allegiances to places, people or things in this life. The children who are growin up in Winnipeg are or will be Canadians and they are now part of a world culture where the earth is one country and mankind its citizens.
Supporting a country because your parents were born there or because it's your own race forms the root of racial discrimination and racial superiority. We ought to be expanding the minds of our young ones to be free of these artificial barriers and connections.

Feeling Patriot-ic about football in inner-city - Winnipeg Free Press
October 24, 2011

PROVINCE COMMITS $120 MILLION FOR NEW AND UPGRADED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

– – –
New Funding Will Reduce Wait Times, Bring More Advanced Diagnostic Equipment Closer to Home: Oswald
The province will commit $120 million over the next four years to provide new and upgraded medical equipment at various facilities throughout Manitoba including new MRIs at the Grace, Selkirk and Dauphin hospitals, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“Our new $120-million medical equipment fund will ensure Manitoba families have even better access to advanced diagnostic testing closer to home,” said Oswald.  “By adding new equipment and replacing older, less-efficient machines with modern, specialized technology, doctors and health professionals will be able to provide more timely and accurate diagnostic services and treatment to patients across our province.”
The $120-million investment will include new MRI machines at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg and in the hospitals in Selkirk and Dauphin.  There are currently eight MRIs in the provincial health-care system, up from only three in 1999.  These machines will add capacity for thousands of additional scans and contribute to further reducing wait times, Oswald noted.
Other new and upgraded equipment will include:
  • a new cardiac CT scanner at St. Boniface General Hospital;
  • replacement of the CT scanners at Grace and Selkirk general hospitals with newer, upgraded machines;
  • ultrasound scanners at Portage District General Hospital in Portage la Prairie, in the Fetal Assessment Unit at St. Boniface General Hospital and two at the Health Sciences Centre,  one at the Children’s Hospital and one for echocardiography in pediatrics;
  • replacement of the radiographic/fluoroscopic suite at Seven Oaks General Hospital to provide support for surgery patients as well as the speech language and renal programs;
  • replacement of the radiology suites in Melita and Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg;
  • a portable C-arm X-ray image intensifier at Deer Lodge Centre, which allows X-ray images to be taken at various angles; and
  • a dual-head gamma camera with SPEC/CT capabilities at Victoria General Hospital to provide doctors with sophisticated images to diagnose conditions such as cancer. 
Dr.  Brock Wright, senior vice-president and chief medical officer, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, said the investment will improve access to quality care while enhancing the patient experience.
“These investments will help ensure our health-care staff has access to the latest technology and provide them with more and better information when assessing patients’ health issues,” said Wright.  “As always, the more information doctors, nurses and others have, the better the decisions they can make.”
“These enhancements are focused primarily on diagnostic imaging and cardiac services.  They will help to reduce wait times and ensure better, faster, more dependable service,” said Oswald.
Additional new and upgraded equipment will be funded based on recommendations from doctors and regional health authorities across the province over the next four years, she said.
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October 25, 2011

