Human Rights and Sybil Shack Award Winners

News Release:  The Manitoba Human Rights Commission

November 28, 2011

Student from Mennonite Community receives human rights award for initiating a Gay-Straight Alliance group

The Commitment award goes to a Union reflecting

the diversity of its membership

The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Manitoba Human Rights Commission proudly announce the recipients of the 2011 Human Rights Awards. 

The Annual Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award recognizes a person or group of people under 25 years old who has promoted respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms within Manitoba. The recipient of the Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth award for 2011 is Rebekah Enns of Westgate Mennonite Collegiate in Winnipeg.  Rebekah initiated a gay-straight alliance group at her school. 

In her nomination papers Donna Peters-Small wrote that setting up this group “took a great deal of courage as the topic of homosexuality is a controversial one in our community and Rebekah knew she was opening herself up to possible criticism and judgement.” 

This year’s Commitment Award recognizes those employers and unions who have demonstrated a commitment to human rights resulting in an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The Recipient of the 2011 Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba is the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 832 Training Centre.  The UFWC provides and promotes an inclusive union that reflects the diversity of its membership and their families.  It was nominated by Carrie Walker Jones and Semhar Ekubamichael who say that the union`s work includes the right to be free from discrimination, the rights to be free from harassment the right to be treated with respect and dignity and the right to opportunities that allow individuals to succeed. 

 

Everyone is encouraged to attend the award reception to congratulate this year’s recipients at an after work reception on December 8, which will also acknowledge and celebrate International Human Rights Day.  A reception at Kum Koon Garden, 257 King Street, Winnipeg, will take place between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

Tickets are $20.00 and available by contacting the Manitoba Human Rights Commission at                  204-945-3007.

  

For more information please contact                             

Patricia Knipe                                                              

Communications Director  204-945-5112

Smokers have new arsenal in their addiction-tool-kit

November 28, 2011

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES ADDITION OF CHAMPIX TO MANITOBA DRUG FORMULARY

– – –
New Treatment Option Part of $5-million Annual Commitment to Smoking Cessation: Rondeau

Smokers who want to quit will now have access to another treatment option with the addition of the drug Champix to the Manitoba drug formulary, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
“Champix is proven to be an effective treatment option for adult smokers who want to quit,” said Rondeau.  “It is part of our commitment to invest $5 million annually, equivalent to two per cent of tobacco tax revenue, to support Manitobans who want to quit smoking.  Making it available now will mean that people can get it in time to help them with their New Year’s resolution to quit smoking.”
The government is taking action on many fronts in the fight against cancer including commitments to make cancer wait times the shortest in Canada, covering 100 per cent of the cost of cancer drugs (including patients at home), and offering new supports for rural cancer patients, Rondeau said.  Manitoba was also the first province in Canada to implement a provincewide indoor smoking ban, it has the highest tobacco tax rates in the country and it now bans smoking in cars where children are present.
“We know that of the one in five Manitobans who smoke today, most would like to quit,” said Will Cooke, Canadian Cancer Society tobacco advocacy co-ordinator.  “By listing Champix, the government is providing access to one of the most effective drug therapies available.”
Effective Nov. 24, Champix was added to the Manitoba drug formulary.  When a prescription is written by the physician, the cost of this drug is eligible for benefit coverage through pharmacare once the income-based family deductible has been met.  A 12-week course of therapy would cost approximately $350.

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Manitoba Nabs Criminals

November 29, 2011

MANITOBA FINANCE SEIZES CONTRABAND CIGARETTES FROM DAKOTA CHUNDEE

SMOKE SHOP

Manitoba Finance reports that yesterday its Special Investigations Unit seized approximately 54 cartons or 10,800 contraband cigarettes in the Pipestone area.
Forty-eight cartons of cigarettes, which did not have Manitoba Tax markings or stamps and therefore are not legal to sell or possess in Manitoba, were seized from the Dakota Chundee Smoke Shop and a further six cartons of contraband cigarettes were also seized from two individuals leaving the premises.
The RCMP, who were already on site investigating an unrelated complaint, were asked to remain present to ensure the peace was kept. 
Investigation of this matter continues and charges are pending against those alleged to have sold the cigarettes.
On Nov. 15, Manitoba Finance’s Special Investigations Unit, with the assistance from the RCMP, seized approximately 89,550 contraband cigarettes from the same location.  The investigation of that seizure continues and charges are also pending in that incident.
The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act prohibit the possession and the sale of cigarettes in the province that are not marked or stamped for sale in Manitoba.
Not only can a business or individual be charged for selling unmarked contraband tobacco, it is also an offence to possess such tobacco.  People purchasing and possessing contraband cigarettes can face charges under the Tobacco Tax Act and fines between $500 and $5,000, with an additional tax penalty of triple the outstanding taxes.
If anyone has information on contraband tobacco, they are urged to contact their local police, the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137 or Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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November 25, 2011

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINT AGAINST MANITOBA DEVELOPMENTAL CENTRE SETTLED

– – –
Planning for Future of Centre Underway: Mackintosh

The Province of Manitoba, Community Living Manitoba (CLM) and the Manitoba Office of the Public Trustee have agreed to a mediated settlement that resolves a human rights complaint involving the Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC), Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
“We believe this agreement supports the right of residents at MDC to choose to live in the environment that best suits them, reaffirming some of the core goals of our services to adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Mackintosh.  “We look forward to working closely with CLM to explore the option of community living for those residents who are interested, while continuing to offer the best quality care to those residents who remain at MDC as it moves from a traditional institution setting to a new focus on outreach services and continued specialized residential services.”
     The province and the public trustee have always maintained the personal choice of the resident and/or their substitute decision-maker is paramount in considering any change to care or living arrangements, Mackintosh said, adding the government remains committed to ensuring the best possible residential settings for persons with intellectual disabilities including those at MDC.
Highlights of the settlement include:

• about 16 MDC residents who have indicated a wish to live in the community will be transitioned in each of the next three years;
• government and CLM will work together to ensure all MDC residents, their families and/or substitute decision-makers have information that enables them to make informed choices about opportunities to live in the community;
• the province will support the transition of any additional individuals who indicate a wish to move from MDC to the community in the future; and
• a committee will be set up to monitor progress on the terms of this settlement and will include representation from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.

