Followers

Saturday, April 28, 2012

What is the rationale behind paying foreign workers less?

Paying foreign workers less than Canadian born may cause Canadian workers to see immigrant workers as serious threat of taking away their jobs. Which employer would not prefer to pay less than more? KI don't think this is such a great idea.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/story/2012/04/27/mb-labour-foreign-workers-pay-120427.html

Friday, April 27, 2012

April 27, 2012

MANITOBA TO HOST PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCIENCE FAIR

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Eighth International Fair Helping Engage Students in Science: Allan
Education Minister Nancy Allan will help kick off the eighth annual International Student Science Fair (ISSF) at the University of Manitoba on Monday, marking the first time the event has been held in Canada.
“This event is helping get our children excited about learning and builds on the provincial government’s goal of improving the quality of education for every student in Manitoba,” said Allan.  “More specifically, it supports our commitment to enhance student engagement in science and support professional learning for science teachers as part of the Manitoba Science Education Action Plan.”
The ISSF is an annual event that brings together high-school students, teachers and school leaders who are passionate about mathematics and science, to share and develop the learning and teaching of science research and education.
Forty-two schools from 17 countries are participating in this year’s fair, which is co-hosted by Fort Richmond Collegiate and the Pembina Trails School Division, in partnership with Manitoba Education.
The theme for ISSF 2012 is Living Sustainably – The Role of Science and Technology.  Within this theme, participants will explore relevant topics of study in six different areas:
  • clean water,
  • climate change,
  • sustainable energy,
  • feeding the world,
  • health and genomics, and
  • science for society.
Students will also have the opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers from Manitoba universities, as well as government and non-governmental organizations, the minister said.
“Helping kids make the connection between their science class and their everyday lives early on will help keep them engaged as they grow up and set them on a path toward more learning opportunities and good job opportunities,” said Allan.
Most activities will be held at the University of Manitoba, with some taking place at Fort Richmond Collegiate.
For more information about the ISSF, go to www.issf2012.org/.
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Flood Forecasting Improvement

April 27, 2012

PROVINCE SUPPORTS IMPROVED FLOOD FORECASTING THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING NETWORK

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Approach Combines Manual Surveying, Modern Technology: Selinger
SWAN RIVER--The province will support a volunteer-based snow and rainfall monitoring network called the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) in Manitoba, which will provide more accurate and timely weather data to enhance flood forecasting, Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.
“Manitoba is always looking for ways to improve flood forecasting and monitoring so this is a good investment leading to improved precipitation and snowpack monitoring,” said Selinger.  “Flood forecasting is a difficult task which requires sufficient, accurate and timely data, and we invite volunteers to join the enhanced high-density precipitation and snowfall observation network.”
Volunteers take daily measurements of rain, hail and snow, and then report the readings to the CoCoRaHSwebsite (http://www.cocorahs.org/).  The entire volunteer network’s daily observations are instantly available for public and government viewing and use.  The volunteer system in Manitoba will support up to 200 sites in 2012, providing daily measurements of rain, snowfall and equivalent water content of the snow to be shared through the existing CoCoRaHS network, which extends to all 50 U.S. states and has over 15,000 American volunteer observers.
The data is used in a variety of ways by weather and water-management specialists, emergency managers, utilities, mosquito-control areas and farmers.  CoCoRaHS originated with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University in 1998 following a record-breaking flood at Fort Collins.  The Canadian network was initiated in Manitoba in December 2011.  The province is encouraging other provinces to participate in this grassroots program, said Selinger.
The province will provide just over $165,000 to operate and install software, website upgrades and weather monitoring equipment for up to five years, the premier added.  A licence and data-acquisition agreement is in place with the WeatherFarm team, the Canadian national co-ordinator for CoCoRaHS in collaboration with Earth Networks. 
“This is a project in which anyone interested in improved weather information can participate,” said Selinger.  “We encourage Manitoba’s farming community to join the network, as they are the stewards of a large portion of Manitoba land and deal with the impact of weather every day.”
Further information including details about volunteering is available at: www.cocorahs.org/Canada.aspx.

For more information contact Alison Sass, 204-983-4783 or Canada@cocorahs.org, or Guy Ash,  204-984-6820 or guy_ash@weatherfarm.com.
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Workplace Safety Prevention

April 27, 2012

WORKPLACE SAFETY REVIEW TO PROVIDE DIRECTION IN PREVENTING ON-THE-JOB INJURIES

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New Chief Prevention Officer Will Ensure More Manitobans Go Home Safe: Howard
Manitoba’s new Chief Prevention Officer will lead a review of provincial workplace safety and health services to provide clear direction on injury prevention priorities, address stakeholder concerns and improve the safety of Manitoba workplaces, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.
“As we mark the annual Day of Mourning, it’s important that we continue to strengthen our efforts to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses,” said Howard.  “We have doubled the number of health and safety officers and reduced the time-loss injury rate by more than 40 per cent over the last decade, and this review will renew our commitment to ensure all Manitobans go home safe after work.”
The chief prevention officer position is designed to enhance co-ordination of prevention initiatives between the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Division and the Workers Compensation Board (WCB), and to continue to improve Manitoba’s workplace injury and illness prevention strategy, the minister said.
The chief prevention officer will be responsible for:
  • overseeing development and implementation of the joint WSH-WCB injury- and illness-prevention strategy;
  • ensuring public awareness and prevention activities promote understanding of and compliance with WSH enforcement efforts; and
  • ensuring delivery of effective public-awareness programs and prevention activities.
The minister also announced Manitoba will renew funding for a $20,000 grant program aimed at stimulating creativity in Manitoba schools to develop innovative projects encouraging and educating students on workplace safety, as well as a $10,000 grant for Threads of Life, an organization that provides peer-to-peer support to victims and families of workplace tragedies in Manitoba.
Manitoba will continue its long-term funding agreement with the Safe Workers of Tomorrow to provide stable and sustainable funding of $155,000 annually to help educate young people about their safety, health and rights in the workplace.
These commitments build on the recent creation of a victims services co-ordinator position at WSH to assist families and workers in accessing information on the status of their investigations and to help link them with additional support services.
Howard announced the review and funding commitments following the Day of Mourning Leaders’ Walk organized by the Safe Workers of Tomorrow.  The event draws attention to the importance of workplace safety and health, emphasizing young worker safety, she said.
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Thursday, April 26, 2012