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES NEW SUITE OF PROGRAMS TO HELP YOUTH SUCCEED

– – –
Programs Will Complement Major New After-school Program: Selinger
A new host of programs designed to help keep Manitoba youth engaged in school, active in their communities and supported with the tools they need to succeed are beginning to be rolled out, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at Westwood Collegiate.
“These programs, Work2it, Youth Making a Difference Grant Programs and Manitoba Mentors -Connecting Learning and Work, will help get our high-school students and youth on the path to success,” said Selinger.  “Our youth are our future and we need to keep investing in programs that help them achieve their full potential.  Ensuring they have access to education and supports to stay on the right track will build a stronger Manitoba for all of us.”
Work2it will offer supports to youth facing multiple personal barriers to training and employment.  Starting as a pilot this fall in Winnipeg and The Pas, Work2it will provide pre-employment training, job coaching and employment opportunities for at-risk youth through partnerships with two community organizations, New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families in Winnipeg and FireSpirit in The Pas.  The program will expand over the next three years and at full capacity will serve up to 345 youth, the premier said.
The new Youth Making a Difference Grant Programs will provide students and youth working with educators or adult supervisors from youth serving organizations with up to $1,000 to develop and implement social-justice and community development projects in their schools and communities.  The program will offer an opportunity for youth to develop and practise skills including leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.  The deadline for applications is Nov. 10.  More information and applications are available at www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving/youth/leadership/youthmakingadifference.html.
Manitoba Mentors -Connecting Learning and Work was launched at the beginning of this school year in seven schools across Manitoba.  Working in partnership with the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils, the three-year pilot project will see students matched with employers who will provide group mentoring, speakers’ panels, site visits to employers and businesses, small group discussions and one-to-one mentoring through job shadowing, internships and job placements.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Manitoba Mentors, an exciting new program that helps students gain further knowledge with regards to the requirements and expectations of their professional interests and aspirations,” said Mike Wake, principal, Westwood Collegiate.  “Manitoba Mentors is a true extension of the classroom, which hopefully will provide further direction to our young people on their journey to productive citizenship.”
Selinger noted these programs will complement another innovative new youth program, modelled on the successful Chicago After School Matters program.  The new program will see the Manitoba government partner with businesses, professional associations and community organizations to provide high-school students with after-school training and apprenticeship opportunities in fields like sports, performing arts, technology, communications and science.
“The more we can promote positive activities for young people and help keep our kids busy after school, the brighter their futures will be.  By working together, we can create an environment where every kid in Manitoba has a chance to succeed,” the premier said.
The premier noted these programs were formed based on advice and recommendations from the Premiers Economic Advisory Council and consultations with community leaders and community organizations.
- 30 -
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Axworthy Speaks Up for Downtown Safety

Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, a former Minister of Immigration under the Liberal Government, demanded Air Canada reverse its decision to prevent pilots from using downtown hotels and calls its racial stereotyping.
He blasted Air Canada for being irresponsible and also suggested they apologize to the people they are maligned.  "Your memo perpetuates a stereotype"" he said.
     The majority of people who started staying in the hotels after their homes have been flooded is First Nations people.
Thank you Dr. Axworthy for calling a spade a spade in this case. Racism has not place in Winnipeg.

Friday, October 21, 2011

BIZPAL WINS AWARD FOR INNOVATION

October 18, 2011

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL BIZPAL INITIATIVE WINS TECHNOLOGY AWARD

– – –
Innovative Online Service Expanded to Better Help Entrepreneurs Move Forward, Create Businesses, Jobs: Bjornson
The national BizPaL program has won a prestigious award at the Government Technology Exhibition and Conference (GTEC) in Ottawa after recently adding information on business growth, expansion and renewal, and the launch of an all-new technology platform and website, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
“I am thrilled that BizPaL has been recognized for its innovation in reducing red tape for businesses,” said Bjornson.  “With 68 local governments participating in or joining the BizPaL Manitoba program, more than three-quarters of our population will have quick and easy access to this leading-edge online service that now covers more than 800 types of businesses.”
The minister noted that 12 new Manitoba municipalities are joining the BizPaL program.  The new municipalities, which will be officially launched in the months to come, include the rural municipalities of Alexander, Portage la Prairie, Shell River, Woodlands, Ellice, Minto and Odanah, the towns of Powerview-Pine Falls, Deloraine, Minnedosa and St-Lazare, and the city of Flin Flon.
Manitoba has also launched an all-new, redesigned website providing an enhanced client experience, Bjornson said, adding entrepreneurs are now able to find the permits and licences they need more quickly and easily across a wider variety of business activities.
In addition to be being part of the GTEC awards ceremony for BizPaL, Manitoba is being prominently presented as the showcase province at the GTEC conference.  Several Manitoba-based companies are also participating at the exhibition and conference.
BizPaL is an innovative, online service that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to information on the permits, licences, approvals, certificates, registrations and other requirements they need to establish and run their business in Manitoba.  This web-based service is free to use and provides easy access to integrated information from Canada, Manitoba and participating local governments.
Manitoba business owners and entrepreneurs can access the new BizPaL Manitoba and many other services by visiting the Manitoba Business Portal at www.gov.mb.ca/business/.
- 30 -