In June of this year, the province announced an advisory committee would work on a new, long-term plan for MDC with a focus on determining how it can be redeveloped to provide specialized services including options for crisis stabilization, respite, day and residential supports, and community services and remain a vibrant employer in the Portage la Prairie area, Mackintosh said.  This would include the development of homes in the Portage la Prairie area so individuals could move out of the centre and choose to access MDC for professional services like day programming and recreation.
This committee is made up of many stakeholders such as the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, an MDC employee representative, the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, the City of Portage la Prairie, Friends of MDC, a family member of an MDC resident, Community Living – Winnipeg, People First of Manitoba, New Directions, the Manitoba Office of the Public Trustee and Manitoba government representatives.  This committee will work collectively to provide recommendations for government’s consideration, said Mackintosh.
    Government will continue to invest in necessary health and safety upgrades to MDC but any new development at MDC will be focused on specialized residential care and community-based services, the minister said.

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Manitoba a Leader in Quality Child Care

November 23, 2011

NATIONAL STUDY REPORTS MANITOBA A LEADER IN PROVIDING QUALITY CHILD CARE

– – –
Province Committed to Providing More Child-care Spaces: Mackintosh

Manitoba has one of the best child-care systems in the country, according to the first Early Childhood Education Index issued by the Margaret & Wallace McCain Family Foundation, and the province continues to improve and offer more high-quality licensed care for children, Family Services Minister Gord Mackintosh said today.
“First, let me express my sincere appreciation to Canadian early learning advocate, the late Dr. Fraser Mustard.  Through his leadership and the work of his colleagues, children are truly getting a better start in life,” Mackintosh said.  “I am pleased the report demonstrates how we compare with other provinces but it also gives us guidance as we look to the future.  We know that providing affordable, quality, licensed child-care for families gives children a head start as they prepare for school and allows more parents the choice to pursue training, education and employment.”
According to the report, Manitoba, Quebec and P.E.I. are leaders in the field of early learning and child care, well ahead of Ontario and other western provinces in offering quality, accessible child-care.  Only three provinces, including Manitoba, got a passing grade in the index.
Manitoba is in the middle of an aggressive five-year expansion strategy called Family Choices, Mackintosh said.  Since 1999, the province has funded 11,000 new spaces, half since April 2008 when it launched Family Choices.  In total, 54 new child-care centres are now in development.
The province has committed $14 million to improving compensation for early childhood educators including the creation of a pension plan, the minister said, adding it has also created an online registry to help parents find child care that is convenient and meets their needs.
“We have an ambitious capital program that partners child care and schools to build state-of-the-art facilities and helps ensure integration of education and early learning,” Mackintosh said.  “We recognize the importance of early education and have introduced play-based curricula for children in licensed child-care centres and nursery schools.”
According to the Early Childhood Education Index report:

• child care allows more women to enter the labour force,
• child care lets more women complete their education including attending post-secondary schools,
• child care helps close the gap between the rich and the poor,
• preschool child care and good quality programs give children a head start, and
• it is better to prepare children early than to resort to remedial action later.

The full report of the Early Childhood Education Index can be seen at http://earlyyearsstudy.ca/.
More information about Family Choices, Manitoba’s five-year strategy to further improve child care, can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childcare/familychoices/index.

This is good news for immigrants and low-income families for whom finding affordable decent housing is a huge challenge. 

November 22, 2011

PROVINCE RENEWS COMMITMENT TO CREATE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

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National Housing Day a Time to Recognize Need for Long-term Solutions to Meet Needs of Low- and Moderate-income Manitobans: Irvin-Ross

The province is renewing its commitment to create more affordable housing and more choices for renters, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today to mark National Housing Day.
“As an increasing number of families choose to build their futures in Manitoba, we are working with community groups and municipalities to create good-quality homes for renters, especially young people, seniors and low-income families,” Irvin-Ross said.  “Our government’s investment in affordable housing will help provide more choices in stronger neighbourhoods.”
During the past two years, the province’s long-term housing strategy, HOMEWorks!, and financial assistance from the Government of Canada have contributed $378 million for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the province.  HOMEWorks! supports ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty reduction strategy, by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans.
Irvin-Ross said the province is on track to develop 1,000 new affordable housing units representing two-thirds of the five-year goal of 1,500 affordable housing units by 2014.  More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
In addition, the strategy has supported a major overhaul of the province’s existing public and non-profit housing, benefiting almost 18,000 Manitoba Housing units, and assisting 853 households in the private market including homeowners, seniors, people living with disabilities and renters with renovations to their homes, Irvin-Ross said.
This past summer, the province partnered with the Winnipeg Realtors Association to create a Rental Housing Roundtable that brings together advocates, academic, and industry representatives to offer ideas for increasing the supply of affordable housing, Irvin-Ross said.
“We are proud to be participating in this process of facing Manitoba’s housing challenges together,” said Mel Boisvert, vice-chair of the civic and legislative affairs committee of the Winnipeg Realtors Association.

In addition, the province is encouraging the building of rental housing with innovative programs such as tax incentive financing through the Downtown Residential Redevelopment Grant and reinvesting more than $5 million worth of proceeds from the development Bridgwater Forest into housing in the inner city.
“National Housing Day is an opportunity to showcase solutions that address affordable housing needs in Canada,” said Irvin-Ross.  “Government, non-profit, co-operative and private sectors must work together to improve affordable housing options for Manitobans through innovative programs.”
The province has also partnered with groups such as Building Urban Industries through Local Development (BUILD) and the Brandon Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP), which reduce utility costs, improve the condition of the stock and serve as a training opportunity for people with barriers to employment, Irvin-Ross said.  For example:

• through the BUILD program, more than 100 people were trained and employed to retrofit more than 4,000 Manitoba Housing units; and  
• through BEEP, 67 workers were trained and employed while renovating 1,000 units in Brandon.

National Housing Day was created to recognize past and present housing initiatives and to recognize the need for long-term affordable housing solutions to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income people.