A little bit of help with your car repairs

MANITOBANS WILL BENEFIT FROM NEW SAFEGUARDS AGAINST UNFAIR CAR REPAIR BILLS: SELINGER

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All Repair Shops Would be Required to Adopt Best Practices, Offer Fair Treatment, Give Complete Disclosure of Prices
Manitobans will be better protected from hidden charges, incomplete information and fraudulent vehicle repair practices, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
”Most car repair businesses treat customers fairly but, unfortunately, there are some situations where consumers need protection,” said Selinger.  “Our plan will take what many businesses do already as good business practices and make them the standard, helping to ensure that Manitobans know what will be done and how much it will cost to repair their vehicle.” 
The increased sophistication of vehicles can make it hard for consumers to understand what is involved with repairs and often makes them feel vulnerable, said Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau.
“The complexities of today’s vehicles can create honest misunderstandings between repairers and consumers, but can also put consumers in a position where they do not receive all the information they need to make informed choices,” said Rondeau.  “These new rules will provide greater protection for consumers and raise the bar for the industry.” 
The new protections would require:
  • consumers to be given an estimate for repairs, 
  • the final cost to be within a prescribed range of the estimate,
  • repair work to be authorized by the consumer,
  • parts to be kept separate and returned to the consumer in certain circumstances,
  • clear disclosure and information for consumers through signs in the shop as well as the provision of invoices, and
  • a warranty on new or reconditioned parts and labour. 
The rules would apply to repairs done by businesses to vehicles such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles.  They would not apply to repairs completed as part of a claim through Manitoba Public Insurance, since it has its own procedures and protective measures.
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MANITOBANS WILL BENEFIT FROM NEW SAFEGUARDS AGAINST UNFAIR CAR REPAIR BILLS: SELINGER

– – –
All Repair Shops Would be Required to Adopt Best Practices, Offer Fair Treatment, Give Complete Disclosure of Prices
Manitobans will be better protected from hidden charges, incomplete information and fraudulent vehicle repair practices, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
”Most car repair businesses treat customers fairly but, unfortunately, there are some situations where consumers need protection,” said Selinger.  “Our plan will take what many businesses do already as good business practices and make them the standard, helping to ensure that Manitobans know what will be done and how much it will cost to repair their vehicle.” 
The increased sophistication of vehicles can make it hard for consumers to understand what is involved with repairs and often makes them feel vulnerable, said Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau.
“The complexities of today’s vehicles can create honest misunderstandings between repairers and consumers, but can also put consumers in a position where they do not receive all the information they need to make informed choices,” said Rondeau.  “These new rules will provide greater protection for consumers and raise the bar for the industry.” 
The new protections would require:
  • consumers to be given an estimate for repairs, 
  • the final cost to be within a prescribed range of the estimate,
  • repair work to be authorized by the consumer,
  • parts to be kept separate and returned to the consumer in certain circumstances,
  • clear disclosure and information for consumers through signs in the shop as well as the provision of invoices, and
  • a warranty on new or reconditioned parts and labour. 
The rules would apply to repairs done by businesses to vehicles such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles.  They would not apply to repairs completed as part of a claim through Manitoba Public Insurance, since it has its own procedures and protective measures.
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Good-move - Criminals must not benefit from their crimes

April 25, 2012

PROVINCE PROPOSES CHANGES TO LEGISLATION TARGETING PROFITS OF CRIME


Amendments to the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act would add protection for victims and decrease the cost and complexity of the forfeiture process for uncontested seizures, Justice Minister Andrew Swan said today as he introduced the proposed revisions.
“This legislation is about making sure that crime doesn’t pay and these proposed changes would make the forfeiture program more effective and efficient in that task,” said Swan. 
Under the existing act, the province can apply for a court order to seize the profits from unlawful acts, property bought with those profits and property used to commit crime.
New provisions would establish an administrative forfeiture mechanism for certain types of unclaimed personal property.  These unclaimed assets could be forfeited without the expense of having to go to court.  If the forfeiture is challenged by someone with a right to claim the property, the province could either stop pursing the forfeiture or go through the court process.
The existing legislation uses the civil law process to pursue property and a criminal conviction against a person is not necessary for the act to apply.  However, revisions to the act would establish a process to put the forfeiture on hold, freezing assets to stop them from being sold in cases where there is a parallel criminal process involving victims. It would mean that a victim wouldn’t have to testify in the forfeiture case before giving evidence in criminal courts.  The court would need to be satisfied such an order would be in the interests of justice.
The bill would let money from the criminal property forfeiture fund go to the victims’ assistance fund under the Vicitms’ Bill of Rights to support programs and services that benefit victims of crime.  As well, enhanced disclosure provisions would give the unit that enforces the legislation better access to information it needs for its applications.
To date, more than $2.5 million in assets has been successfully forfeited to Manitoba through the civil court process.  More court actions are underway with 62 statements of claim involving $14 million in assets including cash, vehicles and houses.  Revenue generated is used to:
  • cover the costs of bringing the court application and seizing, managing and selling property ordered forfeited by a court;
  • provide grants to support police training and public safety initiatives;
  • remedy the effects of the specific unlawful activity that led to the seizure; and
  • compensate direct victims of those specific unlawful activities.
The amended legislation would complement other provincial efforts using civil law to defeat and discourage organized crime and illegal activities, Swan said.  Manitoba’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act has resulted in the closure of more than 540 unlawful operations such as drug houses, brothels and properties used for other activities which threaten public safety.  The Fortified Buildings Act has been used to target fortified gang houses and other buildings.
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I believe that criminals should pay for their crimes, even if they go to jail their debt to the victim remains or they could work in jail and repay the damages they have occurred. It is not fair for law abiding taxpayers to be saddled with these payments.  When people know that they would have to be responsible for their criminal activities no matter how long it takes to repay their debt to society financially, I think that would make a greater difference to



Yay... More coverage for prescription drugs

April 26, 2012

PROVINCE PROVIDING MORE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

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179 New Drugs Being Added to Pharmacare; Province to Save More Than $10 Million Annually: Oswald
The province is adding more prescription drugs to give Manitobans more choice and ease the burden of prescription drug costs for patients and families, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“What matters to Manitoba families is getting the prescription drugs they need when they’re needed most,” said Oswald.  “Manitobans who suffer from serious medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, prostate cancer and migraines will benefit from these new treatment options that will be covered by pharmacare, easing the financial burden of prescription drug costs.”
The 179 prescription drugs being added to the Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary build upon what is already one of the most comprehensive drug coverage programs in the country, while saving the province and taxpayers more than $10 million annually, the minister said.
Some of the new 179 prescription drugs include:
  • Albilify for schizophrenia,
  • Actemra for rheumatoid arthritis,
  • Januvia and Onglyza for diabetes,
  • Xgeva for prostate cancer,
  • generic Zolmitriptan for migraine therapy,
  • generic Montelukast for asthma, and
  • generic Losartan for hypertension.
These latest additions also include many generic versions of prescription drugs and continue to show that Manitoba’s generic drug policy and drug-utilization management agreements ensure lower drug costs for Manitobans and improve access to much-needed innovative drugs, Oswald said.
“The generic drugs being added to the formulary build on Manitoba’s overall success in adding generic medications at competitive prices.  In fact, generic drugs account for over 65 per cent of prescriptions in Manitoba, the highest use of generics in the country according to the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association,” she said.
By switching to the less expensive yet very effective generic drugs from the more expensive name brand drugs, the province will save $10 million a year, Oswald added.
“We are building on Manitoba’s nationally recognized pharmacare program, by expanding treatment options for patients and health-care providers,” the minister said.  “Not only will Manitobans benefit from new effective drugs, but the addition of generic alternatives will save money for families and the health-care system.”
Pharmacare is a universal, comprehensive prescription drug program for any Manitoban with benefits based on family income.  It covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the income-based deductible is reached, regardless medical condition or age.
Coverage for the new drugs begins May 24.  Over the last 12 years, approximately 2,800 new drugs have been added to Manitoba’s world-class pharmacare program, bringing the total to more than 5,000 covered drugs.
For more information on the Manitoba Pharmacare Program, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/.
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Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives

April 26, 2012

MAFRI ADVISES BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR DISEASE PREVENTION

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Detection of Clubroot DNA Raises Potential for Disease to Occur in Manitoba
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) is reminding farmers to follow best management and disease-prevention practices as they begin seeding their 2012 canola crop.
Proper equipment sanitization, especially removal of soil from field equipment, is the most important factor for preventing the spread of soil-borne disease.  The use of disease-resistant varieties when growing canola, proper crop rotation and good weed management of alternate hosts will decrease the likelihood of a soil-borne disease infesting a field.  These practices will also help prevent heavier infestations from developing within a field where a disease may already be present at undetected levels.
Soil samples taken from two unrelated fields in 2011 have been confirmed to contain clubroot DNA at extremely low levels.  No symptoms were found on canola plants in the fields during the 2011 season or on plants subsequently grown in the soil under regulated greenhouse conditions.  These are considered negative clubroot cases, but are still being termed as non-symptomatic fields of concern.
The soil samples were collected and tested through the Manitoba Canola Disease Survey, with funding provided by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association.  Over the last three years, 209 soil samples from across the province have been collected and sampled.  These results mark the first time clubroot DNA has been identified in soil samples from Manitoba.
The 2012 Manitoba Canola Disease Survey will continue and include between 150 and 175 fields surveyed with 70 to 90 fields having soil samples collected to analyze for clubroot DNA.  In addition, the fields confirmed to contain clubroot DNA from the 2011 survey will be monitored and have more soil samples collected for further testing.
Clubroot can cause premature crop ripening and economic losses due to reduced yield in host crops including canola.  The spores are soil-borne and long-lasting, surviving in the soil for up to 20 years, where they are able to cause disease.  Once the disease is established in a field, it requires long-term management solutions.
MAFRI acknowledges Canola is an important crop to Manitoba producers and precautions need to be taken to ensure its continued profitability in this province.  
For more information contact MAFRI's Crops Knowledge Centre at 204-745-5630.
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I'm all for supporting Manitobans - Makes Sense

April 26, 2012

'BUY MANITOBA' PROGRAM PROMOTES LOCALLY PROCESSED, FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS

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New Labels Help Consumers Identify More Locally Grown Foods: Premier
Manitobans looking to serve up and enjoy more locally produced, processed and fresh foods will have an easier time finding them on store shelves at Canada Safeway stores as the retail food chain implements new signs and shelf markers, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at the unveiling of the new Buy Manitoba campaign, administered by the Manitoba Food Processors Association (MFPA).
“When we purchase locally produced food we are providing more support to farm families, food processors, rural communities and Manitoba’s economic future, plus we get to understand exactly where our food is coming from,” said Selinger.  “We are pleased to work with our partners to make it easier for families to add more Manitoba products to their dinner tables.”
“With this program, Manitobans will find highly visible signage throughout our stores that specifically celebrates the incredible local selection available at Safeway.  Manitoba companies, both smaller vendors and nationally known, should benefit in greater sales and production needs as a result of this initiative,” said Scott Chollak, vice-president of retail operations, Canada Safeway.  “Safeway’s locally produced Lucerne branded ice cream, milk and bread products will also be showcased through the Buy Manitoba program.”
The program is designed to promote the purchase and consumption of food products grown or processed in Manitoba.  Safeway stores will feature new Buy Manitoba shelf markers and signs in each store provincewide.  It is anticipated this program will expand to other grocery stores in the future, the premier said.
He noted the province continues to support greater access to local food initiatives such as farmer’s markets, and applauds the work of community-based organizations in raising public awareness of local food issues and engaging Manitobans.
“We are grateful to the province for their ongoing support and investment in the Manitoba food industry.  This new program will allow consumers to discover food products that are processed and produced in their community, and in turn will help many of the small food processors grow and become more competitive in the market place,” said Dave Shambrock, executive director, MFPA.  “We are also very happy to be working closely with Canada Safeway.  Their support of the program will help consumers easily identify and choose local products at the retail level.”
A Manitoba food is defined as any food made entirely from ingredients sourced from Manitoba or composed of more than 85 per cent of main ingredients from Manitoba.  All the processing and packaging activities must be done in the province.  A Manitoba processed product is any food product processed and packaged entirely in Manitoba.  When the main ingredients are available in Manitoba in sufficient quantities, they must be used to be considered a Manitoba food product.
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Monday, April 23, 2012

Penan ask Norwegian manager to respect their rights 
Six Penan communities have written letters to Torstein Dale Sjotveit, the Norwegian CEO of Malaysian energy supplier, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), demanding that an immediate halt be called to all the work being carried out on the Baram dam that is intended to flood their ancestral lands and villages

SARAWAK, MALAYSIA April 21, 2012, --/WORLD-WIRE/-- The six Penan communities of Long Lutin, Long Pakan, Long Lilim, Ba Abang, Long Kawi and Long Item have sent letters to Torstein Dale Sjotveit, CEO of Sarawak Energy (SEB), the Malaysian power supplier in charge of the implementation of Sarawak’s dam projects, demanding that a stop be put to all further work on the proposed Baram mega-dam. The people are against Torstein Dale Sjotveit’s plans for the dam, since the 1,200 MW Baram dam would flood their ancestral lands and villages, affecting a total of 20,000 natives and a rainforest area of over 400 km2.
“My husband, my children and my brothers and sisters, we will not survive if they build the Baram dam. It is better to kill us with a knife right away than to build the dam”, whispers an old woman at Long Lilim in despair. Another villager asks: “They tell us that the dam will bring development. But how can drowning us be development?”
Torstein Dale Sjotveit is going ahead with his dam projects despite these concerns. He seems to be prepared to violate international social and environmental standards: forcing such mega-projects through without the agreement of the affected communities runs counter to standards like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Equator Principles, which Torstein Dale Sjotveit himself claims to comply with.
The Penan communities of Middle Baram have never been given any information about the plan to flood their lands and displace those living there, and have certainly never been consulted on the matter. If they had had the chance to participate, Torstein Dale Sjotveit would be aware of the fact that the Penan want genuine development and not dams, as the headman of Long Pakan states: “If they want to develop us, they should build a proper road for us, clinics and schools, this is what we want. We don’t want to be flooded.”
To hear the original demands being voiced in Baram, you can watch the following short clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DTdCbAwgTE&feature=relmfu <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DTdCbAwgTE&amp;feature=relmfu> ,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnV5ucRPhnI&feature=youtu.be <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnV5ucRPhnI&amp;feature=youtu.be> ,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0YRHBaseSI&feature=relmfu <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0YRHBaseSI&amp;feature=relmfu>  
Sign the online petition against the disaster dams in Sarawak: www.stop-corruption-dams.org
Please consult us for further information:
Bruno Manser Fund,
Socinstrasse 37,
CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland

http://www.bmf.ch/ ,
www.stop-corruption-dams.org

Tel. +41 61 261 94 74.
Follow us on twitter: @bmfonds
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bruno-Manser-Fonds/171047506268040