More jobs coming to Manitoba

October 19, 2011

PROVINCE WELCOMES EXPANSION OF MAPLE LEAF FOODS WINNIPEG PROCESSING PLANT

– – –
New Growth Means More Jobs
Approximately 350 new jobs will be created following the announcement by Maple Leaf Foods (MLF) of an $85-million expansion to its processing plant on Lagimodiere Blvd. in Winnipeg, Premier Greg Selinger announced today as he stood alongside Scott McCain, president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf’s Agribusiness Group, and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.
“Manitoba is a great place to do business and that’s why our government is making investments to support our economy, encourage business growth and make Manitoba an even better place to open up shop,” said Selinger.  “When the economic downturn hit, we had a decision to make, and that decision was to keep investing in our economy to keep it moving forward.  The decision from Maple Leaf Foods to expand in Winnipeg is welcome news.”
“Our decision to establish a centre of excellence in Winnipeg for bacon and value-added ham products speaks to our confidence in Manitoba and its pork industry,” said McCain.  “With this latest expansion, Maple Leaf Foods will have invested more than $100 million in the Lagimodiere facility since 2008.”
“The City of Winnipeg is pleased to play a partnering role to facilitate Maple Leaf Foods’ significant
reinvestment in our city that creates jobs for our citizens and helps our economy flourish,” said Katz.  “This is certainly an exciting time for investments in Winnipeg and we are proud to be the new home of this new centre of excellence in food processing.”
Elements of the new design include:
  • a 70,000-square-foot expansion with extensive renovations inside the plant,
  • construction of an on-site waste-water pre-treatment facility, and
  • state-of-the-art meat processing equipment and technology. 
The expanded facility will consolidate all Maple Leaf Foods’ bacon processing from across Canada and will also support increased value-added ham processing.
Selinger noted MLF will be eligible to apply for assistance through existing provincial programs including the Manitoba Manufacturing Tax Credit, the Industry Expansion Program for training assistance and the Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program.
Maple Leaf Foods is a leading food processing company, headquartered in Toronto.  The company employs approximately 21,000 people at its operations across Canada and in the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia.  The company had sales of $5 billion in 2010.
- 30 -
This release is being distributed on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg and Maple Leaf Foods.

Does this mean that more immigrant labour will be imported to do this work. Canada may not have enough people wanting to do hog work.  In any case, it will still be a boon for Manitoba as our population will increase. Profits are closely linked to population. Without people there will be no demand. It's all good.

Dismantling of Wheat Board

October 18, 2011

FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO DISMANTLE CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD ELIMINATES FARMERS' RIGHTS: STRUTHERS


Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers said today he is speaking out on behalf of all prairie farmers because the federal government is planning to take away farmers’ rights by stripping the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) of its monopoly.
“The federal government is making a big mistake and it’s the farmers that will have to pay for it.  This rushed, careless legislation takes a heavy-handed approach which will hurt farmers, their families and the economy as a whole.  We won’t just stand by and let them rip the CWB apart,” said Struthers.  “Minister Ritz is putting ideology ahead of everything else.  This bill is both regressive and anti‑democratic.”
Struthers’ comments follow legislation tabled in the House of Commons this morning.
The legislation includes measures to:
  •      eliminate farmer-elected directors,
  •      provide for only five government-appointed directors,
  •      place cabinet in charge of managing the CWB,
  •      take away the right for farmers to vote on the future of the board, and
  •      provide no viable solutions for the Port of Churchill.
The CWB is currently owned by farmers and last year its gross revenues were among the highest in its history at $5.8 billion.  Its head office in Winnipeg employs over 400 people and supports 2,000 indirect jobs, said the minister, adding it’s also the single-biggest user of the Port of Churchill, shipping 600,000 tonnes of wheat last year alone.
“This bill is worse than anything we could have imagined,” said Struthers.  “The federal government is completely eliminating the ability of the CWB to be farmer run.  The interim board is government appointed.  Minister Ritz is essentially leaving farmers with two options:  a privatized company or nothing.  There’s no room in his plan for farmer ownership.”
- 30 -