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Congratulations to Winners of Council of Aging Awards

November 22, 2011

MANITOBA COUNCIL ON AGING RECOGNITION AWARDS CELEBRATE INDIVIDUAL, GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITIES: RONDEAU

Five Manitobans and two intergenerational programs were presented with Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards today by Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau, in acknowledgement of their extraordinary dedication and commitment to their communities.
“These individuals and groups have given their time, skills, creativity and experience to help build stronger, safer and healthier communities for seniors and for all Manitobans,” said Rondeau.  “It is an honour to recognize them for their generous, selfless contributions.” 
“The awards were created to showcase the contributions of older Manitobans, but they have evolved to be more than that,” said Jean-Yves Rochon, chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging.  “They are now truly age-friendly awards, as they recognize people of all ages who are positively contributing to the lives of older adults.” 
The 2011 individual award recipients are:

• Théodore (Ted) Dupuis of Winnipeg, a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, past president of Le Club Éclipse and an active participant in the Residents’ Association at La Place Des Meurons;
• Pauline Miller of Belair, a church and community leader, and long-time volunteer with the Helping East Lake People organization and Senior Scene;
• Ralph Vincent of Ste. Anne, a member of the Dawson Trail Cloggers and the Young at Heart Community Club, who has spent a good part of his life dancing for seniors and providing opportunities for seniors to dance;
• Lynn Crawford of Winnipeg, who has dedicated herself to improving the lives of seniors by implementing programs such as the Resident Assistance Program, a resident-to-resident volunteer program that helps seniors to deal with addiction, mental-health and elder-abuse issues; and
• Poh-Lin Lim, a clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics at the Victoria General Hospital and a recognized authority in the care of the elderly.  

In addition to the individual awards, the intergenerational recognition awards were presented to West St. Paul School and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
The staff and students of West St. Paul School were recognized for many years of support given to the Middlechurch Home including a fall cleanup of the Middlechurch grounds, a grandparent visiting program, decorating and carolling during the holiday season, and raising more than $1,400 for a Santa for Seniors Fund, which provides gifts for Middlechurch residents who otherwise wouldn’t receive gifts or greetings.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival was recognized for its Guest for a Day program, which invites seniors to come to the festival free of charge.  Transportation, lunch and dinner are provided to guests as a way of giving back to the community and helping to bring all ages together.
Rondeau also presented the 2011 Murray Smith Award, which honours the late prominent educator, volunteer and seniors advocate, and former chair of the Manitoba Council on Aging.
This year’s recipient was John Neabel of Minnedosa.  Neabel has volunteered extensively in the Minnedosa community, serving as president of the Minnedosa Rotary Club, chair of the Fitness Centre Board, a developer of the Minnedosa Fitness Trail, member of the Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce and volunteer with the Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line.
In addition to the awards, honourable mention certificates were presented to the following individuals and programs:

•     Doug Buckingham, Winnipeg;
•     Julienne Godard, Richer;
•     Keith Laing, Winnipeg;
•     Dr. Douglas MacEwan, Winnipeg; 
•     Marguerite Ruddell, Portage la Prairie;
•     The Aboriginal Seniors’ Resource Centre,  Winnipeg;
•     The Nutrition on the Go volunteers, Youville Centre, Winnipeg;
•     Christine Schroeder, Winnipeg; and
•     Juliette Rowan, Richer.

The Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition Awards were established in 1996 to recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations for their exemplary efforts on behalf of seniors and to pay tribute to the seniors who continue to contribute to their communities.  The minister noted these awards foster respect and social inclusion, key aspects of an age-friendly community.
More information on age-friendly communities is available at http://www.agefriendlymanitoba.ca/.

WE DAY Filled Winnipeg with Optimism

Both the old and the young were equally inspired in the high energy environment  the Me to We group generated in the arena yesterday. All the talk was about We-Day - Let's work at keeping the momentum going in Winnipeg!

Premier Greg Selinger spoke at the We Day rally at the MTS Centre today, where 16,000 Manitoba students gathered to hear inspiring messages and calls to action for social justice causes. Celebrities attending included climate change activist Al Gore, actress Mia Farrow, rock band Hedley and former Prime Minister Paul Martin

 

 

http://www.weday.com/event/winnipeg

Environmental Calendar Available in Winnipeg

November 24, 2011

NEW ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CALENDAR NOW AVAILABLE

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Green, Cost-saving Ideas Featured in 2012 EcoCalendar: Chomiak

The 2012 EcoCalendar is now being distributed at no charge to the public across the province, providing easy ideas and tips for adopting a greener lifestyle and saving money at the same time, Conservation Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
“In this fourth edition of the popular EcoCalendar, we’re providing more ideas, tips and hints than ever before for Manitobans who want to save money while reducing their carbon footprint,” said Chomiak.  “The calendar helps people learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, save resources and reduce waste, all which support a healthier environment and a greener Manitoba.”
The minister noted that partners from various sectors came together to support the creation and production of the calendar.  Green Manitoba, a special operating agency of the provincial government, produced the 2012 calendar in partnership with several organizations including Manitoba Hydro, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association, Manitoba Conservation, the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Council of Canada, Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association, Tire Stewardship Manitoba and others.
Distribution of the calendar across Manitoba has been made possible with the help of Green Manitoba’s calendar sponsors and corporate supporters such as Canada Safeway, Canadian Tire and Salisbury House Restaurants as well as several provincial government departments, municipal governments and non-government organizations.   
The calendar will be available at a variety of outlets throughout the province including:

• Canada Safeway stores;
• Canadian Tire stores;
• Salisbury House restaurants;
• Manitoba Hydro regional offices;
• municipal offices;
• Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs community council offices;
• Manitoba Conservation regional offices; 
• Employment Manitoba centres;
• Canada-Manitoba Business Service Centre regional offices;
• urban and rural libraries;
• Winnipeg arenas, pools and fitness facilities; and
• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority community offices and ACCESS centres.

Information onprovincial sustainability initiativesand links to valuable information sources, such as the Manitoba Sustainability Initiatives and Green Building Products and Services Directories, are available on Green Manitoba’s website at http://www.greenmanitoba.ca/.

Upcoming event - December 11 - Kwanzaa

You are invited to the following event:
KWANZAA
Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:

 Dec 11, 2011
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Caribbean Cultural Centre
1100 Fife Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada

The Congress of Black Women of Manitoba invites you to the annual Kwanza celebration on December 11th, 10:30 A.M.-3:00 P.M. located at the Caribbean Cultural Centre at 1100 Fife Street. There will be gifts for all registered children.  Children are...
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Share this event on Facebook and Twitter
We hope you can make it!
Cheers,
Congress of Black Women Manitoba Inc. 