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Being in the right place at the wrong time - Selam Grocery

Yesterday was one of those days. I spent some time looking for this Ethiopian grocery store on either Sargent or Ellice. I finally found it on Sargent. I was minding my own business reading the ingredients and looking for beriberi spice, when all of a sudden there was a commotion in the store, "get out, get out" someone yelled. I went towards the sounds and saw a real life stick up. There was the young man trying to get money from the till from the owner's teenage son when the father emerged from the back of the store and found this man behind his counter. He said he was not sure what was going on at first but when he was clued in he was like crazy. He pelted the man with carpenters measuring tape and lunged at the man with the knife. He was brave. Finally some other customers came in and helped wrestle the knife from the man and took him to the road where they were able to retrieve whatever he took. I was scared and thought what it there is a gun, I staked out a place at the back of the store that I would hide.
Looking back I'd say it was scary but nothing bad happened. The store owners did not even bother to call the police.
For me it was being at the right place at the wrong time.

Mystery Illness Outbreak

Vietnam has asked international health experts to help investigate a mystery illness that has killed 19 people and sickened 171 others in an impoverished district in the central part of the country, an official said today. The infection has mostly affected children and young people. It begins with a high fever, loss of appetite, and a rash that covers the hands and feet. Patients who are not treated early can develop liver problems and eventually multi-organ failure. The illness responds well to treatment if detected early, but 29 patients have been reinfected.
http://www.newser.com/story/144457/vietnam-seeks-help-with-deadly-mystery-illness.html

Friday, April 20, 2012

April 20, 2012

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES START OF REVIEW OF SUNDAY SHOPPING

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Municipalities to Have Flexibility on Determining Sunday Hours: Howard
The review of Manitoba’s Sunday shopping legislation is underway and public input is welcomed, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.
“We want to consider the options for making Sunday shopping less restrictive but at the same time respect the importance of having time to be with family,” said Howard.  “Other provinces have made changes to their legislation and now Manitoba’s Sunday shopping rules are more restrictive than most other parts of the country.”
Currently, the Retail Businesses Holiday Closing Act does not allow retail businesses to be open on Sundays or certain holidays unless a municipality has passed a bylaw allowing it.  If such a bylaw is in place, stores that regularly operate with four or more people can only be open from noon to 6 p.m.
Budget 2012 announced a public, business and labour consultation to look at loosening Sunday shopping restrictions.  The minister said there are several factors affecting the decisions to be made:
  • other jurisdictions have modernized their legislation;
  • employees and employers have found other ways to have flexible schedules allowing workers to have family time;
  • businesses want the flexibility to compete with other jurisdictions, cross-border shopping and the Internet; and
  • consumers want more freedom of choice.  
The Labour Management Review Committee (LMRC), comprised of representatives from both business and labour, has been asked to review the Sunday shopping hours.  The committee will submit recommendations aimed at giving municipalities more flexibility to establish and have the final say on what Sunday shopping hours will be in their region.  Shopping restrictions on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Labour Day, Canada Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and New Years will remain the same.
The committee will also look at ways to ensure workers can spend quality time with their families.  In some provinces, retail employees are guaranteed two consecutive days off.  In Manitoba, employees have had the right to refuse to work on Sundays if they weren’t hired to do so.  If shopping hours on Sunday are expanded, this right to refuse may also be extended.
Manitobans can share their views by visiting www.manitoba.ca/labour/standards or sending comments by mail to Sunday Shopping Review, 604-401 York Ave., Winnipeg Manitoba, R3C 0P8.  Comments should be received by May 11.
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Happy Earth Day

April 20, 2012

EARTH DAY CELEBRATED BY SIGNING OF 600TH PRIVATE LANDOWNER

PERPETUAL CONSERVATION AGREEMENT, EXPANDING URBAN DUCK HABITAT


As part of Earth Day celebrations this year the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) has reached a new milestone in the protection of natural lands in Manitoba with the signing of its 600th conservation agreement, which will permanently conserve 93 privately owned acres of uplands and 51 acres of wetlands in the Turtlehead Creek watershed in the Turtle Mountains.
“The work this organization is doing to protect Mother Earth is one of Manitoba’s best-kept environmental secrets,” said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.  “In total, conservation agreements now ensure more than 110,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands and riparian areas found on private land -an area 12.5 times bigger than Birds Hill Provincial Park -will continue to be protected across the province.”
Established in 1986 under the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Act, MHHC is a Crown corporation responsible to the minister of conservation and water stewardship with a mandate to conserve, enhance and restore fish and wildlife habitat.
“The minister has asked our corporation to sharpen the focus of our agreements to areas that protect the quality of our water in Manitoba, specifically Lake Winnipeg and groundwater,” said Tim Sopuck, chief executive officer, MHHC.  “We are looking forward to future conservations agreements that will contribute to this important work.”
 All of the corporation’s work is conducted through voluntary conservation agreements with Manitobans on private lands.  Payments provided to landowners for these agreements have now reached a total of $8.2 million and MHHC has issued a further $700,000 in tax receipts for donated lands.
Through the expansion of parks and protected areas and through partnership with First Nations, environmental groups, and organizations like MHHC, Manitoba has protected 6.6 million hectares, or 10.2 per cent of the province.
Mackintosh also announced new measures to renew urbanduck habitat in St. Vital Park and protect natural lands in southwestern Manitoba.
“We want people to live in harmony with the environment and one way to do that is by taking measures to protect the planet,” said Mackintosh.  “Duck nests in St. Vital Park in south Winnipeg and a new conservation agreement in the Turtle Mountains mark our commitment to protect natural areas in Manitoba.”
The minister took part today in a provincewide wetland enhancement program by installing eight artificial duck-nesting tunnels at St. Vital Park.  In partnership with the Delta Waterfowl Foundation, the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation has installed and maintains 1,785 nesting tunnels across Manitoba.
Research has shown that nest tunnels improve the hatching success rate to about 80 per cent, compared to a success rate that can be as low as five per cent for birds nesting on the ground.  This is because the tunnels provide female mallards with a safe place to hatch their eggs where predators cannot reach.
More information about the conservation agreement process is available on the MHHC website at http://www.mhhc.mb.ca/.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation and the Government of Manitoba.