Having listened to both sides of this issue, I have to ask what is wrong in trying something new. It is not because something has been around for a long time that it must be saved.  I am not a farmer but this is something that farmers disagree on. Well if the free market system does not work, then it is okay to revert to a more centralized system. Good luck

Throne Speech

October 20, 2011

MANITOBA MOVES FORWARD WITH PLAN TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE, CREATE JOBS, EXPAND EDUCATION, TRAINING: THRONE SPEECH

– – –
Manitobans will have Access to Best Cancer Care in Canada: Selinger
Improving health care and building Manitoba’s economy by expanding education, training and job opportunities are the government’s top priorities outlined in today’s speech from the throne.
“Manitobans have asked us to keep building,” said Premier Greg Selinger.  “That’s why we are getting to work to fulfil our commitments to improve health care, create more jobs, and expand education and training opportunities for everyone.”
The speech outlined key priorities of the government’s new mandate including:
     Improving Health Care:
  • Providing Manitobans the fastest access in Canada to world-class cancer screening, testing and treatment.
  • Hiring 2,000 new nurses and nurse practitioners, 200 more doctors and 50 more physician assistants.
  • Expanding medical training by creating 22 more medical residencies.
  • Ensuring every Manitoban has access to a family doctor.
     Expanding Education, Training and Job Opportunities:
  • Reducing class sizes to a maximum of 20 students for kindergarten to Grade 3. 
  • Upgrading school shop equipment and working with rural school divisions to expand broadband Internet access.
  • Creating more opportunities for companies to hire apprentices and expanding access to skilled‑trades training in rural Manitoba.
  • Launching the Journeyperson Business Start program to help rural and northern Manitobans start their own businesses. 
  • Constructing a new skilled trades and technology centre at Red River College.
  • Establishing the Manitoba Energy Jobs Fund to help Manitoba companies expand and attract international investment. 
  • Building Manitoba Hydro for the benefit of all Manitobans.
      Building Safer, Healthier Communities:
  • Hiring 100 additional police officers and 50 cadets to serve throughout Manitoba including 50 officers on Winnipeg streets.
  • Speeding up prosecutions with more prosecutors and weekend court sittings.
  • Working with the federal government to strengthen the Criminal Code by making gang recruitment an explicit crime and cracking down on knife crimes, arson, home invasions and carjackings.
  • Working with police on the best way to expand the electronic bracelet monitoring program.
  • Creating and expanding after-school programs for youth at risk.
  • Building more soccer facilities, field houses, playgrounds and splash pads.
  • Continuing to build downtown Winnipeg by expanding the convention centre, adding more rental housing and redeveloping surface parking lots.
     Preserving Manitoba’s Affordability Advantage:
  • Guaranteeing Manitobans pay the lowest combined bills for electricity, home heating and auto insurance in Canada.
  • Helping more Manitobans renovate their homes to make them more energy efficient.
  • Taking thousands more small businesses off the tax rolls while ensuring regular and sustainable increases to the minimum wage.
  • Working with community partners to lift more Manitobans out of poverty.
  • Eliminating education property taxes for seniors and farm owners.
  • Investing in universities, freezing tuition to the rate of inflation, reducing student loan interest rates to prime and amending student aid rules.  
     Protecting the Environment:
  • Building Bipole III down the west side of Lake Manitoba and permanently protecting one of the last tracts of undisturbed boreal forest left in the world.
  • Working with local governments and the agriculture industry to protect water quality.
  • Continuing a five-year plan to renew and improve provincial parks and campgrounds. 
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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Upcoming Event - October 28th

From: Anupam & Timmy Sharma
Subject: Fw: Year of India-2011/Ila Arun Group
Friends,

Here is a joint offering from India Association and The University of Manitoba to mark "Year of India in Canada".