 

Global Eyes Magazine - Fall 2011

http://www.slideshare.net/Cascard/gem-fall-2011

Guide to accessing convenient child-care centres

November 17, 2011

1,000 CHILDREN PLACED WITH CANADA'S FIRST ONLINE CHILD-CARE REGISTRY

FIVE MONTHS AFTER FULL IMPLEMENTATION: MACKINTOSH

– – –
New Web Map Feature to Help Parents Find Most Convenient Child-care Centres

Five months after Canada’s first online child-care registry was fully implemented across the province, more than 1,000 children have already been placed with the help of this convenient tool, Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.
Manitoba’s parent-friendly online registry is now also getting its first major upgrade since a pilot project was launched in Brandon a year ago, the minister said.  The website will now have a new map feature that allows parents to find child care along their commuting routes or near a convenient location.
“Manitoba families and child-care providers have proved the value of this innovative tool that helps parents easily find convenient licensed early learning and child care,” said Mackintosh.  “And now we have a new planning tool to help parents and further improve and refine our child-care growth strategy.”
Based on recommendations by families and child-care providers, the new online map feature makes it easy for parents to search for licensed child-care providers along a specific route or near a location of their choice.  The province has invested $231,000 in this significant upgrade, Mackintosh said.
As of today, there are about 8,000 total online registrations across the province, which represents about 5,000 children currently looking for child care and another 3,000 children registered for future spaces.  There are currently 29,811 licensed child-care spaces in Manitoba.
Since 1999, the province has funded 11,000 new spaces, half since April 2008 when it launched its five-year child-care strategy called Family Choices.  About 2,660 new licensed spaces are currently in various stages of development.
The government has committed to fund a further 2,900 child-care spaces, said the minister.  In total, 5,560 spaces are in development, have funding committed or are being planned for the next few years, he added.
The province will post registry statistics on its Internet site quarterly beginning Dec. 31.

The online registry can be found at www.manitoba.ca/onlinechildcareregistry (English) or www.manitoba.ca/registredesgarderies (French).

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Changes is WTO Agreements that positively impacts Canadian Producers

November 18, 2011

MINISTER APPLAUDS RULING FROM WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION ON COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELLING

Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers has welcomed the ruling from the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued this morning stating country of origin labelling (COOL) introduced by the United States government is in violation of WTO agreements.
“This ruling proves what we’ve known all along;  these laws discriminate against Canadian producers and distort trade.  They hurt our producers and businesses and have dramatically altered business practice in the formerly integrated North American market,” said Struthers.  “We’ve been there to support our industry through these challenging times and we’ll continue to stand behind producers and ensure they are treated fairly as we move forward.”
The ruling found that:

• Canadian products were treated less favourably than U.S. products,
• COOL created unnecessary obstacles to international trade, and
• COOL did not fulfil a legitimate objective.

The 2002 U.S. farm bill created new mandatory labelling requirements for covered commodities (beef, lamb, pork, fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables, and peanuts) sold at U.S. retail outlets.  In 2008, these requirements were enshrined in law.  As a result of the implementing regulations, U.S. livestock-processing facilities were required to segregate Canadian and U.S. production.  This had a dramatic effect on Canadian live-animal exports, said Struthers.
The Manitoba government, federal government and several other producer groups argued these laws contravened WTO agreements.
The U.S. had been an important market for Manitoba’s livestock producers, the minister said.  Prior to COOL in 2007, Manitoba producers exported 4.5 million feeder pigs valued at $191 million and 1.6 million slaughter pigs valued at $178 million to the U.S.  In addition, 280,912 of the 516,600 head of feeder and slaughter cattle marketed in 2007 were destined for the U.S., representing a total value of $277 million.
Following the implementation of COOL, Manitoba hog and cattle exports sharply declined and these trends have continued to grow, said Struthers.  For example, in the first year of COOL implementation, exports of slaughter hogs declined 64 per cent from the same period in the previous year.  Exports of feeder pigs were down 19 per cent over the same time frame.  Similarly, exports of slaughter and feeder cattle from Manitoba were down 60 and 33 per cent respectively in the first year of COOL.
“We urge the U.S. government to immediately implement the panel’s findings.  The U.S. is an important and highly valued trading partner and expedited implementation of the ruling will strengthen our trading relationship over the long term,” said Struthers.

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Upcoming Event - Dec 4 -Practising Feminist Mothering Book Launch

Fiona Joy Green -- Book Launch
Sunday Dec 04 2011 12:30 pm, Winnipeg, Grant Park in the Atrium


Launch of Practicing Feminist Mothering
Practicing Feminist Mothering explores the realities of feminist mothering for both mothers and their children. It scrutinizes the discourse of motherhood by examining the material spaces that feminist mothers create to struggle with patriarchy. Based on in-depth interviews with sixteen feminist mothers, and some with their now-adult children, this work provides a rich understanding of the tensions within feminism surrounding issues of mothering and the reproduction of feminism itself, and offers a powerful perspective on mothering as a central aspect of feminism.
Fiona Green is Chair of the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Winnipeg, where she has been teaching for two decades. She is a feminist mother and is co-editor of Maternal Pedagogies: In and Outside the Classroom, author of Feminist Mothering in Theory and Practice, 1985-1995 and many articles and book chapters on feminism and mothering.
This launch is presented in association with the Institute for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Winnipeg.


Practicing Feminist Mothering explores the realities of feminist mothering for both mothers and their children. It scrutinizes the discourse of motherhood by examining the material space...

Upcoming Event - Human Rights Day

December 10, 2011
Anniversary and celebration - International Human Rights Day: From volunteerism to activism
6;00 p.m. - Union Centre - 275 Broadway, Winnipeg
Guest speaker - Gerry Caplan, former CUSO field Officer, Author of The Betrayal of Africa, weekly online columnist for the Globle and Mail. Our co-host, the University of Winnipeg Global College.
Music and dace, International Buffet dinner
Ticket - $25.00
Reserve by email cuso.vsomb@gmail.com
Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Speaker at 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment to follow

Upcoming Events - December - Sunrise Memorial

December 6, 2011 - 8:00 a.m
Sunrise Memorial
Manitoba Legislative Building
Guest speaker - Francine Pelletier - Acclaimed Journalist and feminist who has worked in print, TV and  film for over 30 years.  She will speak about her first hand experience as as a journalist in Montreal at the time of the Massacre and her personal connection as a target on the murder's hit list.
Refreshment will follow presentation.
Hosted by theManitoba Women's Advisory
The Council is collecting new unwrapped toys for children at the North Point Douglas Women's Centre
RSVP before December 1 to 945-6281.