April 20, 2012

BUDGET 2012: THOUSANDS MORE YOUTH TO HAVE ACCESS TO SUCCESSFUL ROLE-MODEL PROGRAMS

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Mentoring Key to Success: Selinger
Thousands more Manitoba youth will have the opportunity to connect with positive role models through new funding announced in Budget 2012 for innovative programs that provide young people with outlets for their creativity and help them gain practical work experience, Premier Selinger announced today.
“Every parent wants their child to have the very best opportunities in life.  And having the opportunity to learn from a good role model will help our children reach their full potential,” said Selinger.  “We are working with exceptional partners in a wide variety of fields to make sure more children have the chance to be inspired, make the most of their skills and to find out what their true passion is.”
Manitoba Mentors connects youth with mentors from businesses, labour and not-for-profit organizations to help them explore career options.  The province will provide an additional $255,000 to the program, more than doubling its current funding. 
During the program’s first year, approximately 950 students benefited from the knowledge shared by employers through the Manitoba Mentors Speakers Bureau, 230 participated in employer group sessions and 70 students were matched with a mentor in their selected career areas.  The program is projected to serve more than 1,500 students by the end of June 2013 and 2,500 students by 2014, the premier said.
One of the program’s partners, Manitoba-based business solution firm Protegra Business and Technology Solutions, was recently ranked as one of Canada’s best employers.
“Protegra is proud to help youth reach their potential through real life work experience with our employees,” said Wadood Ibrahi, Protegra’s CEO.  “Manitoba Mentors’ staff uses Protegra’s Correlate cloud software to help match mentors and students.  And now Correlate is used internationally by other youth-serving agencies.” 
The Artists in Schools program will also receive an additional $200,000.  This program brings artists, together with students and teachers through special residencies in schools around the province.  In 2010-11, more than 200 Artists in the Schools and ArtsSmarts took place in Winnipeg, rural and northern schools, reaching more than 30,000 students.  This new funding will help add up to 100 more residencies and will provide the potential for 10,000 more students, many in rural and northern schools, to access this unique mentorship program, Selinger said.
“The Manitoba Arts Council is very proud of its Artist in the Schools (AIS) program which brings together the unique vision and energy of artists with the creative potential of students and teachers across the province,” said Judith Flynn, chair, Manitoba Arts Council.  “The program changes lives and keeps kids in school.  This commitment to the growth and expansion of the AIS program recognizes that imagination is at the heart of innovation and healthy communities.”
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Premier Greg Selinger and Health Minister Theresa Oswald officially launch the Home Cancer Drug Program. Pictured, left to right: Minister Oswald, Premier Selinger, and Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba.
Premier Greg Selinger and Health Minister Theresa Oswald officially launch the Home Cancer Drug Program. Pictured, left to right: Minister Oswald, Premier Selinger, and Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba
April 20, 2012

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WOULD SUPPORT REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY MERGERS, IMPROVE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: OSWALD


Legislative amendments that would support reducing the number of regional health authorities to five from 11, and improve fiscal responsibility and community involvement were introduced today by Health Minister Theresa Oswald.
“A priority of the Manitoba government is to protect services like health care and ensure maximum resources are going to support front-line services,” said Oswald.  “As part of Budget 2012, the number of regional health authorities (RHAs) across the province is to be reduced to five from 11.  This legislation will help ensure an even more responsive RHA system.”
The minister said the regional health authorities amendment act would improve financial accountability and community involvement provisions such as:
  • ensuring the new five RHAs are more responsive to the individuals, families and local communities they serve by creating new Local Health Involvement Groups and requiring RHAs to consult with patients and families in their region on community health assessments to identify the health needs of local communities and on developing RHA priorities;
  • implementing tighter controls on executive compensation in RHAs, hospitals and other health corporations;
  • requiring chief executive officers’ expenses for RHAs, hospitals and personal-care homes to be posted online for public review;
  • placing restrictions on the rehiring of former senior executives in RHAs, hospitals and other health corporations; and
  • ensuring any health organization financial surpluses from public funding be used for health services.
“Merging RHAs will help direct health resources to support front-line care and is one component of the province’s overall plan to protect quality care for families today and sustain the health-care system for tomorrow,” said Oswald.
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Thursday, April 19, 2012