Ila Arun (and her 39 strong troupe) is a great exponent of folk (in particular Rajasthani") and has provided vocals for the Oscar winning movie- Slum Dog Millionaire. For afficiandos of the Bollywood film, you will know her from her renditions in movies such as Khalnayak and Lamhae.

The show will be an amazing high energy dance and musical extravaganza.

Come see the amazing show- it will not likely to be back anytime soon.

Please distribute far and wide to all those you think would be interested.

Thanks,

Anupam
Date: October 28th - 7:30 p.m.
Where: McPhillips Street station
Tickets $50 - $75
For tickets info call 632-2876 (Anupam)  or 488-2878 (Pawan)

Let's Talk - Hotbutton topic in the Peg

There is talk about increase in garbage collection fees. I feel this is another way to bilk taxpayers out of their money. Manitobans pay enough taxes. Instead of looking for ways to raise tax to collect more junk, tax those who accumulate more junk. I personally have never been a junkie. My weekly garbage output is one measly bag. I recycle and reuse. I compost. I buy stuff without much packaging. The city should encourage people to be more responsible by taxing them for excess garbage not to punish those of us who are trying.

Have your say..

Aboriginal Opportunity to Shine - Talent competition

FIRST NATION, MÉTIS & INUIT TALENT
Poirier Communications is currently expanding its talent pool
for upcoming radio, television and print productions.
Productions will take place in Ottawa
between November and February.
 Talent fees will be paid.
We are looking for:
•  Children of all ages (0-12 yrs);
•  Teenagers and young adults (13-24 yrs);
•  Male and Female (25 and older);
•  Speaking English, French, Inuktitut or other Aboriginal languages.
To be considered you need to send your information by email:
o       your name
o       your age
o       your aboriginal ancestry
o       language(s) spoken fluently
o       a photograph
o       telephone number
o       a short voice or video recording-demo (if possible)
Send your information to:
media2@poirier-communications.com
For additional information, please contact Jean Landry or Madelaine Rochon
at (613) 741-3200 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
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The MNO Launches Generation Innovation

The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and its sponsors is proud to announce the launch of a new and exciting program for Métis youth in Ontario! Generation Innovation: Métis Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is a project designed to provide Métis youth (aged 13-29) with confidence, motivation and, above all, concrete business skills!
 Program applicants will be provided with training and where possible paired with a business professional that will provide mentorship in all aspect of entrepreneurship including business planning, marketing and budget development.
 Once training is complete and a business plan developed, each participant will submit their business plan for review.  The most promising submissions will be selected to participate in the Generation Innovation Skills Summit. Participants will be provided with an all expense paid trip to Toronto for an intensive skills development session focussed on the “Pitch” (think Dragon’s Den). Participants will then test their newly-honed skills in front of a panel of esteemed judges to compete for prizes and glory!
 First prize: $1000 cash and a new computer and printer!
Second prize: $500 cash!
Third prize: $250 cash!
 Application deadline is October 31, 2011
For more information check out: http://www.metisnation.org/generation-innovation.aspx  
 Questions? Email: info@generationinnovation.ca
 Submit applications to: apply@generationinnovation.ca
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 METIS NATION OF ONTARIO BURSARIES!!!!!
Remember to apply for a Metis Nation of Ontario Bursary if you are at one of the following institutions:
Region 2:
Confederation College
Lakehead University
Region 3:
Northern College
Region 4:
Sault College
Algoma University
Region 5:
Cambrian College
Canadore College
Laurentian University
College Boreal
Region 6:
Carleton University
Queen's University
Algonquin College
Loyalist College
St.Lawrence College
University of Ottawa
Region 7:
Sir Sanford Fleming College
Georgian College
Trent University
Region 8:
Ryerson University
University of Toronto
George Brown College
Humber College
Sheridan College
York University
Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD)
Region 9:
University of Western Ontario
Brock University
Conestoga College
Fanshawe College
Lambton College
Mohawk College
Niagara College
St.Clair College
To acquire the bursary application visit the Financial Aid Office at your Institution and ask for the Metis Nation of Ontario Bursary.
Deadlines vary by institution but some will be due at the end of this month!!!
Good luck!
If you have any further questions- call Benny Michaud at
613-798-1488 ext. 137
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Letter for corporate support
I would like to invite you to support of this year’s 16th Annual Odawa Art Auction, Saturday, November 28, 2011 at the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, 12 Stirling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario. 
One of our targets is to raise $5,000 in corporate donations to make this year our most successful art auction ever. This will be the last art auction in the Stirling Avenue location, Odawa will be moving to new quarters in 2012.
This is our major fundraiser for the year!  Over the past fourteen years Odawa raised over $200,000. All proceeds support programming for Aboriginal youth, families, elders and community healing.
You can help us in one or more of the following ways:
1.      Corporate sponsor (Platinum $2,000; Gold $1,500; and Silver $1,000)
2.      Buy a Corporate Table ($600),
3.      Provide product for silent auction table and door prizes, and