Justice Minister Hands out Award of Excellence to Law Enforcers

ovember 16, 2011

EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARD WINNERS TO BE HONOURED AT MEETING OF CHIEFS OF POLICE

Police officers who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and public safety will be recognized by Justice Minister Andrew Swan with the presentation of the 2010 Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards this evening at a meeting of the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Every day, police officers are out there protecting us and our communities,” said Swan.  “It is a privilege to pay special tribute to those whose efforts go beyond their already vital role in making our neighbourhoods safer and better places to live.”
Nominees considered for the award have made significant contributions to police service, law enforcement or the community.  The recipients are:
     Patrol Sgt. Sandra Martin, Winnipeg Police Service
Martin began her career with the Winnipeg Police Service in 1994 and her diverse assignments have included working in uniform and as a spokesperson, and being the vulnerable persons co‑ordinator, a traffic accident reconstructionist and a commercial crime investigator.  She is a regional director of the International Association of Women Police, an organization dedicated to improving the role of policing for women across the world.  As an officer and a mentor to others, she has made significant contributions to policing in Winnipeg.
     Sgt. Patrick Olson, RCMP
A 23-year member of the RCMP, Olson is currently the operations head of the Integrated Gang Intelligence Unit.  He is an original member of the unit and through his leadership and guidance it has become one of the most effective and responsive street gang intelligence units in the country.  Work completed under his supervision includes some of the largest and most-successful operations focused on anti-gang and drug activity.  His efforts in developing the unit have had an impact throughout the province, playing a pivotal role in combating the spread and influence of street gangs in Manitoba.
     Chief Const. Glen Robinson, Altona Police Service
Robinson’s policing career began in Brandon in 1976.  In 1991, he became the chief of the Altona Police Service.  Under his leadership, the Altona Police Service has met high standards in its training, equipment and employment practices.  He is deeply committed to the community, serving two terms as a school board trustee and helping to organize an annual bike rodeo for the Special Olympics.  Recently retired from policing, his commitment continues as he now serves as a councillor for the Town of Altona.
     Const. Kirby Sararas, Brandon Police Service
A member of the Brandon Police Service for 10 years, Sararas exemplifies excellence in policing through commitment to her duties and dedication to the community.  She is a criminal investigator and has served on numerous community committees including the child-abuse committee.  For the past five years, she has volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and was instrumental in creating the Halloween Haunted House, which is a major fundraising event for the organization.
     Patrol Sgt. Edith Turner, Winnipeg Police Service
Turner is a dedicated 17-year member of the Winnipeg Police Service who has successfully taken on some of the most demanding assignments the job can offer.  She has worked as a constable and investigator in the Divisional Crime and Community Support units, and has served in the Organized Crime, Drug and Gang units of the Criminal Investigations Bureau where she specialized in undercover operations.  She developed an undercover technique now taught to police officers across Canada.  She grew up in the Misipawistik Cree Nation and, as a child of a residential school survivor, is keenly aware of the value of positive role models for Aboriginal youth.  Her outstanding commitment to numerous initiatives has worked to strengthen the relationship between the Aboriginal community and the police.   
Award recipients were selected by a committee consisting of representatives from Manitoba Justice, the Brandon Police Service, Winnipeg Police Service and Royal Canadian Mounted Police and were approved by the justice minister.

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Upcoming Events - Granny Power - November 28

An interactive seminar with

Peggy Edwards

Allan Thomas Fellow, Carold Institute to Promote Civil

Society and Voluntary Action

Join Peggy to explore

•

Grandmothers Campaign, who are supporting African

grandmothers raising their grandchildren who have been

orphaned from HIV/AIDS?

What have we learned from the Grandmothers to

•

advocates in civil society?

How do we engage and nurture older women volunteers as

•

How do we foster intergenerational empowerment?

Bio

Peggy Edwards is a health promotion consultant who specializes in

healthy aging, intergenerational issues, voluntarism and advocacy

for social justice. She has worked with Health Canada and the

World Health Organization on these issues.

A 10 minute video and facilitation guide will be available for

interested participants.

Co-hosted by the Healthy Living, Youth & Seniors, Seniors & Healthy

Aging Secretariat and Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba

Monday, November 28, 2011

2:30–4:00 P.M.

204 Brodie Centre, Bannatyne Campus

University of Manitoba

November 15, 2011

WINNIPEG JETS SPECIALTY LICENCE PLATES WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE TO MANITOBANS

Winnipeg Jets specialty licence plates will soon be available, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

The Winnipeg Jets licence plate, to be administered by Manitoba Public Insurance, will be available to hockey fans on Monday, Dec. 12.  Cost of the plates will be $70 with $30 of that fee going toward the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.

“Manitobans love their Jets and are proud to support them,” said Selinger.  “This will be yet another way to celebrate the return of our NHL team while contributing to local organizations that do great work to help our young people succeed.”

“We are very excited to make these license plates available to the public as a means of showing their support for the Winnipeg Jets and the True North Foundation,” said Winnipeg Jets chairman and governor Mark Chipman.  “This provides a great opportunity for hockey fans across Manitoba to show their passion for the Jets while assisting our foundation’s continuing mandate to support numerous initiatives across our community.”

Hockey fans will be able to visit any of Manitoba’s more than 300 Autopac agents to place their orders and receive their plates.

The Winnipeg Jets plate is the third specialty plate issued by the province.  In 2004, Manitoba approved the issuing of a specialty licence plate to honour veterans.  Earlier this year, fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were also able to purchase specialty plates.

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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Jets.

Contraband Cigarettes up in Smokes

November 15, 2011

MANITOBA FINANCE SEIZES CONTRABAND CIGARETTES FROM DAKOTA CHUNDEE SMOKE SHOP

Manitoba Finance reports that at approximately 12:20 p.m. today, its Special Investigations Unit, with the assistance of the RCMP, seized approximately 89,550 contraband cigarettes from the Dakota Chundee Smoke Shop, located near Pipestone.
An ongoing investigation by the unit led to a search warrant being obtained and executed at the smoke shop.  The cigarettes seized are federally stamped under the Excise Act 2001 but are not marked or stamped for sale in Manitoba.
The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.
During February this year, three unrelated and separate seizures were made by the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit.  On Feb. 1, 240,000 cigarettes were seized from a self-storage unit and on Feb. 10, 150,000 cigarettes were seized from a vehicle and self-storage unit.  In addition, on Feb. 21, 910,200 contraband cigarettes were seized from a vehicle and a private residence.  All of the seizures occurred in Winnipeg.
If anyone has information on contraband tobacco, they are urged to contact their local police, the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800‑222‑TIPS (8477).