Trinidad Express Newspaper National News of Trinidad and Tobago

An unconventional woman

By By Renée Cummings
April 14, 2012
NOTHING is conventional about Dr. Asante VanWest-Charles-Le Blanc. Her unconventional upbringing began as the granddaughter of Forbes Burnham who reigned supreme over Guyana and ruled with might and myth for 21 years until his death in 1985; undoubtedly, and historically, one of the most controversial and colourful political figures of the region.
"I would play under the table where he held his cabinet meetings. I also went around with him on his horse. On Fridays, he rode around town and through the country areas. I also remember he would have his entire cabinet swimming in the pool at the residence. I can't remember all the dignitaries I met but some of the African leaders, Clive Lloyd, and Sir Shridath Ramphal who I grew up calling uncle." Her middle name is Indira. It is said that Indira Gandhi impressed Burnham so much when they met that he bestowed her name upon his granddaughter and first grandchild.
At eight months old, she was photographed, in a crisp christening dress; a gift from Fidel Castro, Burnham's close friend and ally. "But they forgot to christen me," she says with a chuckle. After some effort, she locates the album and shows me a black and white photo coloured with pride. "The rumour is that Fidel is my godfather," she smiles mischievously. "That's what everybody in the family says. He and granddad were very close. He came to Guyana for granddad's funeral." Castro's closeness with Burnham inspired many things, among them, CARIFESTA, the Caribbean Festival of Arts, first held in Guyana in 1972. Later in life, Castro would give her another memorable gift of a university scholarship to study medicine in Cuba. He would also grant her the access and privilege that came with knowing Castro or more so with Castro knowing you. Being able to drop his name when it mattered most saved her, a few times, from being arrested. "I would have to call his name," she laughs. "It was because of my skin tone, my features, and my Spanish accent that I was often mistaken for a prostitute. That's when I would also whip out my Guyanese passport."
Actually, she was born in Cuba. Her parents were there as university students and care-giving for a newborn clashed with classroom hours and cramming for exams. "My parents got married in Guyana. Mom was 21 and dad was 23. Mom had me when she was 22." She arrived in Guyana at two months old. "I stayed for a year and a bit and then I was sent back to Cuba." Viola Burnham, the second wife, cared for her in those early months. "She always said that family had no step. So I never saw her as my step-grandmother. She was my grandmother." At three years old, her travel chaperone, Vincent Teekah, the Minister of Education, was allegedly assassinated. There are many accounts but no one official account of the events that lead to his death. Conspiracy theories abound. She was a toddler when it happened. Her memory, of these events, and others, was pieced together, over the years, from what she heard and overheard. "He was very close to granddad. They blew him up in a car," she says in a hushed tone, the kind of tone that was probably used in the days following Teekah's death but hardly expected 33 years later. She mentions the name Walter Rodney. We look at each other and our eyes conspire to go no further.
Her mother was studying political science. She's the first of three daughters Burnham had with his first wife, Sheila Lataste, a Trinidadian optometrist who worked for decades at Imperial Optical and died last July. "They divorced when mom was around 11." Her father was studying medicine and graduated as Guyana's Minister of Health.
Growing up, she and her dad sold her grandfather's political newspaper, New Nation, in the marketplace. "I only knew him as grandfather," she laughs. "I was nine when he died. I was actually in Trinidad. I'm only now cognizant of what he was politically and some things were just wrong. He didn't tief money but he was the politician who made sure he won." Her hysterical laughter tells a story of its own. It could be a case of if you don't laugh you will cry when thinking of some of Burnham's decisions and policies. It was reported that he banned condensed milk but asked for a spoon of it on his death bed. "Bittersweet," she says, in deep thought. "In retrospect, I guess that's his political history. No matter his faults, he's one of the founding fathers and he had the guts to fight. But he was a human being."
"I'm very proud to be his granddaughter and I am able to differentiate the politician from the father and the grandfather. He taught his children well, so well that they could recognise where he was going wrong." The somber moment ends. She's no longer reflective. Now, she's keeping it real. "He was a man who would fight with his own family, his own children, over politics," she hollers. Her laughter carries various emotions, expressions and a variety of coded meaning. This dose of laughter is decoded along the lines of an acceptance that Burnham was quite a character and that's putting it mildly.
"Everything around him was purple. He loved purple. I went to the high school he founded, President's College. He died in August 1985 and it opened in September 1985. The uniform was purple. Let's just say he was hooked on purple." Our eyes meet at her feet. She's wearing Chinese house slippers in purple mesh. We both erupt in laughter. Then she cuts me a playful look to confirm that whatever Burnham had, his idiosyncrasies and eccentricities were neither contagious nor genetic.
"He was just very strong in his beliefs. He was a Methodist but he had every holy book. He said he chose the good out of every religion."
We spent two days together. Easter Sunday spilled into Easter Monday.
For those of us who came back, on Monday, it never felt as though we ever left. Her home is filled with love, life, laughter and lots of food; on second thought, too much food. Guyanese Pepperpot simmered to perfection, in an authentic but secret cassareep recipe served with imported Antiguan clay oven bread for the dipping. Cook-up rice, fried channa, akee, saltfish in coconut milk, callaloo Jamaican style, Johnny bake, duckanoo (it tastes like pamie but looks like cassava pone), pastelles, barbeque chicken; the works! She's a fantastic hostess. She really knows how to entertain. Let's just say she's very entertaining. "My grandmother was a strong woman who taught me how to be a strong woman without alienating myself from men, from being a wife or from being in the kitchen. She was a first lady, a farmer, a mother, a grandmother, and a feminist." A lot of her best memories are in Guyana with her grandmother. "I would always go back home to Guyana for holidays. But I moved back in 1995." She was 19. "Mum Vi, that's what I called my grandmother. She had a farm and I would help her plant vegetables, milk the cows and sell the milk."
Losing her grandmother, in October 2003, was devastating. "We found out she had cancer in January 2003. She said Asante what do I do? I said Mum Vi it is your decision, quality versus quantity of life. She had no biological grandchildren, I was about to graduate, it was very difficult for her because there was so much getting ready to come to the fore, so she decided to fight for us and herself. But it wasn't going well. She decided to stop treatment." She was finishing the final year of an internship. She flew from New York to a Miami hospice to spend those last days with her grandmother. "She was in a coma due to the morphine. She went when we were all asleep." She got to pronounce her grandmother dead. "Since I was five years old I wanted to be a doctor. Of course, I had those moments where I also wanted to be an air-hostess and secretary," she laughs uncontrollably. But now she's solemn. "I didn't think it would happen. I fell out with my father and that was my money supply." Her six years of medical school were the longest years of her life.
"I could have never done it without Errol." She married her husband, the month after her grandmother died, after a six-year long distance relationship, and with the approval of the woman who raised her. "I wouldn't have done it if Mum Vi didn't approve." From the day he entered her life, her husband, Errol Le Blanc, managing director of UNICOMER Ltd. (trading as Courts Furniture Store) has been a driving force behind her success and stability. "He's a good friend, my advisor, and my business partner. A long-distance relationship has its own rules but our long-distance relationship was one of a kind. When you don't plan things, good things happen." Lots of good things have happened between them including two beautiful daughters Kamili seven and Zola five. "I also have three sons Kwame 21, Jelani 18, and Raymond 16 and as Mum Vi said in family there is no step!" She was pregnant and working, in Grenada, in 2004, when Hurricane Ivan hit.
"There were a lot of casualties, the morning after. I was a surgical intern and it was also my first pregnancy. I couldn't leave. I kept working. My feet were so swollen that they sent me home. When I went to bathe there was blood. I was standing so much that my placenta was grazed. They wanted to keep me but I took my IV (intravenous therapy) and went home. All night, I was turning my IV but the bleeding got worse." Her husband broke the curfew to get a doctor. "They didn't believe him and held a gun to his head."
The next morning, she flew to Trinidad where she stayed until Grenada settled. The year after, they moved to Trinidad where she has lived since 2005. But at first, things didn't go as planned. "They didn't want me to work here. It was during the controversy of the creation a parallel medical board to register Cuban doctors. They said my Cuban medical degree was from an unrecognised university." She got around it but it wasn't easy and certainly wasn't cheap. Eventually, she did one year in pathology at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt.
Hope. "Autopsies," she laughs. "Besides the smell it was a great experience. Pathology is one of the cornerstones of medicine. You really get to see the impact disease has on the body. Some days were hard if you got a baby or a child." She was the only female. "My scrubs were always tight and I guess they didn't expect to see a woman cutting the body and coming out to tell you the cause of death. I met some great people there." I couldn't help but ask, "Who, the dead?"
Her laughter is now uncontainable. "Well at last that's one place the patients won't argue with you." She's a riot. Anyone who knows her will attest to that. She can also cause a riot. "The working conditions were bad. We demanded better conditions. There were trials and tribulations but overall it was a good experience."
She's now in private practice as a general practitioner and certified medical herbalist. She's also one of the most sought after practitioners of alternative medicine in the country. "I use the traditional Chinese diagnostic model. I found that I could do more for my patients using both models; traditional medicine and alternative medicine. It was just the right thing to do." She contends that using a combined model offers a better understanding of the patient. "You are able to understand the patient as an individual." Some would call her approach unconventional. But even in her practice, she embraces diversity and doing things differently because no two human beings are the same. The overwhelming demand for her services in alternative medicine means she's getting results. "Medicine is not one size fits all. It is a continuous and dynamic process."

CASHRA Conference Winnipeg

Are we there yet?

Register now!  Early Bird Discount expires April 30, 2012.

www.cashra2012.ca



















A National Human Rights Conference

June 17 – 19, 2012 • Winnipeg, Manitoba


The Manitoba Human Rights Commission is proud to host the 2012 CASHRA (Canadian Association of Statutory Human Rights Agencies) conference. This two day national conference brings together lawyers, human resource professionals, non-profit organizations and others working to achieve equality to learn, share and dialogue about our country’s most pressing human rights issues.

Keynote speakers include Samantha Nutt, Kevin Chief, Cindy Blackstock and Wab Kinew and panel presentations promise to present a diverse range of perspectives on various human rights issues in Canada.