Friday, October 14, 2011

Reg Alcock former MP died of a heart attack today.

When I heard the news I was shocked. There was no news that he was sick but such is the nature of heart attack.
    Mr. Alcock allegedly suffered a massive heart attack at the Winnipeg Airport and did not recover from it. At the time of his death he was a professor at the University of Manitoba. Alcock was 63.
    According to MP Kevin Lamoureau "Reg will be remembered as a leader and true champion for Manitobans. Throughout my political career, Reg could always be counted on for help and sound advice and was a force to be reckoned with."  Life is an unpredictable mistress therefore we have to be prepared at all times.
   May his soul rest in peace. Our sympathies to his family and close friends.

Maiko Watson in Concert

No need for National Securities Regulator

NEWS RELEASE
Study says no need for national securities regulator
Montreal – The needs and interests of Canadians would not be better served by a national securities regulator, according to a new study published by the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP).
Later this year, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of establishing a single national securities regulator to replace the existing, provincial regulatory system. Pierre Lortie, author of Securities Regulation in Canada: The Case for Effectiveness, says that independent of whether the move would be constitutional, an equally important question is whether such a change would be sound public policy.
He assesses the performance of Canada’s decentralized securities regulation structure along a number of dimensions, and concludes that it compares favourably with those of other countries. Lortie attributes this to the high degree of coordination among provincial regulatory authorities by means of, for example, reporting systems that are national in scope, and nationally harmonized standards that cover areas like mutual fund regulation and takeover bids.
Another advantage of the current system is that it can cater to regional economic differences – something a national regulator would have neither the ability nor the incentive to do as effectively as the provincial regulators. This is particularly important in Canada, where small firms depend on regional exchanges to raise capital much more than do other countries.
“Moving to a national securities regulator would undermine many of the benefits of the status quo without bringing any tangible economic benefits to the table,” concludes Lortie.
Thomas A. Hockin, who was the chair of the 2009 expert panel that recommended a national securities regulator, presents a decidedly different perspective in his accompanying commentary, Arguments for a National Securities Regulator.
Securities Regulation in Canada: The Case for Effectiveness, by Pierre Lortie, and the commentary by Thomas A. Hockin, can be downloaded free of charge from the Institute's Web site (http://www.irpp.org/).
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For more details or to schedule an interview, please contact the IRPP.
To receive our monthly bulletin Thinking Ahead by e-mail, please subscribe to the IRPP e-distribution service by visiting our Web site.
Media contact: Nicola Johnston Tel: 514-787-0737 Cell: 514