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Premier of Manitoba's Remembrance Day Message 2011

November 11, 2011

A REMEMBRANCE DAY MESSAGE FROM PREMIER GREG SELINGER

Each year, people around the globe set aside Nov. 11 as a day to remember the men and women who served their country, fought for us and died so we could live in freedom.
On behalf of my colleagues in government, I offer heartfelt thanks to the veterans have who served our country with courage and dignity, and to their fallen comrades who paid the ultimate price - their lives.  I also thank the family members and friends who lost loved ones in times of war.
Today, I also ask all Manitobans to unite in showing appreciation for those who continue to protect our freedom and democracy every day.  This is a day when we must all remember those who defend us and to cherish our freedom.
A wish we share as Manitobans and Canadians is that our Remembrance Day observance will send a message of peace and freedom that resonates around the world.

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upcoming Events - Barbados Independence Anniversary

BARBADOS 45TH ANNIVERSARY

INDEPENDENCE BANQUET AND DANCE

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2011

AT

CANAD INNS DESTINATION CENTRE (POLO PARK)

1405 ST.MATTHEWS AVENUE, WINNIPEG

DANCE THE EVENING AWAY TO THE SOUNDS OF

DJ DESE

COCKTAILS 6:00PM – DINNER 7:00PM

ADMISSION: ADULTS $40.00 – YOUTH $25.00

SPONSORED BY: THE BARBADOS ASSOCIATION OF WINNIPEG INC.

CALL FOR TICKET INFORMATION: ROSLYN PILGRIM: 697 8042 OR C. NEBLETT 275 0966

My Winnipeg What a Great City

http://www.slideshare.net/Cascard/citizenship-institute-canada

Don't fall for fraudulent claims

November 7, 2011

MANITOBA CONSUMER PROTECTION OFFICE ISSUES CAUTION ABOUT DEBT-REDUCTION CLAIMS

The Manitoba Consumer Protection Office is warning consumers to be cautious in dealing with companies that say they can reduce total debt to less than what is owed, sometimes by as much as 60 per cent.  This promise is tempting for consumers who are struggling with household debt, but in some cases consumers can end up owing even more money.
Debt-settlement agencies tell consumers to stop paying their creditors and put money into a separate account until they have saved a larger amount.  Then, the debt-settlement company says it will negotiate with creditors to reduce the total amount owed.
Up-front fees charged by some debt-settlement companies can be significant and are not refunded if negotiations with creditors are not successful.  Consumers may continue to receive calls from their creditors and collection agencies even after they have paid a significant amount of money to a debt-settlement agency.
Consumers thinking about using a debt-settlement agency should know:

• Creditors do not have to negotiate with debt-settlement agencies and may refuse any offer made.
• If minimum payments on debts are stopped, creditors may charge late fees and interest, or take other actions against consumers.
• Debt settlement may take years.
• Any unpaid debt will affect a credit rating for years.
• For-profit debt-settlement agencies do not have to provide any credit counselling.
• Financial counselling is available from financial institutions and non-profit credit-counselling agencies.

Debt-settlement agencies are contacting Manitobans directly and through advertising.  The services of debt-settlement agencies are not government programs.  For questions about debt-settlement agencies or help finding financial counselling support, contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 204-945-3800 or 1-800-782-0067 (toll-free) or by email at mailto:consumersbureau@gov.mb.ca.

New Fire Code to increase Safety

November 3, 2011

MANITOBA FIRE CODE CHANGES AIMED AT IMPROVING SAFETY: HOWARD

– – –
Amendments Take Effect Dec. 1

A number of key changes to the 2011 Manitoba Fire Code will make buildings safer, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner, announced today.
“These important changes will help improve the safety of buildings and keep us up to date with national standards,” said Howard.  “Through the Office of the Fire Commissioner, we work closely with industry and individuals to be sure these important safety improvements make their way into practice.”
The 2011 Manitoba Fire Code, which is the 2010 National Fire Code with Manitoba amendments, includes changes such as:

• requiring additional training for people who service special fire-suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers,
• including child-care facilities in the definition of a residential-care facility, and
• requiring fire safety plans and fire department access at building construction and demolition sites including specific requirements for standpipe systems.

“Buildings such as child-care centres, hospitals, personal-care and residential-care facilities will be required to have carbon monoxide detection devices installed in their facilities if there is a risk of carbon monoxide present in any part of the building,” added Howard.
Further information including a complete list of significant changes and a link to the full list of 2011 Manitoba Fire Code amendments will be posted on the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s website at http://www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/.

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Manitoba's Economic future looks brighter

November 4, 2011

MANITOBA'S JOB MARKET SHOWS NEW GROWTH

– – –
Province's Employment Level Hits Seven Month High: Bjornson

New figures from Statistics Canada show new growth in Manitoba’s labour market as the provincial unemployment rate sits at 5.2 per cent, the third lowest in the country, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson said today.
“It’s a good sign as our numbers buck the national trend,” Bjornson said.  “This shows the investments we’re making in our economy to keep people working, find good jobs and attract new business are working.  More people are setting up shop in Manitoba and that all adds greatly to our economy.”
Manitoba’s employment level is estimated at 626,300 people, an increase of 1,600 from September’s level of 624,700 and the highest employment level in the last seven months.  Over the first 10 months of 2011, Manitoba’s unemployment rate has averaged 5.4 per cent.  That is the second‑lowest unemployment rate in the country, well below the national unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent, the minister noted.
Manitoba’s youth unemployment rate now stands at 11.8 per cent, a decrease from 12.3 per cent in September.  The Manitoba youth rate is now the third-lowest in the country and still well below the national rate of 14.1 per cent.
“Youth are the key to a prosperous future,” said Bjornson.  “We’ll keep making investments in job training to ensure our young people can get the education they need to get good jobs and stay in Manitoba to raise their families.”

- 30 -

Top Apprentices Celebrated

November 4, 2011

APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS OF DISTINCTION TO BE ANNOUNCED AT CEREMONY TONIGHT

Professionals who share their time and talents to train Manitoba’s apprentices will be honoured at a special awards gala this evening, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
“Apprentices across the province rely on the dedication and passion of employers, journeypeople and instructors who are proud to share their experience with students just entering the working world,” said Bjornson.  “Tonight, we will celebrate their hard work by recognizing their accomplishments and their commitment to the future of our province.”
Awards are presented in the categories of:

• instructor of the year;
• journeyperson of the year (urban and rural);
• employer of the year (urban and rural); and
• employer of the year (internationally experienced tradespeople).