Register today • www.cashra2012.ca


Development Challenges for Africa in 2012 - Worldpress.org

The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and Africa Development Bank estimate that Africa's economy grow at the rate of between 5.5 and 6 percent in 2012, outpacing projected anemic growth rates in Europe and North America. Africa's middle class now accounts for 34 percent of the continent's population, the highest recorded rate in the last 50 years. Despite the projected positive growth, Africa will continue to face significant development challenges in 2012. Below is a review of 10 of those challenges.
Development Challenges for Africa in 2012 - Worldpress.org

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

April 16, 2012

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING RECOGNIZED DURING EDUCATION WEEK


Recipients of the annual Celebration of Excellence in Teaching Awards will be recognized tomorrow by Education Minister Nancy Allan as part of national Education Week, a week-long tribute to the teaching profession.
“The recipients of these awards are exemplary professionals who are passionate about learning and inspire the best in students and the teams they work with,” said Allan.  “These awards recognize their creative, innovative and effective teaching practices and achievements as educators.”
In a special ceremony at the Legislative Building, Allan will present six awards of excellence in four categories:
  • Teaching Excellence – Early Years:  Sharen McDermit, David Livingstone School, Winnipeg School Division;
  • Teaching Excellence – Middle Years:  Barbara Hamilton, École Seven Oaks Middle School, Seven Oaks School Division;
  • Teaching Excellence – Senior Years:  Steven Deighton, Joseph H. Kerr School, Frontier School Division;
  • Outstanding New Teacher:  Rosanne Massinon, Carman Collegiate, Prairie Rose School Division;
  • Team Collaboration:  Adrian Deakin, April McKnight and Robert Striemer, Shaftesbury High School, Pembina Trails School Division; and
  • Outstanding School Leader:  Gordon Campbell, École Saint-Avila, Pembina Trails School Division.
Each recipient will receive a certificate of recognition and a $500 cash award at the luncheon ceremony.  The recipients’ schools will also receive $500 each for projects or equipment.
“I’m sure all Manitobans join me in congratulating these dedicated teachers for their outstanding contributions and ongoing commitment to education,” Allan said.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




April 16, 2012

NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE OPENS IN WINNIPEG THANKS TO FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP


Winnipeg, Manitoba—Representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments gathered here today to celebrate the official opening of the new Sturgeon Heights Community Centre.
The Silver Heights and Sturgeon Creek community centres were amalgamated into a new 18,000-sq.-ft. energy-efficient facility that features a multi-purpose room, four change rooms and a 5,950-sq.-ft. gymnasium, one of the largest community centre gyms in the city.  This $5.63-million project is currently applying for LEED Gold designation.
“Once again we are seeing the benefits of our valuable investments and strategic partnerships under Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport).  “Our Government is proud to have invested in the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre, which families, youth and the entire city of Winnipeg will enjoy for decades to come.”
“Recreational sports and social gatherings are what pull communities together and link neighbourhoods as children and families engage in healthy activities in a safe environment like the new Sturgeon Heights Community Centre,” said Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau, who attended the event on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.  “Projects like this clearly demonstrate our support of sport, health and community growth for people of all ages in Manitoba.”
“This new facility represents the hard work and dedication of the amalgamated community centre board, community residents and all levels of government,” said Winnipeg Councillor Scott Fielding.  “I am so proud to have played a role in this new centre which will be the jewel of our community for generations.”
“Our new facility provides the residents of Silver Heights and Sturgeon Creek a state-of-the-art community centre,” said Sturgeon Heights Community Centre President Linda Smiley.  “Today’s opening is the culmination of the tireless dedication of our committee members and the long-term vision of our three levels of government.  This new facility will be enjoyed and utilized for decades to come, truly bridging our past with the present and future.”
The Government of Canada committed $1.5 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund managed by Infrastructure Canada.  The Government of Manitoba contributed $1.63 million, while the City of Winnipeg contributed $2.5 million toward this $5.63-million project.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supported more than 4,100 infrastructure projects across the country.  The federal government committed close to $140 million to 111 projects under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Manitoba.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 focuses on creating new opportunities for jobs and growth, and securing long-term prosperity for Canadians.  Investing in public infrastructure is an important part of this strategy.  Over the course of the summer and fall, the Government of Canada will be engaging provinces, territories and other stakeholders to develop a long-term infrastructure plan.  To learn more about the opportunities in Economic Action Plan 2012, visit www.budget.gc.ca/2012/home-accueil-eng.html.
For further information on Infrastructure Canada's projects in Manitoba, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.  To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp.
To learn more about Manitoba’s infrastructure projects, visit www.infrastructure.mb.ca/.

Budget 2012 Review

April 17, 2012

BUDGET 2012: FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS MOST TO FAMILIES: STRUTHERS

– – –
Minister Presents Manitoba's Balanced Approach to Challenges Ahead
Budget 2012 is a plan to keep Manitoba moving forward through uncertain times, by focusing on the things that matter most to families and by finding responsible ways to reduce spending, Finance Minister Stan Struthers announced today.
“Through record flooding last year and a global recession, we’ve worked to protect jobs and services families count on and our plan is working,” said Struthers.  “But in uncertain times, families look for creative ways to reduce their expenses and we have too.  In this budget, we’ve frozen or reduced spending in 10 departments to make sure more money is going directly into our schools, hospitals and roads.”
The minister noted that core government spending is decreasing by 3.9 per cent this year.  The provincial government will reduce in these and other ways:
  • reducing the number of regional health authorities to five from 11;
  • cutting the number of Crown corporations by merging the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and Manitoba Lotteries Corporation;
  • reducing the number of government-appointed agencies, boards and commissions by 20 per cent; and
  • continuing a 20 per cent roll-back on salaries for ministers and freezing wage increases for MLAs.
The minister also noted that more than half of the government’s departments will see a freeze or reduction in their budgets.
“There are challenges ahead of us.  Many flood-damaged roads and bridges are in need of repair.  There remains uncertainty in economies everywhere.  And for the third straight year, the federal government has kept major transfers flat, despite the growing demand for important services like health care,” said Struthers.  “That’s why in this budget we are cutting spending, finding efficiencies and raising new revenue fairly to protect and improve the things that matter most to families.” 
The minister noted that Budget 2012 will build on the priorities of Manitoba families including:
  • strengthening health care by ensuring life-saving cancer drugs are free for all Manitobans and taking new steps forward to give every Manitoban access to a family doctor by 2015;
  • making it easier than ever to become an apprentice in rural and northern communities and ensuring that universities have strong and predictable funding; and
  • building and renewing thousands of kilometres of roads, and renewing flood-damaged bridges and overpasses.
The minister noted that some have called for deep cuts to balance the budget while others have called for major new spending on new programs.  He said the province has instead chosen a balanced approach that protects the things that matter most to Manitobans.
“We are on track to return to balance by 2014.  We will get there responsibly without cutting the services that matter most,” said Struthers.  “Budget 2012 responds to today’s challenges by finding savings within government so we can continue to invest in the priorities of families while growing our economy.”
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Space-age furniture designs

You have to see this video of some amazing furniture designs that incorporates space saving features. All furniture can have dual features. I think this is the way of the future. Small is good.