A committee made up of representatives from Apprenticeship Manitoba, the Apprenticeship and Certification Board and Manitoba Labour and Immigration reviewed the nominations and chose the top two from each category.
“Skilled trades greatly contribute to the success and prosperity of our province, supporting the growth and development of business and industry in all sectors,” said Bjornson.  “These awards acknowledge support for the skilled-trades workforce and the work of those who share their knowledge through training and education opportunities for apprentices and certification exam challengers new to our province.”
The top nominees include:

• Hal Hokanson, plumbing, Red River College; and Bruce Pentney,heavy-duty equipment technician, Assiniboine Community College; for instructor of the year;
• Paul Brown, industrial instrument mechanic, Manitoba Hydro Selkirk Generating Station; Danny Desrosiers, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, Lowe Mechanical Services;Dain Lanouette, machinist, FWS Industrial;andEric McLean, parts person, Murray GM Brandon; for journeyperson of the year;
• PCL Constructors Canada, Colors Beauty and Wellness, Suderman’s Concrete and Edward’s Plumbing and Heating for employer of the year; and
• Morelite Electric and Cancade Company for employer of the year (internationally experienced tradespeople).

The winners will be announced at the Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction gala dinner at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg this evening and posted online early next week at www.manitoba.ca/tce/apprent/awards.

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Government exposes violaters of Employment Standards Code and Increases Penalities

November 2, 2011

PROVINCE ADVISES EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS BRANCH NOW POSTS ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY ORDERS ON PROVINCIAL WEBSITE

The Manitoba Labour and Immigration Employment Standards Branch advises it now posts administrative penalty orders on the provincial website at: www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/asset_library/pdf/current_admin_penalties.pdf.
The province can impose a penalty of $500 per employee per offence to a maximum of $10,000 for failing to comply with the Employment Standards Code or the Construction Industry Wages Act, when the violation occurs after a person has been warned to comply.  The penalties that are posted have been paid or appealed and upheld.
Posting the employer’s names is intended to deter employers who repeatedly and intentionally violate employment legislation, protect vulnerable employees and raise public awareness in proactive enforcement.
The Employment Standards Branch has a Special Investigation Unit that proactively investigates and enforces minimum standards legislation.  The unit gathers tips and data on employer compliance, prioritizing those most at risk and targeting repeat violators.  Compliance orders and administrative penalties are key components of the enforcement strategy.  Enforcement escalates from investigation, employer education and voluntary settlement to the highest level of administrative penalty up to $10,000.
The Employment Standards Branch educates, investigates and ensures compliance with minimum standards legislation in the workplace.

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Upcoming Event - Contemporary African Photography- Monday Nove 21

For Immediate Release

Always Moving Forward
Contemporary African Photography from the Wedge Collection
Mohamed Bourouissa, Mohamed Camara, Calvin Dondo, Samuel Fosso, Hassan Hajjaj, Bouchra Khalili, Antony Kaminju Kimani, Lebohang Mashiloane, Aȉda Muluneh, Dawit L. Petros, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Guy Tillim, Andrew Tshabangu, Nontsikelelo 'Lolo" Veleko
Curated by Kenneth Montague 

Dawit L. Petros, Proposition 1: Mountain, 66 x 86.4cm, digital print, 2007.

                                                                                  
Exhibitions    03 November - 10 December 2011

Opening Reception + Curatorial Tour    Thursday 03 November, 7PM
Artist Talk with Dawit L. Petros @ The University of Manitoba School of Art     Monday 21 November, 12PM

Film Night with Alliance Française @ PLATFORM     Thursday 08 December, 7PM


Always Moving Forward features photo-based work by a diverse range of young African-born artists in Toronto's Wedge Collection. Curated by Ken Montague, this exhibition highlights a generation of global artists exploring different dimensions of the African imaginary and African spaces. Living and working across Africa, North America and Europe, their work points to the reality of African diasporic identities as being fluid, constantly in flux.

These are artists who have turned to lens-based practices to open up a kind of critical "third space" countering the history of Western media as a purveyor of "Afro-pessimism." Their internationally acclaimed work also reflects the current shift away from the commercial studio portraiture that predominated in Africa in previous decades, to reveal an emphasis on conceptual art, documentary, fashion and street photography. The exhibition provides a glimpse at how emerging technologies, transitioning landscapes, rampant globalization and forces of capitalism including the influence of advertising and new media is rapidly changing the continent and people. - Pamela Edmonds. 

Kenneth Montague is an art collector and curator based in Toronto, Canada. Founder and director of Wedge Curatorial Projects, he began collecting and exhibiting photo-based work that explored black identity and the African diaspora over ten years ago. The Wedge Collection has grown to encompass both historical and contemporary photography, as well as non-photo based works that challenge notions of representation and identity.

PLATFORM acknowledges the support of its membership, Board of Directors, staff, and partners in presentation. Operating and project assistance for PLATFORM programming is provided by: Manitoba Arts Council, Winnipeg Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, The Winnipeg Foundation, and The W.H. & S.E. Loewen Foundation. Platform would also like to acknowledge Alliance Française du Manitoba, Wedge Curatorial Projects and the University of Manitoba. For more information about this exhibition or other PLATFORM programming, please contact the Centre directly: PLATFORM | 121-100 Arthur Street [Artspace Building] | Winnipeg, Manitoba | R3B 1H3 | 204.942.8183 | www.platformgallery.org

--

Upcoming Event - Nov. 7 Men and women in Uniform Dinner and Dance

OUR MEN AND WOMEN in UNIFORM

The MILITARY HERITAGE OF MANITOBA Inc.

AN EVENING OF HONOUR FOR MANITOBA’S MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM

November 3, 2011

WINNIPEG, Manitoba: More than a thousand people are expected to be in attendance for a Dinner and Dance to honour Manitoba’s Men and Women in Uniform this coming Monday November 7^th at Winnipeg’s Victoria Inn.

The dinner is the first of a series of events to be staged by a relatively new organization, the Manitoba Salutes program, which has been formed by Military Heritage of Manitoba Incorporated to publicly recognize and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our military and police personnel, be it on overseas missions or here at home in times of flood, fires, ice storms or search and rescue missions.

About 800 Army, Navy, Air Force, RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service members will be joined for the dinner by Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, Brandon Mayor Shari Dexter-Hurst and high ranking officers from the Canadian and United States Military, the RCMP the Winnipeg Police Service and community and business leaders.

 Manitoba has deployed some 1000 of our soldiers to Afghanistan over the past years and although Canada's combat role in Afghanistan has officially come to an end, some 900 service personnel, many of them from Manitoba based units, still remain in that country to train the Afghan Military and Police forces.

There are thirty five military and security units within the province of Manitoba. Some 100,000 Manitobans have served, or are serving in the regular and reserve components of the Navy, Army, Air Force, the RCMP and the Police Forces.

Military Heritage of Manitoba Inc. is led by an Executive Committee consisting of Ray McFeetors, (Great West Life) as Chairman, Jim Burns, (Power Corporation) and Andrew Paterson  (Paterson Global Foods) as Vice Chairmen, Bob Vandewater  (CIBC/Wood Gundy) Treasurer and Gary Solar,  (Military Envoy Office) Secretary. All have served, or are serving as Honorary Colonels for our Manitoba Military Units.

Other Military, Police, business and community leaders that will attend the dinner include: Major General Alain Parent, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division; Brigadier-General Paul Bury, LFWA Deputy Commander Land Force Western Area; Colonel Blaise Frawley, Commander 17 Wing Winnipeg; Colonel Nic Stanton, Commander 38 Combat Brigade Group; Lieutenant Colonel  Richard Goodyear, Commander Canadian Forces Base Shilo; Brigadier General  Scott D. Legwold, United States National Guard Wisconsin; Lieutenant General  Allan MacKenzie, Former Commander Royal Canadian Air Force;  Major General Dennis Tabbernor, Former Chief of Reserves and Cadets; The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Federal Minister of State (Transport); Manitoba Senator Don Plett; Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, Commanding Officer D Division, Royal Canadian Mounted Police; and Chief Keith McCaskill, Winnipeg Police Service.

-- 30 --

NOTE TO EDITORS: -

Attached is the timings for the sequence of events for the dinner.

The evening begins with a reception at 6 P.M.

 

You will note the presentations and greetings do not begin until after dinner at 9 P.M.

For those that cannot assign assets to this event for that period of time we have arranged for all the notables to meet prior to 6 P.M. in the hotel’s Carlton Room which is located immediately to the right as you enter the hotel lobby. Guides will be on hand to direct.

Reporters and photographers will be able to conduct interviews with any of the principals in that room.

They will then be able to observe and photograph the group being Piped down the corridor to the Main Room.

Prior to the start of the program media representatives will be free to circulate throughout the room for interviews and B-Roll.

Those that wish to remain for the entire event are welcome.

Table space has been allocated for media representatives.

For further information please contact:

Brian Koshul, (Capt Ret’d) Media Relations Officer, Manitoba Salutes

Tel: 204-770-3574

Email: briankoshul@shaw.ca;

Best Winter Strategy is Being Prepared

Don't let winter take you by surprise
No. H102/11
For release - November 2, 2011
OTTAWA — Winter driving can be risky, so be ready and be safe. As the cold weather is fast approaching, Transport Canada is pleased to launch the 2011-2012 winter driving campaign. Transport Canada is joined this year by the Canadian Automobile Association and Canadian Tire to promote safe winter driving.
As part of the campaign, Transport Canada encourages Canadians to prepare their vehicles for this coming winter season and to drive safely throughout the coming season.
Canada's winter roads can be a challenge for drivers, so give yourself every advantage by preparing yourself and your vehicle before setting out on Canadian roads this winter. Keep in mind that proper vehicle maintenance, coupled with safe driving techniques, will help get you through the winter safely.
You can reduce the chance of collision and help improve road safety by following these Transport Canada safety tips:

• Install matching winter tires on all wheels of your vehicle. Winter tires outperform all-season tires when the temperature falls below 7°C, whether the roads are dry or covered in snow and/or ice.

• Pack a winter driving emergency kit in your vehicle.

• Check tire pressure at least once a month.

• Have your battery, ignition system, lights and brakes tested.
• Ensure your wipers are in good working condition.
• Clear the snow and ice off your vehicle.
• Give yourself extra distance to stop, as roads may be icy.
• Check weather conditions before hitting the roads.
• Dress properly — wear warm clothing.
• Bring a cell phone for emergency purposes, but never use it while driving.

 
To find more information about winter driving safety tips, take a look at our winter driving brochure.

Our video gallery provides useful safety tips to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter driving. Visit the winter driving video vignettes on our website to learn more winter driving safety tips at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-1264.htm.

More information on winter driving can be found on the Canadian Automobile Association's website or by visiting the Rubber Association of Canada's website.
Follow us on:

Facebook
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Transport Canada does not endorse any specific retailer or commercial products.

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Contacts:

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

Transport Canada is online at http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/menu.htm. Subscribe to e-news at http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Comm/5/ListServ/Menu.aspx?lang=eng or stay connected through RSS, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

 

Upcoming Event - Human Rights Commitment Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 31, 2011

____________________________________________________________

Is your workplace an award winner?

Workplaces can be tough on some employees.  On the other hand, some employers and unions go out of their way to create an inclusive and diverse workplace. 

This year the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Association for Rights and Liberties will be recognizing one of those workplaces with the 2011 Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba. 

“We know there are some very diverse and inclusive workplaces that employ or train people who have experienced historical disadvantage,” says Dianna Scarth, Executive Director of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission. This year we would like to recognize their achievements,” she adds.

The call has now gone out for nominations for the Human Rights Commitment Award.  Nomination forms can be found at the offices of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, the Canadian Human Rights Commission or online at www.manitobahumanrights.ca and www.marl.mb.ca

Nominations are also open for the Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award.  This annual award recognizes young people under the age of 25 who have promoted respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Manitoba.

Past recipients of the Human Rights Commitment Award of Manitoba include; the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Ernesto Griffith and Winston Moxam, Ali Saeed, Yude Henteleff and the David Livingstone Community School’s Bridges FASD Program. The following individuals or groups are former recipients of the Sybil Shack Human Rights Award; Voices: Manitoba’s Youth in Care Network, Anna-Celestrya Carr and Joe A. Ross School, Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

For more information please contact:

Patricia Knipe

Communications Director

Manitoba Human Rights Commission

204-945-5112