http://www.wimp.com/spacesaving/

Winnipeg Singer/Songwriter - former Sugar Jones Popstar

False Banana Bread - Ethiopian delight

Even though Winnipeg boasts a number of Ethiopian restaurants, we might be missing out on some of the foods that other cities are enjoying. I have tasted this false banana bread from a friend  and it is delicious. Unfortunately I cannot go to my friend every time to eat but it would be nice if this was also offered in our local restaurants.
This dish is made from a unique product Enset  which has been growing in Ethiopian for thousands of year.  It is cultivated from the trunk of a plant resembling the banana plant hence "false banana."  The texture is unique.  Check out the article and picture of a dish made with this interesting food and human ingenuity in turning something on the face of it inedible into a great food which is a staple in Ethiopia.

http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2012/04/02/one-bite-false-banana-bread-at-an-ethio-chinese-joint

Monday, April 16, 2012

BEWARE OF INTERNET SCAMMERS - DON'T GET SCAMMED

AN EXAMPLE OF A SCAM LETTER

From: Bon Blka [mailto:belkca@ymail.com]
Sent: April-16-12 4:35 AM
To:
(my name was here) and this came to my work
 Subject: It's Urgent, Please Respond

Hope you get this on time,I made a trip this past weekend to Aberdeen,Scotland and had my bag stolen from me with my passport and credit cards in it.The embassy is willing to help by letting me fly without my passport,I just have to pay for a ticket and settle Hotel bills. Unfortunately for me, I can't have access to funds without my credit card,I've made contact with my bank but they need more time to come up with a new one.I was thinking of asking you to lend me some quick funds that I can give back as soon as I get in. I really need to be on the next available flight.

I can forward you details on how you can get the funds to me. You can reach me via email or May Field Hotel's desk phone, the numbers are, +449524070344

Best regards,
Bon Blka

DO NOT RESPOND OR SEND MONEY TO PEOPLE YOU DO NOT KNOW. THIS IS A FRAUDULENT LETTER.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Prairie Tall Grass (PTG) and other Health Foods

I enjoy the taste of PTG breads and stuff but I wonder why the same rules do not apply that applies to bigger commercial outfits when it comes to listing ingredients.
I recently bought a muffin from PTG and boy was it sweet, I enjoyed it but wondered how much sugar was in that muffin and what other ingredients might there be.  I think it would nice if the ingredients could be listed on these products that we buy in these places.
We're usually under the illusion that because we buy foods from Health Food Stores they are good for us and the ingredients are not over the top.
Let's be fair to everyone and also to the consumers. I for one is now trained to read ingredients before I buy food products.

Friday, April 13, 2012



April 12, 2012

THIRD ANNUAL OPEN FARM DAY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARM LIFE: MINISTERS


The deadline to register to participate for the third annual Open Farm Day is April 30, and today Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino encouraged Manitoba farm families to sign up.
“The face of farming has changed with the times through agricultural activities, and I encourage Manitoba farmers to help tell this story and show how the agriculture industry has progressed,” said Kostyshyn.  “The role farms play in the production and processing of food and beverages, and their unique place in the agri-tourism industry is what makes agriculture an economic driver in this province.
This year’s Open Farm Day is set for Sept. 16.
Last year, more than 40 farms participated in Open Farm Day, attracting over 5,000 people.  Farm sites can include fruit and vegetable producers along with crop and livestock farms.  Agri-tourism, horticultural operations and agribusinesses related to farming are also invited to take part.
“Opening the farm gates to rural non-farm and urban guests and out-of-province visitors has become a welcome addition to Manitoba’s tourism package,” said Marcelino.  “This event will also help build an important connection between consumers and the food they eat.  It also highlights the wide variety of products that are produced in the province.”
Farmers wishing to participate in Open Farm Day can call the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives agri-tourism hotline at 204-821-5322.
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April 12, 2012

THIRD ANNUAL OPEN FARM DAY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARM LIFE: MINISTERS


The deadline to register to participate for the third annual Open Farm Day is April 30, and today Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino encouraged Manitoba farm families to sign up.
“The face of farming has changed with the times through agricultural activities, and I encourage Manitoba farmers to help tell this story and show how the agriculture industry has progressed,” said Kostyshyn.  “The role farms play in the production and processing of food and beverages, and their unique place in the agri-tourism industry is what makes agriculture an economic driver in this province.
This year’s Open Farm Day is set for Sept. 16.
Last year, more than 40 farms participated in Open Farm Day, attracting over 5,000 people.  Farm sites can include fruit and vegetable producers along with crop and livestock farms.  Agri-tourism, horticultural operations and agribusinesses related to farming are also invited to take part.
“Opening the farm gates to rural non-farm and urban guests and out-of-province visitors has become a welcome addition to Manitoba’s tourism package,” said Marcelino.  “This event will also help build an important connection between consumers and the food they eat.  It also highlights the wide variety of products that are produced in the province.”
Farmers wishing to participate in Open Farm Day can call the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives agri-tourism hotline at 204-821-5322.
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April 12, 2012

THIRD ANNUAL OPEN FARM DAY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARM LIFE: MINISTERS


The deadline to register to participate for the third annual Open Farm Day is April 30, and today Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino encouraged Manitoba farm families to sign up.
“The face of farming has changed with the times through agricultural activities, and I encourage Manitoba farmers to help tell this story and show how the agriculture industry has progressed,” said Kostyshyn.  “The role farms play in the production and processing of food and beverages, and their unique place in the agri-tourism industry is what makes agriculture an economic driver in this province.
This year’s Open Farm Day is set for Sept. 16.
Last year, more than 40 farms participated in Open Farm Day, attracting over 5,000 people.  Farm sites can include fruit and vegetable producers along with crop and livestock farms.  Agri-tourism, horticultural operations and agribusinesses related to farming are also invited to take part.
“Opening the farm gates to rural non-farm and urban guests and out-of-province visitors has become a welcome addition to Manitoba’s tourism package,” said Marcelino.  “This event will also help build an important connection between consumers and the food they eat.  It also highlights the wide variety of products that are produced in the province.”
Farmers wishing to participate in Open Farm Day can call the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives agri-tourism hotline at 204-821-5322.
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April 12, 2012

THIRD ANNUAL OPEN FARM DAY AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARM LIFE: MINISTERS


The deadline to register to participate for the third annual Open Farm Day is April 30, and today Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino encouraged Manitoba farm families to sign up.
“The face of farming has changed with the times through agricultural activities, and I encourage Manitoba farmers to help tell this story and show how the agriculture industry has progressed,” said Kostyshyn.  “The role farms play in the production and processing of food and beverages, and their unique place in the agri-tourism industry is what makes agriculture an economic driver in this province.
This year’s Open Farm Day is set for Sept. 16.
Last year, more than 40 farms participated in Open Farm Day, attracting over 5,000 people.  Farm sites can include fruit and vegetable producers along with crop and livestock farms.  Agri-tourism, horticultural operations and agribusinesses related to farming are also invited to take part.
“Opening the farm gates to rural non-farm and urban guests and out-of-province visitors has become a welcome addition to Manitoba’s tourism package,” said Marcelino.  “This event will also help build an important connection between consumers and the food they eat.  It also highlights the wide variety of products that are produced in the province.”
Farmers wishing to participate in Open Farm Day can call the Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives agri-tourism hotline at 204-821-5322.
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